King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:12 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:12 in the King James Version says “And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the ... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,

Nehemiah 11:12 · KJV


Context

10

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.

11

Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God.

12

And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,

13

And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,

14

And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men. the son: or, the son of Haggedolim


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,

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 does understanding your work as part of God's larger purposes transform your approach to daily responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַֽאֲחֵיהֶ֗ם1 of 21

And their brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

עֹשֵׂ֤י2 of 21

that did

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

הַמְּלָאכָה֙3 of 21

the work

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

לַבַּ֔יִת4 of 21

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שְׁמֹנֶ֥ה5 of 21

were eight

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

מֵא֖וֹת6 of 21

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים7 of 21

twenty

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּשְׁנָ֑יִם8 of 21

and two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וַֽ֠עֲדָיָה9 of 21

and Adaiah

H5718

adajah, the name of eight israelites

בֶּן10 of 21

the son

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

יְרֹחָ֤ם11 of 21

of Jeroham

H3395

jerocham, the name of seven or eight israelites

בֶּן12 of 21

the son

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

פְּלַלְיָה֙13 of 21

of Pelaliah

H6421

pelaljah, an israelite

בֶּן14 of 21

the son

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

אַמְצִ֣י15 of 21

of Amzi

H557

amtsi, an israelite

בֶּן16 of 21

the son

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

זְכַרְיָ֔ה17 of 21

of Zechariah

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

בֶּן18 of 21

the son

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

פַּשְׁח֖וּר19 of 21

of Pashur

H6583

pashchur, the name of four israelites

בֶּן20 of 21

the son

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

מַלְכִּיָּֽה׃21 of 21

of Malchiah

H4441

malkijah, the name of ten israelites


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 11:12 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 11:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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