King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 10:28 Mean?

Nehemiah 10:28 in the King James Version says “And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had sep...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;”

Nehemiah 10:28 · KJV

Context

26

And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,

27

Malluch, Harim, Baanah.

28

And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

29

They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; by: Heb. by the hand of

30

And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:

Read Nehemiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

This verse within Nehemiah 10 addresses themes of covenant renewal, specific commitments, accountability. General confession leads to specific commitments regarding temple support, Sabbath observance, and separation from paganism. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The spiritual reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah shaped Judaism for centuries, establishing Scripture's centrality and patterns of worship continuing into the intertestamental period and beyond. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
  2. What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּשְׁאָ֣ר1 of 20

“And the rest”

H7605

a remainder

מֵֽעַמֵּ֤י2 of 20

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים3 of 20

“the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַ֠לְוִיִּם4 of 20

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

הַשּֽׁוֹעֲרִ֨ים5 of 20

“the porters”

H7778

a janitor

הַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֜ים6 of 20

“the singers”

H7891

to sing

הַנְּתִינִ֗ים7 of 20

“the Nethinims”

H5411

the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)

וְֽכָל8 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנִּבְדָּ֞ל9 of 20

“and all they that had separated”

H914

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

מֵֽעַמֵּ֤י10 of 20

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָֽאֲרָצוֹת֙11 of 20

“of the lands”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֶל12 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תּוֹרַ֣ת13 of 20

“unto the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים14 of 20

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

נְשֵׁיהֶ֖ם15 of 20

“their wives”

H802

a woman

בְּנֵיהֶ֣ם16 of 20

“their sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּבְנֹֽתֵיהֶ֑ם17 of 20

“and their daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

כֹּ֖ל18 of 20
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יוֹדֵ֥עַ19 of 20

“every one having knowledge”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מֵבִֽין׃20 of 20

“and having understanding”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 10:28 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 10:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 9:22 Corinthians 6:14-17Jeremiah 4:2Romans 1:1Ecclesiastes 5:2Nehemiah 7:72-73

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