Nehemiah 11:10

KJV

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.

KJV (with Strong's)

Of the priests {H3548}: Jedaiah {H3048} the son {H1121} of Joiarib {H3114}, Jachin {H3199}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From the cohanim: Y'da'yah the son of Yoyariv, Yakhin,

Berean Standard Bible

From the priests:

American Standard Version

Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 11:10 is a concise but significant verse, listing two priestly family heads, Jedaiah and Jachin, who were among those resettling Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It is part of a larger census in Nehemiah 11, which meticulously records the individuals and families who committed to repopulating the holy city, thereby re-establishing its spiritual and civic life following the completion of the city walls. This verse underscores the critical role of the priesthood in restoring proper worship and community order in post-exilic Judah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 11:10 is embedded within a comprehensive register of those who came to live in Jerusalem. The preceding chapters detail the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership ([Nehemiah 1-6](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1-6 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem")), followed by a census of the returnees ([Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Census of the Returnees")) and a grand covenant renewal ceremony where the Law was read and the people committed to God ([Nehemiah 8-10](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8-10 - Covenant Renewal and Dedication")). With the physical infrastructure in place and the spiritual commitment renewed, the practical challenge of repopulating the sparsely inhabited city remained, as noted in [Nehemiah 7:4](/nehemiah/7-4 "Nehemiah 7:4 - Jerusalem's Sparse Population"). Chapter 11 addresses this by listing the heads of families, leaders, Levites, and priests who volunteered or were chosen by lot to reside within the city walls, ensuring its vitality and the re-establishment of a functioning religious and civic center. Verses 10-14 specifically detail the priests.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the post-exilic period, roughly in the mid-5th century BC, under the Persian Empire. Following the decrees of Cyrus the Great, various waves of Jewish exiles returned to Judah, culminating in the efforts of Ezra and Nehemiah. A key challenge was not just rebuilding the Temple and walls, but also re-establishing a viable community in Jerusalem. Culturally, the meticulous recording of lineage, especially for priests, was paramount. Only those demonstrably descended from Aaron were permitted to serve in the Temple, as prescribed by Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - The Priestly Lineage")). The act of "casting lots" to determine who would live in Jerusalem ([Nehemiah 11:1](/nehemiah/11-1 "Nehemiah 11:1 - Repopulating Jerusalem")) highlights both human organization and divine guidance in the repopulation effort. The presence of priests was essential for restoring the sacrificial system, teaching the Law, and maintaining the spiritual integrity of the nation.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, as part of the larger chapter, contributes to several significant themes. The overarching theme is **Restoration and Rebuilding**, not just of physical structures but of the entire community and its spiritual life. The inclusion of priests emphasizes the restoration of proper **Worship and Religious Order**, which was central to Israel's identity and covenant relationship with God. The detailed lists underscore God's concern for **Divine Order and Organization** within His people, demonstrating that every role, even seemingly administrative ones, is vital for the proper functioning of the community and its mission. Furthermore, the individuals named, including Jedaiah and Jachin, represent **Faithful Service and Commitment** to God and the community, as they chose to live in a city still recovering from devastation, demonstrating their dedication to the covenant. This echoes the broader commitment made by the people in [Nehemiah 10](/nehemiah/10 "Nehemiah 10 - The Covenant Seal").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kohanim'_):** The term refers to the descendants of Aaron who were consecrated to serve God in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their duties included offering sacrifices, burning incense, maintaining the sanctuary, teaching the Law to the people, and blessing them. Their lineage was meticulously preserved and verified, as their sacred office was hereditary and exclusive to the tribe of Levi, specifically the family of Aaron. Their presence in Jerusalem was indispensable for the re-establishment of the cultic life.
* **Jedaiah (Hebrew, _Yeda'yah'_):** Meaning "Jehovah knows" or "Praise Jehovah," Jedaiah was the name of one of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David (see [1 Chronicles 24:7](/1_chronicles/24-7 "1 Chronicles 24:7 - The First Priestly Division")). The mention of "Jedaiah the son of Joiarib" here indicates a specific family within this larger division, signifying the continuity of these established priestly lines even after the exile. This name represents a significant portion of the returning priestly class, highlighting the re-establishment of the traditional order of temple service.
* **Jachin (Hebrew, _Yakhin'_):** Meaning "He will establish," Jachin was also the name of one of the twenty-four priestly divisions (see [1 Chronicles 24:17](/1_chronicles/24-17 "1 Chronicles 24:17 - The Twenty-First Priestly Division")). The name is also famously associated with one of the two massive bronze pillars that stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple ([1 Kings 7:21](/1_kings/7-21 "1 Kings 7:21 - Pillars of the Temple")). Its inclusion here alongside Jedaiah further underscores the re-establishment of the ancient, divinely ordained priestly order in the restored city of Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Of the priests":** This introductory phrase immediately categorizes the individuals to follow, emphasizing their sacred office and their crucial role in the spiritual restoration of Jerusalem. It sets the context for their inclusion in the city's repopulation.
* **"Jedaiah the son of Joiarib":** This clause identifies the first priestly family head. The patronymic "the son of Joiarib" is vital, as it confirms the legitimate priestly lineage. In ancient Israel, one's identity and right to serve, especially in sacred roles, were inextricably linked to one's ancestry. Jedaiah represents a significant priestly division, indicating the re-establishment of the structured temple service.
* **"Jachin":** This final clause names another prominent priestly family head. The concise listing, without a repeated patronymic, suggests that Jachin was either equally well-known as a family head or was directly associated with the preceding name in the priestly divisions. Together, Jedaiah and Jachin represent the foundational elements of the re-established priesthood in Jerusalem.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 11:10, and indeed throughout much of chapter 11, is **List/Genealogy**. The meticulous enumeration of names and lineages serves multiple purposes: it authenticates the historical account, provides a legal and social record of the community's composition, and underscores the importance of divine order and continuity. The names themselves, "Jedaiah" and "Jachin," can be seen as examples of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the family head) represents the whole (the entire priestly division or family). This allows for a concise yet comprehensive representation of the various groups contributing to Jerusalem's repopulation. The very act of listing these names, seemingly mundane, transforms into a testament to God's faithfulness in preserving His people and their institutions, even through exile and return.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 11:10, by naming specific priests, highlights the theological significance of the priesthood in Israel's covenant relationship with God. The re-establishment of the priestly order was not merely an administrative task but a spiritual imperative, essential for the proper functioning of the Temple, the offering of sacrifices for sin, and the teaching of God's Law. This meticulous attention to detail underscores God's desire for order and holiness among His people, and His faithfulness in preserving the means by which they could approach Him. The return of the priests symbolized the restoration of a broken covenant, a fresh start for a people called to be a holy nation.

* [Exodus 28:1](/exodus/28-1 "Exodus 28:1 - Consecration of Aaron and His Sons")
* [Numbers 3:10](/numbers/3-10 "Numbers 3:10 - Aaron and His Sons Appointed to the Priesthood")
* [Ezra 2:36](/ezra/2-36 "Ezra 2:36-39 - Priests Returning from Exile with Zerubbabel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Nehemiah 11:10 is a simple listing of names, it carries profound implications for contemporary believers. It reminds us that every role within God's kingdom, regardless of its perceived prominence, is vital and valued. The meticulous recording of these names signifies that God sees and remembers the faithful service of all who contribute to His work, whether they are "front-stage" leaders or "behind-the-scenes" administrators. These priests committed to living in a city that was still recovering, demonstrating a willingness to serve in challenging circumstances. This challenges us to consider our own commitment to our spiritual communities, encouraging us to invest our time, talents, and resources, even when it requires sacrifice or dedication to less glamorous but equally essential tasks. It underscores the importance of order, structure, and faithful commitment in building and maintaining healthy, vibrant communities of faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous listing of names in Nehemiah 11:10 challenge our modern notions of "significance" or "impact" in ministry and community life?**
* **In what ways can we, like these priests, demonstrate a faithful commitment to serving our spiritual community, even when it requires personal sacrifice or dedication to roles that may seem ordinary?**
* **What does the emphasis on lineage for the Old Testament priesthood teach us about the importance of spiritual heritage and continuity in the church today?**

### FAQ
**Why are these lists of names so important in books like Nehemiah?**

Answer: These lists serve several critical purposes. They provide a historical and legal record, authenticating the return from exile and the re-establishment of the community. For the priesthood, they verify legitimate lineage, which was essential for their sacred office according to Mosaic Law. The lists also demonstrate the meticulous organization and divine order God desired for His people, showcasing His faithfulness in preserving a remnant and restoring His covenant community. They are a testament to the commitment of individuals who chose to rebuild not just physical structures but also the social and spiritual fabric of Israel.

**What was the primary role of a priest in ancient Israel?**

Answer: The priests in ancient Israel, primarily descendants of Aaron, served as mediators between God and the people. Their core responsibilities included offering sacrifices on behalf of the people to atone for sins, burning incense, maintaining the Tabernacle/Temple, teaching the Law of God, and pronouncing blessings upon the people. They were central to Israel's worship life and the maintenance of the covenant.

**Are "Jedaiah" and "Jachin" mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, and do they have any broader significance?**

Answer: Yes, both Jedaiah and Jachin are significant names in the Old Testament. They represent two of the twenty-four priestly divisions established by King David for organized temple service, as detailed in [1 Chronicles 24](/1_chronicles/24 "1 Chronicles 24 - Divisions of Priests"). The fact that these divisions are still represented in Nehemiah's time underscores the continuity of the divinely established order of worship even after the Babylonian exile. Furthermore, "Jachin" is famously one of the two massive bronze pillars that stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple, symbolizing strength and establishment ([1 Kings 7:21](/1_kings/7-21 "1 Kings 7:21 - Pillars of the Temple")). Their inclusion here signifies the re-establishment of the foundational elements of Israel's religious life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The Old Testament priesthood, meticulously detailed and preserved as seen in Nehemiah 11:10, serves as a profound foreshadowing of the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. While the priests named in Nehemiah were essential for mediating between God and His people through sacrifices and temple service, their work was always temporary and imperfect, requiring repeated offerings. Christ, however, fulfills and transcends this earthly priesthood. He is the perfect and eternal High Priest, not according to the Levitical order, but "according to the order of Melchizedek," a priesthood superior in every way ([Hebrews 7:11](/hebrews/7-11 "Hebrews 7:11-17 - Christ's Superior Priesthood")). His single, once-for-all sacrifice on the cross perfectly atoned for sin, rendering the continuous animal sacrifices obsolete ([Hebrews 9:11](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice")). Through His finished work, all believers are now granted direct access to God's throne of grace ([Hebrews 4:14](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Approach God's Throne of Grace")) and are themselves constituted as a "royal priesthood," called to offer spiritual sacrifices of praise and service ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). The meticulous order of the Old Covenant priesthood, represented by names like Jedaiah and Jachin, points to the perfect, divine order established in Christ, who truly "establishes" (Jachin) and perfectly "knows" (Jedaiah) His people, bringing them into full communion with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.