Lexical Summary Sophereth: Sophereth Original Word: סֹפֶרֶת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sophereth Feminine active participle of caphar; a scribe (properly, female); Sophereth, a temple servant -- Sophereth. see HEBREW caphar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as sepher Definition father of some returning exiles NASB Translation Hassophereth (1), Sophereth (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs סֹפֶ֫רֶת proper name, masculine in ׳בְּנֵיהַֿמּ Ezra 2:55 a family of returned exiles (ᵐ5 Ασεφηραθ, A Ασεφοραθ, ᵐ5L Ασωφερεθ) = ׳בְּנֵיסֿ Nehemiah 7:57 (ᵐ5 Σαφαραθ(ι) ᵐ5L Ασοφερεθ). Topical Lexicon SopherethBiblical Occurrences 1. Ezra 2:55—“The descendants of Solomon’s servants: Sotai, Hassophereth, Peruda.” Historical Setting Sophereth appears only in the post-exilic lists that record those who returned to Judah with Zerubbabel after the Babylonian captivity (circa 538 B.C.). These lists, preserved in Ezra and repeated in Nehemiah, serve both as civic census and as covenant record, confirming who belonged to the restored community. By setting their names alongside priestly and Levitical families, Scripture underscores the corporate responsibility of every member—high or lowly—in rebuilding the house of God (Ezra 2:68-70). Identity within “Solomon’s Servants” The family of Sophereth is counted among “the descendants of Solomon’s servants,” a group distinct from the Levites yet permanently attached to temple ministry. Their forefathers appear to have been domestic or administrative personnel appointed during Solomon’s reign (1 Kings 9:20-21). In later generations they were absorbed into the class known as the Nethinim, temple servants who performed necessary but humble duties such as guarding gates, preparing wood and water for sacrifices, and supporting the priests (Ezra 8:20). By listing them, Ezra highlights the Lord’s care for every vocation in His house and the dignity of service performed in faith. Name Significance and Possible Function The form Hassophereth (with the prefixed article ha-) in Ezra, and Sophereth in Nehemiah, is cognate with the Hebrew term for “scribe.” While no explicit task is assigned to this family in the biblical narrative, the etymology suggests an ancestral link to record-keeping or counting—roles crucial to royal and temple administration. Even if their post-exilic work focused on manual service, their very name witnesses to Israel’s long-standing respect for accurate transmission of information, a value that undergirds the preservation of Scripture itself (Deuteronomy 17:18; Jeremiah 36:32). Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Faithfulness of the Anonymous: By recording minor families like Sophereth, the Spirit reminds the Church that God “is not unjust; He will not forget your work and the love you have shown for His name” (Hebrews 6:10). Lessons for Today • God values roles that may appear peripheral; every ministry, whether public or hidden, contributes to the edification of the people of God (1 Corinthians 12:22-25). Summary Though mentioned only twice, Sophereth stands as a testament to the comprehensive reach of God’s redemptive plan, which honors every obedient servant. Their inclusion in Scripture assures present-day believers that no labor done for the Lord is overlooked, and that meticulous care for both worship and record-keeping is integral to covenant life. Forms and Transliterations הַסֹּפֶ֖רֶת הספרת סוֹפֶ֖רֶת סופרת has·sō·p̄e·reṯ hassoFeret hassōp̄ereṯ sō·w·p̄e·reṯ soFeret sōwp̄ereṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:55 HEB: סֹטַ֥י בְּנֵי־ הַסֹּפֶ֖רֶת בְּנֵ֥י פְרוּדָֽא׃ NAS: the sons of Hassophereth, the sons KJV: the children of Sophereth, the children INT: of Sotai the sons of Hassophereth the sons of Peruda Nehemiah 7:57 2 Occurrences |
    |