Lexical Summary Nethinin: Nethinim Original Word: נְתִין Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Nethinims (Aramaic) corresponding to Nathiyn -- Nethinims. see HEBREW Nathiyn NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) corresponding to nethinim Definition temple servants in Isr. NASB Translation Nethinim (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [נְתִינִין] noun masculine plural Nethinîn (probably loan-word from Biblical Hebrew נְתִינִים, √ נָתַן); — servants of sanctuary, emphatic נְתִינַיָּא Ezra 7:24. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Scope Strong’s Hebrew 5412 (נְתִין, nᵉthîn) denotes an imposed payment rendered to a governing authority—“tribute” or “impost.” It stands in contrast to freewill offerings; rather than a voluntary gift to God, it is a compulsory levy demanded by the state. The root idea of “something given” survives, yet the context transforms the concept into a civic obligation. Biblical Occurrence Ezra 7:24 records the single appearance: “And you also are to be aware that you have no authority to impose tribute, tax, or duty on any priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God.” Here נְתִין is paired with two further terms (“tax” and “duty”) to form a comprehensive triad covering every kind of governmental exaction. Artaxerxes’ decree therefore shields temple personnel from all forms of monetary burden. Historical Background Ezra 7 is written in Imperial Aramaic, the administrative language of the Persian Empire. Artaxerxes I (465–424 BC) grants Ezra wide authority to restore proper worship in Jerusalem. Exempting the temple staff from imperial tribute served three purposes: 1. It honored Persian policy of supporting local cults to secure loyalty in the provinces. The Aramaic vocabulary (minda, belo, and nᵉthîn) reflects official terminology found in contemporary Persian documents, underscoring the historicity of the narrative. Theological Significance 1. Divine Providence in Secular Edicts God can move pagan kings to benefit His people (Proverbs 21:1). Artaxerxes’ decree exemplifies the Lord’s sovereignty over imperial finances, echoing earlier favors granted by Cyrus (Ezra 1:1-4) and Darius (Ezra 6:1-12). 2. Sanctity of Worship By exempting priests and Levites from נְתִין, the decree affirms that worship takes precedence over civic claims. Material hindrances should not obstruct ministry (compare Acts 6:2-4). 3. Foreshadowing Gospel Liberty While believers today are not free from civil taxes (Romans 13:6-7), the exemption hints at a higher realm where service to God is unencumbered (Revelation 22:3). Christ’s teaching about the temple tax (Matthew 17:24-27) reminds disciples that sons are free, yet voluntarily submit to avoid offense—mirroring Ezra’s dignified acceptance of imperial favor without compromising divine allegiance. Practical Ministry Implications • Financial Freedom for Ministry: Churches that relieve their servants from excessive material burdens imitate Artaxerxes’ policy, enabling undistracted devotion to Scripture and worship. Related Biblical Themes Genesis 47:26 – earliest taxation in Israel’s history under Joseph. 1 Kings 12:4 – heavy taxation fuels rebellion, warning that unjust נְתִין-like levies can fracture a nation. Matthew 22:21 – “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s,” balancing civic duty with divine loyalty. 1 Corinthians 9:13-14 – those who serve in holy things should live from the temple/altar, a New-Covenant parallel to the exemption. Summary Strong’s 5412 highlights God’s ability to marshal imperial economics for His redemptive agenda. The single occurrence in Ezra 7:24 showcases a righteous king’s decree that liberates worship leaders from secular tribute, safeguarding the purity and continuity of temple ministry. Modern believers see in this term both a call to respectful citizenship and a reminder that ultimate allegiance—and provision—belongs to the Lord. Forms and Transliterations נְתִ֣ינַיָּ֔א נתיניא nə·ṯî·nay·yā neTinaiYa nəṯînayyāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 7:24 HEB: זַמָּ֨רַיָּ֤א תָרָֽעַיָּא֙ נְתִ֣ינַיָּ֔א וּפָ֣לְחֵ֔י בֵּ֖ית NAS: doorkeepers, Nethinim or servants KJV: porters, Nethinims, or ministers INT: singers doorkeepers Nethinim servants house 1 Occurrence |
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