Lexical Summary Magpiash: Magpiash Original Word: מַגְפִּיעָשׁ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Magpiash Apparently from guwph or nagaph and ash; exterminator of (the) moth; Magpiash, an Israelite -- Magpiash. see HEBREW guwph see HEBREW nagaph see HEBREW ash NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Magpiash (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs מַגְמִּיעָשׁ proper name, masculine a chief of the people, Nehemiah 10:21, ᵐ5 Βαγαφης, A Μαιαφης, ᵐ5L Μεγαιας. Topical Lexicon Historical SettingMagpiash appears during the rebuilding era that followed the Babylonian Exile, when Nehemiah governed the Persian province of Judah (mid-fifth century B.C.). The physical walls of Jerusalem had just been restored (Nehemiah 6:15), and attention turned to rebuilding the spiritual walls of the nation through confession, Scripture reading, and covenant renewal (Nehemiah 8—10). Biblical Occurrence and Context Nehemiah 10 records the formal sealing of a written covenant in which the community pledged fidelity to the Law given through Moses. After the names of the governor, priests, and Levites, the text lists “the leaders of the people” who affixed their seals. Magpiash is named among them: “Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir…” (Nehemiah 10:19–20). Although this is Magpiash’s sole explicit appearance, his inclusion in the roster of signatories aligns him with the broader movement of national repentance described in Nehemiah 9:1–3 and with practical reforms that touched marriage, Sabbath observance, temple support, and debt relief (Nehemiah 10:30–39). Role Among the Covenant Signatories 1. Representative leadership Magpiash stood as one of the “heads of the people,” meaning he likely represented an extended family or district. His seal indicated corporate consent, binding his clan to the covenant’s stipulations. 2. Testimony to renewed obedience The covenant was not a novel invention but a reaffirmation of existing revelation (Nehemiah 9:38; 10:29). By sealing it, Magpiash publicly acknowledged the authority of Scripture and embraced accountability to live by it. 3. Contribution to communal holiness Specific promises included separation from pagan marriages, faithful Sabbath commerce, and regular contributions to temple service. Magpiash’s agreement helped secure the spiritual framework that would sustain worship in the rebuilt second temple. Family and Tribal Affiliation Scripture does not trace Magpiash’s genealogy or tribal line. His name does not appear in the earlier return lists of Ezra 2 or Nehemiah 7, suggesting he may have been a second-generation returnee born in Babylon, a later immigrant, or a Jerusalem resident whose family details were unrecorded. The anonymity underscores that prominence in God’s work derives from faithfulness rather than pedigree. Theological and Ministry Significance • Covenant continuity Magpiash’s seal links him to the covenant line stretching from Abraham (Genesis 15:18), through Sinai (Exodus 24:7–8), to the post-exilic renewal. His participation reveals the ongoing relevance of God’s covenant purposes despite national exile and judgment. • Lay participation The narrative highlights that revival involves more than clergy; lay leaders such as Magpiash shared responsibility for spiritual reform. Contemporary ministry likewise calls for whole-body commitment, not dependence upon professional leadership alone. • Names remembered Though mentioned only once, Magpiash’s name is eternally preserved in Scripture. Minor figures remind believers that God values every act of obedience, recording it for perpetual testimony (Malachi 3:16; Hebrews 6:10). Practical Lessons 1. Sign your life to God’s Word Magpiash models intentional commitment. Modern believers “seal” themselves to the New Covenant by faith in Christ, but day-to-day obedience remains essential evidence of that covenant relationship (John 14:23). 2. Stand with a faithful remnant Even when spiritual decline is widespread, God calls individuals to step forward. Magpiash’s willingness to be counted encourages today’s disciples to identify publicly with biblical truth, regardless of cultural pressure. 3. Support corporate worship The covenant contained financial pledges for temple service. Contemporary application includes joyful stewardship and active partnership in the local church’s mission (2 Corinthians 9:7). Conclusion Magpiash’s brief cameo in Nehemiah 10 powerfully illustrates the importance of lay leadership and covenant fidelity in seasons of renewal. Though little is recorded about him beyond a single verse, his signature on the covenant document testifies to a heart aligned with God’s redemptive plan, inviting every generation to add its own seal of wholehearted devotion to the Lord. Forms and Transliterations מַגְפִּיעָ֥שׁ מגפיעש maḡ·pî·‘āš maḡpî‘āš magpiAshLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 10:20 HEB: מַגְפִּיעָ֥שׁ מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם חֵזִֽיר׃ NAS: Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, KJV: Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir, INT: Magpiash Meshullam Hezir 1 Occurrence |
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