Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Nehemiah 11:35
What does Nehemiah 11:35 mean?
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Nehemiah 11:35
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The verse's simple listing of towns actually highlights a deliberate resettlement effort, mentioning not just established cities like Lod and Ono, but a specific area designated for "craftsmen." This detail underscores how the returned exiles were intentionally rebuilding their society, ensuring skilled workers had a place to live and contribute to the community.
Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage is part of a larger census and resettlement plan for Jerusalem and its surrounding towns after the Israelites' return from exile. Nehemiah is listing the descendants of Judah and Benjamin who settled in various cities, distinguishing them from those who lived in Jerusalem. Lod and Ono, and a place known as the valley of craftsmen, are mentioned as locations where some of these families took up residence.
After the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt, Nehemiah turned his attention to repopulating the land. This verse lists specific towns and a unique description of a place.
Nehemiah 11 details the resettlement of the people after the return from exile. While Jerusalem was being repopulated, the majority of the people were strategically placed throughout the land of Judah.
Why was a particular area known as the 'valley of craftsmen'? What does this tell us about the society Nehemiah was helping to establish?
The description 'the valley of craftsmen' (or 'Geharashim' in the original language) is fascinating.
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Understand the original words
gay · Hebrew Noun
A low-lying area between hills or mountains, often used in the Bible as a location for agriculture, battle, or, in this context, a specific industrial center.
charash · Hebrew Noun
Skilled workers or artisans who perform specialized labor, often associated with construction or metalworking, suggesting a specialized economic or social function for this location.
The mention of 'Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen' highlights the practical, organized nature of post-exilic Jewish society. It points to a deliberate resettlement effort where skilled labor was essential for rebuilding and sustaining communities, with specific areas designated for these vital workers.
c. 1075 BC
Davidic Monarchy Establishes Craftsmen
King David likely organized skilled laborers into groups, some of whom may have settled in areas that later became known for their crafts. This period saw an increase in the organization of labor for building projects.
c. 979 BC
Solomon's Temple Construction
The massive construction of Solomon's Temple in Jerusalem required a vast number of skilled craftsmen. Many of these artisans were organized and settled in specific areas to facilitate their work and maintenance.
c. 733 BC
Assyrian Deportations Begin
The Assyrian Empire began deporting populations from the northern kingdom of Israel. While the primary focus was on Israel, subsequent Assyrian policies sometimes relocated populations throughout their empire, impacting areas like Judah.
597 BC - 582 BC— this verse
Babylonian Exile and Repopulation
The Babylonian conquests led to multiple deportations of Judeans, including skilled workers. After the exiles began to return, efforts were made to repopulate the land and re-establish communities, including the settling of specific towns and areas.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah's Return and Rebuilding
Nehemiah led a significant return of exiles to Jerusalem, focusing on rebuilding the walls and reorganizing the city. This included efforts to repopulate Jerusalem and surrounding areas, assigning various groups, including craftsmen, to specific locations.
This passage names Lod and Ono as towns built by a descendant of Benjamin, connecting them to the tribal inheritance and the people listed in Nehemiah. It also links to the idea of 'craftsmen' potentially originating from this lineage or area.
1 Chronicles 4:14This verse mentions 'Joab the father of Gehaharashim,' with the margin noting 'or, the valley of craftsmen,' directly paralleling the description in Nehemiah and suggesting a long-standing designation for a place known for skilled workers.
Nehemiah 6:2This verse mentions Ono in a context of a plot against Nehemiah, showing that these towns, including Ono, were significant locations within the Judean territory during the post-exilic period. It highlights their relevance beyond just listing them as inhabited places.
Ezra 2:33This passage lists Lod and Ono among the towns whose inhabitants returned from Babylonian exile, confirming their reoccupation and importance to the restored community. It provides context for their inclusion in the census of those resettling in the land.
clarkeNehemiah 11:35: "Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen."
Lod, and Ono - These towns were built by the sons of Elpaal, 1 Chronicles 8:12 . The valley of craftsmen - See 1 Chronicles 4:14. Probably this latter town was built in this valley.
pulpitNehemiah 11:35: "Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen."
Verse 35. - Lod, now Ludd (called in the Acts of the Apostles Lydda), was at the eastern edge of the Shephelah, or low maritime plain, and about nine miles to the S.E. of Joppa. Unimportant during the early times, it became a place of considerable note under the Maccabees (1 Macc. 10:30, 38 1 Macc. 11:28, 34, 57, etc.), and so continued till the taking of Jerusalem by Titus, soon after which its name was changed to Diospolis. Ono is first…
The verse's simple listing of towns actually highlights a deliberate resettlement effort, mentioning not just established cities like Lod and Ono, but a specific area designated for "craftsmen." This detail underscores how the returned exiles were intentionally rebuilding their society, ensuring skilled workers had a place to live and contribute to the community.
This passage is part of a larger census and resettlement plan for Jerusalem and its surrounding towns after the Israelites' return from exile. Nehemiah is listing the descendants of Judah and Benjamin who settled in various cities, distinguishing them from those who lived in Jerusalem. Lod and Ono, and a place known as the valley of craftsmen, are mentioned as locations where some of these families took up residence.
This passage is part of a larger census and resettlement plan for Jerusalem and its surrounding towns after the Israelites' return from exile. Nehemiah is listing the descendants of Judah and Benjamin who settled in various cities, distinguishing them from those who lived in Jerusalem. Lod and Ono, and a place known as the valley of craftsmen, are mentioned as locations where some of these families took up residence.
"Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen." — The verse's simple listing of towns actually highlights a deliberate resettlement effort, mentioning not just established cities like Lod and Ono, but a specific area designated for "craftsmen." This…
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Last reviewed October 2026