Lexical Summary Sia or Siaha: Siaha Original Word: סִיעָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sia, Siaha Or Ciyeahai {see-ah-haw'}; from an unused root meaning to converse; congregation; Sia or Siaha, one of the Nethinim -- Sia, Siaha. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition father of some returning exiles NASB Translation Sia (1), Siaha (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs סִיעָא, סִיעֲהָא proper name, masculine בְּנֵיסִֿיעָא returned exiles Nehemiah 7:47 = בְּנֵיסִֿיעֲהָא Ezra 2:44; ᵐ5 Nehemiah Ασουια א Ιασουια, A Σιαια, ᵐ5L Ιωσιου; ᵐ5 Ezra Σωηλ, A Ασαα, ᵐ5L Ιωσια. Topical Lexicon Biblical OccurrencesStrong’s Hebrew 5517 designates the family name סִיעָא, rendered “Sia” (Nehemiah) or “Siaha” (Ezra). It appears only in the post-exilic census lists—Ezra 2:44 and Nehemiah 7:47—where the returning exiles are catalogued by ancestral houses. In both lists the family is grouped among the נְתִינִים (Nethinim), the temple servants who accompanied Zerubbabel back to Judah. Ezra 2:44: “the descendants of Keros, Siaha, and Padon.” Nehemiah 7:47: “the descendants of Keros, Sia, and Padon.” Identity and Function 1. Lineage Sia represents a clan rather than an individual. While Scripture records no biography, the preservation of the name within the inspired genealogies underscores its covenant inclusion. 2. Status as Nethinim The Nethinim were “given” (from the Hebrew root nathan) to aid the Levites in temple maintenance. Tasks ranged from wood-carrying (Nehemiah 10:34) to water-drawing and gate supervision—humble yet indispensable roles ensuring uninterrupted worship. 3. Return from Exile By joining the caravan from Babylon, the house of Sia accepted the hardships of relocation, prioritized corporate worship over personal security, and aligned themselves with the prophetic promises of restoration (Jeremiah 29:10; Isaiah 44:28). Historical Significance • Restoration Strategy Zerubbabel’s census emphasized both priestly purity and servant availability. The presence of Sia illustrates the planners’ foresight: sacred rituals required a support structure before sacrificial ministry could resume (Ezra 3:2–6). • Social Integration Although of lower standing than priests and Levites, the Nethinim shared equally in the blessings of the rebuilt community—jointly signing the covenant renewal (Nehemiah 10:28–29) and receiving towns around Jerusalem (Nehemiah 11:3, 21). Sia therefore models God’s regard for every rung of the covenant society. Theological Themes 1. Dignity of Service The house of Sia personifies the biblical principle that the Lord “takes pleasure in His servants” (Psalm 35:27). Their mention amid more prominent tribes reminds readers that God records and rewards even hidden labor (Hebrews 6:10). 2. Faithfulness in Small Things By embracing support roles, the Sia family parallels New Testament exhortations: “Whoever wants to be first must be the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Their obedience enables the broader mission, anticipating the body imagery of 1 Corinthians 12:22—“the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” 3. Covenant Inclusivity The return lists demonstrate that restoration is not limited to leaders like Joshua the high priest or Ezra the scribe; lesser-known servants share in covenant renewal and in the genealogical record that ultimately leads to Messiah (Matthew 1:12–13). Ministry Implications • Valuing Unsung Roles Modern congregations mirror the post-exilic temple. From custodial teams to technical crews, the spirit of Sia challenges churches to honor unseen ministries that sustain corporate worship. • Encouraging Faithful Families That an entire household is named teaches parents and elders to cultivate generational commitment—each member finding a place of service, however modest, within God’s redemptive plan. • Perseverance amid Transition Like the exiles, believers may relocate, rebuild, or restructure. The steadfastness of Sia encourages endurance, trusting that God records every act accomplished for His glory (Malachi 3:16). Connections to New Testament Principles Luke 22:27 highlights the Servant-King who “is among you as One who serves.” The Sia family foreshadows this Christlike posture. Paul’s self-description as a διάκονος (“servant,” 1 Corinthians 3:5) similarly reflects the legacy of temple helpers whose quiet devotion facilitated worship. Their inclusion in Scripture assures saints that no labor in the Lord is ever in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Summary Though mentioned only twice, the house of Sia embodies crucial truths: God notices humble workers, weaves them into salvation history, and calls every generation to consecrate ordinary tasks to extraordinary purposes. Forms and Transliterations סִֽיעֲהָ֖א סִיעָ֖א סיעא סיעהא sî‘ā sî‘ăhā sî·‘ā sî·‘ă·hā siA siaHaLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:44 HEB: קֵרֹ֥ס בְּֽנֵי־ סִֽיעֲהָ֖א בְּנֵ֥י פָדֽוֹן׃ NAS: the sons of Siaha, the sons KJV: the children of Siaha, the children INT: of Keros the sons of Siaha the sons of Padon Nehemiah 7:47 2 Occurrences |
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