Ezra 10:39 — Word Study
WLCוְשֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֥ה וְנָתָ֖ן וַעֲדָיָֽה׃
BSAShelemiahShelemyâh [repaid by Jehovah] NathanNâthân [the giver] AdaiahʻĂdâyâh [Jehovah has adorned Himself]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְשֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֥ה | and Shelemiah | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וְנָתָ֖ן | and Nathan | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
| וַעֲדָיָֽה׃ | and Adaiah | Conjunction, noun proper masculine |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, |
| KJV | And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah, |
| ASV | and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah, |
| YLT | and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah, |
| WEB | Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah, |
| BBE | And Shelemiah and Nathan and Adaiah, |
Where they part company is in the names listed — see How Translations Differ.
The verse consists of a single main clause listing the names of individuals.
2 commentators on this verse
Ellicott, Cambridge & more — read them ›
clause
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Ezra 10:39
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The List of Returneesgenerated
Ezra 10:39 is part of a genealogical list that documents the names of those who returned from exile. This verse specifically mentions three individuals: Shelemiah, Nathan, and Adaiah, highlighting their significance in the community's restoration efforts after returning to Jerusalem.
Cross References
The Key Word — שֶׁלֶמְיָה, ve.she.lem.Yahgenerated
The name שֶׁלֶמְיָה (*Shelemiah*) is a proper noun meaning 'repaid by Jehovah.' It is derived from roots that suggest a connection to thankfulness and divine favor. The parsing indicates it is a masculine noun, showing that Shelemiah was a male figure, likely a Levite, involved in the restoration of the community.
Shelemiah appears multiple times in the Old Testament, indicating his importance in the Levitical priesthood and community leadership during the return from exile. His role emphasizes the continuity of the priestly line and the restoration of worship in Jerusalem.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, which lists the names as 'Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah.' The KJV and ASV present the same names without variation, while the YLT, WEB, and BBE also agree on the wording.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The structure of the verse is straightforward, presenting a list of names. The finite verb is absent, as this is a simple enumeration of individuals. The Hebrew word order places emphasis on the individuals being named, reflecting their importance in the context of the return from exile.
The clause can be understood as a noun phrase listing the subjects: Shelemiah, Nathan, and Adaiah, indicating their roles as noteworthy figures in the community.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the names are rendered as σελεμια, ναθαν, and αδαια. This choice of Greek words reflects a direct correspondence to the Hebrew names, preserving their identity while adapting them for a Greek-speaking audience.
The Septuagint does not provide additional interpretation, maintaining the focus on the names themselves as part of the genealogical record.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Ezra 10:39 lists three men: Shelemiah, Nathan, and Adaiah. These names are part of a record of those who returned from exile, showing their roles in the restoration of the community in Jerusalem.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The individuals are Shelemiah, Nathan, and Adaiah, all of whom are part of the genealogy of those who returned from exile.
Shelemiah means 'repaid by Jehovah,' indicating a connection to divine favor.
Nathan was a prophet during the reign of King David and is known for his role in advising the king.
There are several individuals named Adaiah in the Old Testament, including a grandfather of King Josiah.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What significance do you think these names hold in the context of the return from exile?
- How can understanding the meaning of these names enhance our comprehension of the text?
- What role do genealogies play in the biblical narrative?
- In what ways can we see the theme of restoration reflected in these names?
Commentators on this verse — 2 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Ezra 10:39 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18-44) List of the transgressors. (19) They gave their hands.—The four members of the high priest’s family were peculiarly dealt with. They gave their distinct pledge, and offered each a special trespass offering. It is one among a multitude of similar tokens of authenticity in the history; and inventor would have given some reason for the peculiarity. (22) Pashur.—Comparing Ezra 2:36-39, we find that all the priestly families that returned with Zerub-babel were implicated in the national offence. (25) Of Israel.—Of the laity eighty-six are mentioned, belonging to ten races which returned with Zerubbabel. (34) Bani.—Probably this should be some other name, as Bani occurs before. The…
Read Charles John Ellicott on Ezra 10 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18–44. The List of those who ‘had married strange women’The record of the names was probably one of the documents officially preserved. The publicity of such a list was in itself a punishment to the offenders and a warning to others. As in chap. 2, the list falls into the three groups of Priests, Levites, and Israel (or Laity), i.e. 17 Priests, 10 Levites, 86 ‘of Israel’—113 in all.
Read Cambridge on Ezra 10 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,
Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,
Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,
Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,
Tyndale line
And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah;
And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
And Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
Strictly literal
and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
and Shelemiah, and Nathan, and Adaiah,
And Shelemyah, and Nathan, and 'Adayah,
Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,
From the Latin
And Salmias, and Nathan, and Adaias,
Simplified
Shelemiah, Nathan, Adaiah,
And Shelemiah and Nathan and Adaiah,
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text lists the names as וְשֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֥ה וְנָתָ֖ן וַעֲדָיָֽה׃. The Septuagint matches all three names, indicating agreement between these witnesses on the individuals mentioned.
וְשֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֥ה וְנָתָ֖ן וַעֲדָיָֽה׃
3 of the 3 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Ezra 10:39
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word שֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ (*Shelemyah*) means 'repaid by Jehovah' and refers to several individuals mentioned in the Old Testament, particularly during the Exile and Return periods. It is derived from roots meaning 'thank-offering' and 'Jah' (God). The entries note that Shelemyah was a Levite and a priest, involved in various roles including repairing the wall of Jerusalem and managing the treasury.
שֶׁלֶמְיָה(וּ) n.pr.m.
Jeremiah’s time
Levite
post-ex. names
base
H8018 שֶׁלֶמְיָה(וּ), שֶׁלֶמְיָה, שֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ
8018 Shelemyah shel-em-yaw'
or Shelemyahuw {shel-em-yaw'-hoo}; from 8002 and 3050;
thank-offering of Jah; Shelemjah, the name of nine
Israelites:--Shelemiah.
see HEBREW for 08002
see HEBREW for 03050
שֶׁלֶמְיָהוּ (she.lem.yah) — Shelemiah.
A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Ezr.10.39
§ Shelemiah = "repaid by Jehovah"
1) a son of Bani who put away his foreign wife in the time of Ezra
2) another son of Bani who put away his foreign wife in the time of Ezra
3) father of Hananiah who repaired part of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah
4) a priest in the time of Nehemiah in charge of the treasury
5) father of Jehucal or Jucal in the time of Zedekiah
6) Levite upon whom the lot for the East Gate fell; in the time of David
6a) also 'Meshelemiah' and 'Shallum'
7) father of Nethaniah and grandfather of Jehudi, who was the messenger sent to Baruch the scribe of Jeremiah
8) son of Abdeel and one the men commanded by king Jehoiakim of Judah to seize the prophet Jeremiah and his scribe Baruch
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
shel-e-mi'-a, she-lem'-ya (shelemyah; Codex Vaticanus Selemia, Codex Alexandrinus (Selemias):
(1) One of the sons of Bani who married foreign wives in the time of Ezra (Ezr 10:39), called "Selemias" in 1 Esdras 9:34.
(2) Father of Hananiah who restored part of the wall of Jerusalem (Ne 3:30) (Codex Vaticanus Telemia, ..., Telemias). (3) A priest who was appointed one of the treasurers to distribute the Levitical tithes by Nehemiah (Ne 13:13).
(4) The father of Jehucal (or Jucal) in the reign of Zedekiah (Jer 37:3; 38:1; in the second passage the name is Shelemyahu).
Shelemiah
Whom Jehovah repays. (1.) Ezra 10:39.
(2.) The father of Hananiah (Neh. 3:30).
(3.) A priest in the time of Nehemiah (13:13).
(4.) Father of one of those who accused Jeremiah to Zedekiah (Jer. 37:3; 38:1).
(5.) Father of a captain of the ward (Jer. 37:13).
(6.) Jer. 36:14.
(repaid by Jehovah). One of the sons of Bani in the time of Ezra. (Ezra 10:30) (B.C. 458.) The father of Hananiah. (Nehemiah 3:30) A priest in the time of Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 13:13) The father of Jehueal, or Jucal, in the time of Zedekiah. (Jeremiah 37:3) The father of Irijah, the captain of the ward who arrested Jeremiah. (Jeremiah 37:13) (B.C. before 589.) The same as Meshelemiah and Shallum, 8. (1 Chronicles 26:14) Another of the sons of Bani in the time of Ezra. (Ezra 10:41) Ancestor of Jehudi in the time…
God is my perfection; my happiness; my peace
נָתָן (natan) means "giver" and refers primarily to Nathan, a notable figure in the Old Testament. He is recognized as a son of David by Bathsheba and a prominent prophet during David's reign. The entries list various individuals named Nathan, including warriors and leaders, indicating a range of roles within Israel's history, particularly during the United Monarchy.
נָתָן 42 n.pr.m.
a son of David
the prophet of David’s time
father of one of David’s heroes
father of officers of Solomon
name in Judah
companion of Ezra from Babylon
one of those who took strange wives
head of a family
base
H5416 נָתָן
5416 Nathan naw-thawn'
from 5414; given; Nathan, the name of five
Israelites:--Nathan.
see HEBREW for 05414
נָתָן (na.tan) — Nathan.
A man of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14;
son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339);
brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Solomon (H8010);
half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N);
father of: Mattatha (G3160)
Also named: Nathan (Ναθάν "Nathan" G3481)
§ Nathan = "giver"
1) a son of David by Bathsheba
2) the eminent prophet in the time of David and Solomon
3) a man of Zobah, father of one of David's mighty warriors
4) father of Azariah who was over the officers of Solomon
5) son of Attai and father of Zabad of the tribe of Judah
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
Nathan
Given. (1.) A prophet in the reigns of David and Solomon (2 Chr. 9:29). He is first spoken of in connection with the arrangements David made for the building of the temple (2 Sam. 7:2, 3, 17), and next appears as the reprover of David on account of his sin with Bathsheba (12:1-14). He was charged with the education of Solomon (12:25), at whose inauguration to the throne he took a prominent part (1 Kings 1:8, 10, 11, 22-45). His two sons, Zabad (1 Chr. 2:36) and Azariah (1 Kings 4:5) occupied places of honour at the king’s court. He last appears in assisting David in reorganizing the public worship (
(a giver). An eminent Hebrew prophet in the reigns of David and Solomon. (B.C. 1015.) He first appears in the consultation with David about the building of the temple. (2 Samuel 7:2,3,17) He next comes forward as the reprover of David for the sin with Bathsheba; and his famous apologue on the rich man and the ewe lamb, which is the only direct example of his prophetic power, shows it to have been of a very high order. (2 Samuel 12:1-12) A son of David; one of the four who were borne to him by Bathsheba. (1 Chronicles 3:5) comp, 1Chr 14:4 and 2Sam 5:14 Son or brother of one of the members of David’s guard. (
1. A Hebrew prophet, Zec 12:12; a friend and counselor of David. He approved the king’s purpose of building a temple to the lord, but by divine direction transferred this accomplishment to Solomon, 2Sa 7:1-17. By a fine parable, pointedly applied, he convicted David of his guilt in respect to Uriah and Bathsheba, 2Sa 12:1-31 Ps 51:1-19; and his bold fidelity here seems to have been appreciated by David, see NATHAN 2, and is worthy of everlasting remembrance. Solomon was probably educated under his care, 2Sa 12:25; and was effectually aided by him in his peaceful succession to the throne, 1Ki 1.1-53. He wrote some…
given; giving; rewarded
The Hebrew word עֲדָיָ֫הוּ (*Adayah*) means 'Jehovah has adorned Himself.' It refers to several individuals in the Old Testament, including a maternal grandfather of King Josiah and various Levites and priests. The name appears in contexts related to the Divided Monarchy and the Exile and Return, with multiple figures bearing this name across different genealogies.
עֲדָיָ֫ה(וּ) n.pr.m. (י׳ has decked himself)
father of a Judaean captain
grandfather of Josiah
a Levite
a Benjamite
a priest
two with foreign wives
a Judahite
base
H5718 עֲדָיָ֫ה(וּ), עֲדָיָה, עֲדָיָהוּ
5718 `Adayah ad-aw-yaw'
or mAdayahuw {ad-aw-yaw'-hoo}; from 5710 and 3050; Jah has
adorned; Adajah, the name of eight Israelites:--Adaiah.
see HEBREW for 05710
see HEBREW for 03050
עֲדָיָ֫הוּ (a.da.yah) — Adaiah.
A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 2Ki.22.1;
father of: Jedidah (H3040)
§ Adaiah = "Jehovah has adorned Himself"
1) maternal grandfather of king Josiah of Judah and native of Boscath in the lowlands of Judah
2) a Gershonite Levite and ancestor of Asaph
3) a Benjamite, son of Shimhi
4) a priest, son of Jehoram
5) ancestor of Maaseiah, one of the captains who supported Jehoiada
6) a descendant of Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
7) a descendant of another Bani who had a foreign wife in the time of Ezra
8) a descendant of Pharez of the tribe of Judah
עֲדָיָ֫הוּ (a.da.yah) — Adaiah.
A man of the tribe of Benjamin living at the time of Divided Monarchy, only mentioned at 1Ch.8.21;
son of: Shimei (H8096N);
Conj | N-proper — Conjunction · noun proper masculineHC/Npm
a-da'-ya, a-di'-a (`adhayah, "Yahweh hath adorned"):
(1) Apparently the seventh of the nine sons of Shimei, who is apparently the same with Shema, who is the fifth of the sons of Elpaal, who is the second of the two sons of Shaharaim and Hushim (1Ch 8:21). Shaharaim and his descendants are listed with the descendants of Benjamin, though his relations to Benjamin are not stated.
(adorned by Jehovah). Maternal grandfather of King Josiah, and native of Boscath in the lowlands of Judah. (2 Kings 22:1) (B.C. 648.) A Levite of the Gershonite branch, and ancestor of Asaph. (1 Chronicles 6:41) In v. (1 Chronicles 6:21) Heb Isa called IDDO. A Benjamite, son of Shimhi, (1 Chronicles 8:21) who is apparently the same as Shema in v. (1 Chronicles 8:13) A priest, son of Jehoram. (1 Chronicles 9:12; Nehemiah 11:12) Ancestor of Maaseiah, one of the captains who supported Jehoiada. (
the witness of the Lord