דַּרְקוֹן

Darkon, one of 'Solomon's servants'

Definition

Darkon is a proper name identifying an individual listed among the 'sons of Solomon's servants' who returned from the Babylonian exile. This designation, found in Ezra 2:56 and Nehemiah 7:58, places him within a specific class of temple personnel or laborers historically associated with King Solomon's reign. The name itself is of uncertain meaning, but its bearer is significant as part of the recorded community that restored worship in Jerusalem. As a proper noun, it refers solely to this individual within the biblical genealogical records.

Biblical Usage

The name Darkon is used exclusively in two parallel post-exilic census lists: Ezra 2:56 and Nehemiah 7:58. In both contexts, it appears within the roster of the 'sons of Solomon's servants,' a group distinct from the Levites and priests, who returned from Babylon to Judah. This usage is purely genealogical and administrative, serving to document the composition of the restored community.

Etymology

The etymology of דַּרְקוֹן (Darqôwn) is uncertain. Scholars have not conclusively linked it to a known Hebrew root. It is a proper name, likely of foreign (possibly Persian) origin, which was adopted by or given to an individual within the Israelite community. Its meaning remains opaque, as is common with many personal names from the exilic and post-exilic periods.

Semantic Range

The phrase 'sons of Solomon's servants' (Ezra 2:55, Nehemiah 7:57) refers to a class of temple servants or laborers whose lineage was traced back to individuals appointed by King Solomon centuries earlier. Their inclusion in the return lists signifies the importance of continuity with Israel's pre-exilic worship institutions and the restoration of a complete temple community, including all its necessary functional roles.

נְתִינִים (Nethinim, H5411) — A broader term for temple servants, of which the 'sons of Solomon's servants' were likely a subset.

Word Details

Scripture References