King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:4 Mean?

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 · King James Version

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.

Read Nehemiah 11 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וּבִֽירוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
1 of 21

“And at Jerusalem”

H3389
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
יָֽשְׁב֔וּ
2 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
מִבְּנֵי
3 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
יְ֠הוּדָה
4 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
מִבְּנֵי
5 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
בִנְיָמִ֑ן
6 of 21

“of Benjamin”

H1144
binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
מִבְּנֵי
7 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
יְ֠הוּדָה
8 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
עֲתָיָ֨ה
9 of 21

“Athaiah”

H6265
athajah, an israelite
מִבְּנֵי
10 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
עֻזִּיָּ֜ה
11 of 21

“of Uzziah”

H5818
uzzijah, the name of five israelites
מִבְּנֵי
12 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
זְכַרְיָ֧ה
13 of 21

“of Zechariah”

H2148
zecarjah, the name of twenty-nine israelites
מִבְּנֵי
14 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
אֲמַרְיָ֛ה
15 of 21

“of Amariah”

H568
amarjah, the name of nine israelites
מִבְּנֵי
16 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
שְׁפַטְיָ֥ה
17 of 21

“of Shephatiah”

H8203
shephatjah, the name of ten israelites
מִבְּנֵי
18 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
מַֽהֲלַלְאֵ֖ל
19 of 21

“of Mahalaleel”

H4111
mahalalel, the name of an antediluvian patriarch and of an israelite
מִבְּנֵי
20 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

Genesis 38:29Matthew 1:3Ruth 4:181 Chronicles 9:3-9Luke 3:33

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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