Nehemiah 11 14

Nehemiah 11:14 kjv

And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.

Nehemiah 11:14 nkjv

and their brethren, mighty men of valor, were one hundred and twenty-eight. Their overseer was Zabdiel the son of one of the great men.

Nehemiah 11:14 niv

and his associates, who were men of standing?128. Their chief officer was Zabdiel son of Haggedolim.

Nehemiah 11:14 esv

and their brothers, mighty men of valor, 128; their overseer was Zabdiel the son of Haggedolim.

Nehemiah 11:14 nlt

and 128 of his outstanding associates. Their chief officer was Zabdiel son of Haggedolim.

Nehemiah 11 verses

Nehemiah 11 14 Meaning

Nehemiah 11:14 describes a specific group residing in Jerusalem following the return from exile: "their brethren, mighty men of valor, 128. And their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of Hagedol." This verse indicates a company of 128 strong and capable men, likely associated with the priestly or Levitical families, who were crucial to the re-establishment and security of the community in Jerusalem. It also identifies Zabdiel, son of Hagedol, as their appointed supervisor, highlighting the structured organization within the repopulated city. These individuals were essential not only for the defense of the city but also for its administration and the vital functions of the temple and civil life.

Nehemiah 11 14 Context

Nehemiah 11:14 is situated within a crucial period of post-exilic restoration. Following the successful rebuilding and dedication of Jerusalem's walls, the immediate challenge was to repopulate the city (Neh 7:4), which had few inhabitants. This was necessary to secure its status as the functioning capital and the central place of worship for the restored Israelite community.

Chapter 11 details the individuals and families who came to reside in Jerusalem. The population was established through a combination of divine guidance, voluntary settlement, and the casting of lots to ensure a diverse and capable citizenry, including priests, Levites, gatekeepers, temple servants, and other influential individuals from various tribes.

Historically, this occurred under the rule of the Persian Empire (Artaxerxes I), highlighting the relative autonomy granted to the Jewish exiles to manage their internal religious and civil affairs. The careful enumeration of inhabitants, including specific groups like the "mighty men of valor," underscores the methodical effort to re-establish a structured and secure community centered on the worship of God, in line with His covenant promises to dwell among His people. The inclusion of an "overseer" signifies the administrative precision and commitment to orderly governance required for Jerusalem's revival.

Nehemiah 11 14 Word analysis

• and their brethren (וְאֲחֵיהֶם - wəʾakhêhem):

  • Word: ach (אָח) meaning "brother," "kinsman," or "fellow countryman." The plural possessive ʾakhêhem ("their brothers/kinsmen") implies a connection to the previously mentioned groups, likely referring to other members of the priestly, Levitical, or prominent families who were settling in Jerusalem.
  • Significance: This term emphasizes community and solidarity, showing that these capable individuals were integrated into the wider societal and religious fabric, not operating in isolation. They are part of the larger group tasked with inhabiting Jerusalem.

• mighty men of valor (גִּבֹּורֵי חַיִל - gibborê ḥayil):

  • Word: gibbor (גִּבֹּור) means "strong man," "warrior," "hero," "mighty one." Chayil (חַיִל) signifies "strength," "ability," "wealth," "valor," "efficiency." When combined, gibborê ḥayil refers to individuals characterized by strength, capability, courage, influence, or resources. While often translated as "mighty warriors" in military contexts (e.g., King David's army), in this non-military list within Nehemiah, it extends to men of competence, standing, and integrity who are effective leaders or contributors.
  • Significance: In the context of repopulating Jerusalem, these men were essential pillars—not necessarily soldiers in the conventional sense, but individuals who possessed the inner strength, courage, and resources (including potentially wealth or leadership skills) to contribute significantly to the city's growth, security, and administrative stability. They represented the elite or most capable among the returnees.

• 128 (מֵאָה וְעֶשְׂרִים וּשְׁמוֹנָה - mêʾāh wəʿeśrîm ûšəmônh):

  • Word: A specific numeral.
  • Significance: This precise number indicates meticulous record-keeping and a structured, organized approach to the repopulation. It is not an estimation but an exact count, underscoring the diligence of the administrators (like Nehemiah and the scribes) in managing the restoration effort.

• And their overseer (וּפְקִידָם - ûfəqîdām):

  • Word: paqid (פָּקִיד) meaning "one who inspects," "superintendent," "officer," or "appointed official."
  • Significance: The presence of an overseer highlights the established hierarchy and organized governance within Jerusalem. It signifies that even a specific group of "mighty men" operated under designated authority, ensuring accountability and efficiency in their service to the community. This term indicates a formal administrative position.

• was Zabdiel (זַבְדִּיאֵל - Zavdiyʾēl):

  • Word: A Hebrew personal name. Its root means "God has given" or "My gift is God."
  • Significance: The name itself suggests divine providence or recognition of God's role in the leadership provided to the community. Zabdiel is identified as the specific leader appointed to this significant group, lending credibility and structure to their function.

• the son of Hagedol (בֶּן הַגְּדוֹלִים - ben haGgĕdôlîm):

  • Word: ben (בֶּן) meaning "son of." haGgĕdôlîm (הַגְּדוֹלִים) can be interpreted as "of the great ones" or "of the chiefs" (plural of gadol, "great"). Some ancient versions (like the Septuagint) render it as singular "Hagedol" ("the great one"). It likely refers to a family name or an ancestor known for prominence or distinction.
  • Significance: Identifying Zabdiel by his father's or family name emphasizes his lineage and implies that his leadership position might be rooted in the established reputation or prominence of his family, signifying inherited standing or recognized social capital.

Words-group Analysis

• "their brethren, mighty men of valor, 128": This phrase emphasizes the collective strength and quality of a specific contingent of settlers. They are identified by their kinship with others in the community ("their brethren"), by their high capabilities ("mighty men of valor"), and by their precise number (128). This group forms a formidable asset for Jerusalem's revival, contributing significant human capital beyond mere residents. Their inclusion highlights the comprehensive effort to strengthen Jerusalem, not just militarily but socially and administratively, through competent individuals.
• "And their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of Hagedol": This portion immediately follows the group description, providing key leadership information. It establishes a formal, supervised structure for these "mighty men." The explicit naming of Zabdiel and his distinguished lineage ("son of Hagedol/Haggedolim") underscores the importance of leadership quality and family reputation in the post-exilic community. It points to a well-organized society where responsibilities are delegated and overseen.

Nehemiah 11 14 Bonus section

The concept of gibbor chayil ("mighty man of valor") evolving from a predominantly military connotation in earlier Old Testament books (e.g., in Judges or Samuel, describing warriors like Gideon or Saul) to encompass capable, resourceful, and influential men in post-exilic texts (like Nehemiah, where they serve in Jerusalem's repopulation or temple service in Chronicles) reveals the adaptability and richness of biblical Hebrew. It suggests a focus on the innate character of strength, competence, and reliability, rather than solely martial skill. This adaptability shows that God uses individuals with diverse strengths to serve His purposes in various contexts, from battlefields to rebuilding projects and administrative roles. The emphasis on detailed lists and genealogies in Nehemiah, Ezra, and Chronicles during the post-exilic period reflects the community's desire to reclaim its identity, maintain purity, and ensure proper lineage for priestly and Levitical service. These records were crucial for order, accountability, and the legitimacy of the re-established community before God and man.

Nehemiah 11 14 Commentary

Nehemiah 11:14 offers a glimpse into the methodical re-establishment of Jerusalem's social and administrative fabric following the exile. The reference to "mighty men of valor" highlights a class of individuals crucial for the city's resurgence—not just for military defense but for their broader capabilities, whether in leadership, administration, or contributing resources. Their presence underscores a qualitative effort to strengthen Jerusalem beyond mere numbers; these were capable, strong, and influential people. The precise count of 128 indicates the meticulous and deliberate planning involved in settling Jerusalem, while the designation of Zabdiel as their "overseer" speaks volumes about the ordered nature of the returned community. It signifies a society building upon God's covenant promises, meticulously structured with appointed leadership for effective functioning, demonstrating both human responsibility and divine guidance in restoring God's holy city.