Nehemiah 11:23
What does Nehemiah 11:23 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 11:23 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 11:23 means
A royal decree provided a regular, daily allowance for the singers. This provision ensured that those devoted to worship could serve without distraction, reflecting favor from the Persian administration toward the temple’s functioning. It also formalized the centrality of praise in the community’s life—so vital that it warranted a “settled provision.” The verse demonstrates God’s providence working through earthly authorities to sustain worship. Consistent support enabled the rhythms of thanksgiving and prayer to continue, anchoring Jerusalem’s identity as the holy city where God is honored day by day.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For there was an order from the king about them and a regular amount for the music-makers, for their needs day by day.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for the command of the king <FI>is<Fi> upon them, and support <FI>is<Fi> for the singers, a matter of a day in its day.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For the king's commandment was concerning them, and an order among the singing men day by day.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890For it was the king's commandment concerning them, and there was a settled portion for the singers, due for each day.
Context
After naming the Asaphite overseer of the singers (v. 22), verse 23 notes that royal policy guaranteed their daily needs. This confirms that temple worship had both spiritual leadership and material backing. The next verse (v. 24) will mention Pethahiah, a Judahite serving as the king’s representative in matters concerning the people, linking imperial oversight with local administration. With these notes, the chapter completes its report on Jerusalem’s organization and turns to a catalog of settlements across Judah and Benjamin (vv. 25–36).
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.
v.23This passage
v.24And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 6:8
Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence unto these men, that they be not hindered.
- 1 Chronicles 9:33
And these are the singers, heads of fathers’housesof the Levites, who dweltin the chambersand were free from other service; for they were employed in their work day and night.
- Ezra 7:20
And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king’s treasure-house.
- Nehemiah 12:47
And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, as every day required: and they set apart that which was for the Levites; and the Levites set apart that which was for the sons of Aaron.
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