King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:14 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:14 in the King James Version says “And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Nehemiah 11:14 · KJV

Context

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;

16

And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God. had: Heb. were over

Read Nehemiah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 11 words
וַֽאֲחֵיהֶם֙1 of 11

“And their brethren”

H251

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

גִּבּ֣וֹרֵי2 of 11

“mighty men”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

חַ֔יִל3 of 11

“of valour”

H2428

probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

מֵאָ֖ה4 of 11

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

עֶשְׂרִ֣ים5 of 11

“twenty”

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּשְׁמֹנָ֑ה6 of 11

“and eight”

H8083

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

וּפָקִ֣יד7 of 11

“and their overseer”

H6496

a superintendent (civil, military or religious)

עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם8 of 11
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

זַבְדִּיאֵ֖ל9 of 11

“was Zabdiel”

H2068

gift of god; zabdiel, the name of two israelites

בֶּן10 of 11

“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

הַגְּדוֹלִֽים׃11 of 11

“of one of the great men”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

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 11:14 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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