Nehemiah 11 10

Nehemiah 11:10 kjv

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.

Nehemiah 11:10 nkjv

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, and Jachin;

Nehemiah 11:10 niv

From the priests: Jedaiah; the son of Joiarib; Jakin;

Nehemiah 11:10 esv

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin,

Nehemiah 11:10 nlt

From the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib; Jakin;

Nehemiah 11 verses

Nehemiah 11 10 Meaning

Nehemiah 11:10 identifies a specific lineage of priests—Jedaiah, a son of Joiarib, and Jachin—who resided in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. This verse is part of a list detailing those chosen or volunteered to dwell in the re-established holy city, specifically emphasizing the re-legitimization and organization of the priestly service vital for restored worship and communal identity. Their names are not mere enumerations but signify God’s providence and the re-establishment of divinely ordained roles within the post-exilic community.

Nehemiah 11 10 Context

Nehemiah chapter 11 details the repopulation of Jerusalem after the completion of the city walls, an essential step in restoring the life and security of the Judean community. Prior to this, many Judeans resided in outlying towns (Neh 11:3), but for Jerusalem to function as the spiritual and administrative capital, a significant number of residents were needed. Some residents were chosen by lot, while others volunteered (Neh 11:1-2). Verses 3-24 then provide a detailed list of various groups—Israelites, priests, Levites, gatekeepers, and temple servants—who took up residence in Jerusalem, signifying the commitment of the people to God's restored city. Verse 10 specifically lists priestly names, emphasizing the re-establishment of legitimate, consecrated individuals responsible for maintaining worship and order within the restored temple, according to their hereditary claims and the divisions set forth in the Mosaic Law and during King David’s time. This reflects the deep-seated concern for order, lineage, and the proper administration of religious duties essential for the community’s identity as God’s people.

Nehemiah 11 10 Word analysis

• And (וְ - wĕ): Connects this verse to the preceding lists of priests and provides continuity in the enumeration of those residing in Jerusalem. It signals an additive detail within a larger catalog.
• Jedaiah (יְדַעְיָה - Yĕda‘yāh): The name means "Jehovah has known" or "Known by Yah." This priestly name is highly significant as it belonged to one of the 24 priestly divisions established by King David (1 Chr 24:7). The reappearance of this division after the exile signifies the faithful re-establishment of the prescribed order of worship and legitimate priesthood in Jerusalem. It also points to God’s enduring knowledge and preservation of His chosen lines.
• the son of (בֶּן־ - ben-): This common Hebrew idiom emphasizes patrilineal lineage, which was absolutely critical for proving priestly descent and legitimate claim to service. It underscores the importance of a verifiable, unbroken line, especially vital after the exile when many records were lost or became ambiguous.
• Joiarib (יוֹיָרִיב - Yôyārîb): Meaning "Jehovah contends" or "Jehovah pleads." This is also the name of one of the priestly divisions established by David (1 Chr 24:7) and mentioned elsewhere in Nehemiah (Neh 12:6, 19). Its inclusion reaffirms the historical continuity of the priesthood and God's active, perhaps even contentious, role in preserving His people and their service.
• Jachin (יָכִין - Yākîn): Meaning "He will establish" or "He establishes." This is the name of another major priestly division (1 Chr 24:17). Critically, "Jachin" was also the name of one of the two great bronze pillars standing at the entrance to Solomon's Temple (1 Ki 7:21; 2 Chr 3:17), the other being "Boaz" ("in Him is strength"). Its symbolic resonance here with 'establishment' highlights God’s unwavering promise to re-establish His dwelling place and the institutions of His worship, securing them for the future. The inclusion of these particular names serves as a powerful theological statement about the divine backing and re-establishment of the returned community.

Nehemiah 11 10 Bonus section

The precise genealogical lists found throughout Ezra and Nehemiah, including Nehemiah 11:10, served as vital legitimizing documents in post-exilic Israel. They were crucial for confirming identity, particularly for priests and Levites who needed to prove their lineage to serve in the rebuilt Temple. Without such verified ancestry, their claims to inherited duties and portions were invalid, as seen in Ezra 2:61-63. This emphasis on pure lineage was a strong counter-cultural statement against assimilation and dilution of Israelite identity prevalent during the exile and early return. The priestly courses like Jedaiah and Jachin were designed to ensure that temple service ran smoothly year-round through a rotation system. Their return and settlement in Jerusalem were not voluntary for comfort, but a sacrificial and necessary step to restore the central function of Israel's national and religious life, upholding God's covenant and promises to establish His people in the land.

Nehemiah 11 10 Commentary

Nehemiah 11:10, though seemingly a simple list of names, is deeply significant within the post-exilic narrative. It identifies members of priestly families — Jedaiah, Joiarib, and Jachin — chosen to live in Jerusalem, thereby ensuring the proper function of temple worship. These are not merely random individuals; they represent specific priestly courses designated in Davidic times, whose re-establishment affirmed the continuity of the legitimate priesthood despite the exile. Their presence in Jerusalem was critical for maintaining the Mosaic laws concerning purity, sacrifice, and the regular duties of the temple. The very names "Known by Yah," "Yah Contends," and "He Establishes" embody the overarching theological themes of the post-exilic period: God’s continued knowledge of His people, His active preservation and even striving for their purity, and His faithfulness in re-establishing their place and purpose. This verse quietly but profoundly declares the divine hand in the restoration, securing the spiritual and communal foundation of Israel in Jerusalem.