Original Word: לְבָנָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Lbana'
Pronunciation: leh-baw-NAW
Phonetic Spelling: (leb-aw-naw')
KJV: Lebana, Lebanah
NASB: Lebana, Lebanah
Word Origin: [the same as H3842 (לְבָנָה - moon)]

1. Lebana or Lebanah, one of the Nethinim

Lebana, Lebanah

Or Lbanah {leb-aw-naw'}; the same as lbanah; Lebana or Lebanah, one of the Nethinim -- Lebana, Lebanah.

see HEBREW lbanah

Word Origin
from laben
Definition
an Isr.
NASB Translation
Lebana (1), Lebanah (1).

לְבָנָא Nehemiah 7:48 #NAME?לְבָנָה Ezra 2:45; — head of a family of returning exiles, ᵐ5 Λαβανα, Λαβανω, ᵐ5^L Λοβνα.

Lebanah

Name and Symbolism

The name Lebanah is likely related to the Hebrew root meaning “white” or “whiteness,” a color frequently associated in Scripture with purity, righteousness, and the presence of God (Isaiah 1:18; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 19:14). The appearance of such a name in the rolls of post-exilic servants subtly reminds readers of the call to holiness that undergirded the restored worship in Jerusalem.

Biblical Occurrences

Ezra 2:45 and Nehemiah 7:48 list “the descendants of Lebanah” among the Nethinim who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel. Ezra 2:45 reads, “the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Akkub.” Nehemiah 7:48 reiterates, “the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagaba, the descendants of Shalmai.” These are the only canonical references to the family.

Historical Context of the Return from Exile

The lists in Ezra and Nehemiah serve more than bureaucratic purposes. They attest to God’s covenant faithfulness in preserving distinct families during seventy years of exile (Jeremiah 25:11). By naming even minor groups like the descendants of Lebanah, Scripture testifies that every segment of the covenant community mattered in the divine plan of restoration (Haggai 2:5).

Role among the Nethinim

The Nethinim were temple servants originally appointed to assist the Levites in duties such as wood-carrying, water-drawing, and general maintenance (1 Chronicles 9:2; Ezra 8:20). Though not priests, their work enabled regular sacrifices and worship to proceed unhindered. The descendants of Lebanah shared in this humble yet vital ministry, demonstrating that faithful service in the house of God is honored regardless of prominence (Psalm 84:10).

Theological and Ministerial Significance

1. Covenant Inclusion: The record of Lebanah’s descendants underscores God’s inclusive grace. Even those of servile status were numbered among the restored people, prefiguring the New Testament doctrine that every believer is a “living stone” in God’s temple (1 Peter 2:5).
2. Faithfulness in Obscurity: Although Scripture gives the family no heroic narrative, their steady commitment to temple service after exile reflects the biblical theme that God values faithfulness over fame (Nehemiah 13:10-14; 1 Corinthians 4:2).
3. Continuity of Worship: Their presence guarantees that worship protocols resumed in accordance with Mosaic law, maintaining continuity between pre-exilic and post-exilic Israel and safeguarding the genealogical line ultimately leading to Messiah (Matthew 1:12-13).

Lessons for the Church

• God records and rewards unseen labor. The descendants of Lebanah remind believers that every act of service—however unnoticed—contributes to the advance of God’s kingdom (Hebrews 6:10).
• Purity and service belong together. A name meaning “whiteness” coupled with humble duty models the unity of character and ministry (Titus 2:11-14).
• Corporate restoration requires the whole body. Genuine renewal involves priests, Levites, leaders, and servants alike (Ephesians 4:16).

See Also

Nethinim; Ezra 2; Nehemiah 7; Post-Exilic Restoration; Temple Service

לְבָנָ֥ה לבנה lə·ḇā·nāh ləḇānāh levaNahInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts