Keros
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Topical Encyclopedia
Keros is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period of Israel's history. The name Keros appears in the lists of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. The Nethinim were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple, and their role was crucial in the restoration of worship practices in Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:44 · "The descendants of Keros, 715."
2. Nehemiah 7:47 · "The descendants of Keros, 745."

In these passages, Keros is listed among the families of the Nethinim who returned to Jerusalem. The slight discrepancy in the number of descendants between the books of Ezra and Nehemiah is a point of interest for biblical scholars, often attributed to variations in record-keeping or textual transmission over time.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The Nethinim, including the descendants of Keros, played a significant role in the religious life of the Jewish community during the Second Temple period. Their duties likely included menial tasks necessary for the maintenance and operation of the temple, allowing the Levites to focus on their priestly functions. The return of the Nethinim to Jerusalem underscores the importance of restoring not only the physical structure of the temple but also the full complement of its service personnel.

Theological Significance:

The inclusion of the Nethinim in the lists of returnees highlights the comprehensive nature of God's restoration plan for His people. It reflects the biblical theme of redemption and the re-establishment of proper worship. The presence of the Nethinim, including the descendants of Keros, signifies the continuity of Israel's religious traditions and the fulfillment of God's promises to bring His people back to their land.

Linguistic Notes:

The name "Keros" is of uncertain etymology, and its meaning is not definitively known. It is one of several names listed among the Nethinim, which may have originated from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds, reflecting the diverse composition of this group.

Role in Post-Exilic Community:

The descendants of Keros, as part of the Nethinim, were integral to the re-establishment of the temple's function in Jerusalem. Their return and service are indicative of the broader efforts to restore the religious and communal life of the Jewish people after the exile. The dedication of the Nethinim to their roles, despite their lower status, exemplifies the biblical principle that all members of the community have a valuable part to play in the worship and service of God.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Keros

crooked; crookedness

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Keros

(curved), one of the Nethinim, whose descendants returned with Zerubbabel. (Ezra 2:44; Nehemiah 7:47)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
KEROS

ke'-ros (qeroc, "fortress"(?)): One of the Nethinim (Ezra 2:44 Nehemiah 7:47), an order appointed to the liturgical offices of the temple.

See NETHINIM.

Greek
2781. kerion -- honeycomb.
... Word Origin from keros (wax) Definition honeycomb. honeycomb. Diminutive from keos
(wax); a cell for honey, ie (collectively) the comb -- (honey-)comb. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2781.htm - 5k
Strong's Hebrew
7026. Qeros -- father of some postexilic temple servants
... Qeros or Qeros. 7027 . father of some postexilic temple servants. Transliteration:
Qeros or Qeros Phonetic Spelling: (kay-roce') Short Definition: Keros. ... Keros ...
/hebrew/7026.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Keros (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia KEROS. ke'-ros (qeroc ... temple. See NETHINIM.
Multi-Version Concordance Keros (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2 ...
/k/keros.htm - 7k

Padon (2 Occurrences)
... Padon (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:44 the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the
children of Padon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV). ...
/p/padon.htm - 7k

Snail (2 Occurrences)
... chomeT, the Revised Version (British and American) "sand-lizard," Septuagint saura,
"lizard" (Leviticus 11:30); (2) shabbelul, Septuagint keros, "wax" (Psalm 58 ...
/s/snail.htm - 10k

Kernels (4 Occurrences)

/k/kernels.htm - 7k

Kerub (2 Occurrences)

/k/kerub.htm - 6k

Si'aha (1 Occurrence)
... Si'aha (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:44 the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the
children of Padon, (See RSV). Siaha, Si'aha. Sibbecai . Reference Bible.
/s/si'aha.htm - 6k

Si'a (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Si'a (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:47 the children of Keros,
the children of Sia, the children of Padon, (See RSV). Sia, Si'a. Siaha > ...
/s/si'a.htm - 6k

Siaha (1 Occurrence)
... Siaha (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:44 the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the
children of Padon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/siaha.htm - 7k

Sia (1 Occurrence)
... Sia (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:47 the children of Keros, the children of Sia, the
children of Padon, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/s/sia.htm - 7k

Resources
Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Keros (2 Occurrences)

Ezra 2:44
the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Nehemiah 7:47
the children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Keros

Related Terms

Kesalon (1 Occurrence)

Keros (2 Occurrences)

Kernels
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