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Nehemiah 12:12

Nehemiah 12:12 in Multiple Translations

In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of the family of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

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

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

And in the days of Joiakim there were priests, heads of families: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

In Joiakim's time, these were the family leaders of the priests: of the family of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

And in the daies of Ioiakim were these, the chiefe fathers of the Priests: vnder Seraiah was Meraiah, vnder Ieremiah, Hananiah,

And in the days of Joiakim have been priests, heads of the fathers; of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

In the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers’ households: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

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

And in the days of Joacim the priests and heads of the families were: Of Saraia, Maraia: of Jeremias, Hanania:

When Joiakim was the Supreme Priest, these were the leaders of the clans of priests: Meraiah, from the clan of Seraiah; Hananiah, from the clan of Jeremiah;

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 12:12

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 12:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/בִ/ימֵי֙ יֽוֹיָקִ֔ים הָי֥וּ כֹהֲנִ֖ים רָאשֵׁ֣י הָ/אָב֑וֹת לִ/שְׂרָיָ֣ה מְרָיָ֔ה לְ/יִרְמְיָ֖ה חֲנַנְיָֽה
וּ/בִ/ימֵי֙ yôwm H3117 day Conj | Prep | N-mp
יֽוֹיָקִ֔ים Yôwyâqîym H3113 Joiakim N-proper
הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כֹהֲנִ֖ים kôhên H3548 priest N-mp
רָאשֵׁ֣י rôʼsh H7218 head N-mp
הָ/אָב֑וֹת ʼâb H1 father Art | N-mp
לִ/שְׂרָיָ֣ה Sᵉrâyâh H8304 Seraiah Prep | N-proper
מְרָיָ֔ה Mᵉrâyâh H4811 Meraiah N-proper
לְ/יִרְמְיָ֖ה Yirmᵉyâh H3414 Jeremiah Prep | N-proper
חֲנַנְיָֽה Chănanyâh H2608 Hananiah N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 12:12

וּ/בִ/ימֵי֙ yôwm H3117 "day" Conj | Prep | N-mp
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.
יֽוֹיָקִ֔ים Yôwyâqîym H3113 "Joiakim" N-proper
Joiakim or Jehoiakim means 'Jehovah raises up' and refers to a priest and son of Jeshua the high priest, mentioned in Nehemiah.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.12.10; son of: Joshua (H3091J); father of: Eliashib (H0475N) § Joiakim or Jehoiakim = "Jehovah raises up" a priest and son of Jeshua the high priest
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Joiakim. Compare H3137 (יוֹקִים). See also: Nehemiah 12:10; Nehemiah 12:12; Nehemiah 12:26.
הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כֹהֲנִ֖ים kôhên H3548 "priest" N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
רָאשֵׁ֣י rôʼsh H7218 "head" N-mp
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.
הָ/אָב֑וֹת ʼâb H1 "father" Art | N-mp
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
לִ/שְׂרָיָ֣ה Sᵉrâyâh H8304 "Seraiah" Prep | N-proper
Seraiah means Jehovah is ruler, the name of several Israelites, including a scribe of King David and a chief priest during King Zedekiah's reign. He is mentioned in Jeremiah 51:59 and is the brother of Baruch. Seraiah played important roles in Israel's history.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.51.59; son of: Neriah (H5374); brother of: Baruch (H1263J) § Seraiah = "Jehovah is ruler" 1) the scribe or secretary of David 2) son of Azariah, father of Jehozadak, and the chief priest in the reign of king Zedekiah of Judah and at the time of the capture of Jerusalem 3) son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite and one of the men who went to Gedaliah, the governor over Judah appointed by Nebuchadnezzar, and gave their oath to serve the king of Babylon 4) a Judaite, son of Kenaz, brother of Othniel, and father of Joab 5) a Simeonite, father of Josibiah and grandfather of Jehu 6) a people of the province who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 6a) maybe the same as 10 7) son of Azariah and father of Ezra the priest and scribe 8) a priest who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 9) a priest, son of Hilkiah in the time of Nehemiah 10) a priest or Levite who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 10a) probably a priest and the head of a family of priests after the exile. Maybe same as 6 11) son of Meraiah and messenger sent by the prophet Jeremiah to Babylon with a book of his writings 12) son of Azriel and one of the 3 men commanded by king Jehoiakim of Judah to seize Jeremiah and Baruch
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: Seraiah. See also: 2 Samuel 8:17; Nehemiah 10:3; Jeremiah 36:26.
מְרָיָ֔ה Mᵉrâyâh H4811 "Meraiah" N-proper
Meraiah was a priest in the time of Nehemiah, with a name meaning rebellion, as listed in Nehemiah 12:12.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.12 § Meraiah = "rebellion" a priest after the exile in the days of Joiakim
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Meraiah. Compare H3236 (יִמְרָה). See also: Nehemiah 12:12.
לְ/יִרְמְיָ֖ה Yirmᵉyâh H3414 "Jeremiah" Prep | N-proper
Jeremiah means whom Jehovah has appointed, a major prophet and author of the book of Jeremiah. He was the son of Hilkiah and a priest from Anathoth.
Definition: A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at Jer.35.3; son of: Habazziniah (H2262); father of: Jaazaniah (H2970) § Jeremiah = "whom Jehovah has appointed" 1) the major prophet, son of Hilkiah of the priestly family in Anathoth; author of the prophetic book bearing his name 2) a man of Libnah and father of Hamutal the wife of king Josiah 3) a Gadite who joined David at Ziklag 4) a Manassehite, one of the mighty men of valour of the Transjordanic half tribe of Manasseh 5) a Gadite and warrior of David 6) a warrior of David 7) a priest who joined Nehemiah in the covenant ceremony 8) a priest also in the time of Nehemiah; maybe same as 7 9) father of Jaazaniah the Rechabites
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: Jeremiah. See also: 2 Kings 23:31; Jeremiah 36:4; Jeremiah 1:1.
חֲנַנְיָֽה Chănanyâh H2608 "Hananiah" N-proper
Hananiah means God has favored, the name of thirteen Israelites, including a friend of Daniel. He was renamed Shadrach by Nebuchadnezzar and refused to eat unclean food.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Dan.1.6; also called Shadrach at Dan.1.7; 2.49; 3.12,13,14,16,19,20,22,23,26,28,29,30; § Hananiah = "God has favoured" 1) the godly friend of Daniel whom Nebuchadnezzar renamed Shadrach; one of the three friends who with Daniel refused to make themselves unclean by eating food from the king's table which went against the dietary laws which God had given the Jews; also one of the three who were thrown into the fiery furnace for refusing to bow down to a graven image of Nebuchadnezzar and who were saved by the angel of the Lord. See also, 'Shadrach' (H7714 or H7715) 2) one of the 14 sons of Heman and chief of the 16th course 3) a general in the army of King Uzziah 4) father of Zedekiah in the time of Jehoiakim 5) son of Azur, a Benjamite of Gibeon and a false prophet in the reign of Zedekiah king of Judah 6) grandfather of Irijah, the captain of the ward at the gate of Benjamin who arrested Jeremiah on the charge of deserting to the Chaldeans 7) a head of a Benjamite house 8) son of Zerubbabel from whom Christ derived His descent also called 'Joanna' by Luke 9) one of the sons of Bebai who returned with Ezra from Babylon 10) a priest, one of the makers of the sacred ointments and incense, who built a portion of the wall of Jerusalem in the days of Nehemiah 11) head of the priestly course of Jeremiah in the days of Joiakim 12) ruler of the palace at Jerusalem under Nehemiah and also, along with Hanani, the Tirshatha's brother, entrusted with the arrangements of guarding the gates of Jerusalem 13) Two post exilic Israelites
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: Hananiah. See also: 1 Chronicles 3:19; Jeremiah 28:5; Jeremiah 28:1.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 12:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — The Priests and Levites Who Returned

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Nehemiah 12:22 In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, during the reign of Darius the Persian, the heads of the families of the Levites and priests were recorded.
2 1 Chronicles 9:33–34 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. All these were heads of Levite families, chiefs according to their genealogies, and they lived in Jerusalem.
3 1 Chronicles 24:6–31 The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from Ithamar. The first lot fell to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah, the third to Harim, the fourth to Seorim, the fifth to Malchijah, the sixth to Mijamin, the seventh to Hakkoz, the eighth to Abijah, the ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah, the eleventh to Eliashib, the twelfth to Jakim, the thirteenth to Huppah, the fourteenth to Jeshebeab, the fifteenth to Bilgah, the sixteenth to Immer, the seventeenth to Hezir, the eighteenth to Happizzez, the nineteenth to Pethahiah, the twentieth to Jehezkel, the twenty-first to Jachin, the twenty-second to Gamul, the twenty-third to Delaiah, and the twenty-fourth to Maaziah. This was their appointed order for service when they entered the house of the LORD, according to the regulations prescribed for them by their forefather Aaron, as the LORD, the God of Israel, had commanded him. Now these were the remaining descendants of Levi: From the sons of Amram: Shubael; from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah. As for Rehabiah, from his sons: The first was Isshiah. From the Izharites: Shelomoth; from the sons of Shelomoth: Jahath. From the sons of Hebron: Jeriah was the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. From the sons of Uzziel: Micah; from the sons of Micah: Shamir. The brother of Micah: Isshiah; from the sons of Isshiah: Zechariah. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The son of Jaaziah: Beno. The descendants of Merari from Jaaziah: Beno, Shoham, Zaccur, and Ibri. From Mahli: Eleazar, who had no sons. From Kish: Jerahmeel the son of Kish. And the sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jerimoth. These were the sons of the Levites, according to their families. As their brothers the descendants of Aaron did, they also cast lots in the presence of King David and of Zadok, Ahimelech, and the heads of the families of the priests and Levites—the family heads and their younger brothers alike.
4 1 Chronicles 15:12 And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.

Nehemiah 12:12 Summary

Nehemiah 12:12 lists the heads of priestly families during the time of Joiakim, highlighting the importance of spiritual leadership in the Israelite community. This verse shows that God values the preservation of family histories and spiritual lineages, as seen in other parts of the Bible like Genesis 17:1-14 and Exodus 19:6. By studying this verse, we can learn about the significance of faithful leaders and the role they play in guiding God's people. Just as the priestly families in Nehemiah 12:12 were called to serve God and their community, we too can seek to serve and honor God in our own lives, as encouraged in Romans 12:1-2 and 1 Peter 2:9-10.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the priestly families mentioned in Nehemiah 12:12?

The priestly families mentioned in Nehemiah 12:12, such as the family of Seraiah and Jeremiah, highlight the importance of spiritual leadership in the Israelite community, as seen in Exodus 19:6 where God calls the Israelites to be a kingdom of priests.

Who was Joiakim and why is he mentioned in this verse?

Joiakim was a high priest in Jerusalem during the post-exilic period, as mentioned in Nehemiah 12:10, and his days are referenced in Nehemiah 12:12 to provide a historical context for the listing of priestly family heads.

What can we learn from the genealogical records in Nehemiah 12?

The genealogical records in Nehemiah 12, including Nehemiah 12:12, demonstrate the importance of preserving family histories and spiritual lineages, as seen in 1 Chronicles 16:13-14 where the psalmist emphasizes the significance of remembering God's covenant with the Israelites.

How does Nehemiah 12:12 relate to the broader theme of restoration in the book of Nehemiah?

Nehemiah 12:12 contributes to the book's theme of restoration by highlighting the reestablishment of priestly families and spiritual leadership in Jerusalem, which is a key aspect of God's plan to restore His people, as seen in Isaiah 61:4 and Jeremiah 31:4.

Reflection Questions

  1. What role do spiritual leaders play in our own communities, and how can we support and pray for them?
  2. How can we, like the priestly families in Nehemiah 12:12, pass down our faith and spiritual values to the next generation?
  3. In what ways can we, as believers, contribute to the restoration of our own communities and the advancement of God's kingdom?
  4. What can we learn from the example of Joiakim and the priestly families about the importance of faithful leadership and service to God?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:12

Ver. 12-21. And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers,.... This was the son and successor of Jeshua, or Joshua, the first high priest of the second temple; the principal men

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:12

And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; In the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers - i:e., as there had been

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:12

As their fathers were priests in the days of Joshua, so in the days of Joiakim, the son of Joshua, the sons of those persons executed the priesthood in their fathers’ steads, some of their fathers probably being yet living, and many of them now dead.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:12

(12-26) List of representatives of Zerubbabel’s priests in the days of Joiakim; to which is added an account of the Levites in his day. Between these there is an interpolation (Nehemiah 12:22-23).

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:12

12. And in the days of Joiakim] See note on Nehemiah 12:10. the chief of the fathers] R.V. heads of fathers’ houses.On the list contained in these verses, see note on Nehemiah 12:1.

Sermons on Nehemiah 12:12

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon When Obedience Makes You Dance by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's commands. He highlights the story of Saul, who claimed to have obeyed God but was confronted by Samuel about
Teresa Conlon The Battle to Think Right by Teresa Conlon In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of a woman who is married to a man named Saul. However, she helps David, who is being hunted by Saul, escape. As a result, she is a

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