Nehemiah 11 13

Nehemiah 11:13 kjv

And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,

Nehemiah 11:13 nkjv

and his brethren, heads of the fathers' houses, were two hundred and forty-two; and Amashai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,

Nehemiah 11:13 niv

and his associates, who were heads of families?242 men; Amashsai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,

Nehemiah 11:13 esv

and his brothers, heads of fathers' houses, 242; and Amashsai, the son of Azarel, son of Ahzai, son of Meshillemoth, son of Immer,

Nehemiah 11:13 nlt

along with 242 of his associates, who were heads of their families. Also Amashsai son of Azarel, son of Ahzai, son of Meshillemoth, son of Immer,

Nehemiah 11 verses

Nehemiah 11 13 Meaning

Nehemiah 11:13 continues the detailed enumeration of the priestly families and their leaders who took up residence in Jerusalem following the Babylonian exile. It first references the continuation of "Amasai's" associated chiefs of fathers’ households, numbering 822. Then, it specifically names Adaiah, detailing his priestly lineage through several generations to the prominent priestly lines of Pashhur and Malchijah, along with the 242 individuals under his leadership. This census highlights the ordered and significant re-population of Jerusalem, emphasizing the re-establishment of a strong, genealogically legitimate priesthood crucial for the resumption of Temple worship and the spiritual revitalization of the Jewish community in their rebuilt capital.

Nehemiah 11 13 Context

Nehemiah 11:13 is part of a register (Nehemiah 11:3-36) documenting those who settled in Jerusalem and other towns of Judah after the reconstruction of the city walls. This specific verse continues a list of priests designated to live in Jerusalem. After the walls were rebuilt, Jerusalem was largely unpopulated (Neh 7:4), prompting a divine initiative for its resettlement. People cast lots for one in ten to reside there, and others volunteered. The historical context is post-exilic Judah, approximately 444 BC, with Nehemiah as governor. Re-populating Jerusalem, especially with priests and Levites, was crucial not only for security but, more importantly, for restoring the spiritual life and organized Temple worship that was central to Israel's covenant with God. The returnees sought to faithfully reconstruct their religious and civic life in accordance with the Torah after generations of exile.

Nehemiah 11 13 Word analysis

• and his associates: wa'acheyhem (וַאֲחֵיהֶם). Literally, "and their brothers" or "kinsmen." Here, it signifies those belonging to the same community, cohort, or group as the leader mentioned immediately before (Amasai in Neh 11:12), highlighting a collective body.
• chiefs of fathers’ households: rashei 'avot (רָאשֵׁי אָבוֹת). Refers to the "heads" or "leaders" of ancestral family units or clans. This term emphasizes an established, organized structure within the community, signifying their inherited status and responsibility.
• 822: A numerical indicator specifying the exact size of the group associated with the previous priestly leader. Such precise numbers underline the diligent record-keeping and the considerable re-establishment of people in Jerusalem.
• and Adaiah: wa'Adaayah (וַעֲדָיָה). Hebrew name meaning "Yahweh has adorned" or "Yahweh has passed on." His individual naming signifies his prominence as a leading priest, independent of the preceding group.
• the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah: This detailed lineage or genealogy is paramount.
  • It legally authenticates Adaiah's claim to the priesthood, as only those of proven Aaronic descent could serve.
  • Pashhur and Malchijah were well-known and significant priestly families, confirming Adaiah's esteemed ancestral connection within the priestly caste, ensuring continuity with the established order of Mosaic law.
• 242: This specific number indicates the precise size of Adaiah's group or household that returned to live in Jerusalem. It further emphasizes the careful organization and commitment of specific families to the rebuilding effort, especially regarding the sacred duties.

Words-group analysis

• "and his associates, chiefs of fathers’ households": This phrase collectively portrays the hierarchical and familial organization among the priestly returnees. It suggests that individuals were not acting alone, but as leaders representing substantial family units, which was essential for the coherent re-establishment of religious and civic order.
• "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": This long, unbroken genealogical chain is the most significant element. It serves as irrefutable proof of Adaiah's legitimate right to priestly office according to the Law of Moses. In a time of return from exile, where identities could be lost, this meticulously recorded lineage cemented his authority and ability to conduct Temple service, crucial for rebuilding faith and adherence to the covenant.
• "822; ... 242": The inclusion of precise numerical figures underscores the meticulous planning and accounting involved in the resettlement process. These numbers represent the collective human resources dedicated to making Jerusalem viable again, signifying the re-establishment of strength, order, and dedicated manpower for God's house and city.

Nehemiah 11 13 Bonus section

• The re-establishment of priestly groups in Jerusalem was foundational to ensuring that atonement, sacrifice, and worship could resume effectively according to the Torah.
• The mentioning of specific numbers (822, 242) for "associates" or "household heads" indicates a deliberate accounting, underscoring the preciousness of human resources after exile and the orderly assignment of duties.
• The extensive genealogy, reaching back through prominent figures like Pashhur and Malchijah, also indirectly connects this post-exilic generation to significant pre-exilic history, providing continuity and legitimacy after decades of disruption. These families were well-established and vital to Israel's religious life, sometimes having challenging interactions with prophets like Jeremiah, making their return particularly meaningful for stability.
• This act of returning to, and repopulating, the covenant city with leaders and people devoted to service directly aligns with and helps fulfill prophetic words of restoration from books like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, which promised the return of the scattered exiles and the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 11 13 Commentary

Nehemiah 11:13 reflects the profound spiritual and logistical efforts required to rebuild the post-exilic Jewish community, extending beyond mere physical reconstruction of walls to the re-establishment of sacred institutions. By naming specific priestly families and their lineages, along with their associated numbers, the verse validates their right to service and highlights the considerable human commitment to repopulate Jerusalem. The emphasis on accurate genealogy for priests was critical; it secured the integrity of the Temple rituals by ensuring only legitimate descendants of Aaron ministered. This organized return signified the community's dedication to divine law and a tangible fulfillment of God's promises of restoration, laying the groundwork for a renewed covenant relationship in the heart of Judah. It serves as a reminder that the health of God's people is tied not only to infrastructure but to faithful leadership and the proper function of sacred duties.