Nehemiah 11:21
What does Nehemiah 11:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 11:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 11:21 means
The Nethinim—temple servants—lived in Ophel, a district associated with the temple area. Ziha and Gishpa were over them, indicating an internal leadership structure. Their proximity to the temple made sense for their supporting duties. By naming their overseers, the text dignifies their role and affirms that even subordinate positions were orderly and accountable. In the renewed city, every rung of service mattered. The Nethinim’s presence near the temple ensured that practical tasks could be performed promptly and reverently, contributing to the daily functioning of worship in Jerusalem.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But the Nethinim were living in the Ophel; and Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the Nethinim are dwelling in Ophel, and Ziha and Gishpa <FI>are<Fi> over the Nethinim.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the Nathinites, that dwelt in Ophel, and Siaha, and Gaspha of the Nathinites.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel; and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinim.
Context
After noting the broader distribution of people (v. 20), verse 21 zooms back to a specific group: the Nethinim, who live near the temple precinct and have designated leaders. This prepares for the following details about Levite oversight among the singers (v. 22) and royal provision for them (v. 23), culminating with an official liaison at the king’s hand (v. 24). The section completes the internal organization of Jerusalem’s religious and civic structures before the chapter turns to listing the towns and villages occupied by Judah and Benjamin (vv. 25–36).
v.20And the residue of Israel, of the priests, the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.
v.21This passage
v.22The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica, of the sons of Asaph, the singers, over the business of the house of God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 3:31
After him repaired Malchijah one of the goldsmiths unto the house of the Nethinim, and of the merchants, over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ascent of the corner.
- 2 Chronicles 27:3
He built the upper gate of the house of Jehovah, and on the wall of Ophel he built much.
- Nehemiah 3:26
(Now the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that standeth out.)
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