King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 12:22 Mean?

Nehemiah 12:22 in the King James Version says “The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the pries...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.”

Nehemiah 12:22 · KJV

Context

20

Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;

21

Of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethaneel.

22

The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

23

The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

24

And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

Read Nehemiah 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. 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 · 14 words
הַלְוִיִּם֩1 of 14

“The Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

בִּימֵ֨י2 of 14

“in the days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֶלְיָשִׁ֜יב3 of 14

“of Eliashib”

H475

eljashib, the name of six israelites

יֽוֹיָדָ֤ע4 of 14

“Joiada”

H3111

jojada, the name of two israelites

וְיֽוֹחָנָן֙5 of 14

“and Johanan”

H3110

jochanan, the name of nine israelites

וְיַדּ֔וּעַ6 of 14

“and Jaddua”

H3037

jaddua, the name of two israelites

כְּתוּבִ֖ים7 of 14

“were recorded”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

רָאשֵׁ֣י8 of 14

“chief”

H7218

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

אָב֑וֹת9 of 14

“of the fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים10 of 14

“also the priests”

H3548

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

עַל11 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מַלְכ֖וּת12 of 14

“to the reign”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

דָּֽרְיָ֥וֶשׁ13 of 14

“of Darius”

H1867

darejavesh, a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

הַפָּֽרְסִֽי׃14 of 14

“the Persian”

H6542

a parsite (i.e., persian), or inhabitant of peres

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 12:22 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 12:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 12:10-13

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