Nehemiah 11:3
New International Version
These are the provincial leaders who settled in Jerusalem (now some Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants and descendants of Solomon’s servants lived in the towns of Judah, each on their own property in the various towns,

New Living Translation
Here is a list of the names of the provincial officials who came to live in Jerusalem. (Most of the people, priests, Levites, Temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants continued to live in their own homes in the various towns of Judah,

English Standard Version
These are the chiefs of the province who lived in Jerusalem; but in the towns of Judah everyone lived on his property in their towns: Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the descendants of Solomon’s servants.

Berean Standard Bible
These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants—

King James Bible
Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.

New King James Version
These are the heads of the province who dwelt in Jerusalem. (But in the cities of Judah everyone dwelt in his own possession in their cities—Israelites, priests, Levites, Nethinim, and descendants of Solomon’s servants.)

New American Standard Bible
Now these are the heads of the provinces who lived in Jerusalem, but in the cities of Judah each lived on his own property in their cities—the Israelites, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the descendants of Solomon’s servants.

NASB 1995
Now these are the heads of the provinces who lived in Jerusalem, but in the cities of Judah each lived on his own property in their cities— the Israelites, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants and the descendants of Solomon’s servants.

NASB 1977
Now these are the heads of the provinces who lived in Jerusalem, but in the cities of Judah each lived on his own property in their cities—the Israelites, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants and the descendants of Solomon’s servants.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now these are the heads of the provinces who lived in Jerusalem, but in the cities of Judah each lived in his own possession in their cities—the Israelites, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the sons of Solomon’s servants.

Amplified Bible
These are the heads of the provinces who lived in Jerusalem, but in the cities of Judah everyone lived on his property in their cities—the Israelites, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the descendants of Solomon’s servants.

Christian Standard Bible
These are the heads of the province who stayed in Jerusalem (but in the villages of Judah each lived on his own property in their towns —the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants —

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These are the heads of the province who stayed in Jerusalem (but in the villages of Judah each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants—

American Standard Version
Now these are the chiefs of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon's servants.

Contemporary English Version
Some of the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple workers, and the descendants of Solomon's servants lived on their own property in the towns of Judah. But the leaders of the province lived in Jerusalem with their families.

English Revised Version
Now these are the chiefs of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon's servants.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These were the officials of the province who settled in Jerusalem. Some Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon's servants settled in the cities of Judah. They lived on their own property in their own cities.

Good News Translation
In the other towns and cities the people of Israel, the priests, the Levites, the Temple workers, and the descendants of Solomon's servants lived on their own property in their own towns. The following is the list of the leading citizens of the province of Judah who lived in Jerusalem:

International Standard Version
These are the leaders of the provinces who lived in Jerusalem. Some lived in the towns of Judah—each on their property in their respective towns—that is, the Israelis, the priests, the descendants of Levi, the Temple Servants, and the descendants of Solomon's servants.

Majority Standard Bible
These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants—

NET Bible
These are the provincial leaders who settled in Jerusalem. (While other Israelites, the priests, the Levites, the temple attendants, and the sons of the servants of Solomon settled in the cities of Judah, each on his own property in their cities,

New Heart English Bible
Now these are the chiefs of the province who lived in Jerusalem; but in the cities of Judah everyone lived in his possession in their cities: Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinim, and the descendants of Solomon's servants.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.

World English Bible
Now these are the chiefs of the province who lived in Jerusalem; but in the cities of Judah, everyone lived in his possession in their cities—Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the children of Solomon’s servants.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And these [are] heads of the province who have dwelt in Jerusalem, and in cities of Judah, they have dwelt each in his possession in their cities; Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinim, and the sons of the servants of Solomon.

Young's Literal Translation
And these are heads of the province who have dwelt in Jerusalem, and in cities of Judah, they have dwelt each in his possession in their cities; Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinim, and the sons of the servants of Solomon.

Smith's Literal Translation
And these the heads of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: and in the cities of Judah they dwelt, each in his possession in their cities of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the sons of Solomon's servants.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
These therefore are the chief men of the province, who dwelt in Jerusalem, and in the cities of Juda. And every one dwelt in his possession, in their cities: Israel, the priests, the Levites, the Nathinites, and the children of the servants of Solomon.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so these are the leaders of the province, who were living in Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah. Now each one lived in his possession, in their cities: Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the sons of the servants of Solomon.

New American Bible
These are the heads of the province who took up residence in Jerusalem. In the cities of Judah dwelt Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and the descendants of Solomon’s servants, each on the property they owned in their own cities.

New Revised Standard Version
These are the leaders of the province who lived in Jerusalem; but in the towns of Judah all lived on their property in their towns: Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the descendants of Solomon’s servants.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Now these are the chiefs of the province who dwelt in Jerusalem and in the towns of Judah (they dwelt every one in his own possession in their towns in Israel). along with the priests, the Levites, and some of the people, and also the descendants of Solomon's servants who dwelt in Jerusalem,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And these are the Chiefs of the city who dwelt in Jerusalem, and in the villages of Yehuda, and they dwelt, each man, in his possession in the towns of Israel. The Priests and the Levites and the people and the children of the Servants of Solomon were in Jerusalem.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now these are the chiefs of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem; but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israelites, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon's servants.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now these are the chiefs of the province who dwelt in Jerusalem, and in the cities of Juda; every man dwelt in his possession in their cities: Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nathinim, and the children of the servants of Solomon.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The New Settlers in Jerusalem
2And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem. 3These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns— the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants— 4while some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez;…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 9:2-3
Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. / Some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem:

Ezra 2:70
So the priests, the Levites, the singers, the gatekeepers, and the temple servants, along with some of the people, settled in their own towns; and the rest of the Israelites settled in their towns.

Nehemiah 7:73
So the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, and temple servants, along with some of the people and the rest of the Israelites, settled in their own towns. And by the seventh month the Israelites had settled in their towns.

Nehemiah 10:28-29
“The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand, / hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our Lord.

Nehemiah 12:1
Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Nehemiah 12:27
At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem, the Levites were sought out from all their homes and brought to Jerusalem to celebrate the joyous dedication with thanksgiving and singing, accompanied by cymbals, harps, and lyres.

Nehemiah 12:44
And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving.

Nehemiah 13:10-11
I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. / So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts,

Nehemiah 13:22
Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion.

Nehemiah 13:30-31
Thus I purified the priests and Levites from everything foreign, and I assigned specific duties to each of the priests and Levites. / I also arranged for contributions of wood at the appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor.

Matthew 5:14
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden.

Luke 2:36-38
There was also a prophetess named Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher, who was well along in years. She had been married for seven years, / and then was a widow to the age of eighty-four. She never left the temple, but worshiped night and day, fasting and praying. / Coming forward at that moment, she gave thanks to God and spoke about the Child to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Acts 2:5
Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven.

Acts 6:7
So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Acts 15:2
And after engaging these men in sharp debate, Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about this question.


Treasury of Scripture

Now these are the chief of the province that dwelled in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelled every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.

Now.

1 Chronicles 9:18
Who hitherto waited in the king's gate eastward: they were porters in the companies of the children of Levi.

the chief.

Nehemiah 7:6
These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;

Ezra 2:1
Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city;

Israel.

Nehemiah 7:73
So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.

1 Chronicles 9:1-3
So all Israel were reckoned by genealogies; and, behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah, who were carried away to Babylon for their transgression…

Ezra 2:70
So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

Nethinims.

Ezra 2:43,55
The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, …

the children.

Nehemiah 7:57-60
The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, …

Ezra 2:55-58
The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Peruda, …

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Chief Chiefs Children Cities Country Divisions Dwelt Heads Heritage Israel Israelites Jerusalem Judah Levites Nethinim Nethinims Possession Priests Property Province Provinces Provincial Servants Solomon's Towns Various Wit
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Chief Chiefs Children Cities Country Divisions Dwelt Heads Heritage Israel Israelites Jerusalem Judah Levites Nethinim Nethinims Possession Priests Property Province Provinces Provincial Servants Solomon's Towns Various Wit
Nehemiah 11
1. The rulers, voluntary men, and the tenth man chosen by lot, dwell at Jerusalem.
3. A catalogue of their names.
20. Those who remain dwell in other cities.














These are the heads of the provinces
This phrase introduces the leaders or prominent figures who were responsible for the administration and governance of the provinces. In the Hebrew context, "heads" (Hebrew: רָאשִׁים, roshim) signifies leaders or chiefs, indicating their authority and responsibility. Historically, these individuals were crucial in maintaining order and implementing the reforms Nehemiah had established. Their role was not just administrative but also spiritual, as they were expected to lead by example in faithfulness to God’s laws.

who lived in Jerusalem
Jerusalem, the city of David, held immense spiritual and political significance. It was the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. The decision for these leaders to reside in Jerusalem underscores the importance of having strong, faithful leadership at the heart of the nation. Living in Jerusalem meant being at the center of religious life and governance, which was essential for the restoration and protection of the Jewish identity post-exile.

but in the cities of Judah
This phrase highlights the distinction between those living in Jerusalem and those residing in the broader region of Judah. The cities of Judah were the surrounding towns and villages that made up the southern kingdom. Each city had its own local governance, but they were all part of the larger community of Israel. This reflects the decentralized nature of post-exilic Jewish society, where local leaders played a significant role in the day-to-day life of the people.

each lived on his own property in their towns
The emphasis on living on one's own property indicates a return to normalcy and stability after the Babylonian exile. The Hebrew word for property (נַחֲלָה, nachalah) often refers to an inheritance or a portion of land. This return to their ancestral lands was a fulfillment of God’s promise and a sign of His faithfulness. It also underscores the importance of land in Israelite society, not just as a means of sustenance but as a symbol of God’s covenant with His people.

the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants
This list represents the diverse groups that made up the post-exilic community. The Israelites were the general population, while the priests and Levites were responsible for the religious and ceremonial aspects of Jewish life. The temple servants (Hebrew: נְתִינִים, Nethinim) were a group dedicated to assisting the Levites in the temple. The descendants of Solomon’s servants were likely those who had been assigned specific roles during Solomon’s reign, possibly including foreign laborers who had integrated into Israelite society. This diversity highlights the inclusive nature of the community, united in their worship and service to God. Each group had a unique role, yet all were essential to the functioning of the society and the worship of Yahweh.

(3) Of the province.--This betrays the hand of Nehemiah, who was still a Persian official as well as a governor of Judah; and it shows that here we have a general heading for the rest of the chapter. Both city and country are included in the rest of the verse.

Israel.--The two Israelitish tribes were represented, but, like Judah before, this has become a generic name.

Verse 3. - These are the chief of the province. A comparison is in the writer's mind between the Jews of Palestine and those of the great Persian capitals, Babylon and Susa, to which, as a Persian official, he himself properly belongs. Compare Nehemiah 1:3 and Ezra 2:1. That dwelt in Jerusalem. i.e. "that were entered in Nehemiah's census among the inhabitants of Jerusalem after the transfer of population had been made." The names which follow appear in most cases to be personal, but a certain number of them are names of families. In the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession. It follows that those who removed from the country districts to Jerusalem quitted their "possessions, often, it may be, exchanging riches for poverty, a comfortable house for one half in ruins (Nehemiah 7:4), and the life of a small landed proprietor for that of an artisan or hired labourer. Hence the "blessings" called down by the people on those who volunteered (ver. 2). Israel. Compare 1 Chronicles 9:3, where we find that among those who had returned were mere-bers of the two great Israelitish tribes, Manasseh and Ephraim. On the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, see the comment on Ezra 2:43, 55.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
These
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ (wə·’êl·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

are the heads
רָאשֵׁ֣י (rā·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the provinces
הַמְּדִינָ֔ה (ham·mə·ḏî·nāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4082: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region

who
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

settled
יָשְׁב֖וּ (yā·šə·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

in Jerusalem
בִּירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

(but in the villages
וּבְעָרֵ֣י (ū·ḇə·‘ā·rê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

of Judah
יְהוּדָ֗ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

each
אִ֤ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

lived
יָֽשְׁב֞וּ (yā·šə·ḇū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

on his own property
בַּאֲחֻזָּתוֹ֙ (ba·’ă·ḥuz·zā·ṯōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 272: Something seized, a possession

in their towns—
בְּעָ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם (bə·‘ā·rê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

the Israelites,
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל (yiś·rā·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc

priests,
הַכֹּהֲנִים֙ (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

Levites,
וְהַלְוִיִּ֣ם (wə·hal·wî·yim)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

temple servants,
וְהַנְּתִינִ֔ים (wə·han·nə·ṯî·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5411: The Nethinim, Temple-servants

and descendants
וּבְנֵ֖י (ū·ḇə·nê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Solomon’s
שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃ (šə·lō·mōh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8010: Solomon -- David's son and successor to his throne

servants—
עַבְדֵ֥י (‘aḇ·ḏê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant


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OT History: Nehemiah 11:3 Now these are the chiefs (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 11:2
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