Nethinim
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Nethinim in the Bible?
A group of temple-servants who were originally foreign slaves, mostly prisoners of war, given to the temple by kings and princes for menial duties. Their number was considerable, with 392 accompanying Zerubbabel at the first Return in 538 BC.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the Nethinim clarifies the complex social hierarchy of the restored community, revealing how the temple administration incorporated non-Israelite populations into its operational structure to maintain ritual purity and logistical efficiency.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Nethinim reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Nethinim in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Nethinim clarify?
Related Topics
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Nethinim." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/nethinim/