קֵרֹס (qe.ros)
qe.ros
Keros
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 proper noun Qeros designates a specific individual in the post-exilic period, identified as the head of a family of temple servants known as the Netinim. This name appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the genealogical records that document the return from Babylonian exile: Ezra 2:44 and Nehemiah 7:47.
Linguistically, the term translates to "ankle," a meaning that may reflect a physical characteristic or serve as a distinctive family identifier. The sources highlight Qeros’s role in leading his household back to Jerusalem under Zerubbabel, marking him as part of the organized community tasked with maintaining the temple services after the return.
Its scarcity in Scripture underscores its function as a precise historical marker rather than a theological concept. By recording this name alongside hundreds of others, the biblical text preserves the identity of ordinary families who contributed to the restoration of Jewish religious life, anchoring their legacy in the concrete history of the community’s rebuilding.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Qeros appears in the Bible as a marker of identity for a family that returned from exile to rebuild Jerusalem. While it may mean "ankle," suggesting a physical trait or simply a unique family label, its true significance lies in the act of returning. These families, including the descendants of Qeros, stepped forward to serve in the temple, contributing their labor and lives to restore worship after years of displacement.
For believers today, this record reminds us that God values ordinary people who show up for His work. You do not need a famous title or grand status to be part of something eternal. Whether you are serving behind the scenes or leading publicly, your faithful presence matters. God remembers those who contribute to His community with humility and dedication.
When you feel small or unnoticed in your service, remember the Netinim. They were listed by name, ensuring their contribution was never forgotten. Your steady faithfulness is seen and valued by God, anchoring your life in a history that points toward His enduring promises.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Keros2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- קֵרֹ֥ס1×
- קֵירֹ֥ס1×
Key Verses
-
Ezra 2:44
the children of Keros, the children of Siaha, the children of Padon,
This verse lists the children of Keros alongside other families, showing how their lineage was officially recorded to establish their role in the temple service upon returning from Babylon.
-
Nehemiah 7:47
the children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,
The repetition of this name in Nehemiah’s census confirms the continuity of the community, ensuring that the descendants of Qeros were recognized again as part of the restored worshiping body.