Ezra 8:20
Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name.
Original Language Analysis
וּמִן
H4480
וּמִן
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
1 of 13
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
נְתִינִ֖ים
Also of the Nethinims
H5411
נְתִינִ֖ים
Also of the Nethinims
Strong's:
H5411
Word #:
2 of 13
the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)
שֶׁנָּתַ֨ן
had appointed
H5414
שֶׁנָּתַ֨ן
had appointed
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 13
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
נְתִינִ֖ים
Also of the Nethinims
H5411
נְתִינִ֖ים
Also of the Nethinims
Strong's:
H5411
Word #:
8 of 13
the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)
מָאתַ֣יִם
two hundred
H3967
מָאתַ֣יִם
two hundred
Strong's:
H3967
Word #:
9 of 13
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
כֻּלָּ֖ם
H3605
כֻּלָּ֖ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
11 of 13
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Cross References
Ezra 2:43The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,Ezra 7:7And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.1 Chronicles 9:2Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims.
Historical Context
The Nethinim appear in Ezra-Nehemiah lists (Ezra 2:43-58, 8:20, Nehemiah 3:26, 7:46-60, 10:28, 11:3, 11:21) as a recognized temple servant class. Despite their foreign origins and low status, they're consistently included in the covenant community and even participate in covenant renewal (Nehemiah 10:28). Their willingness to return (220 vs. only 38 Levites) is striking—perhaps their 'outsider' status made them more committed to Jerusalem than assimilated Levites were.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the careful registration of Nethinim 'by name' teach about God's valuing of seemingly insignificant servants?
- How does the Nethinim's greater willingness to return (vs. Levites) challenge assumptions about status and commitment?
- In what ways do modern churches honor or dishonor 'behind the scenes' servants who enable visible ministry?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites—the נְתִינִים (Netinim, 'given ones/dedicated ones') originated when דָּוִיד (David) and הַשָּׂרִים (hasarim, the princes) formalized temple support roles, possibly incorporating Gibeonite woodcutters and water-carriers (Joshua 9:27) plus war captives into permanent service class. The עֲבוֹדַת הַלְוִיִּם (avodat haLeviyyim, service of the Levites) means they functioned as Levitical assistants, freeing Levites for teaching, music, and gatekeeping by handling menial labor.
Two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were expressed by name—מָאתַיִם וְעֶשְׂרִים (matayim v'esrim, 220) far outnumbered the 38 Levites recruited (vv. 18-19), suggesting Nethinim were more willing to return—perhaps because they had less economic security in Babylon than Levites. The phrase נִקְּבוּ בְשֵׁמוֹת (niqvu v'shemot, expressed by name/designated by name) indicates careful registration, treating temple servants with dignity despite their menial status. David's original appointment gave them permanent legitimacy and honor.