King James Version

What Does Ezra 8:20 Mean?

Ezra 8:20 in the King James Version says “Also of the Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty N...” — study this verse from Ezra chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Ezra 8:20 · KJV

Context

18

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 ;

19

And Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brethren and their sons, twenty;

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.

21

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

22

For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

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Commentary

KJV Study 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.

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Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the careful registration of Nethinim 'by name' teach about God's valuing of seemingly insignificant servants?
  2. How does the Nethinim's greater willingness to return (vs. Levites) challenge assumptions about status and commitment?
  3. In what ways do modern churches honor or dishonor 'behind the scenes' servants who enable visible ministry?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וּמִן1 of 13
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

נְתִינִ֖ים2 of 13

“Also of the Nethinims”

H5411

the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)

שֶׁנָּתַ֨ן3 of 13

“had appointed”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

דָּוִ֤יד4 of 13

“whom David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְהַשָּׂרִים֙5 of 13

“and the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

לַֽעֲבֹדַ֣ת6 of 13

“for the service”

H5656

work of any kind

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם7 of 13

“of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

נְתִינִ֖ים8 of 13

“Also of the Nethinims”

H5411

the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)

מָאתַ֣יִם9 of 13

“two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְעֶשְׂרִ֑ים10 of 13

“and twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

כֻּלָּ֖ם11 of 13
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

נִקְּב֥וּ12 of 13

“all of them were expressed”

H5344

to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)

בְשֵׁמֽוֹת׃13 of 13

“by name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Ezra. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Ezra 8:20 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Ezra 8:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:43Ezra 7:71 Chronicles 9:2Ezra 8:17Philippians 4:3

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