Register of Priests and Levites
Nehemiah 12:1-26
Neh.12.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ואלה: CONJ+DEM,pl,abs
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- אשר: PRON,rel
- עלו: PREP+3ms_suff
- עם: PREP
- זרבבל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שאלתיאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישוע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שריה: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ירמיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:2 (verbal): Lists the same leaders among the returning exiles—Zerubbabel and Jeshua (Yeshua) appear by name as heads of the returnees, matching Neh 12:1’s roster.
- Ezra 3:2 (verbal): Describes Zerubbabel and Jeshua (the priest) leading the priests and Levites in rebuilding the altar and founding the temple—parallels the leadership roles named in Neh 12:1.
- Ezra 5:2 (verbal): Records Zerubbabel and Jeshua rising up to continue the work of rebuilding the temple, echoing the same individuals and activities noted in Neh 12:1.
- Haggai 1:1 (allusion): The prophetic oracle is dated to the time of Zerubbabel and Jeshua and addresses them directly to urge renewal of the temple project—contextually linked to the leaders named in Neh 12:1.
- Zechariah 4:6-10 (allusion): Zechariah’s vision promises that Zerubbabel will complete the temple and names Joshua (the high priest), supporting and expanding the theological/leadership role of the same figures listed in Neh 12:1.
Alternative generated candidates
- And these are the priests and the Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel: Jeshua, Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra.
- Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua, Seraiah, Jeremiah, and Ezra.
Neh.12.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אמריה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מלוך: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חטוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36 (verbal): Lists priests who returned from exile; shares many of the same priestly names (showing the same genealogical group as Neh 12’s roster).
- 1 Chronicles 6:10-15 (thematic): Genealogical list of Levi/Aaron’s descendants (priestly lines); provides the ancestral background for the priestly names that appear in Neh 12:2.
- 1 Chronicles 9:10-12 (verbal): A post‑exilic list of priests and Levites in Jerusalem that repeats several of the same personal names found in Neh 12:2, reflecting parallel roster traditions.
- Nehemiah 12:1 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same chapter—the opening verse of the chapter begins the same extended list of priests and Levites of which Neh 12:2 is a part, showing continuity of the roster.
Alternative generated candidates
- Amariah, Malluch, Hattush.
- Amariah, Malluch, Hattush.
Neh.12.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שכניה: NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,f
- רחם: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מרמת: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36 (verbal): The same priestly names (Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth and other priests) appear in the post-exilic list of returnees — a direct verbal parallel in the registers of priests.
- Nehemiah 12:1-4 (structural): Immediate internal parallel: the surrounding verses in Nehemiah repeat and expand the roster of priests and Levites, showing a closely related list and context for these names.
- 1 Chronicles 9:11-12 (thematic): Chronicles preserves priestly and Levitical genealogies from the post-exilic community; the occurrence of overlapping names (and the function of listing temple personnel) makes this a thematic and partially verbal parallel.
- Ezra 8:2 (verbal): Ezra’s genealogical lists of those returning (priests and Levites) include many of the same clan or personal names, reflecting the same priestly families recorded in Nehemiah’s lists.
Alternative generated candidates
- Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth.
- Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth.
Neh.12.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- עדוא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- גנתוי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אביה: NOUN,m,sg,suff
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36-39 (verbal): A post-exilic roster of priests and Levites who returned to Judah; the lists overlap with the names and family lines enumerated in Nehemiah 12, showing the same priestly personnel after the exile.
- 1 Chronicles 9:10-14 (thematic): Gives a Jerusalem roster of priests and Levites in the post-exilic period (and earlier traditions) that corresponds in function and some names to Nehemiah’s priestly list, reflecting continuity of priestly families.
- 1 Chronicles 24:7-18 (structural): Records the twenty-four priestly divisions (courses) established for temple service. These divisions provide the institutional backdrop for the family names and groupings found in Neh. 12’s priestly roster.
- Nehemiah 12:1-3 (structural): Immediate context within the same chapter that forms part of the extended list of priests and Levites; Neh. 12:4 should be read as one entry in this contiguous roster and is directly paralleled by these adjacent verses.
Alternative generated candidates
- Adaiah, Gannai, Abijah.
- Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah.
Neh.12.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מימין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מעדיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בלגה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Nehemiah 12:1-4 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same chapter — contiguous verses that continue the priestly roster and show the same household/positional ordering (right/left) to which v.5 belongs.
- Ezra 2:2 (verbal): Lists priestly leaders who returned from exile with Zerubbabel; parallels Neh.12’s post‑exilic priestly roster and preserves many of the same family‑group traditions and names.
- 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 (structural): Sets out the divisions of the priests descended from Aaron — background structural material for understanding the priestly names and order found in Neh.12’s roster.
- 1 Chronicles 9:10-14 (thematic): Contains a post‑exilic list of priests and gatekeepers in Jerusalem; thematically parallels Neh.12’s catalogue of priests assigned to service and civic religious functions.
Alternative generated candidates
- Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah.
- Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah.
Neh.12.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- שמעיה: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
- ויויריב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידעיה: NOUN,prop,m,sg
Parallels
- Nehemiah 12:1-4 (structural): Verse 6 is part of the longer priestly and Levitical roster in Neh 12; verses 1–4 present the same groupings and serve as the immediate context for the names listed in v.6.
- Nehemiah 7:7, 7:70-73 (verbal): Nehemiah 7 contains the register of those who returned from exile and repeats many of the same priestly and Levitical names and family groupings found later in Neh 12.
- Ezra 2:36-39 (verbal): Ezra’s list of returning priests and Levites parallels the names and family assignments preserved in Neh 12, reflecting the same post‑exilic priestly households.
- 1 Chronicles 9:10-14 (thematic): Chronicles preserves lists of priests and Levites associated with the restored community in Jerusalem; thematically it parallels Neh 12 in documenting continuity of priestly families and their service.
Alternative generated candidates
- Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah.
- Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah.
Neh.12.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- סלו: VERB,qal,imp,2,pl
- עמוק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חלקיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ידעיה: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- הכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ואחיהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3mp
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- ישוע: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36-39 (verbal): Lists the priestly families (including Jedaiah and the house of Jeshua) among the returnees—closely parallels Nehemiah’s cataloging of priestly heads in the days of Jeshua.
- Ezra 3:2 (allusion): Names Jeshua (Jeshua) the son of Jozadak as the high priest who, with Zerubbabel, leads the people in rebuilding worship—connects to the same post‑exilic priestly leadership referenced in Nehemiah 12:7.
- Zechariah 3:1-10 (thematic): Vision centered on Jeshua (Joshua) the high priest (son of Jehozadak), addressing priestly purity and restoration—theological and narrative echo of the priestly role attributed to Jeshua in Nehemiah.
- 1 Chronicles 24:1-6 (structural): Sets out the organization and heads of priestly divisions—structurally parallel to Nehemiah’s listing of priestly heads and families, illustrating the ongoing concern for priestly leadership and order.
Alternative generated candidates
- Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah—these were the heads of the priests and their brethren in the days of Jeshua.
- Sallu, Amok, Hakkiah, Jedaiah—these were the heads of the priests and their brothers in the days of Jeshua.
Neh.12.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- והלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ישוע: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- בנוי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קדמיאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שרביה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהודה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- מתניה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- על: PREP
- הידות: NOUN,f,pl,def
- הוא: PRON,3,m,sg
- ואחיו: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss:3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezra 3:2 (verbal): Names Jeshua (Jeshua son of Jozadak) as the priest who leads the people in reestablishing worship after the return—parallels Neh.12.8’s naming of Jeshua among the Levites/priests.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): Describes Levites and priests praising with cymbals, harps and lyres at the laying of the temple foundation—parallels Neh.12’s account of Levites appointed for musical/dedication service.
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 (structural): Records the appointment of Levites to sing and play instruments during the bringing of the Ark—parallel in function and liturgical role to the Levites listed in Neh.12.8.
- 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 (thematic): Describes the Levites and musicians praising and giving thanks at the temple dedication so that the glory of the LORD filled the house—thematically parallel to the Levitical dedication activity in Neh.12.
- Nehemiah 12:22 (structural): Internal parallel within the same chapter: another listing/description of the Levites and their roles in the dedication, repeating names and the organization of Levitical service.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, Mattaniah—he and his brothers were over the songs.
- And the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, Mattaniah; these and their brothers were assigned the service of the house of God.
Neh.12.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובקבקיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ועני: CONJ+ADJ,m,sg
- אחיהם: NOUN,m,pl,abs,suff,3,m,pl
- לנגדם: PREP,3,m,pl
- למשמרות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:40-42 (verbal): Lists gatekeepers by name and describes their service at the temple thresholds and in the watches—closely parallels Neh.12’s naming of gatekeepers and the phrase about duties/watches.
- 1 Chronicles 26:1-15 (structural): Gives a detailed list and organization of gatekeepers, their families and assigned duties at the gates/thresholds—structurally parallel to Neh.12’s organization of watch/guard duties.
- 1 Chronicles 9:17-27 (thematic): Describes Levites and gatekeepers who served in shifts for the house of God, including casting lots for their service—thematically parallel in role and the concept of assigned watches.
- Nehemiah 12:25 (allusion): Within the same chapter this verse treats the priests’ and Levites’ arrangements for service and chambers, echoing the administrative/guard duties noted in v.9; reinforces the chapter’s focus on assigned watches.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Bukkiah and Unni, their brethren, stood opposite them for the watches.
- And Bakbukiah and Unni and their brothers stood opposite them in the watches.
Neh.12.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וישוע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוליד: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יויקים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ויויקים: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוליד: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- אלישיב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואלישיב: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- את: PRT,acc
- יוידע: NOUN,m,sg,prop
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 6:14-15 (verbal): Parallel priestly genealogy listing Jeshua (Jeshua), Joiakim, Eliashib, and Joiada as successive generations in the Aaronic line.
- Ezra 3:2 (verbal): Mentions Jeshua (Jeshua) son of Jozadak as the leading priest at the restoration—same Jeshua who appears at the head of the genealogy in Neh 12:10.
- Ezra 2:2 (thematic): Lists returnees under Zerubbabel and names Jeshua son of Jozadak among the priestly leaders, connecting to the genealogical line in Neh 12:10.
- Nehemiah 13:4 (allusion): Refers to Eliashib the high priest in narrative context (his association with Tobiah), identifying the same Eliashib named as a descendant in Neh 12:10.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Jeshua fathered Joiakim, and Joiakim fathered Elishib, and Elishib fathered Joiada.
- Jeshua fathered Joiakim; Joiakim fathered Eliashib; Eliashib fathered Joiada.
Neh.12.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ויוידע: CONJ+VERB,qal,perf,3,m,sg
- הוליד: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- ויונתן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הוליד: VERB,hiphil,perf,3,m,sg
- את: PRT,acc
- ידוע: ADJ,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36 (verbal): Lists the priests who returned from exile and names Jedaiah (the same priestly name), showing the same family-lines recorded among postexilic priestly lists.
- 1 Chronicles 9:1-14 (thematic): A postexilic/returnee genealogical roster of priests and Levites in Jerusalem; parallels Nehemiah’s purpose of preserving priestly lineage and household names.
- 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 (structural): Outlines the divisions/courses of the priests and their ancestral lines—structurally comparable to Nehemiah 12’s enumeration of priestly descent and succession (including names like Jonathan in priestly contexts).
- Ezra 7:1-5 (thematic): Ezra’s genealogy traces priestly descent back through the same broader priestly families—paralleling Nehemiah 12’s concern to establish continuity of priestly lineage after the exile.
Alternative generated candidates
- And Joiada fathered Jonathan, and Jonathan fathered Jaddua.
- Joiada fathered Jonathan; Jonathan fathered Jaddua.
Neh.12.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ובימי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יויקים: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- היו: VERB,qal,perf,3,m,pl
- כהנים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- האבות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- לשריה: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- מריה: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- לירמיה: PREP+NOUN,prop,m,sg
- חנניה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Nehemiah 12:10-11 (structural): Immediate context: the surrounding verses form the same register of priestly genealogy—listing the chiefs of the priestly families (heads of the fathers) and providing the same names and sequence as v.12.
- Ezra 2:36-39 (verbal): Lists the returned priests and their family-heads (house of Jeshua, Kadmiel, and their brethren), paralleling Neh 12's concern with priestly families and heads among the post-exilic community.
- Ezra 3:2 (thematic): Mentions Jeshua (Jeshua) son of Jozadak and the priests and Levites who returned—echoing the same post‑exilic priestly leadership that Neh 12:12 situates in the days of Joiakim.
- 1 Chronicles 24:1-6 (structural): Describes David's organization of the priestly divisions and names their heads—an earlier precedent for listing priestly heads and families like the roster in Neh 12.
- 1 Chronicles 9:10-13 (verbal): Gives genealogies and names of priests and temple-servants living in Jerusalem after the exile/return, sharing names and the motif of priestly household heads comparable to Neh 12:12.
Alternative generated candidates
- And in the days of Joiakim the priests, heads of the fathers, were: Seraiah, Merai, Jeremiah, and Hananiah.
- In the days of Joiakim these were the priests who were heads of the fathers' houses for their service: Meraiah, Malchijah, Hananiah.
Neh.12.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לעזרא: PREP+PN,sg,m
- משלם: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- לאמריה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהוחנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 8:2 (structural): A roster of returning leaders and priests; parallels Neh.12's presentation of individual names associated with Ezra and the post‑exilic community.
- Nehemiah 12:1 (verbal): Immediate parallel within the same chapter listing priests and Levites—continues the cataloging of names and offices to which v.13 belongs.
- Ezra 2:36-39 (thematic): Lists of priests and their families who returned from exile echo Neh.12's enumeration of priestly names and returnee groups.
- 1 Chronicles 9:2 (thematic): Postexilic/returnee listings of priests and inhabitants of Jerusalem, showing continuity of priestly families and names found in Neh.12.
- Ezra 7:1-5 (allusion): Ezra's genealogy and identification as a priestly scribe; Neh.12.13's reference to Ezra connects to passages that establish his priestly lineage and leadership role.
Alternative generated candidates
- And unto Ezra: Meshullam, Amariah, and Johanan.
- To Ezra: Meshullam, Amariah, Jehohanan.
Neh.12.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- למליכו: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs,3,m,sg
- יונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg
- לשבניה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוסף: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Nehemiah 12:13 (verbal): Immediate continuation of the same priestly/Levitical register; shares the same sequence of names and context in the list of temple servants.
- Ezra 2:36-39 (thematic): Part of the register of returning exiles that enumerates priestly families—parallel context of listing priests and families who returned from Babylon.
- 1 Chronicles 9:10-12 (thematic): Postexilic/permanent settlement lists of priests and Levites in Jerusalem; parallels the function of Neh 12’s names as attesting priestly lineages and service in the restored community.
- 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 (structural): Gives the formal divisions and genealogies of the priestly families (the 24 courses); provides the broader priestly framework to which the names in Neh 12 belong.
Alternative generated candidates
- To Malchijah: Jonathan; to Shebaniah: Joseph.
- To Malchijah: Jonathan; to Shebaniah: Joseph.
Neh.12.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לחרם: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עדנא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למריות: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חלקי: NOUN,m,pl,construct
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36-39 (verbal): Lists of priests and Levites who returned from exile—parallels Nehemiah’s recording of priestly/Levitical names and genealogical registration.
- Ezra 6:18 (verbal): Records priests and Levites being purified and assigned duties—closely parallels Nehemiah’s concern with purity and proper priestly service.
- 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 (structural): Sets out the divisions (courses) of the priests by family—structurally parallels Nehemiah’s attention to priestly families and their allotments.
- 1 Chronicles 9:2-34 (thematic): Genealogical list of returned exiles, including priests and Levites, and their duties in Jerusalem—thematically related to Nehemiah’s registration of priestly lineage.
- Nehemiah 7:61-65 (thematic): Describes those who could not prove their priestly ancestry and were excluded—directly relevant to Nehemiah’s concern for verified genealogies and purity of the priesthood.
Alternative generated candidates
- To Harim: Adna; to Meraioth: Helkai.
- To Harim: Adna; to Meraioth: Hakkoz.
Neh.12.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לעדוא: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- זכריה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לגנתון: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משלם: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36-42 (verbal): Lists of returning priests and their families that repeat many of the same names found in Nehemiah 12, showing duplicate genealogical records of priestly families.
- Nehemiah 12:1-9 (structural): Earlier portion of the same chapter that contains a parallel roster of priests and Levites; verse 16 is part of this cumulative cataloguing of priestly names.
- 1 Chronicles 9:10-14 (thematic): Postexilic list of priests and temple personnel in Jerusalem — thematically parallel in preserving priestly genealogy and continuity with the returns recorded in Ezra–Nehemiah.
- 1 Chronicles 24:3-19 (structural): Description of the organized divisions of the priestly families (the twenty-four courses); structurally related to the lists in Nehemiah that record priestly lines and their roles.
Alternative generated candidates
- To Adaiah: Zechariah; to Gannai: Meshullam.
- To Iddo: Zechariah; to Ginnethoi: Meshullam.
Neh.12.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לאביה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,3,f,sg
- זכרי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למנימין: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- למועדיה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- פלטי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36 (verbal): Part of the post‑exilic register of priests who returned from Babylon; several priestly names listed in Ezra 2 overlap with the names recorded in Nehemiah 12 (verbal parallel of returning priestly families).
- Ezra 8:2 (thematic): Lists priests and Levites who accompanied Ezra back to Jerusalem—thematically parallel to Neh 12’s listing of priestly/Levitical persons who returned and served after the exile.
- 1 Chronicles 9:10 (verbal): A post‑exilic catalogue of priests and Levites in Jerusalem that corresponds to Neh 12’s concern with priestly genealogies and service; many of the same family lines and names appear (verbal/thematic parallel).
- 1 Chronicles 24:1-19 (structural): Gives the formal divisions of the priesthood (David’s priestly courses); provides a structural parallel to Neh 12’s organization and naming of priestly families and their service roles in the restored community.
Alternative generated candidates
- To Abijah: Zebadiah; to Minjamin: Moadiah; to Piltai: Neri.
- To Abijah: Zechariah; to Minjamin: Moadiah; to Paltiel: Rephaiah.
Neh.12.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לבלגה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שמוע: VERB,qal,infc
- לשמעיה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יהונתן: NOUN,prop,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36-39 (verbal): Postexilic roster of priests and Levites among the returnees — parallels Nehemiah's listing of priestly names and families (overlapping names and functions).
- 1 Chronicles 9:10-12 (verbal): A Jerusalem-based list of priests and Levites after the exile; shares several personal names and the same genre of genealogical/priestly cataloguing found in Nehemiah 12.
- Nehemiah 11:22-23 (structural): Neighboring chapter in Nehemiah that inventories priests and inhabitants of Jerusalem; part of the same compositional unit that records priestly personnel and household names.
- 1 Chronicles 24:7-18 (thematic): Lists the divisions (courses) and heads of the priestly families — provides the organizational background for the priestly names and groupings that appear in Nehemiah's lists.
Alternative generated candidates
- To Bilgah: Shema; to Shemaiah: Jonathan.
- To Bilgah: Shema; to Shemaiah: Jonathan.
Neh.12.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וליויריב: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- מתני: NOUN,m,pl,abs+1cs
- לידעיה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עזי: NOUN,m,sg,abs,1cs
Parallels
- Nehemiah 12:1 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same chapter — another listing of priests and Levites that frames the genealogical/functional roster to which v.19 belongs.
- Ezra 2:36-39 (structural): Post‑exilic roster of priests, Levites, singers and gatekeepers — parallels the cataloging of temple personnel and families found in Neh.12.
- 1 Chronicles 9:2,10-34 (structural): Chronicles preserves detailed lists of priests, Levites and temple servants in Jerusalem, serving as an earlier/related genealogy and functional catalogue to Neh.12.
- Numbers 8:6-22 (thematic): Instructions for cleansing, presenting and setting apart the Levites for temple service — thematically parallels references to Levites’ purification and dedication in the post‑exilic restoration context.
- Leviticus 8:6 (thematic): The washing/ordination of Aaron and his sons as priests — a cultic precedent for priestly purification and installation echoed in descriptions of priestly rites and purification in Ezra–Nehemiah.
Alternative generated candidates
- And to Joiarib: Mattenai; to Jedaiah: Uzzi.
- And to Joiarib: Mattaniah; to Jedaiah: Azariah.
Neh.12.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לסלי: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קלי: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעמוק: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Psalm 150:3-5 (verbal): Names the same instruments (trumpet, harp, cymbals) used to praise God—direct verbal parallel to Nehemiah’s mention of Levitical music in the dedication.
- 1 Chronicles 15:16-22 (allusion): David appoints Levites and specific instruments (trumpets, cymbals, harps) for liturgical service—background for Nehemiah’s claim that the music followed David’s directions.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-7 (structural): Describes the organization and appointment of temple musicians by David and Asaph, paralleling Nehemiah’s listing of Levites/musicians and reference to David/Asaph.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): Account of priests and Levites praising and giving thanks with song and instruments at a sacred dedication—theme of communal liturgical praise at a building’s dedication like Nehemiah’s.
- 2 Chronicles 5:12-13 (thematic): The trumpeters and singers, as one, give praise at the temple dedication and the house is filled with God's presence—parallels Nehemiah’s festive, musical dedication of Jerusalem’s wall.
Alternative generated candidates
- To Shelomith: Kelita; to Amok: Eber.
- To Shecaniah: Kelai; to Amok: Eber.
Neh.12.21 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- לחלקיה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- חשביה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לידעיה: PREP+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- נתנאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36 (verbal): Ezra 2 gives the returned priestly families; many of the same priestly names/families listed among the returnees are paralleled in Neh 12's priestly roll.
- Nehemiah 7:7–73 (structural): Nehemiah 7 contains the census/list of those who returned from exile, including priests and Levites; it provides a parallel genealogical/accounting framework to the detailed priestly lists in Neh 12.
- 1 Chronicles 9:11–13 (thematic): 1 Chronicles 9 preserves post-exilic listings of priests and temple personnel that correspond to the same priestly families and functions recorded in Ezra–Nehemiah, reflecting continuity in priestly lines.
- Nehemiah 12:1–20 (structural): The surrounding verses in Neh 12 form a contiguous roster of priests and Levites; v.21 is part of this larger list and is best understood in light of the chapter's full cataloguing of temple personnel.
Alternative generated candidates
- To Hilkiah: Hashabiah; to Jedaiah: Nathanael.
- To Hakkiah: Hashub; to Jedaiah: Nethanel.
Neh.12.22 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- אלישיב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוידע: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ויוחנן: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וידוע: VERB,qal,ptcp,0,m,sg
- כתובים: VERB,pual,ptcp,m,pl
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- אבות: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- והכהנים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- על: PREP
- מלכות: NOUN,f,sg,abs
- דריוש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הפרסי: ADJ,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Ezra 2:36-39 (verbal): Lists of priests and Levites who returned from exile and the heads of their fathers, paralleling Nehemiah's rostering of Levites and priestly family heads.
- 1 Chronicles 9:10-14 (thematic): Postexilic enumeration of priests and Levites and their duties in Jerusalem; parallels Nehemiah's concern with genealogical records and priestly/Levitical organization.
- Ezra 7:1 (verbal): Genealogical notice identifying Ezra as of the priestly line (son of Seraiah, son of Azariah), reflecting the same practice of recording priestly descent that Neh.12:22 reports.
- Ezra 6:14 (structural): Specifies the completion and restoration work in the reign of Darius the Persian; provides the same historical timeframe referenced in Neh.12:22.
Alternative generated candidates
- The Levites in the days of Elishib, Joiada, and Jonathan are written as heads of fathers and the priests in the book of the chronicles, even to the days of Darius the Persian.
- The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Jehohanan are recorded as heads of fathers' houses and of the priests in the reign of Darius the Persian.
Neh.12.23 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- בני: NOUN,m,pl,construct
- לוי: PROPN,m,sg
- ראשי: NOUN,m,sg,abs+PRON,1,sg
- האבות: NOUN,m,pl,def
- כתובים: VERB,pual,ptcp,m,pl
- על: PREP
- ספר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- דברי: NOUN,m,pl,abs+PRON,1,c,sg
- הימים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- ועד: CONJ+PREP
- ימי: NOUN,m,pl,cs
- יוחנן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- אלישיב: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 6:1-81 (thematic): Extensive genealogies of Levi and the priestly families; parallels Neh.12.23's identification of 'sons of Levi' and heads of fathers recorded in genealogical rolls.
- 1 Chronicles 23:6,24-32 (structural): Describes the Levites organized by heads of families and their duties and notes their registration—closely parallels the role and recording of Levitical heads in Neh.12.23.
- Ezra 2:62 (thematic): Discusses the search for and importance of genealogical records of priestly families (and exclusion when records are absent), echoing Neh.12.23's emphasis on names being 'written' in the chronicles.
- 2 Chronicles 24:27 (verbal): Uses the formula 'written in the book of the chronicles' concerning the acts of a king, mirroring Neh.12.23's specific phrase about names being entered in the book of chronicles.
Alternative generated candidates
- The chiefs of the Levites, heads of the fathers, are written in the book of the chronicles down to the days of Johanan son of Elishib.
- The heads of the fathers of the Levites are recorded in the book of the chronicles down to the days of Jehohanan son of Eliashib.
Neh.12.24 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- וראשי: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,const
- הלוים: NOUN,m,pl,def
- חשביה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- שרביה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- וישוע: CONJ+NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- קדמיאל: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ואחיהם: CONJ+NOUN,m,pl,abs,poss3mp
- לנגדם: PREP,3,m,pl
- להלל: VERB,qal,inf
- להודות: VERB,qal,inf
- במצות: PREP+NOUN,f,pl,cons
- דויד: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- איש: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- האלהים: NOUN,m,sg,def
- משמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- לעמת: PREP
- משמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 15:16 (verbal): David appointed Levites to give thanks and to sing with musical instruments—parallels the role of Yeshua son of Kadmiel and the Levite leaders ‘to give praise and thanks’ by David’s command.
- 1 Chronicles 25:1-3 (structural): Describes David and the chiefs organizing the Levites into groups of singers and musicians for temple service—corresponds to the organization of Levite leaders and their families for praise in Neh 12:24.
- Ezra 3:10-11 (thematic): When the temple foundation was laid the Levites praised the Lord with musical instruments and gave thanks—parallel event and theme of Levites praising and giving thanks during a public religious dedication.
- 2 Chronicles 29:25-30 (verbal): Hezekiah appointed the Levites to give thanks and praise to the LORD with the words of David and Asaph—echoes the formula of David’s command and the Levites’ duty in Neh 12:24.
- Nehemiah 12:31-43 (structural): Immediate parallel within the same chapter describing two choirs of priests and Levites standing opposite one another to give thanks and praise during the dedication procession, expanding on the arrangement named in v.24.
Alternative generated candidates
- And the heads of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their brethren—these stood in the charge of the praise and thanksgiving, to minister and give thanks, according to the command of David the man of God, watch by watch.
- And the heads of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, Jeshua son of Kadmiel, and their brothers—who were appointed to give thanks and to praise the LORD, for as David the man of God had appointed.
Neh.12.25 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- מתניה: NOUN,m,sg,prop
- ובקבקיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עבדיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- משלם: VERB,piel,part,3,m,sg
- טלמון: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- עקוב: ADJ,m,sg,abs
- שמרים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- שוערים: NOUN,m,pl,abs
- משמר: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- באספי: NOUN,m,pl,cons
- השערים: NOUN,m,pl,def
Parallels
- 1 Chronicles 9:17-27 (verbal): Contains a near-identical list of gatekeepers/porters (including Akkub, Talmon, etc.) assigned to the storerooms and gates — same names and function as Neh.12:25.
- 1 Chronicles 26:17-19 (verbal): Another catalogue of temple gatekeepers and their duties; repeats many of the same personal names (Talmon, Akkub, etc.) and emphasizes gate‑duty assignments.
- Nehemiah 11:19-22 (structural): Within Nehemiah itself: a parallel listing of gatekeepers stationed at the storehouses of the gates, reflecting the same organizational arrangement and some overlapping names.
Alternative generated candidates
- Mattaniah, Bukkiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, and their brethren were porters at the gates; the keepers of the thresholds maintained the watch at the assembly of the gates.
- Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, Hatita, Shomeron—gatekeepers at the storerooms of the gates.
Neh.12.26 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- אלה: DEM,pl,abs
- בימי: PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- יויקים: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ישוע: NOUN,m,sg,abs,prop
- בן: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- יוצדק: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- ובימי: CONJ+PREP+NOUN,m,pl,cons
- נחמיה: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הפחה: NOUN,f,sg,def
- ועזרא: NOUN,m,sg,abs
- הכהן: NOUN,m,sg,def
- הסופר: NOUN,m,sg,def
Parallels
- Haggai 1:1 (verbal): Haggai addresses Zerubbabel and 'Jeshua son of Josedech' (Jozadak) — the same high‑priestly figure named in Neh 12:26, tying the leadership of Zerubbabel and Jeshua to the postexilic rebuilding period.
- Zechariah 3:1-2 (allusion): Zechariah's vision of 'Joshua the high priest' (Jeshua/Joshua son of Jozadak) reflects the priestly role and symbolic leadership of the same Jeshua mentioned in Neh 12:26.
- Ezra 3:2 (verbal): Ezra lists 'Jeshua the son of Jozadak' among the priests and leaders who stood to rebuild the altar and lay the foundation of the temple — the same individual named in Neh 12:26.
- Ezra 7:6 (verbal): This verse identifies Ezra as 'a scribe skilled in the Law' and a priest, corresponding to the designation 'Ezra the priest‑scribe' in Neh 12:26.
- Nehemiah 5:14 (verbal): Nehemiah speaks of his appointment 'to be their governor in the land of Judah,' paralleling the title 'Nehemiah the governor' used in Neh 12:26.
Alternative generated candidates
- These were in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest, the scribe.
- These were in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.
And these are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua, Seraiah, Jeremiah, and Ezra.
Amariah, Malluch, and Hattush.
Shecaniah, Rehum, and Meremoth.
Iddo, Ginnethoi, and Abijah.
Mijamin, Moadiah, and Bilgah.
Shemaiah, Yoarib, and Jedaiah.
Sallu, Amok, Chalkiah, and Jedaiah—these were the heads of the priests and their brethren in the days of Jeshua. And of the Levites: Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah; he and his brothers were in charge of the songs of praise. And Bakbukiah and Unni, with their brethren opposite them, for the watches.
Jeshua fathered Joiakim; Joiakim fathered Elishib; Elishib fathered Joiada.
Joiada fathered Jonathan; Jonathan fathered Jaddua.
In the days of Joiakim, the priests who were heads of the fathers were recorded: Maaseiah, Malkijah, and Hananiah.
The register shows: to Azariah, Shelemiah; to Amariah, Jehohanan.
To Malluch, Jonathan; to Shebaniah, Joseph.
To Harim, Adna; to Meraioth, Helkai.
To Iddo, Zechariah; to Ginnethon, Meshullam.
To Abijah, Obadiah; to Miamin, Maadiah; to Piltai, Neri.
To Bilgah, Shema; to Shecaniah, Jonathan. And to Yoarib, Mattaniah; to Jedaiah, Azariah.
To Sallu, Amok; to Imri, Shephatiah.
To Chalakiah, Hashabiah; to Jedaiah, Nethanel.
The Levites in the days of Elishib, Joiada, and Jehohanan were recorded as heads of fathers and priests under the reign of Darius the Persian.
The heads of the Levites, recorded in the book of the chronicles, down to the days of Jehohanan son of Elishib. And the chief of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, with their brothers, to give thanks and praise, according to the commandment of David the man of God, keeping the watch.
Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub—gatekeepers at the storerooms of the gates—were appointed to be at the watch.
These were in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.