Nehemiah 12:40
Nehemiah 12:40 in Multiple Translations
The two thanksgiving choirs then stood in the house of God, as did I, along with the half of the officials accompanying me,
So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:
So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me;
So the two bands of those who gave praise took up their positions in the house of God, and I and half of the chiefs with me:
Both thanksgiving choirs then took their places in God's Temple. I followed with the group of leaders that was with me,
So stood the two companies (of them that gaue thankes) in the house of God, and I and the halfe of the rulers with me.
And the two thanksgiving companies stand in the house of God, and I and half of the prefects with me,
So the two companies of those who gave thanks in God’s house stood, and I and the half of the rulers with me;
So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:
And the priests, Eliachim, Maasia, Miamin, Michea, Elioenai, Zacharia, Hanania with trumpets,
Both the groups reached the temple while they were thanking God. They stood in their places there. The leaders who were with me also stood with me in our places.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 12:40
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 12:40 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֛דְנָה
שְׁתֵּ֥י
הַ/תּוֹדֹ֖ת
בְּ/בֵ֣ית
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
וַ/אֲנִ֕י
וַ/חֲצִ֥י
הַ/סְּגָנִ֖ים
עִמִּֽ/י
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֛דְנָה
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
שְׁתֵּ֥י
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
הַ/תּוֹדֹ֖ת
tôwdâh
H8426
thanksgiving
Art | N-fp
בְּ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
וַ/אֲנִ֕י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
וַ/חֲצִ֥י
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Conj | N-ms
הַ/סְּגָנִ֖ים
çâgân
H5461
ruler
Art | N-mp
עִמִּֽ/י
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 12:40
וַֽ/תַּעֲמֹ֛דְנָה
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
שְׁתֵּ֥י
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
הַ/תּוֹדֹ֖ת
tôwdâh
H8426
"thanksgiving"
Art | N-fp
This Hebrew word means thanksgiving or praise, often in the form of worship or a song. It appears in Psalm 100:1, a call to worship God with thanksgiving. The Israelites used it to express gratitude to God.
Definition: 1) confession, praise, thanksgiving 1a) give praise to God 1b) thanksgiving in songs of liturgical worship, hymn of praise 1c) thanksgiving choir or procession or line or company 1d) thank-offering, sacrifice of thanksgiving 1e) confession
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: confession, (sacrifice of) praise, thanks(-giving, offering). See also: Leviticus 7:12; Psalms 50:23; Psalms 26:7.
בְּ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֑ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/אֲנִ֕י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
וַ/חֲצִ֥י
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Conj | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
הַ/סְּגָנִ֖ים
çâgân
H5461
"ruler"
Art | N-mp
A ruler is a person with authority and power, like a prince or governor. In the Bible, this word is used to describe leaders in Assyria and Babylon, who had control over provinces and people.
Definition: 1) ruler, prefect, governor, a subordinate ruler 1a) prefects (of Assyria and Babylon) 1b) petty rulers or officials Aramaic equivalent: se.gan (סְגַן "prefect" H5460)
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: prince, ruler. See also: Ezra 9:2; Nehemiah 13:11; Isaiah 41:25.
עִמִּֽ/י
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 12:40
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 12:40 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:40
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:40
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:40
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:40
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:40
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:40
- Sermons on Nehemiah 12:40
Context — The Dedication of the Wall
38The second thanksgiving choir proceeded to the left, and I followed it with half the people along the top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall,
39over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. And they stopped at the Gate of the Guard.
40The two thanksgiving choirs then stood in the house of God, as did I, along with the half of the officials accompanying me,
41as well as the priests with their trumpets—Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Micaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah— 42and also Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. Then the choirs sang out under the direction of Jezrahiah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 42:4 | These things come to mind as I pour out my soul: how I walked with the multitude, leading the procession to the house of God with shouts of joy and praise. |
| 2 | Psalms 134:1–3 | Come, bless the LORD, all you servants of the LORD who serve by night in the house of the LORD! Lift up your hands to the sanctuary and bless the LORD! May the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth, bless you from Zion. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 12:31–32 | 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. Hoshaiah and half the leaders of Judah followed, |
| 4 | Psalms 47:6–9 | Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is King of all the earth; sing profound praises to Him. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on His holy throne. The nobles of the nations have assembled as the people of the God of Abraham; for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted. |
Nehemiah 12:40 Summary
[Nehemiah 12:40 shows us the importance of thanking God for His blessings and provisions in our lives. The Israelites gathered to praise God, and we can do the same by expressing our gratitude to Him. This can be as simple as saying a prayer of thanks or singing a hymn of praise, just like the Israelites did in Psalm 100:4-5. By doing so, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude and worship, just like the Israelites in Nehemiah 12:40.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the two thanksgiving choirs in Nehemiah 12:40?
The two thanksgiving choirs represent the united praise of the Israelites, thanking God for His protection and provision, as seen in Psalm 100:4-5, which encourages us to enter God's gates with thanksgiving and praise.
Why did Nehemiah accompany half of the officials to the house of God?
Nehemiah's presence with the officials emphasizes his leadership role and commitment to worship, as seen in Nehemiah 12:38-39, where he follows the second thanksgiving choir, demonstrating his dedication to the Lord and the people.
What can we learn from the Israelites' expressions of gratitude in Nehemiah 12:40?
The Israelites' expressions of gratitude demonstrate the importance of acknowledging God's blessings and provisions in our lives, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18, which reminds us to give thanks in every circumstance.
How does Nehemiah 12:40 relate to the broader context of the book of Nehemiah?
Nehemiah 12:40 is part of the celebration of the wall's completion, which symbolizes the restoration of Jerusalem and the Israelites' renewed commitment to God, as seen in Nehemiah 12:27, which describes the joyful dedication of the wall.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can express gratitude to God for the blessings in my life, just like the Israelites in Nehemiah 12:40?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, demonstrate my commitment to worship and leadership in my own community?
- What are some circumstances in my life where I can apply the principle of giving thanks, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:18?
- In what ways can I participate in united praise and worship with my fellow believers, just like the two thanksgiving choirs in Nehemiah 12:40?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:40
So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God,.... Having made their procession on the wall in different ways, they met in the temple, that is, in the great court of it, for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:40
And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:40
In the house of God, i.e. in the courts of the temple. I, and the half of the rulers with me; and Ezra, and the other half with him, as appears by comparing this with ,36.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:40
(40) In the house of God.—They stood first outside, but afterwards entered to present their offerings. But the main interest of the day was the professional worship under the open heavens.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:40
40. rulers] R.V. marg. ‘Or, deputies’. In Nehemiah 12:31, ‘the princes.’ and I, and the half of the rulers with me] We have here rather fuller details of Nehemiah’s company to correspond with the description of the other in Nehemiah 12:32-36.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:40
40. So stood — Rather, and they stood. The two processions probably united in the street before the water gate, or else in the temple area, and at once proceeded into the courts of the temple, where
Sermons on Nehemiah 12:40
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Why Am I So Down? by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on three key points from Psalm 27. The first point is that sometimes we receive an evil report about ourselves, which can discourage us. The spe |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Ezra) ch.3 & 4 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of the potter and the clay from the book of Jeremiah. The speaker emphasizes that God does not give up on us even when we fail to re |
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Psalm 134 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the exhortation for the ministers of the sanctuary to bless the Lord, with blessings invoked on the speaker in response. Public worship is emphasized as a |
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Exposition on Psalm 135 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches on the importance of praising the Lord, highlighting the goodness of God and the privilege of serving Him. He emphasizes the need for gratitude, acknowledgin |
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Standing Firm in the Lord by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the Lord, using the imagery of the Tabernacle's boards made of acacia wood that remained standing even when stripped |
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Worship in the Night by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the profound blessing of worshiping God in times of darkness and sorrow, emphasizing that true faith is tested and revealed in the midst of challen |
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Training Below for Service Above, Part 1 by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the eternal life believers will have with the Lord, walking in white as worthy servants in His temple. She emphasizes that the Blessed will serv |