Hassophereth is a biblical figure mentioned in the context of the post-exilic period, specifically in the genealogical records of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name "Hassophereth" appears in the Old Testament, primarily in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, which detail the return of the Jewish exiles to Jerusalem and the rebuilding of the temple and the city walls.

Biblical References:

1. Ezra 2:55 · "The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Hassophereth, the descendants of Peruda."

2. Nehemiah 7:57 · "The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Hassophereth, the descendants of Perida."

In these passages, Hassophereth is listed among the "descendants of the servants of Solomon." This group is part of a larger list of individuals and families who returned to Jerusalem under the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The mention of Hassophereth in both Ezra and Nehemiah underscores the importance of maintaining a record of those who were part of the restoration community, highlighting their role in the re-establishment of Jewish life and worship in Jerusalem.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from Babylonian exile was a significant event in Jewish history, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land after seventy years of captivity. The genealogical records, such as those mentioning Hassophereth, served not only as a means of establishing identity and heritage but also as a testament to the faithfulness of God in preserving His people.

The "servants of Solomon" were likely descendants of the non-Israelite laborers or officials who served during King Solomon's reign. These individuals, although not of Israelite descent, were integrated into the community and played a role in the rebuilding efforts. Their inclusion in the genealogical records reflects the inclusive nature of the post-exilic community, which was united by a common purpose of restoring the worship of Yahweh in Jerusalem.

Etymology and Meaning:

The name "Hassophereth" is of Hebrew origin, and its meaning is not definitively known. Some scholars suggest it may be related to the Hebrew root "saphar," meaning "to count" or "to number," which could imply a role related to record-keeping or administration. This etymological connection would be fitting given the context of the genealogical lists in which Hassophereth is mentioned.

Theological Significance:

The inclusion of Hassophereth in the biblical record serves as a reminder of the diverse composition of the community that returned to Jerusalem. It highlights the theme of restoration and the fulfillment of God's promises. The genealogies in Ezra and Nehemiah emphasize the continuity of God's covenant with His people, despite the challenges and disruptions of exile. Through figures like Hassophereth, the biblical narrative underscores the importance of every individual in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.HASSOPHERETH

has-o-fe'-reth.

See SOPHERETH.

5618. Sophereth -- father of some returning exiles
... 5617, 5618. Sophereth. 5619 . father of some returning exiles. Transliteration:
Sophereth Phonetic Spelling: (so-feh'-reth) Short Definition: Hassophereth. ...
/hebrew/5618.htm - 6kSophereth (2 Occurrences)
... In the Revised Version (British and American) of Ezra 2:55 it is "Hassophereth,"
the definite article being transliterated. Multi-Version Concordance ...
/s/sophereth.htm - 7k

Hassophereth (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia HASSOPHERETH. has-o-fe'-reth. See SOPHERETH.
Multi-Version Concordance Hassophereth (1 Occurrence). ...
/h/hassophereth.htm - 6k

Hasso'phereth (1 Occurrence)
Hasso'phereth. Hassophereth, Hasso'phereth. Hast . Multi-Version Concordance ...
Hassophereth, Hasso'phereth. Hast . Reference Bible.
/h/hasso'phereth.htm - 6k

Peru'da (1 Occurrence)
... Peru'da (1 Occurrence). Ezra 2:55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children
of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda; (See RSV). ...
/p/peru'da.htm - 6k

Peruda (1 Occurrence)
... Ezra 2:55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children
of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/p/peruda.htm - 7k

Assaphioth
... called also the servants of Solomon (1 Esdras 5:33). Probably the same as
Hassophereth of Ezra 2:55 and Sophereth of Nehemiah 7:57. ...
/a/assaphioth.htm - 6k

Sotai (2 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children
of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS ...
/s/sotai.htm - 7k

So'tai (2 Occurrences)
... So'tai (2 Occurrences). Ezra 2:55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children
of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda, (See RSV). ...
/s/so'tai.htm - 6k

Hasshub (5 Occurrences)

/h/hasshub.htm - 8k

Solomon's (56 Occurrences)
... Ezra 2:55 The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children
of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda, (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS NAS RSV ...
/s/solomon's.htm - 31k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus