Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Nehemiah 11:10
What does Nehemiah 11:10 mean?
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Nehemiah 11:10
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The verse likely lists three significant priestly families—Jedaiah, Joiarib, and Jachin—rather than a single individual, Jedaiah, being the son of Joiarib. This detail subtly highlights the organized, established structure of the priesthood even as they settled back into Jerusalem. It's a reminder that God’s work often relies on these divinely appointed roles and lineages.
Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin,
English Standard Version (ESV)
After establishing the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah and the people are organizing who will live within the rebuilt city, with one in ten chosen by lot for this significant task. This section shifts to listing specific families of priests and Levites who were assigned to reside in Jerusalem, ensuring the city would be the spiritual center of the restored nation, continuing a record found in the books of Chronicles.
After the exile, rebuilding the Temple wasn't just about stones and mortar; it was about restoring the people who served there. This verse names some key priestly families making that happen.
Nehemiah 11 focuses on repopulating Jerusalem after the return from exile. This verse names specific priestly families: Jedaiah, Joiarib, and Jachin. These aren't just random names; they represent established houses responsible for the Temple's functions.
Is 'son of' literal family or a way to link important houses? This verse offers a clue to how ancient lists connect people and their heritage.
The phrasing in Nehemiah 11:10, 'Jedaiah the son of Joiarib,' has caused some discussion among scholars. While it could mean Jedaiah was literally the son of a man named Joiarib, many understand it differently based on parallel texts.
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Understand the original words
kohen · Hebrew Noun
Men set apart by God for holy service, responsible for performing sacrifices, maintaining the temple, and mediating between God and the people. They represent the importance of holiness and access to God through the appointed covenantal system.
The listing of priestly families like Jedaiah, Joiarib, and Jachin in Nehemiah 11 highlights the effort to re-establish the organized religious and social order in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile and the city's subsequent rebuilding under Nehemiah.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonians conquer Jerusalem, destroy the Temple, and deport many Judeans, including priests and Levites, to Babylon. This marks a significant disruption to the established priestly families and their roles.
c. 538 BC
Edict of Cyrus and Return from Exile
Cyrus the Great allows the exiled Judeans to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This begins the period of restoration.
c. 445 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's Arrival and Jerusalem's Reconstruction
Nehemiah arrives in Jerusalem with a mandate from the Persian king to rebuild the city walls. He faces opposition but succeeds in restoring Jerusalem's defenses and administration.
c. 444 BC
Repopulating Jerusalem
Following the wall's completion, Nehemiah and the leaders devise a plan to repopulate Jerusalem. Lots are cast to determine who will live in the city, with one-tenth of the population selected.
This passage provides a parallel account of the returning exiles, including the same priestly families, highlighting the importance of these specific lineages in the restoration of Jerusalem and its worship.
1 Chronicles 24:7This chapter outlines the divisions of the priesthood established by David, showing that Joiarib (from whom Jedaiah is listed as a descendant here) was the head of the first division, underscoring the ancient and significant lineage being discussed.
Nehemiah 12:6This verse lists descendants of these same priestly families, including Jedaiah and Jachin, during the time of Nehemiah’s governorship, reinforcing their ongoing role in the community and religious life of Jerusalem.
1 Kings 7:21This passage describes the bronze pillars named Jachin and Boaz that stood at the entrance of Solomon's Temple; while symbolic, the repetition of the name Jachin in a prominent priestly family suggests a connection to the sacredness and foundational role of the Temple itself.
pooleNehemiah 11:10: "Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin."
No text from Poole on this verse.
ellicottNehemiah 11:10: "Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin."
(10) This should be read Jedaiah, Joiarib, Jachin, three priestly families ( 1Chronicles 9:10 ).
The verse likely lists three significant priestly families—Jedaiah, Joiarib, and Jachin—rather than a single individual, Jedaiah, being the son of Joiarib. This detail subtly highlights the organized, established structure of the priesthood even as they settled back into Jerusalem. It's a reminder that God’s work often relies on these divinely appointed roles and lineages.
After establishing the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah and the people are organizing who will live within the rebuilt city, with one in ten chosen by lot for this significant task. This section shifts to listing specific families of priests and Levites who were assigned to reside in Jerusalem, ensuring the city would be the spiritual center of the restored nation, continuing a record found in the books of Chronicles.
After establishing the walls of Jerusalem, Nehemiah and the people are organizing who will live within the rebuilt city, with one in ten chosen by lot for this significant task. This section shifts to listing specific families of priests and Levites who were assigned to reside in Jerusalem, ensuring the city would be the spiritual center of the restored nation, continuing a record found in the books of Chronicles.
"Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin," — The verse likely lists three significant priestly families—Jedaiah, Joiarib, and Jachin—rather than a single individual, Jedaiah, being the son of Joiarib. This detail subtly highlights the organized…
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Last reviewed October 2026