Etymology and Meaning
The name "Nephishesim" is believed to be derived from a root meaning "refreshed" or "breathing," though the exact etymology remains uncertain. It is a name that appears in the genealogical records of the post-exilic community of Israel.

Biblical References
Nephishesim is mentioned in the context of the return from the Babylonian exile. The primary reference to Nephishesim is found in the book of Nehemiah:

· Nehemiah 7:52 : "the descendants of Nephishesim, 652."

This passage is part of a larger list detailing the families and individuals who returned to Jerusalem and Judah under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The list serves to document the restoration of the Jewish community and the reestablishment of their religious and social structures.

Historical Context
The mention of Nephishesim occurs during the period following the Babylonian exile, a significant era in Jewish history. After the decree of Cyrus the Great in 538 BC, which allowed the Jews to return to their homeland, many families and groups made the journey back to Jerusalem. The returnees were tasked with rebuilding the Temple and restoring the city, both physically and spiritually.

The listing of families, such as the descendants of Nephishesim, underscores the importance of lineage and heritage in the Jewish community. It reflects the continuity of the covenant people and their commitment to maintaining their identity and religious practices despite the challenges of exile.

Theological Significance
The inclusion of Nephishesim in the genealogical records highlights the faithfulness of God in preserving His people. Each name in the list represents a testimony to God's covenant promises and His providential care. The return from exile is seen as a fulfillment of prophetic promises, demonstrating God's mercy and the hope of restoration.

Furthermore, the detailed genealogies emphasize the importance of community and belonging within the people of Israel. The descendants of Nephishesim, like other families, played a role in the collective effort to rebuild and renew the covenant community. This reflects the biblical theme of corporate identity and responsibility in the life of God's people.

Cultural and Religious Implications
The post-exilic period was marked by a renewed focus on the Law and the reestablishment of religious practices. The genealogical records, including the mention of Nephishesim, served not only as historical documentation but also as a means of reinforcing the community's commitment to the Torah and the worship of Yahweh.

In Jewish tradition, maintaining a clear record of ancestry was crucial for determining tribal affiliations, land inheritance, and participation in religious duties. The descendants of Nephishesim, like other families, would have been integrated into the social and religious fabric of the restored community, contributing to the collective identity and mission of Israel.

Conclusion
While the specific details about the descendants of Nephishesim are limited, their inclusion in the biblical record serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of God's people. Through the trials of exile and the challenges of return, the faithfulness of God and the resilience of His covenant community are vividly portrayed.Nephishesim

diminished; torn in pieces

Nephishesim

(expansions). The children of Nephishesim were among the Nethinim who returned with Zerubbabel. (Nehemiah 7:62)

NEPHISH; NEPHISIM; NEPHISHESIM; NEPHUSIM

ne'-fish, ne-fi'-sim, ne-fish'-e-sim, ne-fusim (nephicim, nephucim): The former is the Kethibh (Hebrew: "written") form of the name adopted in the Revised Version (British and American); the latter the Qere (Hebrew "read") form, adopted in the King James Version and the Revised Version margin (Ezra 2:50).

See NAPHISH; NEPHUSHESIM.

NEPHUSHESIM; NEPHISHESIM

ne-fush'-e-sim, ne-fish'-e-sim (nephushecim, nephishecim): The former is the Kethibh (Hebrew "written") form of the name adopted in the Revised Version (British and American); the latter the Qere (Hebrew "read") form adopted in the King James Version and the Revised Version margin (Nehemiah 7:52).

See NAPHISH; NEPHISIM.

5300. Nephushesim -- Nephisesim
... Nephisesim. Transliteration: Nephushesim Phonetic Spelling: (nef-oo-shes-eem') Short
Definition: nephishesim. Word Origin the same as Nephisim, qv. Nephisesim ...
/hebrew/5300.htm - 5kNephishesim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHISH; NEPHISIM; NEPHISHESIM; NEPHUSIM.
ne ... See NAPHISH; NEPHUSHESIM. NEPHUSHESIM; NEPHISHESIM. ne ...
/n/nephishesim.htm - 7k

Nephisim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHISH; NEPHISIM; NEPHISHESIM; NEPHUSIM.
ne'-fish, ne-fi'-sim, ne-fish'-e-sim, ne-fusim (nephicim ...
/n/nephisim.htm - 7k

Nephish (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHISH; NEPHISIM; NEPHISHESIM; NEPHUSIM.
ne'-fish, ne-fi'-sim, ne-fish'-e-sim, ne-fusim (nephicim ...
/n/nephish.htm - 7k

Nephusim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHISH; NEPHISIM; NEPHISHESIM; NEPHUSIM.
ne'-fish, ne-fi'-sim, ne-fish'-e-sim, ne-fusim (nephicim ...
/n/nephusim.htm - 7k

Naphish (3 Occurrences)
... Version and the Revised Version margin "Nephusim" (Ezra 2:50); "Nephushesim," the
King James Version and the Revised Version margin "Nephishesim" (Nehemiah 7:52 ...
/n/naphish.htm - 8k

Nephussim (2 Occurrences)
... children of Nephusim; (See NIV). Nehemiah 7:52 the children of Besai, the
children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim; (See NIV). ...
/n/nephussim.htm - 6k

Nephushesim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHUSHESIM; NEPHISHESIM. ne-fush'-e-sim,
ne-fish'-e-sim (nephushecim, nephishecim): The former ...
/n/nephushesim.htm - 7k

Nephush'esim (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Nephush'esim (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:52 the children
of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim; (See RSV). ...
/n/nephush'esim.htm - 6k

Bezai (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Bezai (2 Occurrences). Nehemiah 7:52 sons of Bezai,
sons of Meunim, sons of Nephishesim, (YLT). Nehemiah ...
/b/bezai.htm - 7k

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