Lexical Summary Gachar: Gahar Original Word: גַּחַר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Gahar From an unused root meaning to hide; lurker; Gachar, one of the Nethinim -- Gahar. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition "lurker," an Isr. NASB Translation Gahar (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs גַּ֫חַר proper name, masculine head of family of returned exiles Ezra 2:47 ׳בְּנֵיגֿ = Nehemiah 7:49 בְּנֵינָֿ֑חַר. Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Context Gahar appears in two identical post-exilic census lists: Ezra 2:47 and Nehemiah 7:49. In both places the name designates one of the family groups of the Nethinim who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. The Berean Standard Bible records: “the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, and the descendants of Reaiah” (Ezra 2:47; cf. Nehemiah 7:49). Though only a brief mention, the inclusion of Gahar’s line underscores their recognized place within the restored worship community. Historical Setting Following Cyrus’s decree in 538 BC, a remnant of Judah journeyed back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple (Ezra 1–6). Accurate genealogical records were vital for re-establishing the sacrificial system according to Mosaic law. The list of Nethinim—temple servants originally assigned by David and the leaders (Ezra 8:20)—assured that adequate personnel existed to assist Levites in daily duties such as drawing water, preparing wood, maintaining courts, and supporting the singers and gatekeepers. Gahar’s descendants formed part of this essential workforce. Role among the Nethinim 1. Support for sacred worship: The Nethinim enabled priests and Levites to focus on sacrificial and teaching responsibilities (Numbers 18:1–6). Theological Significance • God values every servant. While priests and prophets are prominent, Scripture preserves even minor servants’ names, highlighting divine appreciation of hidden labor (1 Corinthians 12:22). Ministry Reflections 1. Unsung service remains indispensable. Modern congregations need “Gahar-like” members who joyfully shoulder supportive tasks—maintenance, administration, hospitality—so corporate worship flourishes. Connections for Further Study • Compare the duties of the Nethinim (Ezra 8:17–20) with the Gibeonite wood-cutters and water-bearers (Joshua 9:21–27). Forms and Transliterations גַ֖חַר גָֽחַר׃ גחר גחר׃ ḡa·ḥar ḡā·ḥar Gachar ḡaḥar ḡāḥarLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:47 HEB: גִדֵּ֥ל בְּנֵי־ גַ֖חַר בְּנֵ֥י רְאָיָֽה׃ NAS: the sons of Gahar, the sons KJV: the children of Gahar, the children INT: of Giddel the sons of Gahar the sons of Reaiah Nehemiah 7:49 2 Occurrences |
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