Sophereth
סֹפֶרֶת/SOH-fuh-reth/
“Writing”
Summary
A servant of Solomon whose descendants returned from Babylonian captivity with Zerubbabel.
☩Identity
Sophereth was one whose 'children' formed a family that returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel among the descendants of Solomon's servants. The name means 'writing' or 'scribe,' suggesting the family's original occupation in Solomon's administration. In Ezra 2:55 the name appears with the article as 'Hassophereth' ('the Sophereth'), indicating it was originally a title rather than a personal name.
Key verses:Ezra 2:55Nehemiah 7:57
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Sophereth," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Sophereth," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 3.James Orr (ed.), "Sophereth," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).