Nehemiah 10 15

Nehemiah 10:15 kjv

Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

Nehemiah 10:15 nkjv

Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

Nehemiah 10:15 niv

Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

Nehemiah 10:15 esv

Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

Nehemiah 10:15 nlt

Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

Nehemiah 10 verses

Nehemiah 10 15 Meaning

Nehemiah 10:15 is a component of a significant list, detailing specific individuals among "the chiefs of the people" who formally sealed the covenant in the post-exilic period. This sealing marked the nation's renewed commitment to Yahweh and His Law following the return from Babylon. The verse, though simply a catalog of names (Hanan, Anan, Malluch, Harim, Baanah), underscores the wide representation and unified participation of the community's leadership in this solemn act of national dedication. It signifies a public and binding agreement, solidifying the promises made by the assembly.

Nehemiah 10 15 Context

Nehemiah 10 is central to the post-exilic reformation of Judah. Following the emotional reading of the Law (Neh 8) and the extensive corporate confession of sins (Neh 9), the people make a solemn, binding covenant. This act signifies their renewed obedience to God's commands and distinguishes themselves as His covenant people. Verse 15 appears within the extended list of "chiefs of the people" (Neh 10:14-27) who sealed this written agreement, alongside Nehemiah, the priests, and the Levites (Neh 10:1-13). Historically, this sealing underscored the collective accountability and unity in rebuilding not just physical walls but also the spiritual life of the nation, securing their future under God's covenant.

Nehemiah 10 15 Word analysis

• Hanan (חָנָן - Ḥānān): This Hebrew name means "gracious" or "he has shown favor." It reflects a common theme in the biblical narrative, emphasizing God's grace and kindness to His people, even in their restored state. Its inclusion might symbolically point to God's favor in allowing them to return and renew their covenant.
• Anan (עָנָן - ‘Ānān): The name means "cloud" or "clouds." While less common as a personal name, it could evoke imagery of divine presence (like the pillar of cloud guiding Israel) or potentially a subtle link to prophecy, although not explicitly stated. Its unusual nature for a personal name highlights the diversity within the group.
• Malluch (מַלּוּךְ - Mallûḵ): Meaning "reigning" or "counselor," this name implies a position of influence or authority. It connects to the root "malak," meaning "to rule." This aligns with his identification as one of the "chiefs of the people," signifying his leadership role in the community.
• Harim (חָרִם - Ḥārîm): Meaning "dedicated" or "devoted," this name is also associated with a priestly family mentioned elsewhere in Ezra and Nehemiah (e.g., Ezra 2:39, Neh 7:42). Its appearance here among the "chiefs of the people" suggests a blurring of strictly defined roles in the practical administration of the covenant, perhaps indicating an individual from that lineage serving in a broader civic capacity.
• Baanah (בַּעֲנָה - Ba‘ănāh): The meaning is often understood as "in affliction" or "son of affliction," which could reflect the recent exilic suffering of the people. Alternatively, it may relate to "Baal is answer" or "in response to Yah," emphasizing the responsiveness to God, fitting for one participating in a covenant renewal.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Hanan, Anan, Malluch, Harim, Baanah": This sequence of names emphasizes the granular, personal nature of the covenant commitment. It's not just a general group but specific individuals with families and legacies who put their seal on this binding document. The precise listing confirms the broad participation of responsible leaders from various influential households, demonstrating consensus and communal responsibility in a legally binding manner. This reflects the accountability for upholding the covenant's stipulations and serving as examples to the wider community.

Nehemiah 10 15 Bonus section

The specific inclusion of individual names in Nehemiah, particularly within legal or covenantal contexts, highlights several key biblical themes. Firstly, it emphasizes personal responsibility within a communal commitment. While the entire assembly participated, those who sealed the covenant bore a unique burden of leadership and accountability before God and the people. Secondly, these lists provide historical authenticity and detail, acting as a verifiable record for future generations. The biblical narrative frequently names individuals to demonstrate the historical reality of God's interaction with specific people in particular times. Lastly, for a restored community still discerning its identity and leadership, having these named representatives served to legitimize the covenant, rallying broad support and ensuring practical adherence to the renewed law. The meaning behind some names (like "Hanan" for favor or "Malluch" for ruling) might also subtly reflect the hopes and theological perspectives of the community embarking on this renewed journey of faith.

Nehemiah 10 15 Commentary

Nehemiah 10:15, by listing individual names, serves as more than a mere record; it is a profound declaration of the people's leadership's unanimous and personal commitment to God's Law. This covenant sealing was a practical outworking of the spiritual awakening described in chapters 8 and 9. Each name represented a family or a significant individual leader, indicating that the agreement was not merely ceremonial but legally binding and endorsed by the community's prominent figures. The repetition of such lists throughout Nehemiah underscores the importance of public witness and accountability. These individuals became tangible representatives of the community's pledge, ensuring the stipulations of the covenant—such as separating from foreign influences, supporting the Temple, and observing the Sabbath—would be faithfully implemented and enforced. Their public commitment reinforced the concept that living by God's Word requires intentional, collective, and individual dedication, providing a model for corporate faithfulness.