Lexical Summary Nephushesim: Nephushesim Original Word: נְפוּשְׁסִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nephisesim For Nphiyciym; Nephushesim, a Temple- servant -- Nephisesim (from the margin). see HEBREW Nphiyciym NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originthe same as Nephisim, q.v. Brown-Driver-Briggs נפיסים proper name Kt, in phrase ׳בְּנֵי נ Ezra 2:50, Qr נְפוּסִים, of family of returned exiles; ᵐ5 Ναφεισων, A Νεφουσειμ, ᵐ5L Νεφωσειμ; = נפושׁסים Nehemiah 7:52 Kt, Qr נְפִישְׁסִים, ᵐ5 Νεφωσασει, etc., ᵐ5L Νεφουσειμ; — Kt Ezra and Qr Nehemiah, respectively, are probably to be preferred (compare נָפִישׁ below נפשׁ), but Nehemiah has mixture of two variants, נפיסים, נפישׁים. נְפִישְׁסִים see foregoing. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences Nephusim appears twice in the Old Testament, both times in the restored–exile lists of Temple servants (the Nethinim). Historical Background After Judah’s seventy-year captivity in Babylon, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus to issue a decree authorizing the Jews to return and rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem (Ezra 1:1-4). The lists in Ezra and Nehemiah record those who responded. Among them were the Nethinim—Temple attendants who handled practical, often menial tasks that freed Levites to focus on sacrificial and liturgical duties (1 Chronicles 9:2; Ezra 8:20). Nephusim is one of the Nethinim families. Although nothing more is said about their pre-exilic history, the place of Nephusim in these rosters testifies to an unbroken chain of service across centuries and empires. Under Persian administration, travel to Judah demanded sacrifice, and the mention of Nephusim alongside other families underscores their willingness to risk the journey and labor for the restoration of worship at the chosen place (Deuteronomy 12:5). Their inclusion also verifies the historic reliability of Ezra and Nehemiah: the compilers preserved minor clan names, demonstrating that the returned community was not an anonymous mass but a covenant people with verifiable genealogies—a matter especially important for Temple service (Ezra 2:62). Ministry Role and Spiritual Significance 1. Purposed Service. Though never spotlighted like priests or prophets, Nephusim’s service was indispensable. Tasks such as water-drawing, fire-wood preparation, and gate duty sustained daily worship. Their obscurity illustrates the biblical truth that seemingly small ministries undergird the public worship of God (1 Corinthians 12:22). Theological Themes • The Faithfulness of God to the Lowly. By naming Nephusim, Scripture highlights God’s remembrance of every laborer. “God is not unjust; He will not forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10). Lessons for Today 1. Serve Where God Places You. Recognition is not the measure of worth; faithfulness is. Modern ministry still relies on those who quietly maintain facilities, prepare the Lord’s Table, or serve the needy. Related Names and Variations Nephusim appears as “Nephisim,” “Nephushesim,” or “Nephushasim” in various English versions, but all represent the same Hebrew family. The slight spelling differences reflect transliteration choices rather than distinct groups. Summary Though mentioned only twice, Nephusim embodies humble, persevering service that God records and rewards. Their legacy challenges believers to value every task done for the glory of God and for the flourishing of corporate worship. Forms and Transliterations נְפִֽישְׁסִֽים׃ נְפוּסִֽים׃ נפוסים׃ נפישסים׃ nə·p̄î·šə·sîm nə·p̄ū·sîm neFisheSim nefuSim nəp̄îšəsîm nəp̄ūsîmLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:50 HEB: [נְפִיסִים כ] (נְפוּסִֽים׃ ק) KJV: of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim, INT: Mehunim the sons Nephisesim Nehemiah 7:52 2 Occurrences |
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