Old Testament
Nehemiah 7:46
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
Compare translations
The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
What Nehemiah 7:46 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 7:46, the Nethinims are mentioned as a group of temple servants who were descendants of specific families: Ziha, Hashupha, and Tabbaoth. The Nethinims played a crucial role in assisting the Levites and priests in the temple service. Their inclusion in the list highlights the importance of every group in the community, especially those who served in religious capacities. This verse emphasizes the continuity of service and the significance of lineage in the context of worship and community life. The Nethinims were not just workers; they were part of the restoration of Israel's worship practices after the exile. Their names remind us of the diverse roles within the community that contribute to the overall functioning of society, especially in spiritual matters. This verse serves as a reminder that every contribution, no matter how small, is valuable in the eyes of God and essential for the health of the community.
How to apply Nehemiah 7:46 to your life
Understanding the role of the Nethinims encourages us to appreciate the various contributions people make in our communities. Everyone has a part to play, and recognizing this can foster unity and cooperation. We should value and support those who serve in different capacities, as their work is vital to the overall mission.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Nehemiah 7:46
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Nehemiah 7:46
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who were the Nethinims mentioned in Nehemiah 7:46?
The Nethinims were a group of temple servants in ancient Israel, specifically mentioned in Nehemiah 7:46. They were descendants of certain families, including Ziha, Hashupha, and Tabbaoth. Their role was to assist the Levites and priests in various temple duties, highlighting the importance of their service in the religious life of the community.
What is the significance of the Nethinims in the context of Nehemiah 7:46?
The mention of the Nethinims in Nehemiah 7:46 underscores the importance of every group within the community, especially those who contribute to worship and service. Their inclusion in the list of families emphasizes the continuity of service and the significance of lineage in restoring Israel's worship practices after the exile.
How does Nehemiah 7:46 relate to the themes of community and service?
Nehemiah 7:46 reflects themes of community and service by showcasing the diverse roles individuals play within the religious framework of Israel. The Nethinims, as temple servants, represent the idea that every contribution, regardless of its perceived size, is vital for the health and functioning of the community, especially in spiritual matters.
What can we learn from the Nethinims about our roles in modern communities?
The Nethinims teach us the value of recognizing and appreciating the various contributions people make in our communities today. Just as they played a crucial role in temple service, everyone has a part to play in modern society. Valuing and supporting those who serve in different capacities fosters unity and cooperation, essential for achieving common goals.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.