Nehemiah 10:21

What does Nehemiah 10:21 mean?

A plain-English look at Nehemiah 10:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Nehemiah 10:21 means

Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua add their seals, further strengthening the public character of the covenant. As chiefs, they likely influence marriage contracts, market norms, and land practices. Their commitment to God’s law means these spheres will be ordered by Scripture, not convenience. The presence of multiple recognized leaders silences the idea that obedience is a fringe project. Rather, it is a national return to God’s ways, led by those entrusted with communal welfare.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Meshezabel, Zadok, Jaddua,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Mesizabel, Sadoc, Jeddua,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,

Context

The compilation of civic signers nears completion. With the roster thick and varied, the chapter has laid a platform from which to announce specific obligations binding on the whole community. The following verses will complete the list of chiefs and then summarize how the rest of the people entered the covenant, before detailing the concrete vows that shape Israel’s life with God in the land.

v.20Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,

v.21This passage

v.22Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,

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