Ezra 8:20
Ezra 8:20 in Multiple Translations
They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.
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.
and of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim: all of them were mentioned by name.
And of the Nethinim, to whom David and the captains had given the work of helping the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim, all of them specially named.
In addition they brought 220 of the Temple servants, a group appointed by David and his officials to help the Levites. These were all registered by name.
And of the Nethinims, whom Dauid had set, and the Princes for the seruice of the Leuites, two hundreth and twentie of the Nethinims, which all were named by name.
and from the Nethinim, whom David and the heads gave for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim, all of them defined by name.
and of the temple servants, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred twenty temple servants. All of them were mentioned by name.
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.
And of the Nathinites, whom David, and the princes gave for the service of the Levites, Nathinites two hundred and twenty: all these were called by their names.
They also sent 220 other men to work in the temple. Those men’s ancestors had been appointed by King David to assist the descendants of Levi who helped the priests in the temple. I listed/wrote the names of all those men.
Berean Amplified Bible — Ezra 8:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Ezra 8:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וּ/מִן
הַ/נְּתִינִ֗ים
שֶׁ/נָּתַ֨ן
דָּוִ֤יד
וְ/הַ/שָּׂרִים֙
לַ/עֲבֹדַ֣ת
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
נְתִינִ֖ים
מָאתַ֣יִם
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֑ים
כֻּלָּ֖/ם
נִקְּב֥וּ
בְ/שֵׁמֽוֹת
וּ/מִן
min
H4480
from
Conj | Prep
הַ/נְּתִינִ֗ים
Nâthîyn
H5411
temple servant
Art | N-mp
שֶׁ/נָּתַ֨ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
דָּוִ֤יד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
וְ/הַ/שָּׂרִים֙
sar
H8269
ruler
Conj | Art | N-mp
לַ/עֲבֹדַ֣ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
service
Prep | N-fs
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
נְתִינִ֖ים
Nâthîyn
H5411
temple servant
N-mp
מָאתַ֣יִם
mêʼâh
H3967
hundred
Adj
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֑ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
twenty
Conj | Adj
כֻּלָּ֖/ם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
נִקְּב֥וּ
nâqab
H5344
to pierce
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בְ/שֵׁמֽוֹת
shêm
H8034
name
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Ezra 8:20
וּ/מִן
min
H4480
"from"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/נְּתִינִ֗ים
Nâthîyn
H5411
"temple servant"
Art | N-mp
This term refers to temple servants, called Nethinim, who helped the Levites and priests in the sanctuary. They were assigned to serve in the temple, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. The Nethinim played a vital role in temple duties.
Definition: 1) Nethinims 1a) temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary Aramaic equivalent: ne.tin (נְתִין "temple servant" H5412)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Nethinims. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:2; Nehemiah 3:26; Nehemiah 11:21.
שֶׁ/נָּתַ֨ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
דָּוִ֤יד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
וְ/הַ/שָּׂרִים֙
sar
H8269
"ruler"
Conj | Art | N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
לַ/עֲבֹדַ֣ת
ʻăbôdâh
H5656
"service"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means service or work, including serving God or others. It appears in various forms in the Bible, such as in Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe labor or ministry.
Definition: : service[as_servant/slave] 1) labour, service 1a) labour, work 1b) labour (of servant or slave) 1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects) 1d) service (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: act, bondage, [phrase] bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, [idiom] wrought. See also: Genesis 29:27; Numbers 18:6; Psalms 104:14.
הַ/לְוִיִּ֔ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
נְתִינִ֖ים
Nâthîyn
H5411
"temple servant"
N-mp
This term refers to temple servants, called Nethinim, who helped the Levites and priests in the sanctuary. They were assigned to serve in the temple, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. The Nethinim played a vital role in temple duties.
Definition: 1) Nethinims 1a) temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary Aramaic equivalent: ne.tin (נְתִין "temple servant" H5412)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Nethinims. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:2; Nehemiah 3:26; Nehemiah 11:21.
מָאתַ֣יִם
mêʼâh
H3967
"hundred"
Adj
Means a hundred, used as a simple number or part of a larger number in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including fractions like one one-hundredth. Found in books like Genesis and Psalms.
Definition: 1) hundred 1a) as simple number 1b) as part of larger number 1c) as a fraction-one one-hundredth (1/100) Aramaic equivalent: me.ah (מְאָה "hundred" H3969)
Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: hundred((-fold), -th), [phrase] sixscore. See also: Genesis 5:3; Numbers 2:6; Judges 18:17.
וְ/עֶשְׂרִ֑ים
ʻesrîym
H6242
"twenty"
Conj | Adj
This word means twenty, and is also used as an ordinal number, like twentieth, as seen in Genesis 31:38. It can refer to a specific age or quantity.
Definition: twenty, twentieth Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: (six-) score, twenty(-ieth). See also: Genesis 6:3; 1 Kings 9:14; Ezra 2:19.
כֻּלָּ֖/ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
נִקְּב֥וּ
nâqab
H5344
"to pierce"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to curse or blaspheme, often with a sense of violence or strong emotion. It can also mean to pierce or strike through, as seen in Exodus.
Definition: 1) to pierce, perforate, bore, appoint 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pierce, bore 1a2) to prick off, designate 1b) (Niphal) to be pricked off, be designated, be specified
Usage: Occurs in 23 OT verses. KJV: appoint, blaspheme, bore, curse, express, with holes, name, pierce, strike through. See also: Genesis 30:28; 2 Chronicles 31:19; Proverbs 11:26.
בְ/שֵׁמֽוֹת
shêm
H8034
"name"
Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
Study Notes — Ezra 8:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Ezra 8:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Ezra 8:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 8:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 8:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 8:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 8:20
- Cambridge Bible on Ezra 8:20
- Sermons on Ezra 8:20
Context — Ezra Sends for the Levites
18And since the gracious hand of our God was upon us, they brought us Sherebiah—a man of insight from the descendants of Mahli son of Levi, the son of Israel—along with his sons and brothers, 18 men;
19also Hashabiah, together with Jeshaiah, from the descendants of Merari, and his brothers and their sons, 20 men.
20They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.
21And there by the Ahava Canal I proclaimed a fast, so that we might humble ourselves before our God and ask Him for a safe journey for us and our children, with all our possessions. 22For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 2:43 | The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, |
| 2 | Ezra 7:7 | So in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, he went up to Jerusalem with some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 9:2 | Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. |
| 4 | Philippians 4:3 | Yes, and I ask you, my true yokefellow, to help these women who have labored with me for the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. |
| 5 | Ezra 8:17 | And I sent them to Iddo, the leader at Casiphia, with a message for him and his kinsmen, the temple servants at Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God. |
Ezra 8:20 Summary
Ezra 8:20 tells us about a group of 220 temple servants who were appointed to help the Levites with their work in the temple. These servants were chosen by David and other leaders to assist with tasks such as maintaining the temple and preparing sacrifices, similar to the roles described in 1 Chronicles 9:2. This verse reminds us that everyone has a role to play in serving God and His people, no matter how big or small the task may seem, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7. By working together and using our unique gifts and abilities, we can build each other up and bring glory to God, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the temple servants mentioned in Ezra 8:20?
The temple servants were a group of people appointed by David and other officials to assist the Levites in their duties, as mentioned in Ezra 8:20 and also in Ezra 2:43 and Nehemiah 7:46, where they are referred to as the Nethinim, meaning 'given' or 'dedicated ones'.
What was the role of the temple servants in the temple?
The role of the temple servants, as mentioned in Ezra 8:20, was to assist the Levites in their duties, which may have included tasks such as maintaining the temple, preparing sacrifices, and performing other support functions, similar to the roles described in Numbers 3:6-10 and 1 Chronicles 9:2.
Why were the temple servants designated by name?
The temple servants were designated by name, as mentioned in Ezra 8:20, likely to ensure that they were properly identified and recognized as part of the official temple staff, similar to the way that other officials and priests were identified in Exodus 28:1 and Numbers 1:5-16.
How does the appointment of the temple servants relate to the broader biblical theme of service and worship?
The appointment of the temple servants in Ezra 8:20 reflects the biblical theme of service and worship, as seen in Romans 12:1 and Hebrews 12:28, where believers are called to offer their lives as a form of worship and service to God.
Reflection Questions
- What does the appointment of the temple servants reveal about God's heart for order and organization in His house of worship?
- In what ways can I, like the temple servants, offer my skills and abilities in service to God and His people?
- How does the designation of the temple servants by name speak to the value and importance that God places on each individual?
- What can I learn from the example of the temple servants about the importance of teamwork and collaboration in ministry?
Gill's Exposition on Ezra 8:20
Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites,.... To wait upon them, and minister to them, as they did to the priests; some think those were the same
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Ezra 8:20
And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Ezra 8:20
The Gibeonites, who were devoted to this service by Joshua and the princes of his time, , and are said to be appointed by David and his princes, because they were confirmed by them in their former office, and more particularly applied to the several services of the temple; though this be not distinctly related in 1Ch 24 1 Chronicles 25 1 Chronicles 26, because his business there was to give an account only of the new constitutions and alterations made by David in those matters.
Trapp's Commentary on Ezra 8:20
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.Ver. 20. Whom David and the princes had appointed] i.e. Continued, confirmed, and ordered them; for they were first appointed and designed to that service by Joshua; and thence called Nethinims. All of them were expressed by name] Verbis non solum disertis, sed et exsertis. Words not only skilfully expressed, but even uncovered.
Ellicott's Commentary on Ezra 8:20
(20) The Nethinims—It is here alone recorded that David appointed these to aid the Levites. All of them were expressed by name.—Not, as some think, that they were all famous, but that Iddo sent their names in a list not given. The relief of their coming is gratefully ascribed to the “good hand of our God upon us.”
Cambridge Bible on Ezra 8:20
20. also of the Nethinims] R.V. and of the Nethinim. whom David and the princes had appointed] R.V. whom David and the princes had given. ‘Given’, not ‘appointed’, more literal rendering and corresponds with meaning of Nethinim (=given). See on Ezra 2:55. The sentence illustrates the prevailing tradition as to the origin of the Nethinim. for the service of] here as usually = “for ministration or service to”; cf. Exodus 30:16 : frequent in Chron. in the phrase “the service of the house of God”. Sometimes = “service rendered by”, e.g. Exodus 38:21. For its primary meaning cf. Nehemiah 5:18 (bondage). all … expressed by name] cf. the same phrase 1 Chronicles 12:31; 1 Chronicles 16:41; 2 Chronicles 28:15; 2 Chronicles 31:19. The metaphor of the original is that of being ‘pricked’ off on the list. The list was probably before the compiler, who does not think it worth while to occupy space with the names.
Sermons on Ezra 8:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Did You Know That You're in the Bible? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of our thoughts, deeds, and words. He highlights the idea that if our lives were exposed fo |
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The Lamb's Book of Life by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of life as the ultimate criterion and completing factor for humanity. They emphasize that man's disobedience led to the withholdin |
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The Horizon of Divine Purpose - Part 5 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of life as portrayed in the Bible. He emphasizes that man's disobedience led to the withholding of a completing factor, resulting |
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The Peace of God by Anton Bosch | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not being anxious but instead praying with thanksgiving, trusting in God's nearness and His ability to provide peace that surpasses underst |
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What Gives Assurance. by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar emphasizes the importance of assurance in the believer's life, arguing that true assurance comes not from self-examination or the evidence of sanctification, but from |
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In His Letter to the Philippians by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks explores the Apostle Paul's letter to the Philippians, emphasizing that even in his imprisonment, Paul remains deeply connected to the gospel, viewing it as a sour |
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Practical Wisdom for Calvinists by Darryl Erkel | Darryl Erkel preaches on practical wisdom for Calvinists, emphasizing the need for humility, love, and patience towards those with different theological beliefs. He urges Calvinist |