King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:25 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:25 in the King James Version says “And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and in the villages thereof...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,”

Nehemiah 11:25 · KJV

Context

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

25

And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,

26

And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Bethphelet,

27

And at Hazarshual, and at Beersheba, and in the villages thereof,

Read Nehemiah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjath-arba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,

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 · 13 words
וְאֶל1 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַֽחֲצֵרֶֽיהָ׃2 of 13

“And for the villages”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

בִּשְׂדֹתָ֑ם3 of 13

“with their fields”

H7704

a field (as flat)

מִבְּנֵ֣י4 of 13

“some of the children”

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

יְהוּדָ֗ה5 of 13

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

יָֽשְׁב֞וּ6 of 13

“dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּקִרְיַ֤ת7 of 13
H0
הָֽאַרְבַּע֙8 of 13

“at Kirjatharba”

H7153

kirjath-arba or kirjath-ha-arba, a place in palestine

וּבְנֹתֶ֔יהָ9 of 13

“and in the villages”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וּבְדִיבֹן֙10 of 13

“thereof and at Dibon”

H1769

dibon, the name of three places in palestine

וּבְנֹתֶ֔יהָ11 of 13

“and in the villages”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

וּבִֽיקַּבְצְאֵ֖ל12 of 13

“thereof and at Jekabzeel”

H3343

jekabtseel, a place in palestine

וַֽחֲצֵרֶֽיהָ׃13 of 13

“And for the villages”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

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 11:25 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 11:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 14:15Joshua 15:21-22

Places in This Verse

Dibon 2Settlement · Modern: Khirbet edh Dheiba · 31.30°N, 35.16°E1 verse across 1 book
HebronSettlement · Modern: Tel Rumeida · 31.53°N, 35.10°E62 verses across 10 books
KabzeelSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Hora · 31.29°N, 34.93°E4 verses across 4 books
View all places in Nehemiah 11 →

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