King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 12:8 Mean?

Nehemiah 12:8 in the King James Version says “Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and ...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren. the thanksgiving: that is, the psalms of thanksgiving”

Nehemiah 12:8 · KJV

Context

6

Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,

7

Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua. Sallu: or, Sallai

8

Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren. the thanksgiving: that is, the psalms of thanksgiving

9

Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in the watches.

10

And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,

Read Nehemiah 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.

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 · 11 words
וְהַלְוִיִּ֗ם1 of 11

“Moreover the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

יֵשׁ֧וּעַ2 of 11

“Jeshua”

H3442

jeshua, the name of ten israelites, also of a place in palestine

בִּנּ֛וּי3 of 11

“Binnui”

H1131

binnui, an israelite

קַדְמִיאֵ֥ל4 of 11

“Kadmiel”

H6934

kadmiel, the name of three israelites

שֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֖ה5 of 11

“Sherebiah”

H8274

sherebjah, the name of two israelites

יְהוּדָ֣ה6 of 11

“Judah”

H3063

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

מַתַּנְיָ֑ה7 of 11

“and Mattaniah”

H4983

mattanjah, the name of ten israelites

עַֽל8 of 11
H5921

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

הֻיְּד֖וֹת9 of 11

“which was over the thanksgiving”

H1960

properly, an acclaim, i.e., a choir of singers

ה֥וּא10 of 11
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

וְאֶחָֽיו׃11 of 11

“he and his brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

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 12:8 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 12:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 11:17Nehemiah 12:24Nehemiah 10:9-131 Chronicles 9:33Nehemiah 9:4Nehemiah 11:22

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