פֹּכֶ֫רֶת הַצְבָיִם (po.khe.ret tse.va.yim)
po.khe.ret tse.va.yim
Pochereth-hazzebaim
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Pochereth-hazzebaim appears in only two verses, Ezra 2:57 and Nehemiah 7:59, identifying a specific individual from the post-exilic period. He is listed as the head of a family whose ancestors had served King Solomon, marking them among those who returned to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel after the Babylonian exile.
Etymologically, the name combines pōkeret, meaning "here the cutting off" or possibly referring to a binder or dressmaker, with ṣəḇāʿîm, translated as "gazelles." While some sources suggest an Aramaic root related to binding, the Hebrew construction points to a distinctive title for this servant of Solomon. His descendants are counted among the returnees, preserving their lineage in the census records.
This brief mention highlights how names in Scripture often carry descriptive weight, linking individuals to their ancestral roles or characteristics. Pochereth-hazzebaim serves as a reminder of the specific families restored to their land, each contributing to the rebuilding of the community. The name itself, with its unusual combination of elements, stands out in the genealogical lists as a unique identifier for this household.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Pochereth-hazzebaim appears in the genealogical records of Ezra and Nehemiah, marking a family that returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. Their ancestors had served King Solomon, and this lineage was carefully preserved even after generations in Babylon. Such detailed lists remind us that God knows each person by name and values their specific place in His community.
When we read these ancient records, it is easy to feel disconnected from the names listed. Yet, every family counted here played a role in restoring the worship and life of Israel. This shows that our own histories, no matter how ordinary they seem, are part of God’s larger story of restoration and hope.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Pokereth-2×
- Hazzebaim2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- פֹּכֶ֥רֶת2×
- הַצְּבָיִ֖ים2×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:57
the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami.
This verse lists Pochereth-hazzebaim among the servants of Solomon who returned with Zerubbabel, highlighting their unique ancestral role in the rebuilding community.
-
Nehemiah 7:59
the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, and the children of Amon.
The repetition of this name in Nehemiah’s census confirms the family’s identity and continuity as they re-established themselves in Jerusalem after the exile.