Nehemiah 10 14

Nehemiah 10:14 kjv

The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,

Nehemiah 10:14 nkjv

The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,

Nehemiah 10:14 niv

The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahath-Moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,

Nehemiah 10:14 esv

The chiefs of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,

Nehemiah 10:14 nlt

The following leaders: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani,

Nehemiah 10 verses

Nehemiah 10 14 Meaning

Nehemiah 10:14 introduces the first segment of the lay leaders, identified as "heads of the people," who affixed their seals to the binding covenant made by the returning exiles. This verse lists Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, and Bunni as the initial prominent family heads committing themselves and their lineages to uphold the renewed Mosaic Law. Their inclusion signifies a collective and formal endorsement of the community's dedication to God's ordinances and principles.

Nehemiah 10 14 Context

Nehemiah chapter 10 records the sealing of a solemn covenant made by the returned Jewish community in Jerusalem. This commitment followed Ezra's reading of the Law (Neh 8) and a period of national confession and repentance (Neh 9). The entire assembly—princes, Levites, and priests (Neh 9:38, 10:1-8)—sealed a written agreement to walk in God's Law given through Moses, specifically addressing the cessation of intermarriage, observance of the Sabbath, and faithful support of the temple and its personnel through offerings and tithes. Nehemiah 10:14 initiates the long list of "heads of the people" (lay leaders and heads of families/clans) who, representing their constituents, personally ratified this communal vow. Their individual names being recorded underscores the gravity and public nature of their commitment to spiritual reform after the Babylonian exile, a period where unfaithfulness had led to divine judgment.

Nehemiah 10 14 Word analysis

• The heads of the people (וְרָאשֵׁי הָעָם, wə-rā·šê hā·‘ām):

  • וְ (wə-): "and", functioning here to transition from the priests and Levites to the lay leaders.
  • רָאשֵׁי (rā·šê): The plural construct form of rosh (רֹאשׁ), meaning "head," "chief," "leader." It denotes those who hold positions of authority, leadership, and prominence within their clans or families.
  • הָעָם (hā·‘ām): "the people," referring to the broader community or congregation of Israel.
  • Significance: This phrase identifies these individuals as the leading figures of the populace, representing not merely themselves but the collective commitment of the community's families and households. Their sealing of the covenant makes it a truly national commitment.

• Parosh (פַּרְעֹשׁ, Par‘osh):

  • A prominent family name in post-exilic Israel. The descendants of Parosh were a significant group among the first returnees (Ezra 2:3), indicating their foundational status in the reconstituted community.

• Pahath-moab (פַּחַת מוֹאָב, Paḥaṯ Mô’āḇ):

  • Meaning potentially "Governor of Moab" or "Pit of Moab," likely an ancestral name or a reference to a past connection. This was another very large and influential family clan among the returnees (Ezra 2:6).

• Elam (עֵילָם, ‘Ê·lām):

  • A tribal/family name also well-represented among the returning exiles (Ezra 2:7). Several individuals bore this name, highlighting a consistent presence in Judahite society.

• Zattu (זַתּוּ, Zaṯṭū):

  • Another prominent family name from the exile, listed among those returning to Judah (Ezra 2:8).

• Bani (בָּנִי, Bā·nî):

  • A common name; many individuals or sub-families shared this designation. Variants or different individuals named Bani appear in various lists within Nehemiah, often involved in diverse communal roles, highlighting the family's broad participation.

• Bunni (בֻּנִּי, Bun·nî):

  • Less common, but possibly a variant or closely related to Bani, representing another leading family line in the post-exilic community.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "The heads of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, Bunni": This direct enumeration of names after "the heads of the people" serves several purposes. Firstly, it provides specificity and historical authenticity to the covenant's signatories. Secondly, it emphasizes the comprehensive and representative nature of the commitment—it was not just Nehemiah, Ezra, or a few priests, but a broad segment of society's leadership. Thirdly, these specific names often refer to family clans that had already played roles in the return and rebuilding efforts (as seen in Ezra 2 and Neh 3), cementing their leadership role in spiritual restoration. The meticulous listing highlights the communal accountability undertaken.

Nehemiah 10 14 Bonus section

The act of "sealing" mentioned in Nehemiah 9:38 (which verse 10:14 supports by naming the signatories) held significant legal weight in the ancient Near East. A seal or signet ring, pressed into clay or wax, served as a personal signature or endorsement, signifying the individual's or party's approval, ownership, or commitment to a document or agreement. Therefore, these listed heads were not just present; they personally ratified the covenant as binding for their households and descendants. This detailed list of names, much like in census records (Ezra 2, Neh 7), indicates a concern for lineage and identity among the repatriated Jews. Maintaining their family distinctiveness was crucial for their sense of peoplehood and for tracking property, heritage, and religious duties. This concern for documented commitment and lineage underscores the earnest desire to prevent future breaches of the covenant that could jeopardize their rebuilt society.

Nehemiah 10 14 Commentary

Nehemiah 10:14 initiates the specific documentation of lay leaders' commitment to the post-exilic covenant. This act of sealing by these "heads of the people" transformed a general assembly vow into a formally recorded, binding agreement. The listing of distinct family names like Parosh and Pahath-moab, representing significant returnee clans, signifies that the commitment was not merely an individual pledge but a corporate dedication by the established and prominent segments of the community. It underscore the vital role of leadership in fostering spiritual revival, demonstrating that true national transformation flows from leaders who model personal conviction and communal responsibility. This collective action aimed to safeguard the future generation from repeating the spiritual errors that led to exile, emphasizing adherence to divine statutes concerning purity, worship, and sustenance of temple service. For practical application, this verse illustrates the importance of leaders in all spheres—family, community, church—setting the standard for faithful living and making clear commitments that guide those they represent towards obedience to God's word.