Lexical Summary Tamach: To support, uphold, sustain Original Word: תֶּמַח Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Tamah, Thamah Of uncertain derivation; Temach, one of the Nethinim -- Tamah, Thamah. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition head of a postexilic family NASB Translation Temah (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs תָּ֑מַח proper name, masculine head of a Jewish family, Ezra 2:53 = Nehemiah 7:55; ᵐ5 Θεμα (Nehemiah Ημαθ ᵐ5L Θεμαα תָּמִיד see מוד p. 556. תַּמִּים Exodus 26:24; Exodus 36:29 see [תָּאַם]. p. 1060f Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Temah (תֶּמַח) is the designation of a post-exilic family enrolled among the Nethinim, the “given ones” set apart to assist the Levites in the daily functions of the temple. Many link the name to the Hebrew verb “to sprout” or “to grow,” suggesting imagery of new life or healthy flourishing—an apt emblem for a clan restored from exile to fresh service in Zion. Biblical Occurrences • Ezra 2:53 records “the descendants of Barkos, Sisera, and Temah” who returned with Zerubbabel. In both lists Temah appears in the middle of a trio, indicating a distinct but relatively small household within the larger body of temple servants. Historical Setting Following seventy years of Babylonian captivity, Cyrus’s decree (Ezra 1:1–4) opened the way for Jewish exiles to repatriate. Among the forty-two thousand free citizens (Ezra 2:64) were three hundred ninety-two men from families classed as Nethinim (Ezra 2:58). Temah’s descendants joined that caravanned remnant. Their willingness to abandon the comparative stability of life in Mesopotamia for the demanding task of rebuilding Jerusalem testifies to their covenant loyalty. Role in Temple Ministry The Nethinim’s origin reaches back to the Gibeonites who were “given” to serve (Joshua 9). Over centuries additional groups, perhaps including converts and war captives, were added (see 1 Chronicles 9:2). By Second-Temple times they formed a hereditary guild subordinate to the Levites. Rabbinic descriptions portray them drawing water, gathering wood, preparing sacrifices, and maintaining sacred precincts. Nothing indicates Temah’s family held higher status than other Nethinim, yet their names are forever etched in Scripture alongside priests and Levites—reminding readers that God notices every level of ministry. Spiritual Significance 1. Faithfulness in obscurity. Temah’s household demonstrates that unnamed tasks (Colossians 3:23) advance God’s plan just as surely as high-profile leadership. Connection to the Redemptive Story The inclusion of humble servants in the genealogies underscores a consistent biblical theme: God weaves lesser-known figures into the fabric of salvation history. Ezra’s list looks forward to a greater census recorded in Revelation 7, where God gathers a multitude from every tribe and tongue without reference to earthly rank. Lessons for Contemporary Ministry • Embrace servanthood. Whether cleaning facilities, managing logistics, or aiding the poor, believers imitate Christ who “took upon Himself the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:7). Summary Temah may appear only twice, yet the clan’s quiet commitment amid the rubble of Jerusalem offers a portrait of resilient, God-honoring service. Their legacy urges today’s church to celebrate every member whose steadfast labor causes the ministry of the word and the worship of God to thrive. Forms and Transliterations תָֽמַח׃ תמח׃ ṯā·maḥ Tamach ṯāmaḥLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ezra 2:53 HEB: סִֽיסְרָ֖א בְּנֵי־ תָֽמַח׃ NAS: of Sisera, the sons of Temah, KJV: of Sisera, the children of Thamah, INT: of Sisera the sons of Temah Nehemiah 7:55 2 Occurrences |
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