King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:17 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:17 in the King James Version says “And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in praye... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

Nehemiah 11:17 · KJV


Context

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

17

And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

18

All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.

19

Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two. the gates: Heb. at the gates


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

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. The Hebrew palal (פָּלַל) for prayer indicates intercession and petition, emphasizing dependence on God. 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 · 21 words
וּמַתַּנְיָ֣ה1 of 21

And Mattaniah

H4983

mattanjah, the name of ten israelites

בֶּן2 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

מִ֠יכָה3 of 21
H4318

micah, the name of seven israelites

בֶּן4 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

זַבְדִּ֨י5 of 21

of Zabdi

H2067

zabdi, the name of four israelites

בֶּן6 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

אָסָ֜ף7 of 21

of Asaph

H623

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

רֹ֗אשׁ8 of 21

was the principal

H7218

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

הַתְּחִלָּה֙9 of 21

to begin

H8462

a commencement; relatively original (adverb, -ly)

יְהוֹדֶ֣ה10 of 21

the thanksgiving

H3034

physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha

לַתְּפִלָּ֔ה11 of 21

in prayer

H8605

intercession, supplication; by implication, a hymn

וּבַקְבֻּקְיָ֖ה12 of 21

and Bakbukiah

H1229

bakbukjah, an israelite

מִשְׁנֶ֣ה13 of 21

the second

H4932

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

מֵֽאֶחָ֑יו14 of 21

among his brethren

H251

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

וְעַבְדָּא֙15 of 21

and Abda

H5653

abda, the name of two israelites

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

שַׁמּ֔וּעַ17 of 21

of Shammua

H8051

shammua, the name of four 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

גָּלָ֖ל19 of 21

of Galal

H1559

galal, the name of two 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

יְדיּתֽוּן׃21 of 21

of Jeduthun

H3038

jeduthun, an israelite


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 11:17 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 11:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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