King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:3 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:3 in the King James Version says “Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his posse... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.

Nehemiah 11:3 · KJV


Context

1

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

2

And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.

3

Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.

4

And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez; Perez: or, Pharez

5

And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.

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
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙1 of 19
H428

these or those

רָאשֵׁ֣י2 of 19

Now these are the chief

H7218

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

הַמְּדִינָ֔ה3 of 19

of the province

H4082

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

אֲשֶׁ֥ר4 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָֽשְׁב֞וּ5 of 19

dwelt

H3427

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

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם6 of 19

in Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בְּעָ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם7 of 19

but in the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֗ה8 of 19

of Judah

H3063

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

יָֽשְׁב֞וּ9 of 19

dwelt

H3427

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

אִ֤ישׁ10 of 19

every one

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בַּֽאֲחֻזָּתוֹ֙11 of 19

in his possession

H272

something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)

בְּעָ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם12 of 19

but in the cities

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל13 of 19

to wit Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙14 of 19

the priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וְהַלְוִיִּ֣ם15 of 19

and the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהַנְּתִינִ֔ים16 of 19

and the Nethinims

H5411

the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)

וּבְנֵ֖י17 of 19

and 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

עַבְדֵ֥י18 of 19

servants

H5650

a servant

שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃19 of 19

of Solomon's

H8010

shelomah, david's successor


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 11:3 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 11:3 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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