Ezra 8:20
New International Version
They also brought 220 of the temple servants—a body that David and the officials had established to assist the Levites. All were registered by name.

New Living Translation
and 220 Temple servants. The Temple servants were assistants to the Levites—a group of Temple workers first instituted by King David and his officials. They were all listed by name.

English Standard Version
besides 220 of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites. These were all mentioned by name.

Berean Standard Bible
They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
also of the Nethinim, whom David and the leaders had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim. All of them were designated by name.

New American Standard Bible
and 220 of the temple servants, whom David and the officials had provided for the service of the Levites, all of them designated by name.

NASB 1995
and 220 of the temple servants, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, all of them designated by name.

NASB 1977
and 220 of the temple servants, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, all of them designated by name.

Legacy Standard Bible
and 220 of the temple servants, whom David and the princes had given for the service of the Levites, all of them designated by name.

Amplified Bible
also 220 of the temple servants, whom David and the leaders had set apart [with their descendants] for the service of the Levites. They were all designated by name.

Christian Standard Bible
There were also 220 of the temple servants, who had been appointed by David and the leaders for the work of the Levites. All were identified by name.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
There were also 220 of the temple servants, who had been appointed by David and the leaders for the work of the Levites. All were identified by name.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
In addition, 220 others came to help the Levites in the temple. The ancestors of these workers had been chosen years ago by King David and his officials, and they were all listed by name.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
and 220 temple servants. [They were descended] from the temple servants whom David and his officials had appointed to work for the Levites. These were all listed by name.

Good News Translation
In addition there were 220 Temple workers whose ancestors had been designated by King David and his officials to assist the Levites. They were all listed by name.

International Standard Version
220 descendants of the Temple Servants whom David and the leaders had appointed to serve the descendants of Levi, listed by name.

Majority Standard Bible
They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.

NET Bible
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.

New Heart English Bible
and from the temple servants, whom David and the officials had given for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty temple servants. All of them were mentioned by name.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
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.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
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.

Young's Literal Translation
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.

Smith's Literal Translation
And from the Nethinims David gave, and the chiefs, for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinims: all of them were specified by names.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And from the temple servants, whom David, and the leaders had provided for the ministry of the Levites, there were two hundred twenty temple servants. All these were called by their names.

New American Bible
Of the temple servants, those whom David and the princes appointed to serve the Levites, there were two hundred and twenty. All these were enrolled by name.

New Revised Standard Version
besides two hundred twenty of the temple servants, whom David and his officials had set apart to attend the Levites. These were all mentioned by name.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And also of the men whom David had appointed for the service of the Levites (who were set apart), two hundred and twenty; all of them were called by their names.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Of the men that David gave for the service of Levi, who gave two hundred and twenty, all were called by their names.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And of the Nathinim; whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites there were two hundred and twenty Nathinim; all were gathered by their names.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Ezra Sends for the Levites
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.

Cross References
Numbers 3:5-9
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. ...

1 Chronicles 23:3-6
The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. / “Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, / 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” ...

1 Chronicles 23:26-32
So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” / For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted, / but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, ...

1 Chronicles 9:2
Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.

Nehemiah 7:73
So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with some of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns. And by the seventh month the Israelites had settled in their towns.

Nehemiah 10:28-29
“The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand, / hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord.

Nehemiah 11:3
These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants—

1 Chronicles 6:48-49
Their fellow Levites were assigned to every kind of service of the tabernacle, the house of God. / But Aaron and his sons did all the work of the Most Holy Place. They presented the offerings on the altar of burnt offering and on the altar of incense to make atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded.

1 Chronicles 23:24
These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD.

2 Chronicles 31:2
Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.

2 Chronicles 35:3
To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel.

Acts 6:1-6
In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ...

1 Timothy 3:8-13
Deacons likewise must be dignified, not double-tongued or given to much wine or greedy for money. / They must hold to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. / Additionally, they must first be tested. Then, if they are above reproach, let them serve as deacons. ...

Philippians 1:1
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons:

Romans 12:7
if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;


Treasury of Scripture

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.

Nethinims

Ezra 8:17
And I sent them with commandment unto Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say unto Iddo, and to his brethren the Nethinims, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring unto us ministers for the house of our God.

Ezra 2:43
The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

Ezra 7:7
And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.

all of them

Philippians 4:3
And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

Jump to Previous
Apart Appointed Assist Attend Besides Body Captains David Designated Established Expressed Helping Hundred Levites Mentioned Nethinim Nethinims Officials Princes Servants Service Temple Twenty Work
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Apart Appointed Assist Attend Besides Body Captains David Designated Established Expressed Helping Hundred Levites Mentioned Nethinim Nethinims Officials Princes Servants Service Temple Twenty Work
Ezra 8
1. The companions of Ezra, who returned from Babylon
15. He sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple
21. He keeps a fast
24. He commits the treasures to the custody of the priests
31. From Ahava they come to Jerusalem
33. The treasure is weighed in the temple
36. The commission is delivered














They also brought 220 of the temple servants
The temple servants, known as the Nethinim, were a group assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. Their origins trace back to the Gibeonites, who were made servants to the Israelites (Joshua 9:27). The number 220 signifies a substantial group, indicating the importance of their role in temple service. This reflects the organized structure of worship and the need for dedicated personnel in maintaining the temple's operations.

all designated by name
The mention of being "designated by name" underscores the importance of each individual's role and the careful record-keeping practiced by the Israelites. This practice ensured accountability and recognition of service, reflecting the value placed on each person's contribution to the community. It also highlights the personal nature of service to God, where each person is known and valued.

David and the officials had appointed them
King David, along with his officials, established the roles and duties of the temple servants. This appointment signifies the continuity of David's legacy in organizing temple worship, which was crucial for maintaining the spiritual life of Israel. David's involvement emphasizes the king's role in spiritual leadership and the integration of worship into the national identity of Israel.

to assist the Levites
The Levites were the tribe set apart for religious duties, and the temple servants were appointed to assist them. This assistance was necessary due to the extensive responsibilities of the Levites, which included teaching the law, performing sacrifices, and maintaining the temple. The collaboration between the Levites and the temple servants illustrates the communal effort required in worship and the division of labor that allowed the temple to function efficiently. This structure can be seen as a type of the body of Christ, where different members have different roles but work together for the common purpose of glorifying God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led a group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was instrumental in re-establishing the Law of Moses in Israel.

2. Temple Servants (Nethinim)
A group of individuals assigned to assist the Levites in the temple. Their role was crucial for the functioning of temple services.

3. David
The second king of Israel, who organized the temple services and established the roles of the Levites and temple servants.

4. Levites
Members of the tribe of Levi, set apart for religious duties and temple service. They played a key role in worship and sacrifices.

5. Jerusalem
The city where the temple was located and the destination of Ezra's journey with the exiles.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Service in God's Work
The temple servants, though not as prominent as the Levites, played a vital role in the functioning of the temple. This reminds us that every role in God's work is important, regardless of visibility.

God's Sovereign Plan and Provision
The inclusion of the temple servants in the return to Jerusalem shows God's provision for every aspect of worship and service. God equips His people with what they need to fulfill His purposes.

The Legacy of Faithful Leadership
David's establishment of the temple servants demonstrates the lasting impact of godly leadership. Our actions and decisions can have enduring effects on future generations.

Unity in Diversity of Roles
The collaboration between the Levites and temple servants illustrates the beauty of unity in diversity within the body of Christ. Each member has a unique role that contributes to the whole.(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."

Verse 20. - The Nethinims, whom David and the princes had appointed. We learn this fact from the present passage only; since neither in Kings nor Chronicles is there any mention made of David's adding to the hieroduli, or temple servants. It is, however, quite in accordance with his other arrangements that he should have done so. The original Nethinims were the Gibeonites (Joshua 9:23). All... were expressed by name. Iddo sent to Ezra a list of the Nethinims, which, however, he does not think it necessary to insert.

CHAPTER 8:21-36

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[They also brought] 220
מָאתַ֣יִם (mā·ṯa·yim)
Number - fd
Strong's 3967: A hundred

of
וּמִן־ (ū·min-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the temple servants.
הַנְּתִינִ֗ים (han·nə·ṯî·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5411: The Nethinim, Temple-servants

(David
דָּוִ֤יד (dā·wîḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

and the officials
וְהַשָּׂרִים֙ (wə·haś·śā·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

had appointed
שֶׁנָּתַ֨ן (šen·nā·ṯan)
Pronoun - relative | Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

the temple servants
נְתִינִ֖ים (nə·ṯî·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5411: The Nethinim, Temple-servants

to assist
לַעֲבֹדַ֣ת (la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5656: Work of any kind

the Levites.)
הַלְוִיִּ֔ם (hal·wî·yim)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

All of them
כֻּלָּ֖ם (kul·lām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

were designated
נִקְּב֥וּ (niq·qə·ḇū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5344: To puncture

by name.
בְשֵׁמֽוֹת׃ (ḇə·šê·mō·wṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8034: A name


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OT History: Ezra 8:20 And of the Nethinim whom David (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 8:19
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