Biblical References:
Nephushesim is mentioned in the context of the genealogies and lists of returnees from the Babylonian exile in the Old Testament. The primary reference to Nephushesim is found in the book of Nehemiah.

· Nehemiah 7:52 : "the descendants of Besai, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephushesim,"

Historical Context:
The name Nephushesim appears in the post-exilic period, specifically during the time when the Israelites were returning to Jerusalem and Judah from Babylonian captivity. This period is marked by efforts to rebuild the Temple and restore the community according to the laws and traditions of Israel. The lists of returnees, such as those found in Nehemiah, serve to document the families and groups who participated in this significant restoration effort.

Etymology and Meaning:
The name Nephushesim is of uncertain etymology, and its meaning is not definitively known. It is a plural form, which may suggest a family or group rather than an individual. The name could be related to a root meaning "to breathe" or "to blow," but this is speculative.

Role in the Community:
The mention of Nephushesim in the genealogical records indicates that they were part of the larger community of Israelites who returned to their homeland. These records were crucial for establishing identity, heritage, and rights within the restored community. The inclusion of Nephushesim in these lists underscores their participation in the collective effort to reestablish the religious and social structures of Israel.

Theological Significance:
The listing of Nephushesim, along with other families and groups, highlights the fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people after the exile. It reflects the faithfulness of God in preserving a remnant and the importance of community and identity in the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The genealogies serve as a testament to the continuity of God's people and His ongoing work in their history.

Cultural and Religious Importance:
In the post-exilic community, maintaining genealogical records was vital for several reasons, including the determination of land ownership, tribal affiliation, and eligibility for certain religious roles. The Nephushesim, as part of these records, contributed to the reestablishment of the social and religious order in Jerusalem. Their inclusion signifies their role in the broader narrative of Israel's restoration and the reconstitution of the Jewish community.

Conclusion:
While specific details about the Nephushesim are limited, their mention in the book of Nehemiah places them within the significant historical and theological context of Israel's return from exile. Their presence in the genealogical records underscores the themes of restoration, identity, and divine faithfulness that are central to the post-exilic period.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
... Nephushesim. 5301 . Nephisesim. Transliteration: Nephushesim Phonetic Spelling:
(nef-oo-shes-eem') Short Definition: nephishesim. ... Nephushesim. 5301 . ...
/hebrew/5300.htm - 5k

5304. Nephisim -- a family of returned exiles
... Word Origin of uncertain derivation Definition a family of returned exiles
NASB Word Usage Nephisim (1), Nephushesim (1). Nephusim. ...
/hebrew/5304.htm - 6k

Nephushesim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia NEPHUSHESIM; NEPHISHESIM. ... See NAPHISH; NEPHISIM.
Multi-Version Concordance Nephushesim (1 Occurrence). ...
/n/nephushesim.htm - 7k

Nephishesim (1 Occurrence)
... and the Revised Version margin (Ezra 2:50). See NAPHISH; NEPHUSHESIM. NEPHUSHESIM;
NEPHISHESIM. ne-fush'-e-sim, ne-fish'-e-sim (nephushecim ...
/n/nephishesim.htm - 7k

Naphisi
... Codex Vaticanus Napheisei): The name of one of the families which went up out of
captivity with Zerubbabel (1 Esdras 5:31) equals "Nephushesim" of Nehemiah 7:52 ...
/n/naphisi.htm - 6k

Naphish (3 Occurrences)
... are mentioned among the Nethinim by the name "Nephisim," the King James Version
and the Revised Version margin "Nephusim" (Ezra 2:50); "Nephushesim," the King ...
/n/naphish.htm - 8k

Nephto'ah (2 Occurrences)
Nephto'ah. Nephtoah, Nephto'ah. Nephushesim . Multi-Version Concordance ... (See
RSV). Nephtoah, Nephto'ah. Nephushesim . Reference Bible.
/n/nephto'ah.htm - 7k

Nephush'esim (1 Occurrence)
Nephush'esim. Nephushesim, Nephush'esim. Nephusim . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Nephushesim, Nephush'esim. Nephusim . Reference Bible.
/n/nephush'esim.htm - 6k

Meunim (5 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children
of Nephushesim, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV). ...
/m/meunim.htm - 8k

Me-u'nim (3 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of
Nephushesim, (See RSV). Meunim, Me-u'nim. Meunites . Reference Bible.
/m/me-u'nim.htm - 7k

Besai (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:52 The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children
of Nephushesim, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV NIV). ...
/b/besai.htm - 7k

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