קֵירֹס

Keros, one of the Nethinim

Definition

Keros is the name of a family head among the Nethinim, a class of temple servants in ancient Israel. The Nethinim were assigned to assist the Levites with the maintenance and service of the Tabernacle and later the Temple. The name Keros appears only in the post-exilic lists of those who returned from the Babylonian captivity to Jerusalem. As a proper noun, it refers specifically to this individual or his family line, with no other attested meanings in the biblical text.

Biblical Usage

The name Keros is used exclusively in two parallel post-exilic census lists, which record the families of the Nethinim who returned from exile. It appears in Ezra 2:44 and Nehemiah 7:47. In both contexts, it is listed among other family names of temple servants, indicating its function is purely genealogical and administrative within the context of the restored community's organization.

Etymology

The name קֵירֹס (Qêyrôs) or its variant קֵרֹס is derived from the same root as H7166 (קַרְסֹל, qarsol), meaning 'ankle' or 'ankled.' This suggests the name may have originally been a descriptive nickname or term possibly related to a physical characteristic, occupation, or movement, though its exact application as a personal name is unclear.

Semantic Range

As a name among the Nethinim, Keros connects to the important cultural and religious institution of temple service. The Nethinim (meaning 'given ones') were likely originally foreign captives or gifts dedicated to the temple for its menial tasks. Their inclusion in the return lists (Ezra 2, Nehemiah 7) highlights the post-exilic community's effort to restore not just the temple building, but its full, divinely-ordained personnel structure, ensuring proper worship could continue.

Nethinim (Nethinim, H5411) — The class of temple servants to which Keros belonged. / Gershon (Gershun, H1648) — A Levitical family also dedicated to temple service, but with higher duties than the Nethinim.

Word Details

Scripture References