Nehemiah 11:4

KJV

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;

KJV (with Strong's)

And at Jerusalem {H3389} dwelt {H3427} certain of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}, and of the children {H1121} of Benjamin {H1144}. Of the children {H1121} of Judah {H3063}; Athaiah {H6265} the son {H1121} of Uzziah {H5818}, the son {H1121} of Zechariah {H2148}, the son {H1121} of Amariah {H568}, the son {H1121} of Shephatiah {H8203}, the son {H1121} of Mahalaleel {H4111}, of the children {H1121} of Perez {H6557};

Complete Jewish Bible

Some of those living in Yerushalayim were from people of Y'hudah, and others were from people of Binyamin. Those from the people of Y'hudah were: 'Atayah the son of 'Uziyah, the son of Z'kharyah, the son of Amaryah, the son of Sh'fatyah, the son of Mahalal'el, from the descendants of Peretz;

Berean Standard Bible

while some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez;

American Standard Version

And in 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 Mahalalel, of the children of Perez;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 11:4 commences a vital registry of individuals and families who courageously resettled Jerusalem after its walls were rebuilt, following the Babylonian exile. This verse specifically identifies prominent members from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, detailing the lineage of Athaiah from the children of Perez within the tribe of Judah. It fundamentally underscores the critical demographic and spiritual restoration of the holy city, highlighting the profound commitment required to re-establish Jerusalem as the vibrant administrative, spiritual, and communal heart of the returned Jewish population.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 11 immediately follows the triumphant completion of Jerusalem's walls, a monumental achievement detailed in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Walls"). With the physical defenses secured, the narrative shifts from construction to community. Prior chapters, particularly [Nehemiah 8-10](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - Public Reading of the Law"), describe a profound spiritual revival marked by the public reading of the Law, confession of sin, and a renewed covenant with God. Despite these successes, Jerusalem remained sparsely populated and vulnerable. Chapter 11 addresses this critical demographic void, outlining the process by which a tenth of the population was chosen by lot to inhabit the city, alongside those who volunteered. Verse 4 initiates the meticulous listing of these settlers, first focusing on key families from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin, who formed the historical and spiritual core of the post-exilic community. This detailed record serves not only as a census but also as a testament to the commitment of those who answered the call to rebuild.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The period following the Babylonian exile, specifically from the return under Zerubbabel (circa 538 BC) to Nehemiah's reforms (circa 445 BC), was a challenging era for the Jewish people. While the Second Temple had been rebuilt ([Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - Rebuilding the Temple")), and Nehemiah had just completed the walls, Jerusalem itself was far from a thriving metropolis. It was a frontier city, often exposed to external threats and lacking the comforts of established towns. Moving into Jerusalem was a significant act of faith and sacrifice, as it likely entailed leaving more secure or prosperous settlements. In ancient Israelite society, genealogies were not mere historical footnotes; they were foundational to identity, establishing tribal affiliation, land inheritance rights, eligibility for priestly service, and a person's standing within the covenant community. For the returned exiles, these meticulous records, like the one in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Returned Exiles"), were crucial for affirming their legitimate connection to their ancestral heritage and their right to reclaim their place in the land and its capital, solidifying their continuity as God's chosen people.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 11:4 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. A primary theme is **Restoration and Repopulation**, emphasizing that the rebuilding of Jerusalem was not merely about physical structures but about re-establishing a vibrant, living community at the heart of God's purposes. This verse highlights the human agency involved in fulfilling God's plan for the city's revival. It also underscores **Commitment and Sacrifice**, as individuals willingly (or by divine selection) took on the responsibility of inhabiting a challenging environment, demonstrating profound dedication to God's vision for His people and His holy city. Furthermore, the detailed genealogical accounting exemplifies the theme of **Identity and Continuity**. It meticulously traces lineages, affirming the unbroken connection of the returned exiles to their ancestral tribes and the covenant promises, even after generations of dispersion. This emphasis on heritage, also seen in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned"), reinforced their legitimate claim to the land and their role in the ongoing story of God's people, echoing ancient promises of dwelling in Zion found in passages like [Psalm 132:13-14](/psalm/132-13 "Psalm 132:13-14 - The Lord Has Chosen Zion").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dwelt (Hebrew, _yâshab'_):** This verb (H3427) signifies "to sit down," and by implication, "to dwell," "to remain," or "to inhabit permanently." In the context of Nehemiah 11:4, it emphasizes a deliberate and committed act of establishing permanent residence in Jerusalem. This was crucial for the city's long-term viability and its role as a stable administrative and spiritual center, moving beyond its previous state of desolation. It implies a settled, enduring presence rather than a temporary stay.
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This noun (H1121) literally means "son," but in a broader sense, it refers to descendants, members of a family, clan, or tribe. Here, "children of Judah" and "children of Benjamin" denote the tribal members or descendants belonging to these significant Israelite tribes. Its use underscores the importance of lineage and tribal identity in the post-exilic community, connecting individuals to their ancestral heritage and the covenant people.
* **Perez (Hebrew, _Perets'_):** This proper noun (H6557) refers to one of the twin sons of Judah by Tamar, as recorded in [Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "Genesis 38:29 - Birth of Perez"). His lineage was profoundly significant, as it was through Perez that the royal line of David, and ultimately the Messiah, would come. Mentioning "the children of Perez" specifically highlights a prominent and historically important clan within the tribe of Judah, underscoring the noble heritage and covenantal significance of those settling Jerusalem.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And at Jerusalem dwelt [certain] of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin."**: This opening clause establishes the central action and the key participants in the repopulation of Jerusalem. The verb "dwelt" (Hebrew: _yashvu_, from _yâshab_) indicates a settled, permanent residence, underscoring the commitment involved. The KJV's "[certain]" clarifies that not all members of these tribes moved, but a selected portion, as explained in the preceding verses of Nehemiah 11, either by lot or by voluntary commitment. The focus on Judah and Benjamin is critical, as these two tribes constituted the primary components of the Southern Kingdom and formed the bulk of the post-exilic returnees, making their presence foundational to the city's restoration and continuity.
* **"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 lengthy second clause provides a specific, detailed genealogical example from the tribe of Judah. It introduces Athaiah and meticulously traces his paternal lineage back five generations, culminating in his identification as "of the children of Perez." This detailed tracing of ancestry was far more than mere record-keeping; it served to validate Athaiah's (and by extension, his family's) identity, heritage, and legitimate standing within the covenant community. It powerfully underscores the enduring importance of tribal identity and the continuity of the covenant line, even after generations of exile and dispersion. The inclusion of names like "Mahalaleel" (meaning "praise of God") and "Zechariah" (meaning "Jah has remembered") within the lineage subtly reinforces the spiritual significance and divine providence associated with these individuals and their crucial role in the restoration.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device employed in Nehemiah 11:4, and indeed throughout much of chapter 11, is **Genealogy** or **Listing**. This meticulous cataloging of names and lineages serves several critical functions. Firstly, it provides a precise historical record, documenting the specific families and individuals who undertook the vital and challenging task of repopulating Jerusalem. Secondly, it powerfully emphasizes the **Legitimacy** and **Identity** of the returned exiles, connecting them directly to their ancestral tribes and historically significant figures like Perez. This was crucial for establishing their rightful claims to the land and their place within the covenant community after the disruption of exile. The sheer detail of the lineage, tracing back several generations, reinforces the profound importance of heritage and continuity in the post-exilic period. Furthermore, the act of listing these names can be seen as an act of **Honor** and **Commemoration**, recognizing the significant sacrifice and unwavering commitment of these individuals who chose to dwell in the nascent, vulnerable city, thereby contributing directly to its spiritual and physical re-establishment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 11:4, with its detailed enumeration of those who settled in Jerusalem, profoundly illustrates God's unwavering faithfulness in restoring His people and His holy city, even through the dedicated agency and profound sacrifice of human beings. It highlights the divine valuing of individual and communal commitment to God's redemptive purposes. The meticulous genealogies underscore the enduring importance of identity within the covenant community and the unbroken continuity of God's redemptive plan across generations, demonstrating that even after severe judgment and dispersion, God preserves a faithful remnant and meticulously fulfills His promises to re-establish His people in their land. This act of repopulation was not merely a logistical necessity; it was a deeply spiritual act of reclaiming the holy city for God's glory, His worship, and the flourishing of His covenant people.

* [Ezra 2:1-70](/ezra/2-1 "Ezra 2 - List of Returned Exiles")
* [1 Chronicles 9:2-3](/1_chronicles/9-2 "1 Chronicles 9:2-3 - First Settlers in Jerusalem")
* [Isaiah 44:26](/isaiah/44-26 "Isaiah 44:26 - Prophecy of Jerusalem's Restoration")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 11:4 invites believers today to deeply ponder the nature of true commitment and sacrificial service within the context of God's kingdom. Just as these ancient Israelites willingly (or by divine lot) chose to inhabit a vulnerable, developing Jerusalem, believers are called to invest themselves wholeheartedly in the vitality and growth of God's spiritual "city"—the Church. This often means stepping beyond personal comfort zones, embracing responsibilities, and generously contributing our time, spiritual gifts, talents, and material resources to build up the community of faith. The meticulous record-keeping in this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God sees and values every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or obscure in the grand tapestry of His plan. Our identity in Christ connects us to a spiritual lineage far grander and more eternal than any earthly genealogy, calling us to live as active citizens of His eternal kingdom, participating diligently in its expansion and flourishing. This passage challenges us to prayerfully ask: Where is God specifically calling me to "dwell" and invest myself for the good of His people and the advancement of His purposes, even if it requires personal cost or discomfort?

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What areas of my life or community is God calling me to "settle" and invest in, even if it feels uncomfortable or requires personal sacrifice?**
* **How does understanding my spiritual lineage and identity in Christ motivate me to contribute more fully to the vitality and mission of the Church today?**
* **In what practical ways can I honor the commitment and sacrifice of those who have gone before me in faith, and how can I emulate their dedication in my own walk?**

### FAQ
**Why is such a detailed list of names important in the Bible, especially for a verse like Nehemiah 11:4?**

Answer: Detailed lists of names and genealogies, such as the one found in [Nehemiah 11:4](/nehemiah/11-4 "Nehemiah 11:4 - Settlers in Jerusalem"), served several crucial purposes in ancient Israel and remain vital for the biblical narrative. Firstly, they established **identity and legitimacy**. In a society where tribal affiliation and family lineage determined land rights, eligibility for priestly service, and social standing, these records proved who belonged to the covenant community and had a rightful claim to the land and its heritage. For the post-exilic community, it affirmed their continuity with the pre-exilic nation and their right to return. Secondly, they powerfully demonstrated **God's faithfulness** in preserving a remnant and meticulously fulfilling His promises, even after severe judgment and prolonged exile. The very existence of these specific families in Jerusalem was a tangible testament to God's restorative power. Thirdly, these lists provided an invaluable **historical record** for future generations, ensuring that the significant sacrifices and contributions of individuals who participated in the arduous rebuilding process were remembered and honored. Finally, for a people deeply rooted in covenant, these genealogies underscored the **continuity of God's redemptive plan** through specific families and lineages, ultimately pointing towards the promised lineage of the Messiah. Similar comprehensive lists can be found in books like [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Returned Exiles") and the extensive genealogies in [1 Chronicles 1-9](/1_chronicles/1 "1 Chronicles 1 - Genealogies from Adam to Saul").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 11:4 meticulously details the physical repopulation of earthly Jerusalem by the children of Judah and Benjamin, it finds its ultimate spiritual fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ and the establishment of the New Covenant community. The profound commitment of these ancient Israelites to dwell in the restored city foreshadows the call for believers across all generations to be citizens of a heavenly Jerusalem, a spiritual city established not by human hands or earthly lineage, but by divine grace and the atoning sacrifice of Christ. Just as the physical city needed inhabitants, the spiritual kingdom of God requires those who are "born again" to populate it, becoming living stones built into the spiritual house of God ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Jesus Himself is the true "dwelling place" of God among humanity, the Word made flesh who "dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), making God intimately accessible to all. Through Christ, believers, regardless of their earthly lineage or tribal origin, are miraculously grafted into the true spiritual Israel ([Romans 11:17-24](/romans/11-17 "Romans 11:17-24 - The Olive Tree Analogy")), becoming fellow citizens with the saints and cherished members of God's eternal household ([Ephesians 2:19](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Fellow Citizens with the Saints")). The ultimate and glorious fulfillment of this repopulation theme is revealed in the vision of the New Jerusalem, the bride of Christ, where God will eternally "dwell with them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God" ([Revelation 21:3](/revelation/21-3 "Revelation 21:3 - God Dwells with His People")). Thus, the physical repopulation of Jerusalem in Nehemiah serves as a powerful earthly shadow of the spiritual repopulation of God's eternal city with those redeemed by the Lamb.

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.

Cross-References

Genesis 38:29

And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out: and she said, How hast thou broken forth? [this] breach [be] upon thee: therefore his name was called Pharez.

Matthew 1:3

And Judas begat Phares and Zara of Thamar; and Phares begat Esrom; and Esrom begat Aram;

Ruth 4:18

Now these [are] the generations of Pharez: Pharez begat Hezron,

1 Chronicles 9:3

And in Jerusalem dwelt of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin, and of the children of Ephraim, and Manasseh;

1 Chronicles 9:9

And their brethren, according to their generations, nine hundred and fifty and six. All these men [were] chief of the fathers in the house of their fathers.

Luke 3:33

Which was [the son] of Aminadab, which was [the son] of Aram, which was [the son] of Esrom, which was [the son] of Phares, which was [the son] of Juda,