Nehemiah 12:47

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And all Israel {H3478} in the days {H3117} of Zerubbabel {H2216}, and in the days {H3117} of Nehemiah {H5166}, gave {H5414} the portions {H4521} of the singers {H7891} and the porters {H7778}, every day {H3117} his portion {H1697}: and they sanctified {H6942} holy things unto the Levites {H3881}; and the Levites {H3881} sanctified {H6942} them unto the children {H1121} of Aaron {H175}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So in the days of Z'rubavel and in the days of Nechemyah, all Isra'el gave portions to the singers and gatekeepers as required daily. They set aside a portion for the L'vi'im, who, in turn set aside a portion for the descendants of Aharon.

Berean Standard Bible

So in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and gatekeepers. They also set aside daily portions for the Levites, and the Levites set aside daily portions for the descendants of Aaron.

American Standard Version

And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, as every day required: and they set apart that which was for the Levites; and the Levites set apart that which was for the sons of Aaron.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 12:47 provides a profound summary of the sustained, organized, and consecrated support for those dedicated to the temple service in post-exilic Jerusalem. It highlights the remarkable continuity of provision for the spiritual leaders and workers, spanning from the initial return under Zerubbabel to the comprehensive reforms enacted by Nehemiah. The verse underscores Israel's collective commitment to daily provision for the singers and porters, and meticulously details the sacred process by which these offerings were consecrated—first by the people to the Levites, and then by the Levites to the priests—ensuring the proper functioning, holiness, and divine order of the Lord's house.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 12 serves as a pivotal conclusion to a significant section of the book, detailing the dedication of Jerusalem's rebuilt wall and the meticulous re-establishment of organized worship. The chapter begins with extensive genealogies of priests and Levites (Nehemiah 12:1-26), emphasizing the divine continuity of the priestly lines and the essential Levitical roles in post-exilic Israel. Following the joyful and grand dedication ceremony of the wall, marked by great rejoicing and abundant sacrifices (Nehemiah 12:27-43), verses 44-47 shift focus to the practical administration and sustained support of temple personnel. This particular verse, Nehemiah 12:47, functions as a powerful concluding summary, affirming that the provisions for the temple staff were not a fleeting, one-time event but a consistent, ongoing practice, thereby reflecting the profound success of Nehemiah's reforms in restoring proper worship and its vital sustenance. It demonstrates the culmination of the people's commitment to God's covenant, moving from the physical rebuilding of the city to the spiritual rebuilding of its worship life.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This verse masterfully bridges two crucial periods in post-exilic Jewish history. The "days of Zerubbabel" refer to the initial wave of exiles who returned to Jerusalem around 538 BC, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, who oversaw the rebuilding of the altar and the foundation of the Second Temple, as detailed in [Ezra 3](/ezra/3 "Ezra 3 - The Rebuilding of the Altar and Temple"). The "days of Nehemiah" refer to a later, distinct period, beginning around 445 BC, when Nehemiah arrived to rebuild Jerusalem's walls and institute widespread religious and social reforms. The "singers" (Levites specifically appointed for musical worship, often from the families of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun) and "porters" (Levites responsible for guarding the temple gates, maintaining order, and managing the treasury) were indispensable roles in the temple's daily operations. The system of providing "portions" for these individuals, and for the broader body of Levites and the "children of Aaron" (the priests), was a direct fulfillment of Mosaic Law, which mandated that those dedicated to temple service should be supported by the tithes and offerings of the people (e.g., [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Levites' Inheritance from Tithes")), ensuring they could devote themselves fully to their sacred duties without needing to engage in secular labor. This system was vital for the spiritual health and continuity of the community.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 12:47 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the **sustained provision for ministry**, highlighting that the support for those serving in the Lord's house was consistent and daily, not sporadic. This reflects a deep and enduring commitment by the community to ensure the continuity and vitality of worship. Secondly, the verse emphasizes **order and accountability in worship and giving**. The structured distribution, from "all Israel" to the Levites, and then from the Levites to the priests, demonstrates a meticulously organized system rooted in divine command, as seen in passages like [Numbers 18:28](/numbers/18-28 "Numbers 18:28 - Levites' Tithe to Priests"). This layered giving ensured proper stewardship and reverence. Thirdly, it powerfully illustrates **community responsibility and corporate worship**. The phrase "all Israel... gave the portions" signifies the collective and active participation of the entire nation in upholding the temple service, recognizing that the spiritual health of the community depended on their unified effort. Finally, the repeated use of "sanctified" points to the profound theme of **holiness and consecration**, elevating the act of giving beyond mere sustenance to a sacred offering dedicated to God through His appointed servants, underscoring the sacredness of the entire system.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Portions (Hebrew, _mᵉnâth'_):** This term (H4521) refers to an allotted share, a part, or a gift that is specifically designated. In this context, it signifies the regular, prescribed contributions, such as tithes and offerings, that the people of Israel were to provide for the support of the Levites and priests who served in the temple. This was not an arbitrary act of charity but an established system of sustenance mandated by the Mosaic Law, ensuring that those dedicated to sacred service could fulfill their duties without worldly distractions, thereby maintaining the integrity and consistency of temple worship.
* **Sanctified (Hebrew, _qâdash'_):** Meaning "to make holy," "to set apart," or "to consecrate" (H6942). This word is crucial to understanding the profound spiritual dimension of the giving described in the verse. When "all Israel" "sanctified" portions to the Levites, they were not merely handing over goods; they were setting these gifts apart as holy, dedicating them for sacred use in the service of God. Similarly, when the Levites "sanctified" a portion to the children of Aaron, they were performing a priestly act, acknowledging that even their portion was ultimately from God and a part of it was due back to Him through His most consecrated servants. This act elevated the financial and material support to a spiritual offering, recognizing the divine nature of the temple service and the reverence due to God.
* **Children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** This word (H1121) literally means "son," but in a broader sense, it refers to descendants, members of a group, or those belonging to a particular lineage or class. In the phrase "children of Aaron," it specifically designates the priests, as they were the direct descendants of Aaron, set apart by God for the highest priestly functions within the temple. This highlights the divinely ordained hierarchy and the specific recipients of the consecrated portions, emphasizing the continuity of the Aaronic priesthood and their unique role in mediating between God and His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"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":** This opening clause powerfully establishes the remarkable continuity and unwavering consistency of support for temple personnel across two significant periods of post-exilic restoration. It highlights that the commitment to financially sustain the temple workers was not a fleeting enthusiasm but a deeply ingrained, enduring practice maintained "every day." The specific mention of "singers and porters" indicates key, visible, and essential roles within the temple's daily operations, representing the broader body of Levites. This consistent, daily provision ensured that these dedicated servants could focus entirely on their sacred duties without concern for their livelihood, thereby upholding the spiritual integrity of the community.
* **"and they sanctified [holy things] unto the Levites":** This part of the verse describes the people's direct act of giving, imbued with spiritual significance. The phrase "sanctified [holy things]" implies that the people set apart their contributions as holy, recognizing that these provisions were not merely for human sustenance but were consecrated for God's service through His chosen servants, the Levites. This act of "sanctifying" transformed the material gift into a spiritual offering, demonstrating the people's reverence for God, His temple, and the divine mandate for its operation. It underscores that the giving was an act of worship.
* **"and the Levites sanctified [them] unto the children of Aaron":** This final clause reveals a further, crucial layer of consecration and meticulous adherence to divine instruction. The Levites, having received their portions from the people, were themselves required by Mosaic Law (specifically [Numbers 18:26](/numbers/18-26 "Numbers 18:26 - Levites' Tithe to Priests")) to give a tithe of their tithe to the priests, "the children of Aaron." This demonstrates a divinely ordained chain of holiness and accountability: the people gave to the Levites, and the Levites, in turn, gave to the priests, ensuring that even within the Levitical portion, a part was consecrated for the highest level of temple service. This meticulous adherence to the law underscored the sacredness of the entire system of provision and the proper stewardship of God's resources.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 12:47 functions primarily as a **Summary Statement**, succinctly encapsulating the sustained and meticulously organized support for the temple ministry throughout the entire post-exilic period of restoration. The verse employs a subtle yet effective form of **Inclusio** by explicitly mentioning both "the days of Zerubbabel" and "the days of Nehemiah," thereby framing the entire era of rebuilding and highlighting the enduring nature of the practices established across generations. The powerful **Repetition** of the verb "sanctified" (Hebrew, _qâdash_) profoundly emphasizes the sacred and consecrated nature of the provisions at each stage of their distribution, underscoring that these were not mere financial transactions but deeply spiritual acts of devotion and adherence to divine command. Furthermore, the mention of "singers and porters" can be seen as a form of **Synecdoche**, where specific, prominent, and visible roles represent the broader category of all temple personnel (including other Levites and priests) who were faithfully supported by the community, illustrating the comprehensive nature of the people's commitment to the Lord's house.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 12:47 powerfully illustrates the enduring biblical principle of supporting those who minister in God's house, a theme deeply rooted in the Old Testament and carried forward into the New Testament. It underscores that the spiritual health, vitality, and effective functioning of the community are intrinsically linked to the faithful and consistent provision for those dedicated to sacred service. The repeated act of "sanctifying" the portions elevates giving beyond mere charity or obligation to an act of worship and consecration, recognizing that gifts to God's servants for His work are ultimately gifts to God Himself. This verse teaches us about corporate responsibility, the vital importance of divine order and accountability in worship, and the enduring value of setting apart resources for holy purposes, affirming God's design for the sustenance of His work on earth.

* [Numbers 18:21](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21 - Levites' Inheritance from Tithes")
* [Deuteronomy 14:28-29](/deuteronomy/14-28-29 "Deuteronomy 14:28-29 - Tithes for Levites and Sojourners")
* [1 Corinthians 9:13-14](/1_corinthians/9-13-14 "1 Corinthians 9:13-14 - Support for Gospel Workers")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 12:47 offers timeless and profound principles for believers and the church today, calling us to consider the enduring importance of consistent, generous, and organized support for those who dedicate their lives to gospel ministry, whether pastors, missionaries, worship leaders, or other church workers. Just as ancient Israel provided "every day his portion" for the temple staff, Christian communities are called to ensure that those who faithfully teach, lead, and serve the church are adequately cared for, enabling them to devote themselves fully to their spiritual calling without undue financial burden or worldly distraction. This verse profoundly encourages us to view our giving not merely as a transaction or a budgetary line item, but as an act of "sanctification"—setting apart our resources as holy offerings to God, recognizing that our contributions enable the sacred work of the Kingdom to flourish. It reminds us that supporting ministry is a collective, joyful responsibility, vital for the spiritual health, vibrant worship life, and outward mission of the entire body of Christ, reflecting our reverence for God and His ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does our current practice of supporting ministry reflect the "every day his portion" principle of consistent, sustained provision?**
* **In what tangible ways can we, as individuals and as a church community, "sanctify" our giving today, elevating it beyond mere financial transaction to a holy offering of worship?**
* **What is our individual and communal responsibility in ensuring that those who faithfully minister the Word and serve the church are adequately and joyfully supported, enabling them to fulfill their divine calling?**

### FAQ
**What does "sanctified" mean in this context, and why is it used twice?**

Answer: In Nehemiah 12:47, "sanctified" (Hebrew, _qâdash_) means "to make holy," "to set apart," or "to consecrate for sacred use." It is used twice to profoundly emphasize the sacred nature of the provisions at each stage of their distribution, underscoring that these were not secular transactions but acts of worship. First, "they sanctified [holy things] unto the Levites" means the people of Israel set apart their contributions as holy, dedicating them to God by giving them to His chosen servants. This act transformed their material gift into a spiritual offering. Second, "and the Levites sanctified [them] unto the children of Aaron" means the Levites, in turn, consecrated a portion of what they received to the priests. This fulfilled a specific Mosaic Law (e.g., [Numbers 18:26](/numbers/18-26 "Numbers 18:26 - Levites' Tithe to Priests")), where the Levites were required to give a tithe of their tithe to the priests. The repetition underscores the divinely ordained chain of holiness and accountability, showing that the entire system of provision was consecrated to the Lord and His service.

**Why are "singers and porters" specifically mentioned, rather than just "Levites" or "priests"?**

Answer: The specific mention of "singers and porters" highlights key, visible, and essential roles within the daily, practical functioning of the temple, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the community's support. Singers (Levitical musicians) were crucial for the worship atmosphere, leading the people in praise and adoration, making the temple a place of vibrant spiritual experience. Porters (Levitical gatekeepers) were responsible for security, maintaining order, and managing access to the temple precincts and its treasuries, ensuring the sanctity and smooth operation of the house of God. While the verse also mentions the broader categories of "Levites" and "children of Aaron" (priests), singling out singers and porters emphasizes that even these specialized, practical, and often overlooked aspects of temple service were deemed worthy of consistent, daily support. It underscores the comprehensive nature of the community's commitment to sustaining all facets of temple ministry, from the most sacred priestly duties to the practical and aesthetic elements of worship.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 12:47, with its profound emphasis on the sustained and consecrated support for the Old Testament temple ministry, finds its ultimate fulfillment and glorious transformation in Christ. While the Levitical priesthood, the temple structure, and its intricate service were but shadows pointing to the good things to come, Christ is the ultimate [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God") and our [great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest") who offered Himself as the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice, forever ending the need for daily animal offerings. Through His perfect sacrifice, believers are now eternally [sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all](/hebrews/10-10 "Hebrews 10:10 - Sanctified Through Christ's Sacrifice"). The principle of supporting those who minister God's Word continues in the New Covenant, but its object shifts from the physical temple and its personnel to the spiritual temple of the church (which is the body of Christ) and those who faithfully proclaim the gospel. The Apostle Paul affirms that [those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Those Who Preach the Gospel Should Live from the Gospel"), echoing the Old Testament pattern of provision. Our "portions" are now given not to a physical temple, but to support the spread of the Kingdom through the church, which is Christ's living embodiment on earth. This giving is still an act of "sanctification," a holy offering that is [a fragrant offering, a sacrifice acceptable and pleasing to God](/philippians/4-18 "Philippians 4:18 - A Fragrant Offering") when done in faith and love, enabling the ministry that builds up the body of Christ and proclaims His saving, transforming work to the world.

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

Numbers 18:21

And, behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance, for their service which they serve, [even] the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Numbers 18:29

Out of all your gifts ye shall offer every heave offering of the LORD, of all the best thereof, [even] the hallowed part thereof out of it.

2 Chronicles 31:5

And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all [things] brought they in abundantly.

2 Chronicles 31:6

And [concerning] the children of Israel and Judah, that dwelt in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep, and the tithe of holy things which were consecrated unto the LORD their God, and laid [them] by heaps.

Galatians 6:6

Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things.

Nehemiah 11:23

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

Nehemiah 12:12

And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;