Nehemiah 11:16 kjv
And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
Nehemiah 11:16 nkjv
Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the heads of the Levites, had the oversight of the business outside of the house of God;
Nehemiah 11:16 niv
Shabbethai and Jozabad, two of the heads of the Levites, who had charge of the outside work of the house of God;
Nehemiah 11:16 esv
and Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who were over the outside work of the house of God;
Nehemiah 11:16 nlt
Also Shabbethai and Jozabad, who were in charge of the work outside the Temple of God.
Nehemiah 11 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Num 3:25-26 | the charge of the sons of Gershon… the tent… covers… curtain… entrance curtain… courtyard hangings… curtain… altar. | Levites' general duties outside the sanctuary |
| Num 4:29-32 | Appoint the sons of Merari to their task and to their burden. By name you shall list them... for all their duties. | Specific, assigned tasks for Levites |
| Num 8:14 | Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine. | Consecration of Levites for service |
| Num 18:21 | “To the Levites, behold, I have given every tithe in Israel for an inheritance, in return for their service….” | Levites sustained by tithes |
| 1 Chr 9:18-32 | temple officers were gatekeepers… treasuries… oversight of vessels… preparing the showbread… oil, incense… sons of Kohath handled consecrated articles. | Levites' diverse roles including logistical |
| 1 Chr 23:3-4 | The Levites were listed from thirty years old and upward, and their number... were 38,000… to oversee the work of the house of the Lord. | General oversight of Temple work |
| 1 Chr 26:20-28 | the Levites: Ahijah was in charge of the treasuries… other treasuries of the house of God and of the dedicated gifts… Shebuel was in charge of the treasuries. | Levites in charge of temple finances |
| 1 Chr 26:29-32 | Kenaniah and his sons… for the external business of Israel… Hastening as well… over every matter pertaining to God and king. | External administrative roles |
| Ezra 7:24 | “You are also to know that you have no authority to impose tax, tribute, or custom on any of the priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers… of this house of God.” | Levites supported for full-time service |
| Neh 8:7 | Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita… the Levites, helped the people to understand the Law… | Shabbethai, a Levite, in previous service |
| Neh 10:28-30 | all who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to the Law of God, their wives, their sons, their daughters… we bind ourselves to obey God’s Law. | Community commitment to follow Law & order |
| Neh 10:37-39 | We will bring the tithes… into the storerooms… We will not neglect the house of our God. | Commitment to support Temple maintenance |
| Neh 12:44 | people were appointed over the storerooms for the contributions, the tithes, and the dedicated gifts… for the priests and for the Levites. | Management of Temple provisions |
| Neh 13:4-5 | Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the storerooms of the house of our God, being closely allied to Tobiah. | Storage administration issues |
| Neh 13:10-12 | I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them… so I rebuked the officials… brought the tithes… to the storehouses. | Importance of proper Levitical support |
| Mal 3:10 | “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” | Importance of provision for Temple |
| Lk 12:48 | “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required…” | Principle of stewardship & accountability |
| Lk 16:10 | “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much…” | Faithfulness in administrative roles |
| 1 Cor 14:40 | But all things should be done decently and in order. | Principle of order in spiritual service |
| Col 3:23 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. | All work, even administrative, for the Lord |
| Tit 1:7 | an overseer must be blameless as God’s steward. | Role of oversight and stewardship today |
Nehemiah 11 verses
Nehemiah 11 16 Meaning
Nehemiah 11:16 identifies Shabbethai and Jozabad as two prominent Levite leaders specifically entrusted with the essential task of overseeing the external administrative and logistical operations necessary for the proper functioning and maintenance of the house of God (the Temple) in Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 11 16 Context
Nehemiah chapter 11 lists those who took up residence in Jerusalem following the return from Babylonian exile, after the walls of the city had been rebuilt. The chapter describes the repopulation and organizational structure of the restored community, including the priests, Levites, and various other groups. This verse (11:16) falls within the section detailing the Levites and their assigned duties within the new city setup. The meticulous accounting of who lived in Jerusalem and what their responsibilities were underscores the renewed commitment to order, temple service, and national identity after the disorganization and dispersion of the exile. It emphasizes the practical, logistical groundwork required for sustained spiritual life and communal function.
Nehemiah 11 16 Word analysis
and Shabbethai: (Heb. שַׁבְּתַי, Shabbetay). A specific Levite. His name might relate to "Sabbath" or "my rest." This individual is also mentioned in Nehemiah 8:7 as one of the Levites who helped the people understand the Law. This highlights that individuals were entrusted with diverse significant roles in the post-exilic community.
and Jozabad: (Heb. יוֹזָבָד, Yowzabad). Another specific Levite. The name means "Yahweh has bestowed" or "Yahweh has given." Like Shabbethai, his specific mention points to him as an identifiable and trusted individual, reflecting the personal accountability inherent in these roles.
of the chiefs: (Heb. רָאשֵׁי, rashei). Meaning "heads" or "leaders." This signifies their prominent status and authority within the Levitical order. They were not ordinary Levites but held positions of influence and decision-making power. Their leadership was crucial for organizing temple affairs.
of the Levites: (Heb. לְוִיִּם, Lᵉviyyim). The descendants of Levi, consecrated for service to God and specifically designated to assist the priests in the temple. This confirms their tribal assignment and dedicated purpose in God's worship structure.
who had the oversight: (Heb. עַל־מְלֶאכֶת, ‘al-melekheth). Literally, "over the work" or "over the business." This phrase denotes administrative charge, management, or responsibility for a specific task. It indicates their role was supervisory and executive.
of the outside business: (Heb. הַחִיצוֹנָה, hachitzonah). The most significant phrase here, meaning "the outer," "external," or "that which is outside." This contrasts with the inner, more sacred functions performed directly within the sanctuary (like offering sacrifices or burning incense). This "outside business" encompasses administrative duties, logistics, supply management, financial oversight, property management, maintenance of the temple precincts, and interactions with the community concerning temple matters (e.g., tithes, contributions). It shows that effective worship required robust, well-managed logistical support.
of the house of God: (Heb. בֵּית הָאֱלֹהִים, Beith Ha'Elohim). The Temple in Jerusalem. This specifies the ultimate purpose and beneficiary of their "outside business"—all their administrative efforts were directed toward ensuring the smooth, continued operation of the center of Israel's worship.
Words-group analysis:
- "Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites": This phrase pinpoints specific individuals and their esteemed positions within the Levite hierarchy. It underscores that vital roles in the restored community were entrusted to capable and recognized leaders, emphasizing personal responsibility and organized leadership in God's service.
- "who had the oversight of the outside business of the house of God": This highlights the practical and extensive administrative responsibilities entrusted to these Levites. It demonstrates that the Temple's functioning depended not only on priestly ritual but also on careful management of its vast logistical and financial needs from external sources and maintenance, vital for its continued operation and purity.
Nehemiah 11 16 Bonus section
The detailed roster and assignment of specific duties in Nehemiah 11, including administrative roles like the one mentioned here, illustrate a renewed commitment to the Levitical laws and temple order as outlined in the Torah. This organization was vital for preventing the religious decline seen in earlier periods of Israel's history. The careful division of labor, assigning distinct responsibilities to individuals and groups, emphasizes the importance of every part working together for the whole, reflecting a principle of the body of Christ later described in the New Testament. The appointment of these specific Levites suggests not only their availability but also their proven trustworthiness and competence in handling complex non-sacred tasks.
Nehemiah 11 16 Commentary
Nehemiah 11:16 is a concise yet profoundly significant verse, showcasing the practical wisdom and administrative order established in post-exilic Jerusalem. It identifies Shabbethai and Jozabad, two leading Levites, specifically assigned to manage the often-overlooked yet critical "outside business" of the Temple. This points to the crucial understanding that true spiritual function is underpinned by robust and orderly practical management. The "outside business" involved all the administrative, financial, and logistical elements—such as managing tithes and contributions, overseeing supplies, maintaining Temple grounds, and perhaps engaging in legal aspects of Temple property—that enabled the sacred rites to proceed smoothly. It acknowledges that even the most spiritual endeavors require diligent, sometimes seemingly mundane, administrative support. This organized structure reflected the community's commitment to avoiding the previous disarray that led to exile and ensured the long-term sustainability and purity of their renewed worship life, reminding us that God delights in order and effective stewardship in all areas of His service.