Translations
Modern
The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all.
Traditional
All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety and two.
Literal
All the Nethinim and the sons of the servants of Solomon were three hundred ninety-two.
Latin
Omnes Nathinæi, et filii servorum Salomonis, trecenti nonaginta duo.
Original
Hebrew
English
The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all.
Notes
The descendants of Solomon’s servants likely helped the Levites by carrying wood or sweeping the floor (see Ezra 2:55–58). They might have been Gibeonites (see Joshua 9:23–27; 1 Chronicles 9:35–44) or war captives (see Numbers 31:30–47).
Nehemiah wanted to ensure that only true priests and Levites served in God's temple.
Theme notes and profiles
Parallels
People
Solomon: Son of David, king of Israel, known for his wisdom
Glossary
Topics
Israel, Prophecies Concerning: Captivity of Nehemiah is Commissioned to Lead the Remainder of the Captivity Levites: The List of Those Who Returned from Captivity Nethinim: A Large Number of, Returned from the Captivity Nethinims: Return from the Captivity