Lexical Summary Kasiphya: Casiphia Original Word: כָּסִפְיָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Casiphia Perhaps from keceph; silvery; Casiphja, a place in Bab. -- Casiphia. see HEBREW keceph NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originperhaps from kasaph Definition a place in Bab. NASB Translation Casiphia (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs כָּסִפְיָא proper name, of a location in Babylonia, site un-known: — הַמָּקוֺם ׳בְּכ Ezra 8:17 (twice in verse) ᵐ5 B ἐν ἀργυρίῳ, ᵐ5L ἐν Μασφεν Esdr a, τῶν γαζοφυλακίων, γαζοφύλαξιν Esdr β. כֶּסֶת see below II. כסה. Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Kasiphia is mentioned only in Ezra 8:17 and is understood to have been a settlement in the region of Babylon where a sizeable community of Levites and temple servants (Nethinim) resided during the exile. Its exact location is unknown, but Ezra treats it as close enough to Ahava to enable messengers to complete a round trip within the period of his preparations for the return to Jerusalem (Ezra 8:15–18). The name itself, connected etymologically with “silver,” has led some scholars to suggest a district associated with precious-metal trade or craft, which would explain the presence of skilled temple personnel who had found secular employment in exile. Scriptural Occurrences Ezra 8:17 contains both Old Testament references to Kasiphia: “I sent them to Iddo the leader at the place called Casiphia, and I instructed them what to say to him and his brothers, the temple servants at Casiphia, so that they might bring to us ministers for the house of our God.” (Berean Standard Bible) Historical Context By the time Ezra assembled his company beside the River Ahava (circa 458 B.C.), more than seventy years had passed since Zerubbabel’s first return. The temple was standing, yet adequate priestly and Levitical staffing was lacking (Ezra 8:15, 18). Persian policy allowed further resettlement, and Ezra was commissioned to strengthen the worship infrastructure in Jerusalem (Ezra 7:12–26). Kasiphia became the strategic supply point for Levitical manpower, demonstrating how pockets of faithful Israelites maintained vocational identity even while integrated into Mesopotamian society. Role in Ezra’s Mission 1. Recruitment Hub Kasiphia furnished 38 Levites and 220 Nethinim (Ezra 8:18–20). Their willingness to uproot affirms covenant loyalty and recognizes the priority of temple service over personal security. Theological Themes • Restoration of Worship The exiles were not merely returning residents; they were returning worshipers. Kasiphia’s contribution underscored that the heart of post-exilic identity was the worship of YHWH in His chosen place. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry • Assess and Address Gaps Ezra paused his journey when he “found no Levites there” (Ezra 8:15). Modern leaders likewise must evaluate where ministry lacks essential gifts and seek God-provided personnel. Related Texts and Cross-References • Numbers 3:5–9 – Levitical duties foundational to the need Ezra perceived. Kasiphia thus stands as a minor place name with major implications: a witness that, wherever God scatters His people, He preserves and positions them for timely service in the unfolding drama of redemption. Forms and Transliterations בְּכָסִפְיָ֖א בְּכָסִפְיָ֣א בכספיא bə·ḵā·sip̄·yā bechasifYa bəḵāsip̄yāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 8:17 HEB: אִדּ֣וֹ הָרֹ֔אשׁ בְּכָסִפְיָ֖א הַמָּק֑וֹם וָאָשִׂימָה֩ NAS: at the place Casiphia; and I told KJV: at the place Casiphia, and I told INT: to Iddo the leading Casiphia the place appoint Ezra 8:17 2 Occurrences |
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