King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:13 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:13 in the King James Version says “And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, th...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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,”

Nehemiah 11:13 · KJV

Context

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

15

Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;

Read Nehemiah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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,

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 · 15 words
וְאֶחָיו֙1 of 15

“And his brethren”

H251

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

רָאשִׁ֣ים2 of 15

“chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

לְאָב֔וֹת3 of 15

“of the fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

מָאתַ֖יִם4 of 15

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אַרְבָּעִ֣ים5 of 15

“forty”

H705

forty

וּשְׁנָ֑יִם6 of 15

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

וַֽעֲמַשְׁסַ֧י7 of 15

“and Amashai”

H6023

amashsay, an israelite

בֶּן8 of 15

“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

עֲזַרְאֵ֛ל9 of 15

“of Azareel”

H5832

azarel, the name of five israelites

בֶּן10 of 15

“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

אַחְזַ֥י11 of 15

“of Ahasai”

H273

achzai, an israelite

בֶּן12 of 15

“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

מְשִׁלֵּמ֖וֹת13 of 15

“of Meshillemoth”

H4919

meshillemoth, an israelite

בֶּן14 of 15

“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

אִמֵּֽר׃15 of 15

“of Immer”

H564

immer, the name of five 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 11:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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