King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:30 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:30 in the King James Version says “Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And ...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.”

Nehemiah 11:30 · KJV

Context

28

And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,

29

And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,

30

Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.

31

The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and in their villages, from: or, of at: or, to

32

And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beer-sheba unto the valley of Hinnom.

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
זָנֹ֤חַ1 of 13

“Zanoah”

H2182

zanoach, the name of two places in palestine

עֲדֻלָּם֙2 of 13

“Adullam”

H5725

adullam, a place in palestine

וְחַצְרֵיהֶ֔ם3 of 13

“and in their villages”

H2691

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

לָכִישׁ֙4 of 13

“at Lachish”

H3923

lakish, a place in palestine

וּשְׂדֹתֶ֔יהָ5 of 13

“and the fields”

H7704

a field (as flat)

עֲזֵקָ֖ה6 of 13

“thereof at Azekah”

H5825

azekah, a place in palestine

וּבְנֹתֶ֑יהָ7 of 13

“and in the villages”

H1323

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

וַיַּֽחֲנ֥וּ8 of 13

“thereof And they dwelt”

H2583

properly, to incline; by implication, to decline (of the slanting rays of evening); specifically, to pitch a tent; generally to encamp (for abode or s

מִבְּאֵֽר9 of 13
H0
שֶׁ֖בַע10 of 13

“from Beersheba”

H884

beer-sheba, a place in palestine

עַד11 of 13
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

גֵּֽיא12 of 13

“unto the valley”

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

הִנֹּֽם׃13 of 13

“of Hinnom”

H2011

hinnom, apparently a jebusite

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 11:30 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 11:30 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Joshua 10:3Joshua 15:8Joshua 15:34-35Jeremiah 19:2Micah 1:15Jeremiah 7:31-32

Places in This Verse

AdullamSettlement · Modern: Khirbet esh Sheikh Madhkur · 31.65°N, 35.00°E9 verses across 8 books
AzekahSettlement · Modern: Tel Azekah · 31.70°N, 34.94°E7 verses across 5 books
Beersheba 1Settlement · Modern: Tel Beer Sheva · 31.24°N, 34.84°E23 verses across 10 books
LachishSettlement · Modern: Tell ed Duweir · 31.57°N, 34.85°E22 verses across 7 books
Valley of HinnomValley · Modern: Hinnom Valley · 31.77°N, 35.23°E12 verses across 5 books
Zanoah 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet Zanu · 31.72°N, 35.00°E3 verses across 2 books
View all places in Nehemiah 11 →

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