Nephusim is a name found in the King James Bible, appearing 1 time in the text.
Who This Was
Nephusim is named in the King James Bible only once, in the register of those who returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian exile. In Ezra 2:50 he appears in a list of temple servants, called the Nethinim, whose families were counted among the exiles who came back to Judah. The text reads, “The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim.” The name here stands for a family or clan rather than a single individual, since the record speaks of “the children of Nephusim,” that is, his descendants.
The setting is the first return from Babylon, when the Persian king Cyrus permitted the Jews to go back and rebuild the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. Alongside priests, Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, the Nethinim were set apart for service connected with the temple. They were given to assist the Levites in the work of the sanctuary, performing the tasks that supported the worship of God. Though their role was humble, they were counted and named in the same register as the rest of the returning community.
Scripture says nothing more of Nephusim beyond this single mention. No deeds, words, or personal history are recorded. What is known is that he was regarded as the head of a family of temple servants whose descendants came back from exile and took their place in the restored worship of Israel. His inclusion in the list shows that his household was among those faithful to return.
The Name
The name Nephusim is a Hebrew name whose meaning is not clearly recoverable. It appears to be a plural or family form, consistent with the pattern of the list in which several of these names stand for clans rather than individuals. Some attempts have been made to connect it with words suggesting “scattered” or “spread abroad,” but these suggestions are uncertain and not firmly established. It is best to say plainly that the meaning of this name is not known with confidence, and no reliable definition can be given.
A Closing Thought
Nephusim’s family is remembered only by a name in a long list, yet that name was written down and preserved. The temple servants did hidden work, and most of their stories are lost to us, but God did not forget them. There is comfort here for anyone whose service goes unnoticed. The quiet, faithful tasks done for the LORD’s house are not wasted. He keeps His own record, and a place in His book is worth more than a place in history.
At a Glance
- Gender: Male
- Testament: Old
- Mentions in the KJV: 1
Where It Appears in Scripture
- Ezra 2:50 — The children of Asnah, the children of Mehunim, the children of Nephusim,