Nehemiah 11:9
What does Nehemiah 11:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 11:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 11:9 means
Joel son of Zichri is identified as the overseer of the Benjaminites, and Judah son of Hassenuah as second over the city. This highlights structured governance: tribal oversight within Benjamin and broader civic leadership for Jerusalem itself. Appointing capable administrators ensures order, justice, and coordination among the growing population. The verse shows that repopulation is not enough without effective leadership. As the city reawakens, authority is clearly defined so that the community’s worship, defense, and daily affairs proceed smoothly. Such organization reflects wisdom under Nehemiah’s broader supervision and God’s providential care for His people’s common life.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer; and Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Joel, the son of Zichri, was their overseer; and Judah, the son of Hassenuah, was second over the town.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Joel son of Zichri <FI>is<Fi> inspector over them, and Judah son of Senuah <FI>is<Fi> over the city--second.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Joel the son of Zechri their ruler, and Judas the son of Senua was second over the city.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and Joel the son of Zicri was their overseer, and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.
Context
After listing Benjamin’s numbers (v. 8), verse 9 specifies leadership roles, showing how the populace was governed. This completes the Judah-Benjamin segment and prepares the way for the sacred offices. The narrative now pivots to the priests (vv. 10–14), who will be crucial for temple service and teaching. In the overall chapter, the sequence—people, leaders, priests—displays a comprehensive restoration: inhabitants are identified, overseers appointed, and worship officials established so Jerusalem can function as both a civic and spiritual center.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Chronicles 9:7
And of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah,
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.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Confession of Sin
Confession of sin is an essential step in drawing near to God and receiving His forgiveness and cleansing.
Topic
Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline involving abstinence from food for a period, often coupled with prayer and repentance.
What the Bible says about…