Nehemiah 11:21
Nehemiah 11:21 in Multiple Translations
The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them.
But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.
But the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.
But the Nethinim were living in the Ophel; and Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.
The Temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel. Ziha and Gishpa were in charge of them.
And the Nethinims dwelt in the fortresse, and Ziha, and Gispa was ouer the Nethinims.
and the Nethinim are dwelling in Ophel, and Ziha and Gishpa [are] over the Nethinim.
But the temple servants lived in Ophel; and Ziha and Gishpa were over the temple servants.
But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.
And the Nathinites, that dwelt in Ophel, and Siaha, and Gaspha of the Nathinites.
But the temple workers lived on Ophel Hill in Jerusalem. They were supervised by Ziha and Gishpa.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 11:21
BAB
Word Study
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Nehemiah 11:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/נְּתִינִ֖ים
יֹשְׁבִ֣ים
בָּ/עֹ֑פֶל
וְ/צִיחָ֥א
וְ/גִשְׁפָּ֖א
עַל
הַ/נְּתִינִֽים
וְ/הַ/נְּתִינִ֖ים
Nâthîyn
H5411
temple servant
Conj | Art | N-mp
יֹשְׁבִ֣ים
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
V-Qal
בָּ/עֹ֑פֶל
ʻÔphel
H6077
Ophel
Prep | N-proper
וְ/צִיחָ֥א
Tsîychâʼ
H6727
Ziha
Conj | N-proper
וְ/גִשְׁפָּ֖א
Gishpâʼ
H1658
Gishpa
Conj | N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/נְּתִינִֽים
Nâthîyn
H5411
temple servant
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 11:21
וְ/הַ/נְּתִינִ֖ים
Nâthîyn
H5411
"temple servant"
Conj | 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.
יֹשְׁבִ֣ים
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בָּ/עֹ֑פֶל
ʻÔphel
H6077
"Ophel"
Prep | N-proper
Ophel refers to a fortified ridge in Jerusalem, used for the city's defense. It is mentioned as a specific location in the Bible. This ridge is a key part of Jerusalem's geography.
Definition: § Ophel = "hill" a ridge of hills in Jerusalem, fortified for defense of the city
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Ophel. See also: 2 Chronicles 27:3; Nehemiah 3:26; Nehemiah 11:21.
וְ/צִיחָ֥א
Tsîychâʼ
H6727
"Ziha"
Conj | N-proper
Ziha was a person who lived during the time of the Israelites' exile and return, mentioned in the book of Nehemiah as an ancestor of temple slaves.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.11.21 § Ziha = "parched" 1) ancestor of a family of temple slaves who returned from exile in Babylon with Zerubbabel 2) a chief of the temple slaves in Ophel in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Ziha. See also: Ezra 2:43; Nehemiah 7:46; Nehemiah 11:21.
וְ/גִשְׁפָּ֖א
Gishpâʼ
H1658
"Gishpa"
Conj | N-proper
Gishpa was an Israelite officer who helped manage temple slaves when they returned from exile with Nehemiah, as mentioned in Nehemiah 11:21.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.11.21 § Gispa = "caress" an officer of the temple slaves returning from exile with Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Gispa. See also: Nehemiah 11:21.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/נְּתִינִֽים
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.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 11:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 11:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 11:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 11:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:21
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:21
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 11:21
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 11:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:21
Context — Residents Outside Jerusalem
19And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men.
20The rest of the Israelites, with the priests and Levites, were in all the villages of Judah, each on his own inheritance.
21The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them.
22Now the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. He was one of Asaph’s descendants, who were the singers in charge of the service of the house of God. 23For there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 3:26 | and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 27:3 | Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 3:31 | Next to him, Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the upper room above the corner. |
Nehemiah 11:21 Summary
This verse tells us about the temple servants who lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa as their leaders. The temple servants played a vital role in the daily operations of the temple, and their organization and leadership are a testament to God's care for His people, as seen in verses like Psalm 138:8 and Matthew 10:29-31. Just like the temple servants, we can strive to be faithful in our own daily lives and serve God with humility and dedication. By looking to the example of the temple servants, we can learn the importance of teamwork, leadership, and serving God with our whole hearts, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2 and Colossians 3:23-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hill of Ophel and why is it significant?
The hill of Ophel is a location near the temple in Jerusalem, and its significance is tied to the temple servants who lived there, as mentioned in Nehemiah 11:21, and also referenced in 2 Chronicles 27:3 and 2 Kings 22:1, where it is associated with the temple and the city of Jerusalem.
Who were the temple servants and what was their role?
The temple servants, also known as the Nethinim, were a group of people dedicated to serving in the temple, as seen in Ezra 8:20 and Nehemiah 11:21, and their role was to assist the priests and Levites in the daily operations of the temple.
Why were Ziha and Gishpa appointed over the temple servants?
Ziha and Gishpa were appointed as overseers of the temple servants, as mentioned in Nehemiah 11:21, likely due to their leadership abilities and faithfulness, similar to other leaders in the Bible, such as Joshua in Exodus 17:9-13 and Nehemiah in Nehemiah 1:1-4.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Nehemiah?
This verse contributes to the overall theme of Nehemiah, which is the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple, by highlighting the organization and leadership of the temple servants, as seen in Nehemiah 11:21, and demonstrating God's concern for the details of His people's lives, as expressed in Matthew 10:29-31.
Reflection Questions
- What can we learn from the example of the temple servants about dedication to serving God?
- How can we apply the principle of leadership and oversight, as seen in Ziha and Gishpa, to our own lives and communities?
- What role do you think the hill of Ophel played in the daily lives of the temple servants, and how can we find our own 'hill of Ophel' where we can serve God?
- In what ways can we, like the temple servants, strive to be faithful in our own 'daily operations' and serve God with humility and dedication?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 11:21
But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel,.... An high place or tower on the wall of Jerusalem, see 2 Chronicles 27:3, and Ziha, and Gispa, were over the Nethinims; had the oversight of them, and took care
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 11:21
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:21
Nehemiah 11:21 But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa [were] over the Nethinims.Ver. 21. Dwelt in Ophel] See Nehemiah 3:26. Some will have it to be not a tower, but a village, near to Jerusalem.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:21
(21) Ophel.—The Nethinims on the promontory of Ophel were either within or without the city, according as the one wall or the other was taken. Here they are regarded as outside.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 11:21
21. the Nethinims] R.V. the Nethinim. in Ophel] See Nehemiah 3:26. Their quarters were on the summit of the Hill or Mound, S. of the Temple height. Ziha and Gispa (R.V. Gishpa)] Ziha’s name occurs at the head of the Nethinim in Ezra 2:43; Nehemiah 7:46; and there can be little doubt that ‘Gishpa’ is to be identified with ‘Hasupha’ in the same list.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 11:21
Ophel, the southern spur of the temple hill, having a wall of its own Nehemiah 3:27 might be reckoned either in Jerusalem or outside it. Here it is made a separate place.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:21
21. Dwelt in Ophel — See on Nehemiah 3:26.