Nehemiah 11:16
Nehemiah 11:16 in Multiple Translations
Shabbethai and Jozabad, two leaders of the Levites, who supervised the work outside the house of God;
And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
and Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God;
And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who were responsible for the outside business of the house of God;
and Shabbethai and Jozabad, Levite leaders who were in charge of the outside work of God's Temple;
And Shabbethai, and Iozabad of the chiefe of the Leuites were ouer the workes of the house of God without.
and Shabbethai, and Jozabad, [are] over the outward work of the house of God, of the heads of the Levites,
and Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Levites, who had the oversight of the outward business of God’s house;
And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
And Sabathai and Jozabed, who were over all the outward business of the house of God, of the princes of the Levites,
Two others were Shabbethai and Jozabad, who were prominent men who supervised the work outside the temple.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 11:16
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Nehemiah 11:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/שַׁבְּתַ֨י
וְ/יוֹזָבָ֜ד
עַל
הַ/מְּלָאכָ֤ה
הַ/חִֽיצֹנָה֙
לְ/בֵ֣ית
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
מֵ/רָאשֵׁ֖י
הַ/לְוִיִּֽם
וְ/שַׁבְּתַ֨י
Shabbᵉthay
H7678
Shabbethai
Conj | N-proper
וְ/יוֹזָבָ֜ד
Yôwzâbâd
H3107
Jozabad
Conj | N-proper
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הַ/מְּלָאכָ֤ה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
Art | N-fs
הַ/חִֽיצֹנָה֙
chîytsôwn
H2435
outer
Art | Adj
לְ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
Prep | N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
מֵ/רָאשֵׁ֖י
rôʼsh
H7218
head
Prep | N-mp
הַ/לְוִיִּֽם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Art | Ngmpa
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 11:16
וְ/שַׁבְּתַ֨י
Shabbᵉthay
H7678
"Shabbethai"
Conj | N-proper
Shabbethai was a Levite who lived during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah, as mentioned in Nehemiah 11:16, and his name means 'sabbatical' or 'rest'. He played a role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, as recorded in the book of Nehemiah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.11.16 § Shabbethai = "sabbatical" a Levite in the time of Ezra and Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Shabbethai. See also: Ezra 10:15; Nehemiah 8:7; Nehemiah 11:16.
וְ/יוֹזָבָ֜ד
Yôwzâbâd
H3107
"Jozabad"
Conj | N-proper
Jozabad, meaning 'Jehovah has endowed', was the name of ten Israelites, including a Korhite Levite and one of David's warriors. They lived during the time of Exile and Return.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.11.16 § Jozabad or Josabad = "Jehovah has endowed" 1) a Korhite Levite, 2nd son of Obededom, and one of the porters of the temple and of the storehouse there in the time of David 2) one of David's mighty warriors 3) another of David's mighty warriors 4) four other priests or Levites
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Josabad, Jozabad. See also: 1 Chronicles 12:5; Ezra 8:33; Nehemiah 11:16.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הַ/מְּלָאכָ֤ה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
Art | N-fs
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
הַ/חִֽיצֹנָה֙
chîytsôwn
H2435
"outer"
Art | Adj
This word means outer or external, describing something outside or secular. It is used in Ezekiel 40:5 to describe the outer wall of a building.
Definition: outer, external, outward
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: outer, outward, utter, without. See also: 1 Kings 6:29; Ezekiel 40:37; Ezekiel 46:21.
לְ/בֵ֣ית
bayith
H1004
"place"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
מֵ/רָאשֵׁ֖י
rôʼsh
H7218
"head"
Prep | N-mp
This Hebrew word means chief or prince, and is used to describe leaders in the Bible, such as in the book of 1 Samuel. It signifies a position of authority and importance.
Definition: : head 1) head, top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, front, beginning 1a) head (of man, animals) 1b) top, tip (of mountain) 1c) height (of stars) 1d) chief, head (of man, city, nation, place, family, priest) 1e) head, front, beginning 1f) chief, choicest, best 1g) head, division, company, band 1h) sum
Usage: Occurs in 547 OT verses. KJV: band, beginning, captain, chapiter, chief(-est place, man, things), company, end, [idiom] every (man), excellent, first, forefront, (be-)head, height, (on) high(-est part, (priest)), [idiom] lead, [idiom] poor, principal, ruler, sum, top. See also: Genesis 2:10; Numbers 17:18; 2 Samuel 4:7.
הַ/לְוִיִּֽם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 11:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 11:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 11:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 11:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:16
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 11:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:16
- Sermons on Nehemiah 11:16
Context — Jerusalem’s New Settlers
14and his associates —128 mighty men of valor. Zabdiel son of Haggedolim was their overseer.
15From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;
16Shabbethai and Jozabad, two leaders of the Levites, who supervised the work outside the house of God;
17Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 18The Levites in the holy city totaled 284.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 6:2–3 | So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will appoint this responsibility to them |
| 2 | Nehemiah 8:7 | The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places. |
| 3 | Ezra 8:33 | On the fourth day, in the house of our God, we weighed out the silver and gold and sacred articles into the hand of Meremoth son of Uriah, the priest. Eleazar son of Phinehas was with him, along with the Levites Jozabad son of Jeshua and Noadiah son of Binnui. |
| 4 | 1 Chronicles 26:29 | From the Izrahites, Chenaniah and his sons had the outside duties as officers and judges over Israel. |
| 5 | 1 Chronicles 26:20 | Now their fellow Levites were in charge of the treasuries of the house of God and the treasuries of the dedicated things. |
Nehemiah 11:16 Summary
Nehemiah 11:16 tells us about two leaders of the Levites, Shabbethai and Jozabad, who supervised the work outside the house of God. This means they were in charge of making sure the work was done correctly and efficiently, much like a construction supervisor today. This verse reminds us that God values leadership and organization, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40, and that we should all be seeking to use our gifts and talents to serve Him, just like Shabbethai and Jozabad did. By following their example, we can prioritize the work of the church and the worship of God in our own lives, just as the Israelites did in Nehemiah 11:16, and as encouraged in Romans 12:1-8.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the leaders of the Levites mentioned in Nehemiah 11:16?
The two leaders of the Levites mentioned in Nehemiah 11:16 are Shabbethai and Jozabad, who supervised the work outside the house of God, as seen in Nehemiah 11:16. This is similar to the role of other leaders in the Bible, such as Moses, who supervised the construction of the tabernacle in Exodus 35:18.
What kind of work were Shabbethai and Jozabad supervising?
The verse does not specify the exact nature of the work, but based on the context of Nehemiah 11, it is likely related to the reconstruction of Jerusalem and the temple, as mentioned in Nehemiah 2:17-18 and Nehemiah 3:1-32. This work was crucial to the restoration of the city and the worship of God, as seen in 1 Chronicles 28:12-13.
Why is it important to have leaders like Shabbethai and Jozabad in the church?
Leaders like Shabbethai and Jozabad are important because they provide guidance and oversight, ensuring that the work of the church is done in a way that honors God, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:40 and Colossians 3:17. They also help to maintain order and organization, as mentioned in 1 Timothy 3:1-13 and Titus 1:5-9.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of Nehemiah?
This verse is part of the larger narrative of Nehemiah, which is about the restoration of Jerusalem and the temple after the Babylonian exile, as seen in Nehemiah 1:3 and Nehemiah 2:1-10. The mention of Shabbethai and Jozabad highlights the importance of leadership and organization in this restoration process, as mentioned in Ezra 3:8-13 and Haggai 1:1-15.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can use my gifts and talents to serve God, just like Shabbethai and Jozabad did?
- How can I be a leader or supervisor in my own sphere of influence, whether at church, work, or home?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to submit to the leadership and guidance of others, just like the Levites submitted to Shabbethai and Jozabad?
- How can I prioritize the work of the church and the worship of God in my own life, just like the Israelites did in Nehemiah 11:16?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 11:16
And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites,.... Along with Shemaiah; these had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God: who had the care of the repairs of the temple,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 11:16
And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:16
i.e. For those things belonging to the temple and its service, which were to be done without it, or abroad in the country, as for the gathering in of the voluntary contributions, or other necessary provisions, out of the several parts of the land. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:16
Nehemiah 11:12 And their brethren that did the work of the house [were] eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,Ver. 12-24. In all 1192. The total of priests and Levites 1476, and of Judah and Benjamin 1396. So that there were more priests and Levites than of the lay people; which argues their zeal to be greatest. There were also 172 porters, who were all Levites.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:16
(16) Outward business.—This is a remarkable specification of the functions of the Lévites, parallel with the “valour” of the priests just before. The preceding chapter explains the “outward business.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:16
Verse 16. And Shabbethai] This verse, with verses 20, 21, 28, 29, 32, 33, 34, and 35, are all wanting in the Septuagint and the whole chapter is wanting in the Arabic, the translator not being concerned in Jewish genealogies. The outward business] Calmet supposes that he provided the victuals for the priests, victims for the sacrifices, the sacerdotal vestments, the sacred vessels, and other necessaries for the service of the temple.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 11:16
16. Shabbethai … Jozabad] See these names in Nehemiah 8:7. They do not occur in the parallel list of 1 Chronicles 9:15-16, where however three other names, Heresh, Galal, and Berechiah are inserted. chief] R.V. chiefs.had the oversight] R.V. who had the oversight.the outward business of the house of God] For the use of the adjective ‘outward’ here, cf. 1 Chronicles 26:29, ‘of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were for the outward business over Israel, for officers and judges.’ Whatever ‘the outward business of the house of God’ was, it is clearly meant to be contrasted with ‘the business, or work, of the house of God’ (cf. Nehemiah 11:22 and 1 Chronicles 23:4) consisting in the worship and its ritual. It must not be limited in application to the maintenance of the fabric of the Temple and its courts. The significance of the expression appears from a comparison of the two passages quoted above. The Levites had duties as ‘officers and judges,’ see 1 Chronicles 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:29; 2 Chronicles 19:8; 2 Chronicles 19:11; and this section formed one-sixth of their whole number (1 Chronicles 23:4).
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 11:16
16. The outward business of the house of God — Not the same as “the outward business over Israel,” which was done in the capacity of “officers and judges.” 1 Chronicles 26:29.
Sermons on Nehemiah 11:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Open Your Eyes: Soul Winning! by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony of a woman who was equipped with God's word and had a burning passion to share it with others. The speaker observes how peop |
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(The Book of Acts) Session 07 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a personal mission statement for oneself and one's family. He praises John for challenging the audience to create th |
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The Leader as Administrator and Organizer by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of planning and organization in carrying out the work of God. He highlights the need for making copies of important documents |
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Evangelists Responsibility to Local Church by Tony Miano | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of biblical evangelism and the use of the law in sharing the message of Christ. The speaker shares their personal experience of bein |
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K-484 Discipleship by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker expresses his deep concern for the state of the world and the future. He believes that the current cultural changes are just the beginning and that thin |
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Evangelism by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of each individual finding their calling and gift from God. They explain that when believers fulfill their gifts, it allows ot |
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The Organization of Local Churches by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee discusses the organization of local churches, emphasizing the distinction between the roles of ministers, elders, and deacons. He argues that modern concepts of church |