King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:4 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:4 in the King James Version says “And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Atha... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Nehemiah 11:4 · KJV


Context

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.

6

All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 · 21 words
וּבִֽירוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙1 of 21

And at Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

יָֽשְׁב֔וּ2 of 21

dwelt

H3427

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

מִבְּנֵי3 of 21

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

יְ֠הוּדָה4 of 21

of Judah

H3063

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

מִבְּנֵי5 of 21

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

בִנְיָמִ֑ן6 of 21

of Benjamin

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

מִבְּנֵי7 of 21

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

יְ֠הוּדָה8 of 21

of Judah

H3063

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

עֲתָיָ֨ה9 of 21

Athaiah

H6265

athajah, an israelite

מִבְּנֵי10 of 21

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

עֻזִּיָּ֜ה11 of 21

of Uzziah

H5818

uzzijah, the name of five israelites

מִבְּנֵי12 of 21

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

זְכַרְיָ֧ה13 of 21

of Zechariah

H2148

zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites

מִבְּנֵי14 of 21

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

אֲמַרְיָ֛ה15 of 21

of Amariah

H568

amarjah, the name of nine israelites

מִבְּנֵי16 of 21

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

שְׁפַטְיָ֥ה17 of 21

of Shephatiah

H8203

shephatjah, the name of ten israelites

מִבְּנֵי18 of 21

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

מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֖ל19 of 21

of Mahalaleel

H4111

mahalalel, the name of an antediluvian patriarch and of an israelite

מִבְּנֵי20 of 21

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

פָֽרֶץ׃21 of 21

of Perez

H6557

perets, the name of two israelites


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 11:4 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 11:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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