Nehemiah 11:23
Nehemiah 11:23 in Multiple Translations
For there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities.
For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.
For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required.
For there was an order from the king about them and a regular amount for the music-makers, for their needs day by day.
They had specific orders from the king who had instructed them to perform a daily service.
For it was the Kings commandement cocerning them, that faithfull prouision shoulde bee for the singers euery day.
for the command of the king [is] upon them, and support [is] for the singers, a matter of a day in its day.
For there was a commandment from the king concerning them, and a settled provision for the singers, as every day required.
For it was the king's commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.
For the king’s commandment was concerning them, and an order among the singing men day by day.
The king of Persia had commanded that the clans should decide what each clan should do to lead the music in the temple each day.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 11:23
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 11:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
מִצְוַ֥ת
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
עֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
וַ/אֲמָנָ֥ה
עַל
הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים
דְּבַר
י֥וֹם
בְּ/יוֹמֽ/וֹ
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
מִצְוַ֥ת
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
N-fs
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
וַ/אֲמָנָ֥ה
ʼămânâh
H548
sure
Conj | N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים
shîyr
H7891
to sing
Art | V-o
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
י֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
בְּ/יוֹמֽ/וֹ
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 11:23
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
מִצְוַ֥ת
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
N-fs
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֑ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
וַ/אֲמָנָ֥ה
ʼămânâh
H548
"sure"
Conj | N-fs
This word means something fixed or certain, like a covenant or financial support. It's about having faith or trust in something.
Definition: 1) faith, support, sure, certain 1a) of a covenant 1b) of financial support
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: certain portion, sure. See also: Nehemiah 10:1; Nehemiah 11:23.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים
shîyr
H7891
"to sing"
Art | V-o
This Hebrew word means to sing, and it is used in the Bible to describe the act of singing, like when the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15. It can also refer to a singer or songstress. The Bible often mentions singing as a way to praise God.
Definition: 1) to sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sing 1a2) singer, songstresses (participle) 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to sing 1b2) singer, songstress (participle) 1c) (Hophal) to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: behold (by mistake for H7789 (שׁוּר)), sing(-er, -ing man, -ing woman). See also: Exodus 15:1; Nehemiah 12:45; Psalms 7:1.
דְּבַר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
י֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
בְּ/יוֹמֽ/וֹ
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 11:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 11:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 11:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 11:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:23
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:23
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 11:23
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 11:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:23
- Sermons on Nehemiah 11:23
Context — Residents Outside Jerusalem
21The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them.
22Now the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. He was one of Asaph’s descendants, who were the singers in charge of the service of the house of God.
23For there was a command from the king concerning the singers, an ordinance regulating their daily activities.
24Pethahiah son of Meshezabel, a descendant of Zerah son of Judah, was the king’s agent in every matter concerning the people. 25As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived in Kiriath-arba, Dibon, Jekabzeel, and their villages;Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 7:20–24 | And if anything else is needed for the house of your God that you may have occasion to supply, you may pay for it from the royal treasury. I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? And be advised that you have no authority to impose tribute, duty, or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, temple servants, or other servants of this house of God. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 12:47 | 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. |
| 3 | Ezra 6:8–9 | I hereby decree what you must do for these elders of the Jews who are rebuilding this house of God: The cost is to be paid in full to these men from the royal treasury out of the taxes of the provinces west of the Euphrates, so that the work will not be hindered. Whatever is needed—young bulls, rams, and lambs for burnt offerings to the God of heaven, as well as wheat, salt, wine, and oil, as requested by the priests in Jerusalem—must be given to them daily without fail. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 9:33 | Those who were musicians, the heads of Levite families, stayed in the temple chambers and were exempt from other duties because they were on duty day and night. |
Nehemiah 11:23 Summary
This verse tells us that the king had given a command about the singers, which means he wanted to make sure they were doing their job correctly and worshiping God in the right way. This shows us that worship is important and that we should try to do it in a way that is pleasing to God, just like we see in Psalm 95:1-7. The king's command also reminds us that our daily activities should be guided by God's commands and ordinances, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:1-6. By following God's commands, we can worship Him in spirit and in truth, as Jesus teaches us in John 4:23-24.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the king's command concerning the singers in Nehemiah 11:23?
The king's command highlights the importance of worship and the role of singers in the daily life of the Israelites, as seen in other passages like Psalm 100:1-5, which emphasizes the joy of worshiping God through music and song.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?
Nehemiah 11:23 is part of a larger section describing the organization and administration of Jerusalem after the return from exile, as seen in verses like Nehemiah 11:1-2, which discusses the resettlement of the city.
What can we learn about the value of music in worship from this verse?
The fact that there was a command from the king concerning the singers suggests that music was highly valued in Israelite worship, as also seen in passages like Exodus 15:1-21, where the Israelites sing a song of praise to God after their deliverance from Egypt.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
Just as the singers in Nehemiah's time were regulated by a command from the king, we as believers are called to submit to God's commands and ordinances, as seen in passages like 1 Corinthians 14:26-40, which provides guidance on orderly worship.
Reflection Questions
- What role does music play in my own worship and how can I use it to express my praise to God?
- How can I, like the singers in this verse, be mindful of my daily activities and ensure they are pleasing to God?
- In what ways can I submit to God's commands and ordinances in my own life, just as the singers did in response to the king's command?
- How can I balance the desire for order and structure in my spiritual life with the need for spontaneity and freedom in worship?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 11:23
For it was the king's commandment concerning them,.... Either of King David as some, see Ne 12:24 or rather of the king of Persia: that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. It was the king's commandment.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:23
For; or, therefore; for the following words contain either a reason why they were set over that business, or a recompence for it, or a provision that they might diligently attend to it. The king’ s commandment; either, 1. David’ s, who made this constitution. Or rather, 2. The kings of Persia, who is called simply the king in the next verse also; who took this care at the request and by the direction of Ezra or Nehemiah. Or this might be Nehemiah’ s command, which is called the king’ s command, because it was done by the king’ s deputy, or a commissioner whom the king empowered to do what he saw fit for the house and service of God, commanding all the people to obey him therein; as he had formerly done to Ezra, ,20,23.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:23
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. Ver. 23. The king’ s] viz. Of Persia, Ezra 6:8-9; Ezra 7:2; Ezra 7:24.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:23
(23) The king’s commandment.—It seems that Artaxerxes had gone beyond the exemption of Ezr 7:24, and given them a daily allowance, which it was the business of Uzzi to see to.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:23
Verse 23. It was the king's commandment] By the king some understand David, and others Artaxerxes. It is most probable that it was the latter; who wished that a provision should be made for these, a part of whose office was to offer up prayers also, as well as praises. For we know that Darius made an ample provision for the priests, that they might offer sacrifices of sweet savour unto the God of heaven; and pray for the life of the king and of his sons, Ezra 6:10. Some have thought that they had been Jewish singers employed in the service of the Persian king, to whom he had given a salary, and to whom he wished still to continue the same.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 11:23
23. For it was] R.V. For there was.the king’s commandment] R.V. a commandment from the king.That this was the Persian king Artaxerxes is shown by the reference to ‘the king’ in Nehemiah 11:24, and by the similar instances of favour to the Temple at Jerusalem on the part of Artaxerxes. Cf. Nehemiah 2:8; Ezra 7:20-24. concerning them] Who are spoken of? the singers, the Levites, or their officers and overseers? The context seems in favour of the Levites. The name of Uzzi who was at once ‘overseer’ of the Levites and by descent of the family of Asaph, suggested the parenthetical statement, that there was a royal edict in favour of the Levitical community, and a special provision made for the singers. that a certain portion should be for] R.V. and a settled provision for. Marg. ‘Or, a sure ordinance concerning’. The clause is not dependent on (as A.V.), but co-ordinate with its predecessor. The word rendered ‘settled provision’ (emanah) is that rendered ‘a sure covenant’ in Nehemiah 9:38.
An abstract word, it perhaps denotes the fixity of the arrangement on behalf of the singers rather than the nature of its provisions. ‘Sure ordinance’ is therefore to be preferred as a rendering; and this rendering presents a closer parallel to ‘commandment.’ due for every day] R.V. as every day required. Cf. Nehemiah 12:47. Literally, ‘the thing of a day on its day,’ as LXX. λόγοςἑκάστηςἡμέραςἐντῇἡμέρᾳαὐτοῦ. A common Hebrew phrase, e.g. Exodus 5:13; Exodus 5:19; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 23:37; 1 Kings 8:59; 2 Kings 25:30; 1 Chronicles 16:37; 2 Chronicles 8:14; 2 Chronicles 31:16; Ezra 3:4; Jeremiah 52:34; Daniel 1:5.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 11:23
The goodwill of Artaxerxes toward the ministers employed in the temple service, had been previously shown by his exempting them from taxation of every kind Ezra 7:24.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:23
23. The king’s commandment — The king here referred to is not David, who originally arranged and made provision for the Levites, (1 Chronicles 23-26,) but the Persian king, Artaxerxes, who gave
Sermons on Nehemiah 11:23
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Certain Portion Should Be for the Singers. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the vital role of singers in the community, as they uplift and inspire others through their music, even if their contributions seem less tangible than those o |
|
The Mountain Made a Plain by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the spiritual significance of Zerubbabel's completion of the temple, drawing parallels between the obstacles faced in rebuilding the physical temple and |