Overview
The Nethinims (also called "the Nethinim") were non-Levitical temple servants who performed manual labor and maintenance duties in the tabernacle and temple. Their name means "given ones," referring to their dedication to temple service. They worked under the supervision of the Levites and were exempt from certain taxes, indicating their official status in Israel's religious structure.
Key Scriptures
"Also the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, and Jinnah, and their brethren, the Nethinims in their cities" (1 Chronicles 9:2, NASB).
"The Nethinims and the children of Solomon's servants were three hundred and ninety and two" (Ezra 2:58, KJV).
"And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasury a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments" (Nehemiah 7:70, KJV).
Application
Believers today can reflect on how the Nethinims' faithful service in supporting temple worship models humble, behind-the-scenes dedication to God's purposes in the local church.