Nehemiah 11:14
What does Nehemiah 11:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 11:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 11:14 means
This verse notes 128 priestly brethren described as “mighty men of valor,” under the oversight of Zabdiel, son of Haggedolim. Valor here points to proven character and capability, not only in potential defense but also in steadfast service under challenging conditions. The temple and city needed men of strength—spiritual, moral, and practical. By naming their overseer, the passage shows clear lines of authority. In the fragile, newly repopulated Jerusalem, such a group would lend stability and courage to the worshiping community, ensuring that sacred duties continued without fear or compromise.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and their brethren, mighty men of valor, a hundred twenty and eight; and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of Haggedolim.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and their brethren, mighty men of valor, a hundred twenty and eight; and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of Haggedolim.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And their brothers, men of war, a hundred and twenty-eight; and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of Haggedolim.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and their brethren, mighty of valour, a hundred twenty and eight; and an inspector over them <FI>is<Fi> Zabdiel, son of <FI>one of<Fi> the great men.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And their brethren who were very mighty, a hundred twenty-eight: and their ruler Zabdiel son of the mighty.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and their brethren, mighty men of valour, a hundred and twenty-eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel the son of Gedolim.
Context
After listing priestly leaders and numbers (vv. 12–13), verse 14 highlights a distinct contingent characterized by valor and structured under a named overseer. This closes the priestly section with a note of strength and organization. The chapter then moves to the Levites (vv. 15–19), who support the priests, manage various temple responsibilities, provide music, and guard the gates. The flow thus moves from priestly leadership to supporting ministries, illustrating the complete apparatus required for Jerusalem’s spiritual life.
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