גִּשְׁפָּא
Gishpa, an Israelite
Definition
Gishpa is a proper name referring to an Israelite official mentioned in the context of the post-exilic community in Jerusalem. The name appears only in Nehemiah 11:21, where Gishpa is listed as an overseer (or officer) of the Nethinim, a group of temple servants. This single reference places him in a leadership role during the period of restoration after the Babylonian exile. The name itself is of uncertain meaning and derivation, and no other biblical figure bears this name.
Biblical Usage
The word is used exactly once in the Old Testament, in Nehemiah 11:21. It functions solely as a proper name identifying an individual. The context is a list of residents and leaders in Jerusalem after the return from exile. Gishpa is specifically noted as having authority over the Nethinim, who were temple assistants. There are no other usages or patterns, as it is a unique personal name.
Etymology
The etymology of גִּשְׁפָּא (Gishpâʼ) is uncertain. Scholars have not conclusively identified a Hebrew root or a clear derivation from another Semitic language. It may be a foreign name adopted into Hebrew or a name whose original meaning was lost. The KJV transliteration 'Gispa' reflects a slightly different vocalization of the same consonants.
Semantic Range
While the name Gishpa itself holds no specific theological weight, his role is theologically significant. His position as an overseer of the Nethinim (Nehemiah 11:21) highlights the organized re-establishment of temple worship and community structure after the exile. This reflects God's faithfulness in restoring His people and the importance of orderly service in the worship life of the covenant community. Understanding such minor figures enriches our reading by showing the collective effort involved in biblical restoration narratives.
In the cultural context of post-exilic Judah, names were often meaningful, though Gishpa's meaning is lost. His role as an overseer (פָּקִיד, paqid) was an administrative position of responsibility. The Nethinim (literally 'given ones') were a hereditary class of temple servants, possibly descended from Gibeonites (Joshua 9) or war captives dedicated to temple service. Gishpa's leadership over them indicates a structured hierarchy within the restored community, ensuring the practical duties of the temple were maintained.
פָּקִיד (pāqîd, H6496) — This is the title 'overseer' or 'officer' held by Gishpa, not a synonym for his name. נְתִינִים (Nethinim, H5411) — This refers to the group of temple servants he oversaw, not a personal synonym.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
Full methodology & sources →