Ezra 8:20 — Word Study
WLCוּמִן־ הַנְּתִינִ֗ים שֶׁנָּתַ֨ן דָּוִ֤יד וְהַשָּׂרִים֙ לַעֲבֹדַ֣ת הַלְוִיִּ֔ם נְתִינִ֖ים מָאתַ֣יִם וְעֶשְׂרִ֑ים כֻּלָּ֖ם נִקְּב֥וּ בְשֵׁמֽוֹת׃
BSA[They also brought] 220mêʼâh ofmin the temple servantsNâthîyn [Nethinim, helpers in the sanctuary] allkôl designatednâqab■ by nameshêm [expressed by name, specifically named] DavidDâvid [the king of Israel, a leader] and the officialssar [rulers, princes] had appointednâthan■ [them]Nâthîyn to assistʻăbôdâh [serve, work with] the LevitesLêvîyîy [descendants of Levi, priests' helpers]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וּמִן־ | and some of | Conjunction, preposition |
| הַנְּתִינִ֗ים | the temple servants | Particle, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| שֶׁנָּתַ֨ן | whom he had appointed | Particle, verb qal perfect third person masculine singular |
| דָּוִ֤יד | David | Noun proper masculine |
| וְהַשָּׂרִים֙ | and the officials | Conjunction, particle, noun common masculine plural absolute |
| לַעֲבֹדַ֣ת | for [the] work of | Preposition, noun common feminine singular construct |
| הַלְוִיִּ֔ם | the Levites | Particle, noun gentilic masculine plural absolute |
| נְתִינִ֖ים | temple servants | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| מָאתַ֣יִם | two hundred | Adj |
| וְעֶשְׂרִ֑ים | and twenty | Conjunction |
| כֻּלָּ֖ם | all of them | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| נִקְּב֥וּ | they had been designated | Verb, Niphal, perfect third person common plural |
| בְשֵׁמֽוֹת׃ | by names | Preposition, noun common feminine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites. |
| KJV | 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. |
| ASV | 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. |
| YLT | 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. |
| WEB | 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. |
| BBE | 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. |
Where they part company is הַנְּתִינִ֗ים — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause is supported by additional phrases that clarify the identity and appointment of the temple servants.
6 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbנָקַב
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Ezra 8:20
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Appointment of Temple Servantsgenerated
Ezra 8:20 describes the return of the exiles from Babylon and the organization of the temple service. Ezra emphasizes the importance of having designated servants to assist the Levites in their sacred duties. This reflects a structured approach to worship and service in the restored community, ensuring that the temple functions properly as they return to their homeland.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 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. |
| 2 | Ezra 2:43 | The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, |
| 3 | 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. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 9:2 | Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. |
| 5 | 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. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — הַנְּתִינִ֗ים, ha.ne.ti.Nimgenerated
The term נְתִינִים (Nathiyn) specifically refers to the Nethinim, a group of temple servants designated to assist the Levites and priests in the sanctuary. It is derived from a root meaning 'given,' indicating those who were appointed to this role. The parsing shows that it is a noun in the plural form, emphasizing the collective responsibility of these servants.
The Nethinim played a vital role in the temple's operations, as seen throughout the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Their designation highlights the organized structure of temple service, which was crucial for the spiritual life of the community.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb of the verse is שֶׁנָּתַ֨ן, whom he had appointed, which governs the structure of the sentence. It is followed by a noun phrase and a prepositional phrase that detail the subjects and their roles.
The sentence structure emphasizes the appointed role of the Nethinim, with the numeral phrase מָאתַ֣יִם two hundred and the conjunction indicating the total count of those designated, which adds clarity to the organization of the temple service.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates הַנְּתִינִ֗ים as ναθινιμ, which aligns closely with the Hebrew term. This choice indicates a direct equivalence in meaning, preserving the identity of the temple servants.
The Greek translation reflects the same organizational intent found in the Hebrew, emphasizing the role of these servants in the temple service.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ezra 8:20 tells us that they brought 220 temple servants, known as the Nethinim, who were designated by name. David and the officials appointed them to assist the Levites in their work in the temple.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The Nethinim were temple servants assigned to assist the Levites and priests in the sanctuary, playing a crucial role in temple duties.
Being designated by name emphasizes the importance of organization and accountability in the temple service, ensuring that each servant had a recognized role.
David, as king, appointed the Nethinim to assist in the temple service, reflecting his commitment to the worship of God and the proper functioning of the temple.
This verse highlights the restoration of worship and service in the temple after the exile, which is a central theme in the book of Ezra.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- How can I serve in my community like the Nethinim served in the temple?
- What does it mean for me to be designated for a specific role or task in my spiritual life?
- In what ways can I contribute to the organization and functioning of my church or community?
- How does understanding the roles of the Nethinim enhance my appreciation for the structure of worship?
Commentators on this verse — 6 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ezra 8:20 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAlso 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
Read John Gill on Ezra 8 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAnd 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.
Read Robert Jamieson on Ezra 8 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe 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.
Read Matthew Poole on Ezra 8 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEzra 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.
Read John Trapp on Ezra 8 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(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.”
Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezra 8 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges20. 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…
Read Cambridge on Ezra 8 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.
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.
They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.
and some of the temple servants that David and his officials had established for the work of the Levites – 220 of them. They were all designated by name.
Tyndale line
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, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim: all of them were expressed 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 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.
Strictly literal
and of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim: all of them were expressed 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 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.
Also of the temple-servants, whom David and the princes had assigned for the service of the Levites two hundred and twenty temple-servants, all of whom were expressed by names.
Of those assigned to serve in the temple, whom David and his officials gave to serve the Levites: 220, each of them assigned by name.
From the Latin
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.
Simplified
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 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.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text states that 220 temple servants were appointed by David and the officials to assist the Levites, all designated by name. The Septuagint agrees with the Masoretic Text in terms of the number and the context, maintaining the same essential meaning, though it presents the text in a different word order. There are no significant differences between these witnesses in this verse.
וּמִן־ הַנְּתִינִ֗ים שֶׁנָּתַ֨ן דָּוִ֤יד וְהַשָּׂרִים֙ לַעֲבֹדַ֣ת הַלְוִיִּ֔ם נְתִינִ֖ים מָאתַ֣יִם וְעֶשְׂרִ֑ים כֻּלָּ֖ם נִקְּב֥וּ בְשֵׁמֽוֹת׃
13 of the 13 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Ezra 8:20
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word מִן־ (*min*) is a preposition meaning 'from' or 'out of,' indicating separation or origin. It covers various uses, including temporal references, comparisons, and causal relationships. Additionally, it can denote a portion when used as a noun מֵן (*men*). The entries highlight its versatility in expressing different nuances of separation and position.
מִן־, and מִ, before יְ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not
with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal
from, against
מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from
of position, off, on the side of, on
Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex
Partitively
Of time—
as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since
as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after
towards, to
(וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to
In comparisons, beyond, above
מן is prefixed to an infin.:
with causal force, from, on account of, through
after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.
with a temporal force, since, after
Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that
In compounds:
base
H4480a מִן־, מִ, prep. expressing the idea of separation, hence out of, from, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not . with verbs expressing (or implying) separation or removal . from, against
. מן also, without a verb of similar significance, sometimes expresses the idea of separation, away from, far from
. of position, off, on the side of, on
. Out of, Gk. ἐκ, Lat. ex
. Partitively
. Of time— . as marking the terminus a quo, the anterior limit of a continuous period from, since
. as marking the period immediately succeeding the limit after
. towards, to
. (וְעַד) עַד … מִן from … even to
. In comparisons, beyond, above
. מן is prefixed to an infin.: . with causal force, from, on account of, through
. after verbs implying restraint, prevention, cessation, etc.
. with a temporal force, since, after
. Once as a conj. before a finite verb. that
4480 min min
or minniy {min-nee'}; or minney (constructive plural)
{min-nay'}; (Isaiah 30:11); for 4482; properly, a part of;
hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses (as
follows):--above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason
of), from (among), in, X neither, X nor, (out) of, over,
since, X then, through, X whether, with.
see HEBREW for 04482
מִן־ (min) — from.
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)
מֵן (men) — portion.
n.m.
portion
Conj | Prep — Conjunction · prepositionHC/R
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
נְתִינִים (Nathiyn) refers to the Nethinim, a group of temple servants assigned to assist the Levites and priests in the sanctuary. The term is derived from the root meaning 'given,' indicating those who were given to this duty. It appears in the context of temple service, particularly in Ezra 8:17.
נְתִינִים n.m.pl. Nethinim (prop. those given to the service of the sanctuary)
base
H5411 נְתִינִים, נָתִין, נָתוּן
5411 Nathiyn naw-theen'
or Nathuwn (Ezra 8:17) {naw-thoon'} (the proper form as
passive participle), from 5414; one given, i.e. (in the plural
only) the Nethinim, or Temple-servants (as given to that
duty):--Nethinims.
see HEBREW for 05414
נְתִינִים (na.tin) — temple servant.
1) Nethinims
1a) temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary
Aramaic equivalent: ne.tin (נְתִין "temple servant" H5412)
Art | N-mp — Particle · noun common masculine plural absoluteHTd/Ncmpa
The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.
נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set
Qal 1917
give
Put, set
Make, constitute
Niph.
82be given
Be put, set
Hoph.
be given, bestowed
= be given to one for wife
be put upon
base
H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give
. Put, set
. Make, constitute
. . be given
. Be put, set
. . . be given, bestowed
. = be given to one for wife
. be put upon
5414 nathan naw-than'
a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of
application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,
assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,
hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +
cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X
without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),
grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),
(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,
occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X
pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send
(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,
strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,
turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)
God, yield.
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.
: 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
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.
: put/set/apppoint
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
Rel | V-Qal-Perf-3ms — Particle · verb qal perfect third person masculine singularHTr/Vqp3ms
דָּוִד (David) refers to the second king of Israel, known as the youngest son of Jesse. The name means 'beloved' and is associated with a significant lineage, including many siblings and notable descendants like Solomon. The entries highlight his familial connections and historical context, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
דָּוִד, דָּוִיד 1066 n.pr.m. David
base
H1732 דָּוִד, דָּוִיד David
1732 David daw-veed'
rarely (fully); Daviyd {daw-veed'}; from the same as 1730;
loving; David, the youngest son of Jesse:--David.
see HEBREW for 01730
דָּוִד (da.vid) — David.
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)
N-proper — Noun proper masculineHNpm
da'-vid (dawidh, or dawidh, "beloved"; Daueid, also in New Testament, Dauid, Dabid; see Thayer's Lexicon):
I. NAME AND GENEALOGY
II. EARLY YEARS
1. Shepherd
2. Slinger
3. Harpist
4. Poet
5. Psalmist
6. Tribesman
III. IN THE SERVICE OF SAUL
1. David First Meets Saul
2. His First Exploit
3. Envy of Saul and Flight of David
4. Jonathan and David
IV. DAVID IN EXILE
1. David as Outlaw
2. David Joins the Philistines
V. DAVID AS KING
1. Civil War
2. Conquests Abroad
3. Political Situation
4. The Ark
VI. DOMESTIC LIFE
1. His Wives and Children
2. Domestic Troubles
VII. HIS OFFICIALS
1. Prophets
2. Priests
3. Military Officers
4. Other Officials
5. Mutual Rivalry
VIII. PERSONAL CHARACTER OF DAVID
1. Chronicles
2. Psalms
3. Complex Character
4. Physical Courage
5. Moral Courage
6. Prudence
7. Strategy
8. Nobility
9. David in Relation to His Family
10. David in Relation to His Friends
11. His Success
12. His Foreign Friends
13. Nemesis
David
Beloved, the eighth and youngest son of Jesse, a citizen of Bethlehem. His father seems to have been a man in humble life. His mother’s name is not recorded. Some think she was the Nahash of 2 Sam. 17:25. As to his personal appearance, we only know that he was red-haired, with beautiful eyes and a fair face (1 Sam. 16:12; 17:42).
His early occupation was that of tending his father’s sheep on the uplands of Judah. From what we know of his after history, doubtless he frequently beguiled his time, when thus engaged, with his shepherd’s flute, while he drank in the many lessons taught him by the varied scenes spread around him. His first recorded exploits were his encounters with the wild beasts of the field. He mentions that with his own unaided hand he slew a lion and also a…
(well-beloved), the son of Jesse. His life may be divided into three portions: His youth before his introduction to the court of Saul; His relations with Saul; His reign. The early life of David contains in many important respects the antecedents of his future career. It appears that David was the youngest son, probably the youngest child, of a family of ten, and was born in Bethlehem B.C. 1085. The first time that David appears in history at once admits us to the whole family circle. The annual sacrificial feast is being held when Samuel appears, sent by God to anoint one of Jesse’s sons as they pass before him, (1 Samuel 16:6-10) Samuel sends for the youngest, David, who was "keeping the sheep," and anoints him. (1 Samuel 16:11-13) As David stood before Samuel we are enabled to…
Beloved, the youngest son of Jesse, of the tribe of Judah, born in Bethlehem B. C. 1085; one of the most remarkable men in either sacred of secular history. His life is fully recorded in 1Sa 16:1 1Ki 2:46. He was "the Lord’s anointed," chosen by God to be king of Israel instead of Saul, and consecrated to that office by the venerable prophet Samuel long before he actually came to the throne, 1Sa 16:1-13, for which God prepared him by the gift of his Spirit, and a long course of vicissitudes and dangers. In his early pastoral life he distinguished himself by his boldness, fidelity, and faith in God; and while yet a youth was summoned to court, as one expert in music, valiant, prudent in behavior, and comely in person. He…
שַׂר (sar) refers to a leader or ruler, encompassing a range of meanings from prince and chief to official and captain. It denotes various ranks, including military commanders and religious leaders, and can also imply a noble or merchant of high status. The word is derived from a root meaning 'to rule'.
שַׂר 420 n.m. chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince
base
H8269 שַׂר chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince
8269 sar sar
from 8323; a head person (of any rank or class):--captain
(that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper,
lord, ((-task- ))master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward.
see HEBREW for 08323
שַׂר (sar) — ruler.
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
Conj | Art | N-mp — Conjunction · particle · noun common masculine plural absoluteHC/Td/Ncmpa
עֲבֹדָה (abodah) refers to various forms of labor or service, including the work of a servant or slave, the service of captives or subjects, and the service of God. It is built from the root word for work and encompasses a range of meanings related to labor and ministry.
עֲבֹדָה, and (Chr) עֲבוֹדָה 146 n.f. labour, servicelabour, work
labour of servant or slave
labour, service of captives or subjects
service of God
base
H5656 עֲבֹדָה, and עֲבוֹדָה labour . labour, work
. labour of servant or slave
. labour, service of captives or subjects
. service of God
5656 `abodah ab-o-daw'
or mabowdah {ab-o-daw'}; from 5647; work of any kind:--act,
bondage, + bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try),
office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, X wrought.
see HEBREW for 05647
עֲבֹדָה (a.vo.dah) — service.
: 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)
עֲבֹדָה (a.vo.dah) — service: ministry.
: ministry[for_God]/tabernacle]
1) labour, service
1a) labour, work
1b) labour (of servant or slave)
1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects)
1d) service (of God)
עֲבֹדָה (a.vo.dah) — service: work.
: work/labour
1) labour, service
1a) labour, work
1b) labour (of servant or slave)
1c) labour, service (of captives or subjects)
1d) service (of God)
Prep | N-fs — Preposition · noun common feminine singular constructHR/Ncfsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
לֵוִי (Leviy) refers to a Levite, a member of the tribe of Levi, which is the third son of Jacob and Leah. This term encompasses the descendants of Levi, who were set apart for religious duties. The word is linked to the Hebrew root for 'joining,' reflecting the tribe's special role in service to God. It first appears in Genesis 29:34.
לֵוִי 291 adj.gent. Levite
base
H3881 לֵוִי Levite
3881 Leviyiy lay-vee-ee'
or Leviy {lay-vee'}; patronymically from 3878; a Levite or
descendant of Levi:--Leviite.
see HEBREW for 03878
לֵוִי (le.viy.yi) — Levi.
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
Art | Ngmpa — Particle · noun gentilic masculine plural absoluteHTd/Ngmpa
le'-vits.
See PRIESTS AND LEVITES.
(descendants of Levi). Sometimes the name extends to the whole tribe, the priests included, (Exodus 6:25; Leviticus 25:32; Numbers 35:2; Joshua 21:3,41) etc; sometimes only to those members of the tribe who were not priests, and as distinguished from them. Sometimes again it is added as an epithet of the smaller portion of the tribe, and we read of "the priests the Levites." (Joshua 3:3; Ezekiel 44:15) The history of the tribe and of the functions attached to its several orders is essential to any right apprehension of the history of Israel as a people. It will fall…
All the descendants of Levi may be comprised under this name, Ex 6:16,25 Jos 3:3, (see LEVI;) but chiefly those who were employed in the lower services in the temple, by which they were distinguished from the priests, who were of the race of Levi by Aaron, and were employed in higher offices, Nu 3:6-10 18:2-7. God chose the Levites for the service of his tabernacle and temple, instead of the firstborn of all Israel, to whom such duties naturally belonged, and who were already sacred to God in memory of the great deliverance in Egypt. Ex 13:1-22 Nu 3:12,13,39-51. In the wilderness, the Levites took charge of the tabernacle…
→ (The descendants of Levi)
→ Set apart as ministers of religion Nu 1:47-54; 3:6-16; 16:9; 26:57-62; De 10:8; 1Ch 15:2
→ Substituted in the place of the firstborn children Nu 3:12,41-45; 8:14,16-18; 18:6
→ Religious zeal of Ex 32:26-28; De 33:9,10; Mal 2:4,5
→ Consecration of Nu 8:6-21
→ Sedition among, led by Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and On, on account of jealousy toward Moses and Aaron Nu 16; with 4:19,20
נְתִינִים (Nathiyn) refers to the Nethinim, a group of temple servants assigned to assist the Levites and priests in the sanctuary. The term is derived from the root meaning 'given,' indicating those who were given to this duty. It appears in the context of temple service, particularly in Ezra 8:17.
נְתִינִים n.m.pl. Nethinim (prop. those given to the service of the sanctuary)
base
H5411 נְתִינִים, נָתִין, נָתוּן
5411 Nathiyn naw-theen'
or Nathuwn (Ezra 8:17) {naw-thoon'} (the proper form as
passive participle), from 5414; one given, i.e. (in the plural
only) the Nethinim, or Temple-servants (as given to that
duty):--Nethinims.
see HEBREW for 05414
נְתִינִים (na.tin) — temple servant.
1) Nethinims
1a) temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary
Aramaic equivalent: ne.tin (נְתִין "temple servant" H5412)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
מֵאָה (me'ah) means 'hundred' in Hebrew. It can refer to a simple number, a component of a larger number, or a fraction representing one one-hundredth. The entries consistently describe its use as a numeral without significant disagreement.
מֵאָה 583 n.f. hundred
as simple number
as part of larger number
a hundredth part
base
H3967 מֵאָה hundred . as simple number
. as part of larger number
. a hundredth part
3967 me'ah may-aw'
or metyah {may-yaw'}; properly, a primitive numeral; a
hundred; also as a multiplicative and a
fraction:--hundred((-fold), -th), + sixscore.
מֵאָה (me.ah) — hundred.
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)
Adj — AdjHAcfda
hun'-dred (me'-ah; hekaton).
See NUMBER.
עֶשְׂרִים (esriym) means 'twenty' and can also refer to the ordinal 'twentieth.' It is derived from the root word for 'ten' and has an Aramaic equivalent, עֶשְׂרִין (es.rin). The entries consistently define the term without significant disagreement.
עֶשְׂרִים (a) twenty
base
H6242 עֶשְׂרִים (a) twenty
6242 `esriym es-reem'
from 6235; twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth:--(six-)score,
twenty(-ieth).
see HEBREW for 06235
עֶשְׂרִים (es.rim) — twenty.
twenty, twentieth
Aramaic equivalent: es.rin (עֶשְׂרִין "twenty" H6243)
HC/Acmpa — ConjunctionHC/Acmpa
twen'-ti.
See NUMBER.
כֹּל (kol) means 'all' or 'the whole.' It can refer to totality, including every person or thing, and is often used with a following genitive to specify what is included. The term can also denote a broader sense of everything in existence or all circumstances of life. The lexicons do not show significant disagreement on its meanings.
כֹּל once כּוֹל n.m. the whole, all
with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
Absolutely:
without the art., all things, all
with the art. הַכֹּל
where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
base
H3605 כֹּל once כּוֹל the whole, all . with foll. gen. (as usually) the whole of, to be rendered, however, often in our idiom, to avoid stiffness, any or every
. Absolutely: . without the art., all things, all
. with the art. הַכֹּל . where the sense is limited by the context to things (or persons) just mentioned
. in a wider sense, all, whether of all mankind or of all living things, the universe, or of all the circumstances of life (chiefly late)
3605 kol kole
or (Jer. 33:8) kowl {kole}; from 3634; properly, the whole;
hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a
plural sense):--(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 HEBREW for 03634
כֹּל (kol) — all.
1) all, the whole
1a) all, the whole of
1b) any, each, every, anything
1c) totality, everything
Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3mp
The Hebrew word נָקַב (naqab) primarily means to pierce or bore, with additional meanings including to designate or appoint. It can also refer to cursing or blaspheming. The entries indicate a range of uses, from literal piercing to figurative designations, but do not provide specific verse references.
[נָקַב] vb. pierce
Qal
pierce, bore
prick off, designate, wages
Niph. who were pricked off, designated, by name
base
[נָקַב] vb. curse
base
H5344a נָקַב pierce .. pierce, bore
. prick off, designate, wages
. who were pricked off, designated, by name
H5344b נָקַב curse
5344 naqab naw-kab'
a primitive root; to puncture, literally (to perforate, with
more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate,
libel):--appoint, blaspheme, bore, curse, express, with
holes, name, pierce, strike through.
נָקַב (na.qav) — to pierce.
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
נָקַב (na.qav) — to curse.
(Qal) to curse, blaspheme
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp — Verb · Niphal · perfect third person common pluralHVNp3cp
שֵׁם (shem) means 'name' and encompasses various meanings such as reputation, fame, and glory. It can refer to the designation of God and is often associated with memorials or monuments. The word is built from a primitive root and highlights individuality and honor. There is a mention of its use in relation to false gods, which is forbidden.
שֵׁם 864 n.m. name (√ unknown)
of river, beasts, city, i.e. exact designation of it
usu. of pers.
= reputation
esp. as giving a man a kind of posthumous life, esp. in his sons
name, as designation of God
of false gods, use forbidden
= memorial, monument
base
H8034 שֵׁם name (√ unknown)
8034 shem shame
a primitive word (perhaps rather from 7760 through the idea
of definite and conspicuous position; compare 8064); an
appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by
implication honor, authority, character:--+ base,
(in-)fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report.
see HEBREW for 07760
see HEBREW for 08064
שֵׁם (shem) — name.
1) name
1a) name
1b) reputation, fame, glory
1c) the Name (as designation of God)
1d) memorial, monument
Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Prep | N-mp — Preposition · noun common feminine plural absoluteHR/Ncfpa
Names of places . --These may be divided into two general classes --descriptive and historical. The former are such as mark some peculiarity of the locality, usually a natural one, e.g. Sharon, "plain" Gibeah, "hill;" Pisgah. "height." Of the second class of local names, some were given in honor of individual men, e.g. the city Enoch (Genesis 4:17) etc. More commonly, however, such names were given to perpetuate that memory of some important historic occurrence. Bethel perpetuated through all Jewish history the early revelations of God to Jacob. (Genesis 28:19; 35:15) So Jehovah-jireh, (Genesis 22:14) Mahanaim, (Genesis 32:2) Peniel etc. In forming compounds to serve as…
Among the Hebrews were frequently significant; sometimes of a family trait, and sometimes of circumstances attending the birth of a child; often too they were assumed afterwards to commemorate some striking occurrence in one’s history. Compare the cases of Ishmael, Esau, and Jacob, Moses, Ichabod, etc., Ge 16:16 25:25,26 Ex 2:10 1Sa 4:21.
Compound names were frequent; and often a part of the name of God, JAH EL, JEHO, etc., was employed as in Eliezer, Ex 18:4, Amuel, Josiah, Adonijah. Sometimes a whole phrase was formed into a name; as Elioneai, to Jehovah are mine eyes, 1Ch 4:36. The New Testament names are chiefly…