The Nephisim are a group mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. They are listed among the Nethinim, a term used to describe temple servants who were assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the house of God. The Nethinim were not of Israelite descent but were dedicated to the service of the temple, likely as a result of being captured or converted from other nations.

Biblical References:

The Nephisim are mentioned in the context of the return from the Babylonian exile. In the book of Nehemiah, they are listed among those who returned to Jerusalem and Judah with Zerubbabel. Nehemiah 7:50 states: "the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephisim." This passage highlights their inclusion among the Nethinim who returned to help rebuild the temple and restore the worship practices in Jerusalem.

Role and Significance:

The Nephisim, as part of the Nethinim, played a crucial role in the religious life of post-exilic Israel. Their service was essential for the functioning of the temple, as they performed various tasks that supported the Levites and priests. This allowed the Levites to focus on their primary duties of teaching the Law and conducting sacrifices.

The presence of the Nephisim and other Nethinim underscores the inclusive nature of God's plan for His people, as individuals from different backgrounds were integrated into the worship community. Their dedication to temple service reflects the broader theme of restoration and renewal that characterizes the post-exilic period.

Historical Context:

The origin of the Nethinim, including the Nephisim, is not explicitly detailed in the biblical text. However, it is generally believed that they were originally non-Israelites who were assigned to temple service during the time of David or Solomon. Over time, they became a recognized group within the religious structure of Israel.

During the return from exile, the Nephisim and other Nethinim were among those who heeded the call to return to Jerusalem, demonstrating their commitment to the worship of Yahweh and the restoration of the temple. Their inclusion in the lists of returnees highlights their importance in the reestablishment of the Jewish community and its religious practices.

Theological Implications:

The mention of the Nephisim in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to use people from diverse backgrounds for His purposes. Their role in the temple service illustrates the principle that all who serve God, regardless of their origin, have a place in His plan. The Nephisim's dedication to their duties exemplifies the call to faithful service and the importance of supporting the worship and work of the community of believers.NEPHISH; NEPHISIM; NEPHISHESIM; NEPHUSIM

ne'-fish, ne-fi'-sim, ne-fish'-e-sim, ne-fusim (nephicim, nephucim): The former is the Kethibh (Hebrew: "written") form of the name adopted in the Revised Version (British and American); the latter the Qere (Hebrew "read") form, adopted in the King James Version and the Revised Version margin (Ezra 2:50).

See NAPHISH; NEPHUSHESIM.

5304. Nephisim -- a family of returned exiles
... 5303, 5304. Nephisim. 5305 . a family of returned exiles. Transliteration:
Nephisim Phonetic Spelling: (nef-ee-seem') Short Definition: Nephisim. ...
/hebrew/5304.htm - 6k

5300. Nephushesim -- Nephisesim
... Nephisesim. Transliteration: Nephushesim Phonetic Spelling: (nef-oo-shes-eem') Short
Definition: nephishesim. Word Origin the same as Nephisim, qv. Nephisesim ...
/hebrew/5300.htm - 5k

Nephisim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHISH; NEPHISIM; NEPHISHESIM; NEPHUSIM. ... See NAPHISH;
NEPHUSHESIM. Multi-Version Concordance Nephisim (1 Occurrence). ...
/n/nephisim.htm - 7k

Nephishesim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHISH; NEPHISIM; NEPHISHESIM; NEPHUSIM. ... See NAPHISH;
NEPHISIM. Multi-Version Concordance Nephishesim (1 Occurrence). ...
/n/nephishesim.htm - 7k

Nethinim (16 Occurrences)
... with the Simeonites (1 Chronicles 4:41), and as finally overcome by Uzziah (2
Chronicles 26:7). The next name in the lists is that of the children of Nephisim. ...
/n/nethinim.htm - 18k

Nephi'sim (1 Occurrence)
Nephi'sim. Nephisim, Nephi'sim. Nephtali . Multi-Version Concordance
Nephi'sim (1 Occurrence). ... Nephisim, Nephi'sim. Nephtali . Reference Bible.
/n/nephi'sim.htm - 6k

Nephusim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHISH; NEPHISIM; NEPHISHESIM; NEPHUSIM.
ne'-fish, ne-fi'-sim, ne-fish'-e-sim, ne-fusim (nephicim ...
/n/nephusim.htm - 7k

Naphisi
... The name of one of the families which went up out of captivity with Zerubbabel
(1 Esdras 5:31) equals "Nephushesim" of Nehemiah 7:52; "Nephisim" of Ezra 2:50. ...
/n/naphisi.htm - 6k

Naphish (3 Occurrences)
... Their descendants are mentioned among the Nethinim by the name "Nephisim," the King
James Version and the Revised Version margin "Nephusim" (Ezra 2:50 ...
/n/naphish.htm - 8k

Nephish (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHISH; NEPHISIM; NEPHISHESIM; NEPHUSIM.
ne'-fish, ne-fi'-sim, ne-fish'-e-sim, ne-fusim (nephicim ...
/n/nephish.htm - 7k

Meunim (5 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV BBE). Ezra 2:50 the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim,
the children of Nephisim, (WEB JPS ASV BBE DBY NAS NIV). ...
/m/meunim.htm - 8k

Me-u'nim (3 Occurrences)
... their flocks. (See RSV). Ezra 2:50 the children of Asnah, the children of
Meunim, the children of Nephisim, (See RSV). Nehemiah 7:52 ...
/m/me-u'nim.htm - 7k

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