Devine Scripture

Nehemiah 11:10

What does Nehemiah 11:10 mean?

A plain-English look at Nehemiah 11:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Nehemiah 11:10 means

Now the focus turns to priests, beginning with Jedaiah of Joiarib and Jachin. Listing priestly families assures the community that temple ministry will be conducted by legitimate descendants set apart for sacred service. These names reflect known priestly houses, connecting the restored worship in Jerusalem to pre-exilic patterns. The presence of priests within the city is essential for sacrifices, teaching, and maintaining holiness in “the holy city.” By naming them first, the text underscores that worship is central to Jerusalem’s identity; the city is not merely fortified walls but a place where God’s appointed servants lead the people in His ways.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Of the priests: Jedaiah, the son of Joiarib, Jachin,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Of the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib, Jachin,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And of the priests Idaia the son of Joarib, Jachin,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Of the priests: Jedaiah [the son of] Joiarib, Jachin,

Context

Having established civil leadership among Judah and Benjamin (vv. 4–9), the narrative shifts to the priestly core (vv. 10–14). Verse 10 introduces the first priestly families, signaling that attention is now on temple functionaries. Subsequent verses will expand the list, provide numbers of those engaged in temple work, and note their leaders. This reinforces that the repopulation of Jerusalem aims at renewed worship as much as at defense or administration. After the priests, the text will move to Levites, singers, and gatekeepers (vv. 15–19), rounding out the temple’s support structure.

v.9And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city.

v.10This passage

v.11Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Nehemiah 12:6

    Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah.

  • Ezra 8:16

    Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, who were teachers.

  • Nehemiah 12:19

    and of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;

  • 1 Chronicles 9:10

    And of the priests: Jedaiah, and Jehoiarib, Jachin,

  • Ezra 2:36

    The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

  • Nehemiah 7:39

    The priests: The children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Nehemiah 11

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Nehemiah 11.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Nehemiah 11:10.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary