King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:1 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:1 in the King James Version says “And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in ... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

Nehemiah 11:1 · KJV


Context

1

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

2

And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.

3

Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

This verse within Nehemiah 11 addresses themes of sacrifice, community building, strategic living. Repopulating Jerusalem required sacrifice—willingness to leave comfortable situations to strengthen the covenant community. 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. Nehemiah's final reforms address recurring covenant violations, demonstrating the ongoing challenge of maintaining spiritual commitment across generations. 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 · 19 words
לָשֶׁ֙בֶת֙1 of 19

dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

שָׂרֵֽי2 of 19

And the rulers

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

הָ֠עָם3 of 19

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

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙4 of 19

at Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וּשְׁאָ֣ר5 of 19

the rest

H7605

a remainder

הָ֠עָם6 of 19

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

הִפִּ֨ילוּ7 of 19

also cast

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

גֽוֹרָל֜וֹת8 of 19

lots

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

לְהָבִ֣יא׀9 of 19

to bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶחָ֣ד10 of 19

one

H259

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

מִן11 of 19
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָֽעֲשָׂרָ֗ה12 of 19

of ten

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

לָשֶׁ֙בֶת֙13 of 19

dwelt

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙14 of 19

at Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בֶּֽעָרִֽים׃15 of 19

city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ16 of 19

the holy

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְתֵ֥שַׁע17 of 19

and nine

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

הַיָּד֖וֹת18 of 19

parts

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בֶּֽעָרִֽים׃19 of 19

city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)


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 11:1 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 11:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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