Lexical Summary Pokereth Hatstsebayim: Pokereth of the Gazelles Original Word: פֹכֶרֶת צְבָיִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Pokereth-Tsebajim, one of the servants of SolomonFrom the active participle (of the same form as the first word) feminine of an unused root (meaning to entrap) and plural of tsbiy; trap of gazelles; Pokereth-Tsebajim, one of the "servants of Solomon" -- Pochereth of Zebaim. see HEBREW tsbiy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word and tsebi Definition "bindress of the gazelles," head of a postexilic family NASB Translation Pochereth-hazzebaim (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs מֹּכֶ֫רֶת הַצְבָיִם proper name, masculine (bindress [Aramaic; perhaps binder (feminine of office)] of the gazelles); — head of post-exilic family, ׳ה ׳בְּנֵי פ Ezra 2:57 = Nehemiah 7:59 (הַצְּבָיִים, υιὁὶ Φασραθ υιὁὶ Ασεβωειν(Φακαραθ, Σαβαειμ, etc.). פלא (√ of following; separate from the ordinary, distinguish according to Thes Gerber212, compare פלה). Topical Lexicon Occurrences in Scripture Ezra 2:57 and Nehemiah 7:59 each list “the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim” among those who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. In the Berean Standard Bible, Ezra records: “descendants of Shephatiah, descendants of Hattil, descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and descendants of Amon” (Ezra 2:57). Nehemiah’s nearly identical register underscores the reliability of the records preserved across decades. Historical Context These two verses occur inside extensive census lists compiled shortly after the exile. Ezra’s list (circa 538 BC) documents families who came back to Judea in the first wave of returnees, while Nehemiah (circa 445 BC) rehearses the same roster as part of his effort to repopulate Jerusalem and restore covenant faithfulness. Such duplication shows that the restoration community considered accurate lineage essential for re-establishing temple service and civic order. Identity within the Community of Temple Servants Pochereth-hazzebaim is grouped with “the servants of Solomon” (Ezra 2:55–58; Nehemiah 7:57–60), a class closely related to the Nethinim. These were non-priestly assistants responsible for menial but necessary labor connected to the temple. Their tasks likely included maintenance, water hauling, wood cutting, and other logistical support that freed Levites and priests for consecrated duties (compare Joshua 9:27; 1 Chronicles 9:2). Genealogical Significance By preserving the lineage of even minor service families, Scripture highlights that every covenant participant—even those outside the priestly or royal lines—possessed a traceable place in God’s redemptive plan. Though the name appears only twice, the careful inclusion shields the community from unauthorized persons (Ezra 2:59–63) and foreshadows the New Testament emphasis on orderly worship and discernment of gifts (1 Corinthians 14:40; Romans 12:4–8). Theological Insights 1. Covenant Inclusivity: The return lists combine prominent leaders (Ezra 2:2) with humble servants, embodying the principle that the Lord’s work requires varied gifts and backgrounds (Nehemiah 3; 1 Corinthians 12:12–26). Ministry Lessons • Administrative Stewardship: Modern ministry likewise depends on reliable records and accountability, whether for financial stewardship, child protection policies, or mission partnerships. Connections to the Broader Narrative The presence of Solomon’s former servants in the restoration era illustrates divine mercy that outlasts judgment. Solomon’s dynasty fractured, yet those once aligned with his court still found a place in the renewed temple. This anticipates the Messiah who gathers both prominent and lowly into one household (Ephesians 2:19-22). Christological and Eschatological Considerations Lists such as Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7 foreshadow the “Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27), where names matter eternally. Redemption is personal and particular; the gospel reaches individuals with distinct stories, affirming that no servant is overlooked by the Lord who “calls His sheep by name” (John 10:3). Application for Today Recognizing families like Pochereth-hazzebaim encourages believers to: Related References Ezra 2:43-63; Nehemiah 7:46-65; Joshua 9:23-27; 1 Chronicles 9:2; 1 Corinthians 12:18-26; Hebrews 6:10; Revelation 21:27 Forms and Transliterations הַצְּבָיִ֖ים הצביים haṣ·ṣə·ḇā·yîm haṣṣəḇāyîm hatztzevaYimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:57 HEB: בְּנֵ֛י פֹּכֶ֥רֶת הַצְּבָיִ֖ים בְּנֵ֥י אָמִֽי׃ NAS: the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the sons KJV: the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children INT: of Hattil the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim the sons of Ami Nehemiah 7:59 2 Occurrences |
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