Sophereth
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Topical Encyclopedia
Etymology and Meaning
The name "Sophereth" is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is often associated with "scribe" or "writer." This etymology reflects the possible role or occupation of the individual or family bearing this name in ancient Israelite society.

Biblical References
Sophereth is mentioned in the context of the post-exilic return to Jerusalem. The name appears in the lists of those who returned from the Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel, as recorded in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These lists are significant as they document the families and individuals who were part of the restoration of Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the Temple.

1. Ezra 2:55 · "The descendants of Solomon’s servants: the descendants of Sotai, Hassophereth, and Peruda."
In this passage, Sophereth is listed among the descendants of Solomon's servants. The mention of "Hassophereth" suggests a possible variant or related form of the name, indicating a family or group associated with the service of Solomon's household.

2. Nehemiah 7:57 · "The descendants of Solomon’s servants: the descendants of Sotai, Sophereth, and Perida."
This verse parallels the account in Ezra, reaffirming the presence of Sophereth among the descendants of Solomon's servants. The consistency between the two accounts underscores the importance of these individuals in the post-exilic community.

Historical and Cultural Context
The descendants of Solomon's servants, including Sophereth, played a crucial role in the re-establishment of Jewish society after the Babylonian exile. These individuals were likely involved in various administrative, religious, or service-oriented roles, contributing to the functioning of the restored community. The mention of Sophereth in these genealogical records highlights the continuity of certain families and their enduring legacy within the Israelite tradition.

Theological Significance
The inclusion of Sophereth in the biblical genealogies emphasizes the theme of restoration and faithfulness. The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem were seen as acts of divine providence and fulfillment of God's promises to His people. The descendants of Solomon's servants, including Sophereth, symbolize the broader narrative of redemption and the re-establishment of God's covenant community.

Conclusion
While the specific details about Sophereth are limited, the name's presence in the biblical record serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of those who participated in the pivotal events of Israel's history. The mention of Sophereth in the context of the return from exile underscores the importance of every individual and family in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Sophereth

scribe, numbering

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Sophereth

(writing). "The children of Sophereth" were a family who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel among the descendants of Solomon's servants. (Ezra 2:55; Nehemiah 7:57) (B.C. before 536.)

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SOPHERETH

so-fe'-reth, sof'-e-reth, so'-fe-reth (cophereth): One of the remnant returning from captivity (Ezra 2:55 the King James Version; Nehemiah 7:57). In the Revised Version (British and American) of Ezra 2:55 it is "Hassophereth," the definite article being transliterated.

Strong's Hebrew
5618. Sophereth -- father of some returning exiles
... Sophereth. 5619 . father of some returning exiles. Transliteration: Sophereth
Phonetic Spelling: (so-feh'-reth) Short Definition: Hassophereth. ... Sophereth. ...
/hebrew/5618.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Sophereth (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SOPHERETH. so-fe'-reth ... transliterated.
Multi-Version Concordance Sophereth (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2 ...
/s/sophereth.htm - 7k

So'phereth (1 Occurrence)
So'phereth. Sophereth, So'phereth. Sophistry . Multi-Version Concordance
So'phereth (1 Occurrence). ... Sophereth, So'phereth. Sophistry . Reference Bible.
/s/so'phereth.htm - 6k

Peri'da (1 Occurrence)
... Peri'da (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 7:57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children
of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida; (See RSV). ...
/p/peri'da.htm - 6k

Perida (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 7:57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children
of Sophereth, the children of Perida, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT ...
/p/perida.htm - 7k

Assaphioth
... called also the servants of Solomon (1 Esdras 5:33). Probably the same as
Hassophereth of Ezra 2:55 and Sophereth of Nehemiah 7:57. ...
/a/assaphioth.htm - 6k

Sotai (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children
of Sophereth, the children of Perida, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT ...
/s/sotai.htm - 7k

Sope
Sope. Sop'ater, Sope. Sophereth . Noah Webster's Dictionary (n.) See Soap.
Int. ... SOPE. sop. See SOAP. Sop'ater, Sope. Sophereth . Reference Bible.
/s/sope.htm - 6k

So'tai (2 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the
children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, (See RSV). ...
/s/so'tai.htm - 6k

Solomon's (56 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 7:57 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children
of Sophereth, the children of Perida, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV ...
/s/solomon's.htm - 31k

Hassophereth (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HASSOPHERETH. has-o-fe'-reth. See SOPHERETH.
Multi-Version Concordance Hassophereth (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/hassophereth.htm - 6k

Resources
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Concordance
Sophereth (2 Occurrences)

Ezra 2:55
The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda,
(Root in WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Nehemiah 7:57
The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS NIV)

Subtopics

Sophereth

Sophereth: A Servant of Solomon Whose Descendants Returned from Babylonian Captivity to Jerusalem

Related Terms

Sophereth (2 Occurrences)

Sophistry (2 Occurrences)

Sope
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