Nehemiah 11:17

Nehemiah 11:17 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

King James Version KJV

And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

American Standard Version ASV

and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brethren; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Mattaniah, the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who had to give the first note of the song of praise in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers, and Abda, the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

Free Bible Version FBV

Mattaniah, son of Mica, son of Zabdi, son of Asaph, who led out in giving thanks and praise; and Bakbukiah, who was second; and Abda, son of Shammua, son of Galal, son of Jeduthun.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Mattaniah, the sonne of Micha, the sonne of Zabdi, the sonne of Asaph was the chiefe to begin the thankesgiuing and prayer: and Bakbukiah the second of his brethren, and Abda, the sonne of Shammua, the sonne of Galal, the sonne of Ieduthun.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and Mattaniah son of Micha, son of Zabdi, son of Asaph, [is] head — at the commencement he giveth thanks in prayer; and Bakbukiah [is] second among his brethren, and Abda son of Shammua, son of Galal, son of Jeduthun.

World English Bible WEB

and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Mathania the son of Micha, the son of Zebedei, the son of Asaph, was the principal man to praise, and to give glory in prayer, and Becbecia the second, one of his brethren, and Abda the son of Samua, the son of Galal, the son of Idithun.

Translation for Translators T4T

Another one was Mattaniah, the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph. Mattaniah directed the temple choir when they sang the prayers to thank God. His assistant was Bakbukiah. Another one was Abda, the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 11:17

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 11:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/מַתַּנְיָ֣ה בֶן מִ֠יכָה בֶּן זַבְדִּ֨י בֶן אָסָ֜ף רֹ֗אשׁ הַ/תְּחִלָּה֙ יְהוֹדֶ֣ה לַ/תְּפִלָּ֔ה וּ/בַקְבֻּקְיָ֖ה מִשְׁנֶ֣ה מֵ/אֶחָ֑י/ו וְ/עַבְדָּא֙ בֶּן שַׁמּ֔וּעַ בֶּן גָּלָ֖ל בֶּן ידיתון יְדוּתֽוּן

וּ/מַתַּנְיָ֣ה Mattanyâh H4983 Mattaniah Conj | N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

מִ֠יכָה Mîykâh H4318 Micaiah N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

זַבְדִּ֨י Zabdîy H2067 Zabdi N-proper

בֶן bên H1121 son N-ms

אָסָ֜ף ʼÂçâph H623 Asaph N-proper

רֹ֗אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 head N-ms

הַ/תְּחִלָּה֙ tᵉchillâh H8462 beginning Art | N-fs

יְהוֹדֶ֣ה yâdâh H3034 to give thanks V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

לַ/תְּפִלָּ֔ה tᵉphillâh H8605 prayer Prep | N-fs

וּ/בַקְבֻּקְיָ֖ה Baqbuqyâh H1229 Bakbukiah Conj | N-proper

מִשְׁנֶ֣ה mishneh H4932 second N-ms

מֵ/אֶחָ֑י/ו ʼâch H251 brother Prep | N-mp | Suff

וְ/עַבְדָּא֙ ʻAbdâʼ H5653 Abda Conj | N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

שַׁמּ֔וּעַ Shammûwaʻ H8051 Shammua N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

גָּלָ֖ל Gâlâl H1559 Galal N-proper

בֶּן bên H1121 son N-ms

ידיתון Yᵉdûwthûwn H3038 Jeduthun N-proper

יְדוּתֽוּן Yᵉdûwthûwn H3038 Jeduthun N-proper

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 11:17

וּ/מַתַּנְיָ֣ה Mattanyâh H4983 "Mattaniah" Conj | N-proper

Mattaniah was the original name of King Zedekiah, the last king of Judah, and means gift of Jehovah. He was the son of King Josiah and is mentioned in 2 Kings 24:17. Mattaniah was also the name of several other Israelites.

Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Ki.24.17; son of: Josiah (H2977) and Hamutal (H2537); brother of: Jehoahaz (H3059H); half-brother of: Jehoiakim (H3079) and Shallum (H7967J); also called Mattaniah at 2Ki.24.17; Another name of tsid.qiy.yah (צִדְקִיָּ֫הוּ "Zedekiah" H6667H) § Mattaniah = "gift of Jehovah" 1) the original name of the last king of Judah before the captivity; also known as 'Zedekiah' 2) a Levite, son of Heman, whose office was to blow the horns in the temple service as appointed by David 3) a Levite of the family of Asaph 4) a Levite of the family of Asaph who assisted in the purification of the temple in the reign of Hezekiah 5) a Levite of the family of Asaph who took part in the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem; leader of the temple choir 6) a Levite, descendant of Asaph and ancestor of Jahaziel in the time of Jehoshaphat 7) another Levite in the time of Nehemiah 8) a Levite, father of Zaccur and ancestor of Hanan the under-treasurer who had charge of the offerings in the time of Nehemiah 9) a man of the sons of Elam who had and put away a strange wife in the time of Ezra 10) a man of the sons of Zattu who had and put away a strange wife in the time of Ezra 11) a man descended from Pahath-moab who had and put away a strange wife in the time of Ezra 12) a man of the sons of Bani who had and put away a strange wife in the time of Ezra

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Mattaniah. See also: 2 Kings 24:17; Ezra 10:30; Nehemiah 13:13.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.

Definition: : child/son

Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.

מִ֠יכָה Mîykâh H4318 "Micaiah" N-proper

Micaiah means who is like God, a prophet in 1 Kings 22:8, son of Imlah, prophesying during Jotham and Hezekiah's reigns.

Definition: A prophet living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.22.8; son of: Imlah (H3229) Another name of mi.kha.ye.hu (מִיכָֽיְהוּ "Micaiah" H4321G) § Micah or Micaiah or Michah = "who is like God" 1) the 6th in order of the minor prophets; a native of Moresheth, he prophesied during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah of Judah, and was contemporary with the prophets Hosea, Amos, and Isaiah 2) an Ephraimite during the period of the judges 3) a descendant of Joel the Reubenite 4) son of Meribbaal and grandson of Jonathan 5) a Kohathite Levite, the eldest son of Uzziel the brother of Amram 6) father of Abdon, a man of high station in the reign of Josiah 7) son of Imlah and a prophet of Samaria who predicted the defeat and death of king Ahab of Israel

Usage: Occurs in 31 OT verses. KJV: Micah, Micaiah, Michah. See also: Judges 17:5; Judges 18:27; Jeremiah 26:18.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

זַבְדִּ֨י Zabdîy H2067 "Zabdi" N-proper

Zabdi means endowment, the name of four Israelites, including a Levite and an officer of King David. He is mentioned in 1 Chronicles and Nehemiah. Zabdi lived during the time of Exile and Return.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.15; son of: Asaph (H0623I); father of: Mica (H4316); also called Zabdi at Neh.11.17; Another name of zikh.ri (זִכְרִי "Zichri" H2147K) § Zabdi = "endowment" 1) son of Zerah and grandson of Judah; grandfather of Achan 2) one of the sons of Shimhi, a Benjamite 3) an officer of David, in charge of the produce of the vineyards for the wine-cellars 4) son of Asaph the minstrel; also called 'Zaccur' and 'Zichri'

Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: Zabdi. See also: Joshua 7:1; 1 Chronicles 8:19; Nehemiah 11:17.

בֶן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

אָסָ֜ף ʼÂçâph H623 "Asaph" N-proper

Asaph means gatherer, the name of several Israelites, including a Levite and the father of Hezekiah's secretary. He is mentioned in Exodus 6:24 and 1 Chronicles 26:1. Asaph was a common name in biblical times.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Exo.6.24; son of: Korah (H7141I); brother of: Assir (H0617) and Elkanah (H0511); father of: Assir (H0617H) and Kore (H6981); also called Abiasaph at Exo.6.24; Asaph at 1Ch.26.1; Another name of ev.ya.saph (אֶבְיָסָף, אֲבִיאָסָף "Ebiasaph" H0043) § Asaph = "gatherer" 1) the father of Hezekiah's secretary 2) a son of Berechiah, chief Levite musician under David 3) a Persian officer over the royal forest

Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: Asaph. See also: 2 Kings 18:18; Ezra 3:10; Psalms 50:1.

רֹ֗אשׁ rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-ms

This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.

Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum

Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.

הַ/תְּחִלָּה֙ tᵉchillâh H8462 "beginning" Art | N-fs

In the Bible, this word means the start of something, like the beginning of a project or a new phase of life, as seen in Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) beginning, first 1a) the first time 1b) from the beginning, in the beginning (with prep)

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begin(-ning), first (time). See also: Genesis 13:3; 2 Kings 17:25; Proverbs 9:10.

יְהוֹדֶ֣ה yâdâh H3034 "to give thanks" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms

To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.

Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)

Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.

לַ/תְּפִלָּ֔ה tᵉphillâh H8605 "prayer" Prep | N-fs

In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.

Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.

וּ/בַקְבֻּקְיָ֖ה Baqbuqyâh H1229 "Bakbukiah" Conj | N-proper

Bakbukiah was a Levite who lived during the time of Nehemiah, around 400 BC. He is mentioned in Nehemiah 11:17 as a leader in the community, helping to rebuild Jerusalem and restore worship.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.11.17 § Bakbukiah = "wasting of Jehovah" a Levite in the time of Nehemiah

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Bakbukiah. See also: Nehemiah 11:17; Nehemiah 12:9; Nehemiah 12:25.

מִשְׁנֶ֣ה mishneh H4932 "second" N-ms

Mishneh means a second or duplicate, like a copy of a document, or something that is double in amount, also referring to a second in order or rank, like a secondary position or a copy of a law.

Definition: 1) double, copy, second, repetition 1a) double 1b) copy (of law) 1c) second (in order) 1c1) second rank 1c2) second in age 1d) second quarter or district

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: college, copy, double, fatlings, next, second (order), twice as much. See also: Genesis 41:43; 1 Chronicles 15:18; Isaiah 61:7.

מֵ/אֶחָ֑י/ו ʼâch H251 "brother" Prep | N-mp | Suff

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.

Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance

Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.

וְ/עַבְדָּא֙ ʻAbdâʼ H5653 "Abda" Conj | N-proper

Abda was the name of two Israelites, one a Levite and the other the father of Adoniram. The name means servant of Jehovah, and one Abda was also called Obadiah. The KJV translates it as Abda.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; son of: Shemaiah (H8098F); also called Abda at Neh.11.17; Another name of o.vad.yah (עֹבַדְיָ֫הוּ "Obadiah" H5662K) § Abda = "servant of Jehovah" 1) father of Adoniram 2) a Levite, son of Shammua; also called 'Obadiah'

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: Abda See also: 1 Kings 4:6; Nehemiah 11:17.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

שַׁמּ֔וּעַ Shammûwaʻ H8051 "Shammua" N-proper

Shammua was a man from the tribe of Levi who lived during the time of Exile and Return. He was the son of Galal and the father of Obadiah, and is also mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:16 and Nehemiah 11:17.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; son of: Galal (H1559H); father of: Obadiah (H5662K); also called Shammua at Neh.11.17; Another name of she.ma.yah (שְׁמַעְיָ֫הוּ "Shemaiah" H8098F) § Shammua = "renowned" 1) son of Zaccur and the spy from the tribe of Reuben 2) son of David by his wife Bathsheba 2a) also 'Shammuah' and 'Shimea' 3) aLevite, son of Galal and father of Abda who lived in Jerusalem after the return from exile in the time of Nehemiah 3a) also 'Shemaiah' 4) a priest, head of the family of Bilgah in the time of Joiakim after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Shammua, Shammuah. See also: Numbers 13:4; 1 Chronicles 14:4; Nehemiah 12:18.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

גָּלָ֖ל Gâlâl H1559 "Galal" N-proper

Galal was a Levite living during the Exile and Return, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:16 as the son of Jeduthun. He was an influential Israelite and the father of Shemaiah. His name means influential.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; son of: Jeduthun (H3038H); father of: Shemaiah (H8098F) § Galal = "influential" 1) a Levite, one of the sons of Asaph 2) a third Levite, son of Jeduthun

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Galal. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:15; 1 Chronicles 9:16; Nehemiah 11:17.

בֶּן bên H1121 "son" N-ms

Definition: : child/son

ידיתון Yᵉdûwthûwn H3038 "Jeduthun" N-proper

Jeduthun was a Levite and the chief of a temple choir, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:16 and Psalms 39, 62, and 77. His name means 'praising' and his descendants formed a perpetual temple choir.

Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at 1Ch.9.16; father of: Galal (H1559H) § Jeduthun = "praising" a Levite of the family of Merari and the chief of one of the 3 choirs of the temple whose descendants also formed one of the perpetual temple choirs; he is named at the beginning of 3 Psalms (Ps 39:1; 62:1; 77: either as the composer or the recipient of those Psalms but most likely as the leader of the choir by which those Psalms were to be sung

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Jeduthun. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:16; 2 Chronicles 5:12; Psalms 39:1.

יְדוּתֽוּן Yᵉdûwthûwn H3038 "Jeduthun" N-proper

Jeduthun was a Levite and the chief of a temple choir, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:16 and Psalms 39, 62, and 77. His name means 'praising' and his descendants formed a perpetual temple choir.

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Jeduthun. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:16; 2 Chronicles 5:12; Psalms 39:1.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 11:17

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 11:17 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 11:17
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 11:17
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:17
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:17
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:17
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:17
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 11:17
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:17
Sermons on Nehemiah 11:17

Context — Jerusalem’s New Settlers

15From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; 16Shabbethai and Jozabad, two leaders of the Levites, who supervised the work outside the house of God;

17Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

18The Levites in the holy city totaled 284. 19And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Chronicles 9:15	Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;
2	1 Chronicles 25:1–6	Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. From the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. All these sons of Heman the king’s seer were given him through the promises of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king.
3	Nehemiah 12:8–9	The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who, with his associates, led the songs of thanksgiving. Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood across from them in the services.
4	Nehemiah 10:12	Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
5	1 Thessalonians 5:17–18	Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
6	Philippians 4:6	Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
7	Nehemiah 12:25	Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates.
8	1 Chronicles 16:41	With them were Heman, Jeduthun, and the rest of those chosen and designated by name to give thanks to the LORD, for “His loving devotion endures forever.”
9	Nehemiah 12:31	Then I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and I appointed two great thanksgiving choirs. One was to proceed along the top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate.
10	1 Chronicles 16:4	David appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the LORD, to celebrate, to give thanks, and to praise the LORD, the God of Israel.

Nehemiah 11:17 Summary

Nehemiah 11:17 talks about Mattaniah, who was a leader in saying thanks and praying. He had helpers like Bakbukiah and Abda, showing that many people worked together to help their community pray and be thankful. This reminds us of the importance of thanking God, as seen in Psalms 100:4, and working together as a team, like in Romans 12:4-5. By looking at Mattaniah's role, we can learn to be more thankful and to pray more, following examples from the Bible like 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Frequently Asked Questions

What role did Mattaniah play in the community according to Nehemiah 11:17?

Mattaniah led in thanksgiving and prayer, indicating a significant spiritual leadership role, similar to the role of prayer leaders in the New Testament, such as in Acts 6:4 and 1 Timothy 2:1.

Who were Bakbukiah and Abda, and what were their roles?

Bakbukiah was second among Mattaniah's associates, suggesting a supportive or assistant role, while Abda was another leader, possibly involved in similar spiritual capacities as Mattaniah, reflecting the importance of teamwork in ministry as seen in Romans 12:4-5.

What can we learn from the genealogies provided for these individuals?

The genealogies highlight the importance of heritage and lineage in the biblical context, showing how individuals were connected to their ancestors and their roles in the community, much like the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of worship in the Bible?

This verse underscores the significance of thanksgiving and prayer in worship, echoing the commands in Psalms 100:4 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18 to give thanks in all circumstances.

Reflection Questions

What does it mean to 'lead in thanksgiving and prayer,' and how can I apply this to my own life?
How do the roles of Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, and Abda illustrate the importance of teamwork and different gifts in the body of Christ?
What does the mention of specific names and their lineage teach us about the value of individual contributions to the community of faith?
How can I cultivate a deeper practice of thanksgiving and prayer in my daily life, following the example of Mattaniah?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 11:17

And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph,.... Zabdi is called Zichri in 1 Chronicles 9:15 was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: he was the precentor, or led

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 11:17

And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:17

In prayer, i.e. in the public and solemn prayers and praises which were constantly joined with the morning and evening sacrifice, at which the singers were present, and praised God with a psalm or hymn, which this man began.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:17

Nehemiah 11:17 And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, [was] the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.Ver. 17. To begin the thanksgiving in prayer] To set tunes to psalms of praise, and to begin those tunes, as precentor, chief chanter.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:17

(4-19) The heads in Jerusalem: as compared with 1 Chronicles 9, by no means complete. Judah and Benjamin are represented, with priests and Levites and porters.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:17

Verse 17. The principal to begin the thanksgiving] The precentor, pitcher of the tune, or master-singer.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 11:17

17. Micha] R.V. Mica.was the principal] R.V. who was the chief. The expression ‘the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer’ is not very intelligible. The Hebrew for ‘the chief to begin’ is literally ‘the head of the beginning (t’khillah) who used to give thanks to the prayer’ i.e. after it. The LXX. and Vulg. Vss. follow a text, which differs in one letter, ‘the head of the praise’ (t’hillah), and gives a good sense, viz. ‘the head or leader of praise, one who gave thanks in the time of prayer,’ (LXX. ἄρχωντοῦαἴνουκαὶἸούδαςτῆςπροσευχῆς; Vulg. ‘princeps ad laudandum et ad confitendum in oratione.’) But the obscurity of the Hebrew phrase probably arises from its having been a technical title of the leader of the Temple choir, a choregus. Bakbukiah the second among his brethren] i.e. second to Mattaniah. Bakbukiah probably corresponds to Bakbakkar in 1 Chronicles 9:15, or to Berechiah in 1 Chronicles 9:16. Abda] This name appears with the same genealogy as Obadiah in 1 Chronicles 9:16. From the mention of ‘Asaph’ and ‘Jeduthun’ we evidently have in these verses (as in 1 Chronicles 9:14-15) the class of Levites, who, e.g. in Ezra 2:41, stand before ‘the porters,’ i.e. ‘the singers.’

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:17

17. The principal to begin the thanksgiving — He was the precentor and chief musician, like Asaph, mentioned in 1 Chronicles 16:5. Bakbukiah the second — Second in rank; next in position and authority to Mattaniah.

Sermons on Nehemiah 11:17

	Sermon	Description
	A Man of God by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon reflects on a 70-year journey of faith, witnessing various church tragedies and worldly events, yet remaining steadfast by looking up to Jesus, reading the Word, and fo
	The Burdens of Ravenhill - Part 3 (Compilation) by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon transcript, the speaker, Brother Ravenhill, engages in a conversation with a man named Brother Singh about the procedure in his church service. Brother Singh describ
	"e.m Bounds Power Through Prayer" by Leonard Ravenhill	This sermon emphasizes the transformative power of prayer through the personal experience of reading 'Power Through Prayer' by E.M. Bounds, highlighting how the book deeply impacte
	The Morning Watch - Part 1 by Oswald J. Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of the morning watch, which is a dedicated time of studying the Word of God and engaging in prayer. The speaker emphasizes that
	The Power of Prayer by Alan Redpath	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer leading to action. He highlights the need for conviction to be carried into life and for decisions to be made based
	(Covenant Word Ministries) Ask and It Shall Be Given You by Keith Daniel	In this sermon, the pastor emphasizes the importance of not just hearing the word of God, but also putting it into action. He challenges the congregation to reflect on what they wi
	Interview of Leonard Ravenhill by David Mainse by Leonard Ravenhill	Leonard Ravenhill, in an interview with David Mainse, emphasizes the critical need for prayer in ministry, arguing that a lack of prayer life among preachers leads to a spiritually