נְקוֹדָא (ne.qo.da)
ne.qo.da
Nekoda
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
Nekoda is a proper name appearing only four times in the Hebrew Bible, specifically within the lists of returnees in Ezra and Nehemiah. The name itself translates to "distinguished" or "marked," likely referring to a physical sign or status. In these texts, Nekoda serves as the head of a family of Nethinim, temple servants assigned to assist the priests with various duties in the restored community.
These records highlight the complex social reality of the post-exilic period. The sources indicate that this family originated from specific locations such as Tel Melah and Tel Harsha, yet they could not fully trace their Israelite lineage. Despite this uncertainty regarding their ancestry, Nekoda’s household is formally listed among those who returned with Zerubbabel, showing that temple service remained vital even for families with unclear genealogical records.
The brevity of the name’s appearance underscores its role as a historical marker rather than a theological concept. It preserves the memory of specific individuals who contributed to the rebuilding effort. By recording Nekoda’s name alongside other leaders, the biblical text affirms the inclusion of diverse groups in the restoration of Jerusalem, ensuring that every family’s contribution to the community’s survival was acknowledged.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we read lists of names in Ezra and Nehemiah, it is easy to skip over entries like Nekoda. Yet this name, meaning 'distinguished' or 'marked,' reminds us that God sees every individual in His people. The text records him as the head of a family of temple servants who could not fully prove their lineage. Despite this uncertainty about their ancestry, they were included in the return to Jerusalem.
This inclusion shows that service matters more than pedigree. Nekoda’s household contributed to rebuilding the community, proving that God values faithful participation over perfect records. It is a comfort to know that our worth before God does not depend on having a flawless past or social status. He welcomes those who serve with willing hearts.
For your faith life, this word invites you to find your identity in belonging to God’s people rather than in human approval. Whether your background feels uncertain or your contributions seem small, they are seen and valued. You are part of a larger story where every voice helps restore what is broken.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Nekoda4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- נְקוֹדָ֑א2×
- נְקוֹדָֽא\׃1×
- נְקוֹדָ֖א1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:48
the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the children of Gazzam,
This verse lists Nekoda alongside other families, showing his role as a recognized leader among the returning exiles.
-
Ezra 2:60
the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty-two.
Here the text specifies six hundred fifty-two members of Nekoda’s household, highlighting the significant size and impact of this family group.
-
Nehemiah 7:50
the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,
This parallel record reaffirms Nekoda’s position in the community list, ensuring his family’s place is preserved for future generations.
-
Nehemiah 7:62
The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda: six hundred forty-two.
The count of six hundred forty-two members underscores the continuity and stability this family brought to the restored temple service.