סִיעָא
𐤎𐤉𐤏𐤀
Sia
H5517 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper noun designating an individual or family group among the Nethinim, most likely pronounced Siyʻa or Siyʻaha. The name occurs in post-exilic lists, referring to a specific group returning from Babylonian exile. The root meaning is uncertain, though some suggest a derivation from a rarely used root associated with conversation or community, but this is not supported by attested usage.
Semantic Range
proper name for an individual, family, or group among the Nethinim; only attested in post-exilic genealogical lists; not used generically for congregation or assembly
Root / Etymology
Etymology uncertain. Although some have suggested derivation from an unattested root סיע meaning 'to converse' or 'to assemble,' no firm evidence exists for this root in Biblical Hebrew. The form סִיעָא/סִיעֲהָא appears only as a personal or family name in post-exilic texts.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term סִיעָא/סִיעֲהָא is attested exclusively in the post-exilic lists of returnees (Ezra 2:44; Nehemiah 7:47) as the name of a group counted among the Nethinim—temple servants likely of non-Israelite origin who were associated with temple and community duties in Jerusalem after the exile. English translations sometimes render this name Sia or Siaha. The identification and background of the group remain unclear, with no narrative information provided outside the listing context. The name occurs alongside other Nethinim, a class set apart from ethnic Israelites, showing the post-exilic community's inclusive composition. Standard English versions capture the form but not the possible connotation of social or cultic role implied by their placement in the lists. The connection with 'to converse' or 'congregation' is speculative and not demonstrable from other Biblical Hebrew lexemes or roots. Contrast with broader and more common clan names, which often have clear root meanings or derivations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
or סִיעֲהָא; from an unused root meaning to converse; congregation; Sia or Siaha, one of the Nethinim; Sia, Siaha.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
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סיע (uncertain) (s-y-ʿ (uncertain)) — uncertain; personal or family name
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5517-02 |
סִֽיעֲהָ֖א | siaha | HNp |
Siaha | Siyʻaha | 1 |
H5517-01 |
סִיעָ֖א | sia | HNp |
Sia | Siyʿa | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5517-02 |
Ezra 2:44 | סִֽיעֲהָ֖א | siaha | HNp |
Siaha | Siyʻaha |
H5517-01 |
Nehemiah 7:47 | סִיעָ֖א | sia | HNp |
Sia | Siyʿa |