חֲשׂוּפָא

חֲשׂוּפָא

Chasupha, one of the Nethinim

Definition

Chasupha is the name of a man listed among the Nethinim, a class of temple servants, in the post-exilic community. The name appears in two parallel lists of those who returned from the Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:43 and Nehemiah 7:46). As a proper noun, it functions solely as a personal identifier for this individual within the Nethinim group, who were assigned to assist the Levites in the maintenance and service of the temple.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively as a proper name in two historical census lists documenting the families who returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple. It appears in identical contexts in Ezra 2:43 and Nehemiah 7:46, where it identifies 'the sons of Chasupha' among the Nethinim. This pattern shows its use is strictly genealogical and administrative, serving to record the lineage of a specific temple-serving family.

Etymology

The name Chasupha (חֲשׂוּפָא or חֲשֻׂפָא) derives from the Hebrew root חָשַׂף (chāsaph, H2834), meaning 'to strip off, to make bare, to uncover.' It is a passive participle form, suggesting a meaning like 'stripped' or 'made bare.' As a personal name, it likely carried a descriptive or symbolic meaning, possibly referring to circumstances of birth, a physical characteristic, or an expression of vulnerability before God.

Semantic Range

While the name itself is not theologically loaded, its context is significant. Chasupha's inclusion among the Nethinim highlights the biblical theme of God incorporating diverse people into His service. The Nethinim, often considered lower-tier servants, were essential to the temple's function, demonstrating that every role in God's community has value and purpose (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). His recorded return from exile underscores God's faithfulness in preserving and restoring all parts of His worship system. In ancient Israelite culture, names were often meaningful and descriptive, not merely arbitrary labels. A name like Chasupha ('stripped' or 'uncovered') might reflect a family's experience or a hope for divine protection. Being listed among the Nethinim placed his family in a specific social and religious class dedicated to temple service, a role of honor and responsibility that was likely hereditary.

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