2285. Chagab
Lexical Summary
Chagab: Locust

Original Word: חָגָב
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Chagab
Pronunciation: khaw-GAWB
Phonetic Spelling: (khaw-gawb')
KJV: Hagab
NASB: Hagab
Word Origin: [the same as H2284 (חָגָב - grasshopper)]

1. locust
2. Chagab, one of the Nethinim

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Hagab

The same as chagab; locust; Chagab, one of the Nethinim -- Hagab.

see HEBREW chagab

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from the same as chagab
Definition
an Isr.
NASB Translation
Hagab (1).

Brown-Driver-Briggs
II. חָגָּב proper name, masculine head of a family of returning exiles Ezra 2:46 ᵐ5 Ἁγαβ (no "" in Nehemiah 7 H; but ᵐ5L Nehemiah 7:48 has both Αγαβ and Αγαβα, compare חֲגָבָא).

Topical Lexicon
Meaning and Background

Hagab appears to be a personal or clan name derived from a common Hebrew term for “locust.” While the word elsewhere can describe a small but prolific insect (for example, Proverbs 30:27; Joel 1:4), in Ezra it identifies a family group. The implied connection between the humble locust and a servant people underscores a theme of modest yet essential service within the covenant community.

Biblical Occurrence

Ezra records only one appearance of the name: “the descendants of Hagab” (Ezra 2:46). They are listed among the Nethinim—temple servants—who returned with Zerubbabel from Babylon. A closely related form, “Hagaba,” is found in the parallel census of Nehemiah 7:48, suggesting a shared lineage or scribal variation.

Historical Setting

The roster in Ezra 2 chronicles a critical moment in Israel’s restoration (circa 538–535 BC). The Nethinim likely descended from non-Israelite groups assigned to assist the Levites in menial but necessary tasks (see Ezra 8:20). Their willingness to leave the relative security of exile and embrace an arduous journey back to a devastated Jerusalem testifies to their devotion to the worship of the LORD.

Role Among the Nethinim

Though never occupying center stage, the Nethinim enabled proper temple function by providing water, wood, and daily logistical help (compare Joshua 9:27). As one of thirty-nine Nethinim families named, the descendants of Hagab shared in maintaining the rhythm of sacrifice and praise at the rebuilt altar (Ezra 3:2–6). Their inclusion in the covenant renewal ceremony (Nehemiah 10:28–29) highlights their spiritual solidarity with priests and Levites alike.

Theological Significance

1. God Remembers Every Servant. The inspired record preserves even minor family names. “Your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58) finds an Old Testament echo in the listing of Hagab.
2. Restoration Requires All Gifts. Without the Nethinim, restored worship would have lacked practical infrastructure. Similarly, the New Testament body of Christ depends on diverse, often unseen ministries (Romans 12:4–8).
3. Humility and Fruitfulness. The locust, small yet effective in organized swarms, offers a parable of collective strength (Proverbs 30:27). The Hagab clan models how lowly service can advance God’s larger redemptive purposes.

Connections Beyond Ezra

A New Testament prophet named Agabus (Acts 11:28; Acts 21:10) bears a Greek form that resembles the Hebrew Hagab. While a direct genealogical link cannot be proven, both names evoke the locust imagery and remind readers that the spirit of prophetic and practical service spans both covenants.

Practical Application for Ministry

• Celebrate Unsung Labor. Faith communities should publicly thank those who clean, set up, and handle administrative details—modern “descendants of Hagab.”
• Embrace Covenant Identity. The Nethinim accepted a servant status but shared fully in Israel’s promises; likewise, believers serve in varied capacities while enjoying equal standing before God (Galatians 3:28).
• Participate in Restoration. Whether rebuilding walls or relationships, God calls His people to courageous, hopeful action. The Hagab family chose hardship over complacency, encouraging contemporary Christians to pursue spiritual renewal in their own contexts.

Summary

Hagab represents a family of post-exilic temple servants whose humble dedication contributed indispensably to the reestablishment of worship in Jerusalem. Though mentioned only once, their inclusion in Scripture affirms God’s esteem for every faithful worker and invites believers to value quiet, steadfast ministry that supports His unfolding plan.

Forms and Transliterations
חָגָ֥ב חגב chaGav ḥā·ḡāḇ ḥāḡāḇ
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Ezra 2:46
HEB: בְּנֵי־ חָגָ֥ב בְּנֵי־ [שַׁמְלַי
NAS: the sons of Hagab, the sons
KJV: The children of Hagab, the children
INT: the sons of Hagab the sons Shalmai

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 2285
1 Occurrence


ḥā·ḡāḇ — 1 Occ.

2284
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