King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:22 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:22 in the King James Version says “The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the ...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.”

Nehemiah 11:22 · KJV

Context

20

And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.

21

But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims. Ophel: or, the tower

22

The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.

23

For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. a certain: or, a sure ordinance

24

And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people. Zerah: or, Zarah

Read Nehemiah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.

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
וּפְקִ֤יד1 of 19

“The overseer”

H6496

a superintendent (civil, military or religious)

הַלְוִיִּם֙2 of 19

“also of the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם3 of 19

“at Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

עֻזִּ֤י4 of 19

“was Uzzi”

H5813

uzzi, the name of six israelites

מִבְּנֵ֤י5 of 19

“Of the sons”

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

בָּנִי֙6 of 19

“of Bani”

H1137

bani, the name of five israelites

מִבְּנֵ֤י7 of 19

“Of the sons”

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

חֲשַׁבְיָ֔ה8 of 19

“of Hashabiah”

H2811

chashabjah, the name of nine israelites

מִבְּנֵ֤י9 of 19

“Of the sons”

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

מַתַּנְיָ֖ה10 of 19

“of Mattaniah”

H4983

mattanjah, the name of ten israelites

מִבְּנֵ֤י11 of 19

“Of the sons”

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

מִיכָ֑א12 of 19

“of Micha”

H4316

mica, the name of two israelites

מִבְּנֵ֤י13 of 19

“Of the sons”

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

אָסָף֙14 of 19

“of Asaph”

H623

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

הַמְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים15 of 19

“the singers”

H7891

to sing

לְנֶ֖גֶד16 of 19

“were over”

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

מְלֶ֥אכֶת17 of 19

“the business”

H4399

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

בֵּית18 of 19

“of the house”

H1004

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

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃19 of 19

“of God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

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 11:22 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 11:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 12:42Nehemiah 9:4-51 Chronicles 9:15-32Nehemiah 11:9Nehemiah 3:17Nehemiah 12:35

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Nehemiah 11 →

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