Nehemiah 12 19

Nehemiah 12:19 kjv

And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

Nehemiah 12:19 nkjv

of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

Nehemiah 12:19 niv

of Joiarib's, Mattenai; of Jedaiah's, Uzzi;

Nehemiah 12:19 esv

of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

Nehemiah 12:19 nlt

Mattenai was leader of the family of Joiarib.
Uzzi was leader of the family of Jedaiah.

Nehemiah 12 verses

Nehemiah 12 19 Meaning

Nehemiah 12:19 is part of a list detailing the chief priests in the days of Joiakim, the High Priest who succeeded Jeshua. This verse, "and of Binnui, Kallai, Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah," serves to meticulously record and preserve the lineage and organizational structure of the priesthood after the return from Babylonian exile. It underscores the importance of maintaining legitimate religious authority and proper order within the re-established community of Israel in Jerusalem, ensuring the continuity of the Levitical service and temple worship according to divine commands.

Nehemiah 12 19 Context

Nehemiah 12:19 appears within a lengthy section that lists various groups of priests and Levites integral to the functioning of post-exilic Judah. The chapter begins by listing those priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua (vv. 1-9). Then, it transitions to detailing the High Priestly succession down to the time of Nehemiah (vv. 10-11). Verse 12 initiates a specific listing of "the heads of the fathers' houses of the priests and Levites in the days of Joiakim," the high priest who succeeded Jeshua. This section (vv. 12-21), in which verse 19 is embedded, meticulously records the leadership of the priestly clans for a subsequent generation, following the initial return.

The historical context is critical: Israel had just returned from seventy years of Babylonian exile, rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem, and was striving to re-establish its religious and national identity. Precise genealogies and the identification of legitimate priests were paramount for ensuring proper worship, land allocation, and the overall societal structure aligned with the Mosaic Law. Lists like these served to legitimize leadership, maintain continuity, and exclude those with questionable lineage, directly contributing to the community's spiritual and social order in a period of re-foundational efforts.

Nehemiah 12 19 Word analysis

• and of Binnui: "Binnui" (בִּנּוּי֙, Binnuy) literally means "building" or "one built up." It highlights the theme of restoration and rebuilding prevalent in Nehemiah. This name signifies a male individual, head of a priestly or Levitical household.
• Kallai: "Kallai" (כַּלַּי֙, Kallay). The precise meaning is uncertain; it may relate to completion or fullness. Its inclusion signifies the acknowledgment of another recognized family head within the priestly ranks.
• Sallu: "Sallu" (סַלּוּא֙, Sallūʾ). This name is related to a root meaning "to lift up" or "to make a highway." It suggests a prominent or exalted status, appropriate for a head of a house. This name appears elsewhere (1 Chr 9:7; Neh 11:7).
• Amok: "Amok" (עָמוֹק֙, ʿĀmōq). Means "deep." This name indicates another leader from a distinguished lineage.
• Hilkiah: "Hilkiah" (חִלְקִיָּה֙, Ḥilqīyāh). A theophoric name meaning "my portion is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is my portion." This name holds significance, as a notable high priest named Hilkiah discovered the Book of the Law during King Josiah's reign (2 Ki 22). While likely a different individual, the recurrence of this prominent priestly name signifies continuity of respected lines.
• Jedaiah: "Jedaiah" (יְדַעְיָה֙, Yədaʿyāh). Another theophoric name, meaning "Yahweh knows" or "Known of Yahweh." This is a frequently recurring priestly name (e.g., Ezr 2:36; Neh 7:39; 1 Chr 9:10; 24:7), further emphasizing the perpetuation of established priestly families and their lineage's recognition by God.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "and of Binnui, Kallai, Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah": The presentation as a list of names following a connective "and of" structure emphasizes the sequential enumeration of various chief figures. This format is characteristic of ancient genealogies and administrative records, underscoring their importance in legitimizing descent, assigning roles, and preserving the historical record. The very act of naming implies recognition, significance, and inclusion in the divine and communal covenant. Each name represents a household or clan maintaining its specific role within the ordered worship system, demonstrating the ongoing, structured life of the covenant community.

Nehemiah 12 19 Bonus section

The significance of these biblical name lists often extends beyond mere historical record-keeping. In the Israelite worldview, being "named" and having one's name recorded was synonymous with existence, remembrance, and importance. Conversely, having one's name "blotted out" implied erasure from the communal memory and from God's favor. For priestly lines, the accurate recording of names affirmed their right to serve, directly impacting their participation in the sacrificial system and their access to specific holy provisions. This reflects God's ordered nature and His concern for His people's proper worship, providing a divine endorsement for structure and authority within the spiritual community.

Nehemiah 12 19 Commentary

Nehemiah 12:19 is not about specific actions of these individuals but their very existence and lineage as "heads of fathers' houses" within the priestly order. It provides foundational evidence of the meticulously kept records during the post-exilic period, reflecting a deep concern for continuity and legitimacy. These lists demonstrate the re-establishment of a divinely ordered society in Jerusalem, particularly the enduring structure of the priesthood essential for temple worship and maintaining covenant fidelity. The divine inspiration behind such detailed record-keeping highlights God's sovereignty over history and His faithfulness in preserving His chosen people and the mechanisms of His covenant. It subtly reinforces the understanding that leadership within God's people is not self-appointed but divinely ordained and genealogically verified. For us today, it underlines that structure and faithful lineage matter in the stewardship of God's work.