Who was Gispa?

Gispa (Hebrew: גִּסְפָּא, Gispa’) is a lesser-known figure mentioned briefly in the Old Testament, specifically in Nehemiah 11:21, during the period of the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem. He is noted as a leader or overseer of the Nethinim—the temple servants—who lived on Ophel, a section of Jerusalem near the temple. Though his mention is brief, his role was part of the larger work of restoring the religious and civic life of the Jewish people after their return from Babylonian exile.

The name Gispa is believed to be of foreign or non-Hebrew origin, possibly Aramaic or Akkadian, reflecting the diversity of the returning community. The etymology is uncertain, and unlike many Hebrew names, it does not contain a clear theological root such as “El” (God) or “Yah” (Yahweh).

Biblical References and Cross-References

Gispa appears only in Nehemiah 11:21:

“The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, and Ziha and Gishpa were in charge of them.” (NIV)

In this verse, Gispa is listed alongside Ziha, another overseer of the Nethinim. The Nethinim were a group of temple servants assigned to assist the Levites in their duties (see Ezra 2:43-58; Nehemiah 7:46-60).

Cross-References:

• Ezra 2:58 – Mentions the total number of Nethinim returning from exile.

• Nehemiah 7:60 – Parallel to the Ezra passage in listing temple servants.

• 1 Chronicles 9:2 – Notes that the Nethinim, along with Levites and other temple functionaries, settled in Jerusalem.

• Joshua 9:27 – Offers the background on the Gibeonites, believed to be the origin of the Nethinim, appointed as perpetual servants for the temple.

Gispa’s Role in the Bible

Gispa, along with Ziha, was entrusted with overseeing the Nethinim, a unique class of workers in the temple hierarchy. These individuals were not Levites, but they served in important support roles, likely involving maintenance, cleaning, water carrying, and assisting with various logistical tasks within the temple precincts.

Living on Ophel, a ridge near the temple mount, the Nethinim were close to their area of service, reinforcing their continual readiness to assist in the worship and sacrificial systems of Israel. The appointment of overseers like Gispa shows the structured organization of post-exilic worship and administration under the leadership of men like Nehemiah and Ezra.

Although Gispa’s name appears only once, his role was significant in the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem. The detailed census and administrative list in Nehemiah 11 reflects the seriousness with which the leaders approached the rebuilding not only of the walls but of the religious life and national identity of God’s people.

What It Means for Today’s Christians

Though obscure, Gispa serves as a reminder that faithful service matters, even when it is not prominent or publicly recognized. In God’s economy, those who work behind the scenes for His glory—whether temple servants in ancient Jerusalem or modern believers supporting church ministry—are essential and honored by God.

Gispa’s mention in Scripture underscores how God records even the small, quiet acts of faithful stewardship. Today, Christians can take comfort and encouragement in knowing that serving God in unnoticed roles is still service to the King of kings.

Just as Gispa helped maintain the order and holiness of temple worship, believers today are called to serve the body of Christ—His Church—with diligence and humility, knowing their labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).

How His Story Points to Jesus and the Gospel

The Nethinim’s role in assisting with temple work ultimately points forward to Jesus, who came not to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45). Their humble work in the temple anticipates the humble servanthood of Christ and the priesthood of all believers under the New Covenant.

Furthermore, the Nethinim’s inclusion in the restored community illustrates God’s grace in incorporating outsiders and lowly servants into His covenant people—something fulfilled in Christ, who broke down the dividing wall between Jew and Gentile and made one new humanity (Ephesians 2:14-16).

Gispa, though perhaps an outsider by origin, served in the most holy precincts of Jerusalem. Similarly, in Christ, all believers—regardless of background—are brought near by the blood of Jesus and called to serve in His kingdom (1 Peter 2:9).

Broader Biblical Themes

1. Faithfulness in Hidden Service

Gispa embodies the biblical theme that God values humble and faithful service (Matthew 6:4, Colossians 3:23-24).

2. Order and Structure in Worship

The mention of overseers and their delegated roles reflects the biblical principle of orderly worship and godly leadership (1 Corinthians 14:40, Titus 1:5).

3. Inclusion of Outsiders

The probable non-Israelite origin of the Nethinim and their presence in the sacred duties foreshadows the gospel invitation to all nations (Isaiah 56:6-7; Revelation 7:9-10).

4. Restoration and Renewal

Gispa’s presence during the rebuilding of Jerusalem aligns with the theme of God’s faithfulness to restore His people, pointing toward the ultimate renewal found in Christ (Acts 3:21).

Reflection Questions

1. What can we learn from Gispa’s quiet but faithful service in the temple?

2. Are we willing to serve in unnoticed roles for the glory of God?

3. How does the story of the Nethinim challenge our view of who God uses in His kingdom?

4. In what ways does your church reflect the ordered service and accountability seen in Nehemiah’s time?

5. How does Gispa’s example encourage believers today to find joy in supporting roles within the body of Christ?

6. What parallels can we draw between the restoration under Nehemiah and the mission of the Church today?

7. How can we cultivate a servant’s heart like Jesus, who came to serve and not be served?

8. How does God‘s inclusion of people like Gispa reveal His heart for the humble and overlooked?

9. What specific ways can you contribute to your local church or ministry, even behind the scenes?

10. Do you believe that your name and your service, like Gispa’s, are known and remembered by God? Why or why not?

Gispa may not be a household name in biblical studies, but his example quietly proclaims a vital truth: God honors those who faithfully serve Him, even when no one else is watching.