Nehemiah 11 12

Nehemiah 11:12 kjv

And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah.

Nehemiah 11:12 nkjv

Their brethren who did the work of the house were eight hundred and twenty-two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah,

Nehemiah 11:12 niv

and their associates, who carried on work for the temple?822 men; Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malkijah,

Nehemiah 11:12 esv

and their brothers who did the work of the house, 822; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, son of Pelaliah, son of Amzi, son of Zechariah, son of Pashhur, son of Malchijah,

Nehemiah 11:12 nlt

Also 822 of their associates, who worked at the Temple. Also Adaiah son of Jeroham, son of Pelaliah, son of Amzi, son of Zechariah, son of Pashhur, son of Malkijah,

Nehemiah 11 verses

Nehemiah 11 12 Meaning

Nehemiah 11:12 records a specific number of gatekeepers, one hundred seventy-two, who resided in Jerusalem following the return from Babylonian exile. These individuals, identified as "their brethren," were specifically tasked with "the work of the gates," indicating their crucial role in managing access, security, and the flow of people and goods, particularly in relation to the temple and the city's overall order. It underscores the re-establishment of organized roles within the restored community of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 11 12 Context

Nehemiah chapter 11 details the re-population and re-organization of Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian captivity. Following the rebuilding of the wall (chapters 1-6) and the re-establishment of the Mosaic Law (chapters 8-10), the focus shifts to ensuring a stable and secure population within the city, particularly for the capital and its sacred functions. The majority of the people lived in surrounding towns, and lots were cast to bring one-tenth of the population into Jerusalem.

Verse 12 is part of a detailed census of those who came to live in Jerusalem. After listing priests and Levites (verses 10-11), it specifically enumerates the gatekeepers. This immediate context highlights the meticulous attention to detail in assigning specific roles for the maintenance of sacred space, security, and communal life in the restored city. Historically, this period was critical for Jewish identity, rebuilding physical infrastructure, and, perhaps more importantly, restoring the spiritual and social fabric under Persian rule, emphasizing distinct roles for an ordered society centered around the rebuilt temple.

Nehemiah 11 12 Word analysis

• And: (Heb. וְ vĕ-) A simple conjunction connecting this verse to the preceding enumeration of temple personnel. It signifies continuity in the list of groups resettling in Jerusalem, emphasizing their integral part.
• their: Refers to the Levites mentioned in the preceding verses (specifically Levites dwelling in the city), indicating that these gatekeepers were part of the broader Levitical family or community, suggesting a shared heritage and purpose.
• brethren: (Heb. אֲחֵיהֶם ’aḥêhem) Literally "their brothers" or "their kinsmen." This term reinforces the familial or communal bond among the different groups serving in Jerusalem. It implies solidarity, shared commitment, and possibly a hierarchical relationship within the Levitical framework, as gatekeepers were often a sub-category of Levites. This kinship tie strengthens the collective effort of the community.
• that: Functions as a relative pronoun, linking the "brethren" to their specific task.
• did: (Heb. עֹשֵׂי ‘ōsê) A participle, meaning "those doing" or "the doers." It implies an active and continuous responsibility, not a temporary task. This points to the established and ongoing nature of their function.
• the work: (Heb. מְלָאכָה mela’ḵah) Refers to their specific and dedicated function or labor. It denotes an official duty or commission, not merely an incidental activity. This word is often used for assigned tasks, including those related to construction or temple service.
• of the gates: (Heb. הַשְּׁעָרִים haššə‘ārîm) Refers to the city gates of Jerusalem, which served as crucial points for security, trade, justice, and general entry/exit. Their work involved managing access, ensuring safety, and upholding the purity and order of the holy city. These were physical and symbolic boundaries.
• were: Simple copula, stating the numerical reality.
• one hundred seventy and two: The precise numerical count. This specificity indicates a meticulously kept record and a carefully organized society. The exactness highlights the importance of accountability and order in the post-exilic community.

Words-group by words-group analysis

• their brethren that did the work: This phrase emphasizes the collective, familial responsibility of these individuals. They were not solitary figures but part of a larger community united in purpose. It underscores the communal nature of service in Jerusalem, with various members contributing to the whole.
• the work of the gates: This defines their primary and dedicated role. Gatekeeping was not a minor chore but a significant administrative and security function, vital for the defense and proper functioning of the city. The gates symbolized entry, protection, and judgment (courts were often at the gates), so "the work of the gates" encompassed all these critical aspects of city life.
• one hundred seventy and two: The specific number highlights organization and precision in the re-settlement efforts. It points to a clear accounting of the individuals filling essential roles, ensuring that vital functions were adequately staffed and accounted for. This precision stands in contrast to disorder and underscores the care taken to rebuild a functioning society.

Nehemiah 11 12 Bonus section

The seemingly mundane listing of numbers in Nehemiah 11 carries significant theological weight. It demonstrates God's Providence and the faithfulness of His people in rebuilding not just structures, but a covenant community with defined roles and responsibilities. The precision of the numbers suggests divine order being restored, contrasting with the chaos and destruction of the exile. Every person, from priests to gatekeepers, had a specific and vital function, illustrating that in God's kingdom, there are no insignificant roles. This emphasis on distinct yet interconnected contributions foreshadows the New Testament concept of the body of Christ (1 Cor 12), where diverse members fulfill varied functions for the good of the whole, reflecting an ordered, purposeful community established by God. The diligence in numbering also points to good stewardship and accountability, principles that transcend specific ancient tasks and remain relevant for any organized religious community.

Nehemiah 11 12 Commentary

Nehemiah 11:12 provides a numerical snapshot of a key group contributing to the re-establishment of order and function in post-exilic Jerusalem: the gatekeepers. Far from being a mere count, this verse, embedded in a broader census, reveals profound insights into the communal values and operational priorities of the newly reconstituted Israelite society. The description of these individuals as "brethren" underscores the familial and communal solidarity foundational to their efforts. They were not just employees but part of a spiritual family dedicated to God's city.

Their designated "work of the gates" speaks to the multifaceted importance of these roles. Beyond simple opening and closing, gatekeepers were guardians of security, regulators of entry, custodians of sacred space (especially for the temple gates), and even figures in city administration where justice and commerce transpired at the gates. Their consistent presence was critical for protecting Jerusalem from external threats and maintaining internal order, ensuring that only those who were pure and sanctioned entered the holy city. This precision in number, 172, highlights the meticulous planning and emphasis on structure required for the new settlement. It suggests accountability and a commitment to ensuring every necessary function for the rebuilt community was covered. In essence, it exemplifies the importance of humble, yet crucial, roles in the divine plan for communal restoration.