What number verse is Nehemiah 11:23 in the Bible?

Nehemiah 11:23 is the 12,612th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Nehemiah 11:23 sits at position 12,612.

Translation

King James Version

For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.

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KJV (with Strong's)

For it was the king's ^H4428 commandment ^H4687 concerning them, that a certain portion ^H548 should be for the singers ^H7891, due ^H1697 for every day ^H3117.

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Complete Jewish Bible

For they were subject to the king's orders; and there was a fixed schedule for the singers, assigning them their daily duties.

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Berean Standard Bible

For there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities.

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American Standard Version

For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required.

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World English Bible Messianic

For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

For it was the Kings commandement cocerning them, that faithfull prouision shoulde bee for the singers euery day.

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Young's Literal Translation

for the command of the king is upon them, and support is for the singers, a matter of a day in its day.

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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Nehemiah 11:23 provides a precise administrative detail regarding the re-establishment of Jerusalem's civic and religious life after the Babylonian exile, specifically highlighting the royal decree that guaranteed a consistent, daily provision for the temple singers. This verse underscores the meticulous organization under Nehemiah's leadership to ensure the sustained livelihood of those dedicated to sacred temple duties, thereby emphasizing the profound importance placed on worship and the systemic support for those who facilitated it.

CONTEXT

Literary Context: This verse is situated within a crucial section of Nehemiah, specifically Nehemiah 11, which details the repopulation of Jerusalem after the completion of its walls. Following the successful reconstruction of the city defenses, a significant challenge remained: encouraging people to resettle the desolate capital. Nehemiah 11:1-2 describes how a tenth of the people from surrounding towns and villages were chosen by lot to live in Jerusalem, while others volunteered. The subsequent verses (Nehemiah 11:3-24) list the heads of families who settled in Jerusalem, including various groups like Judahites, Benjaminites, priests, Levites, porters, and singers. Verse 23 specifically focuses on the singers, demonstrating the detailed administrative provisions made for their welfare within this newly organized community. This attention to detail reflects Nehemiah's commitment to not only physical restoration but also the spiritual and social order of the city.
Historical & Cultural Context: The historical backdrop is the post-exilic period, specifically during the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia, who had granted Nehemiah permission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and re-establish its functions (Nehemiah 2:1-8). The "king's commandment" mentioned in this verse refers to a decree from this Persian monarch, indicating the foreign empire's support, or at least acquiescence, to the re-establishment of Jewish religious life. In ancient Near Eastern societies, temple personnel, including musicians, were often supported by the state or temple treasury, sometimes through land grants, tithes, or direct provisions. This royal decree ensured that the sacred duties of the singers, vital to the temple cult, would not be hindered by economic concerns. It highlights the unique position of the Jewish people under Persian rule, where their religious practices received a degree of official sanction and support, enabling the restoration of their national and spiritual identity.
Key Themes: This verse contributes to several key themes prevalent in the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it underscores the Divine Provision for Ministry, illustrating that those dedicated to God's work should be adequately supported. Even though the provision came via a foreign king, it ultimately reflects God's faithfulness in providing for His servants and His sanctuary, echoing principles found in the provision for Levites in Numbers. Secondly, the specific mention of singers receiving a daily portion emphasizes the Importance of Worship in the restored community. Musical worship was not a peripheral activity but a central, highly valued component of Israel's spiritual life, requiring dedicated personnel who could fully commit to their sacred art. Finally, the phrase "a certain portion... due for every day" highlights the theme of Order and Administration. Nehemiah's leadership was characterized by meticulous planning and execution, ensuring that every aspect of the community, including the temple services, was well-ordered, sustainable, and regular, preventing chaos and ensuring continuity of sacred practice.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

Commandment (Hebrew, mitsvâh', H4687): While the KJV uses "commandment," the underlying Hebrew term, mitsvâh (מִצְוָה), refers to a command, whether human or divine. In this context, it signifies a "royal decree" or "mandate" from the Persian king. This emphasizes the official, authoritative, and legally binding nature of the provision, ensuring its reliability and consistency for the singers, distinguishing it from a mere suggestion or charitable act.
Portion (Hebrew, ʼămânâh', H548): The Hebrew word ʼămânâh (אֲמָנָה) signifies something fixed, an allowance, or a covenant. It denotes a fixed, established, and legally guaranteed provision, rather than an arbitrary handout. This term reinforces the idea that the support for the singers was not ad-hoc but a regular, codified entitlement, reflecting a structured and well-ordered system for temple personnel. It speaks to the reliability and certainty of the provision.
Singers (Hebrew, shîyr', H7891): The term "singers" derives from the Hebrew root shîyr (שִׁיר), meaning "to sing." These individuals were a specific class of Levites dedicated to musical worship in the temple. Their prominence in this verse, receiving a dedicated daily portion, underscores the high regard for musical worship in ancient Israel. They were not merely entertainers but integral participants in the sacred liturgy, leading the congregation in praise and adoration. Their consistent support ensured the continuity and quality of temple worship.

Verse Breakdown

"For [it was] the king's commandment concerning them": This clause establishes the authoritative source of the provision. The "king" refers to the Persian monarch (likely Artaxerxes I), who held ultimate political authority over the Judean province. His "commandment" signifies a formal, legally binding decree, ensuring the stability and regularity of the support for the temple personnel. This highlights the unique political circumstances of the post-exilic community, reliant on foreign imperial sanction for their internal religious and civic order.
"that a certain portion should be for the singers": This specifies the beneficiaries and the nature of the support. The "singers" were a distinct group of Levites responsible for the musical aspects of temple worship. The "certain portion" (Hebrew ʼămânâh) indicates a fixed, regular, and guaranteed allowance, not a variable or discretionary handout. This provision was specifically allocated to enable them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without the need for secular employment.
"due for every day": This final phrase emphasizes the consistency and reliability of the provision. It was not a one-time grant or an occasional offering, but a daily entitlement. This daily allowance ensured the continuous livelihood of the singers, allowing them to focus on their liturgical roles without daily concern for sustenance, thereby ensuring the uninterrupted flow of temple worship.

Literary Devices

The verse primarily employs Emphasis through its meticulous detail and the repeated notion of a "portion" being "due for every day," underscoring the reliability and consistency of the provision and highlighting its importance for the sustained functioning of temple worship. There is also an element of Metonymy, where "the king's commandment" stands in for the broader royal authority and the administrative structures that guaranteed this provision. This metonymic reference serves to validate the legitimacy and permanence of the arrangement. Furthermore, the specific and detailed daily provision for the singers serves as a Symbol of the restored community's commitment to ordered worship and the comprehensive nature of Nehemiah's administrative reforms, which extended even to the daily sustenance of those dedicated to sacred service.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Nehemiah 11:23 powerfully illustrates God's providential care for His people and His house, even working through secular authorities. It establishes a clear biblical precedent for the sustained support of those engaged in full-time ministry, underscoring that spiritual service is not to be done haphazardly or without adequate means. This principle reflects God's desire for His servants to be free from worldly anxieties so they can fully devote themselves to their sacred calling, ensuring the continuity and vitality of worship and spiritual instruction within the community. The specific focus on singers also elevates the importance of worship as a central and essential component of communal faith, deserving of dedicated resources and personnel.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Nehemiah 11:23 offers profound insights for contemporary believers and the church. It reminds us that the work of ministry, particularly that which facilitates worship and spiritual growth, requires intentional and consistent support from the community. Just as the ancient singers needed a "daily portion" to focus on their sacred tasks, so too do modern pastors, missionaries, worship leaders, and other vocational ministers need the faithful and generous support of the body of Christ to fulfill their calling without undue financial burden. This verse challenges us to consider our role in sustaining those who dedicate their lives to serving God's house, recognizing that their ability to minister effectively is often directly tied to the community's commitment to their well-being. It also elevates our understanding of worship, reminding us that it is not a peripheral activity but a vital, supported, and celebrated aspect of our collective spiritual life, worthy of significant investment and dedicated personnel.

Questions for Reflection

How does the principle of daily provision for the temple singers inform our understanding of supporting those in full-time ministry today?
What does the emphasis on "singers" in this verse teach us about the value and role of worship in the life of the church?
In what ways can our local church or individual lives better reflect the "king's commandment" of consistent, reliable support for those who serve God's mission?
How might a lack of consistent support for ministers hinder the spiritual health and growth of a community?

FAQ

What does "the king's commandment" refer to in Nehemiah 11:23?

Answer: "The king's commandment" refers to a formal decree or edict issued by the Persian king, most likely Artaxerxes I. This king was the reigning monarch during Nehemiah's time and had previously granted Nehemiah permission and resources to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and re-establish its functions (Nehemiah 2:1-8). This decree ensured that the temple singers, who were crucial for the re-establishment of worship, would receive a consistent, daily provision, underscoring the Persian Empire's official sanction of the Jewish religious practices in their province.

Why was it important for the temple singers to receive a "certain portion, due for every day"?

Answer: It was critically important for the temple singers to receive a consistent, daily portion to ensure their sustained livelihood and enable them to dedicate themselves fully to their sacred duties without distraction. In ancient Israel, temple service, particularly musical worship, was a specialized and demanding role. By providing a guaranteed daily allowance, the community, under the king's decree, ensured that these dedicated individuals would not have to seek secular employment for survival. This allowed them to concentrate entirely on their liturgical responsibilities, thereby maintaining the continuity, quality, and spiritual integrity of temple worship, which was central to the restored community's identity and faith. This principle of supporting those in ministry is echoed in the New Testament, such as in 1 Corinthians 9:14.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

While Nehemiah 11:23 speaks to the earthly provision for temple ministry in the Old Covenant, it foreshadows the ultimate and perfect provision found in Christ for the New Covenant church. The "king's commandment" that secured daily sustenance for the singers points to the divine decree of God, who, through His Son, provides all that is needed for His eternal kingdom and its ministers. Just as the physical temple required daily worship and dedicated servants, so too does the spiritual temple—the body of Christ—require continuous spiritual nourishment and devoted ministers. Jesus Himself taught His disciples to pray for "daily bread" (Matthew 6:11), signifying God's ongoing commitment to provide for His people. Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate "portion" (Psalm 16:5) for His people, providing not merely physical sustenance but eternal life and spiritual nourishment. The support for Old Testament singers ensured the continuation of worship that pointed to the coming Messiah; in the New Testament, the church supports its ministers so that they may proclaim the finished work of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world, enabling worship that is "in spirit and truth" (John 4:24). Thus, the meticulous care for the temple singers in Nehemiah anticipates God's perfect provision in Christ, who sustains His church and empowers its ministers to continue the work of His kingdom until His glorious return.

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Commentary on Nehemiah 11 verses 20–36

20 ¶ And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.

21 But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.

22 The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.

23 For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.

24 And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king's hand in all matters concerning the people.

25 And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,

26 And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Bethphelet,

27 And at Hazarshual, and at Beersheba, and in the villages thereof,

28 And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,

29 And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,

30 Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.

31 The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and in their villages,

32 And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,

33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,

34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,

35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.

36 And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin.

Having given an account of the principal persons that dwelt in Jerusalem (a larger account of whom he had before, Ch1 9:2, etc.), Nehemiah, in these verses, gives us some account of the other cities, in which dwelt the residue of Israel, Neh 11:20. It was requisite that Jerusalem should be replenished, yet not so as to drain the country. The king himself is served of the field, which will do little service if there be not hands to manage it. Let there therefore be no strife, no envy, no contempt, no ill will, between the inhabitants of the cities and those of the villages; both are needful, both useful, and neither can be spared. 1. The Nethinims, the posterity of the Gibeonites, dwelt in Ophel, which was upon the wall of Jerusalem (Neh 3:26), because they were to do the servile work of the temple, which therefore they must be posted near to, that they might be ready to attend, Neh 11:21. 2. Though the Levites were dispersed through the cities of Judah, yet they had an overseer who resided in Jerusalem, superior of their order and their provincial, to whom they applied for direction, who took care of their affairs and took cognizance of their conduct, whether they did their duty, Neh 11:22. 3. Some of the singers were appointed to look after the necessary repairs of the temple, being ingenious men, and having leisure between their hours of service; they were over the business of the house of God, Neh 11:22. And, it seems, the king of Persia had such a kindness for their office that he allotted a particular maintenance for them, besides what belonged to them as Levites, Neh 11:23. 4. Here is one that was the king's commissioner at Jerusalem. He was of the posterity of Zerah (Neh 11:24); for of that family of Judah there were some new settled in Jerusalem, and not all of Pharez, as appears by that other catalogue, Ch1 9:6. He is said to be at the king's hand, or on the king's part, in all matters concerning the people, to determine controversies that arose between the king's officers and his subjects, to see that what was due to the king from the people was duly paid in and what was allowed by the king for the temple service was duly paid out, and happy it was for the Jews that one of themselves was in this post. 5. Here is an account of the villages, or country towns, which were inhabited by the residue of Israel - the towns in which the children of Judah dwelt (Neh 11:25-30), those that were inhabited by the children of Benjamin (Neh 11:31-35), and divisions for the Levites among both, Neh 11:36. We will now suppose them safe and easy, though few and poor, but by the blessing of God they were likely to increase in wealth and power, and they would have been more likely if there had not been that general profaneness among them, and lukewarmness in religion, with which they were charged in God's name by the prophet Malachi, who, it is supposed, prophesied about this time, and in whom prophecy ceased for some ages, till it revived in the great prophet and his forerunner.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 20–36. Public domain.

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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

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Cross-References

Ezra 6:8
Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods, even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expenses be given unto these men, that they be not hindered.
Ezra 6:9
And that which they have need of, both young bullocks, and rams, and lambs, for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests which are at Jerusalem, let it be given them day by day without fail:
Ezra 7:20
And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow it out of the king's treasure house.
Ezra 7:24
Also we certify you, that touching any of the priests and Levites, singers, porters, Nethinims, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or custom, upon them.
Nehemiah 12:47
And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.
1 Chronicles 9:33
And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night.