Nehemiah 12:45
Nehemiah 12:45 in Multiple Translations
They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed.
And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.
And they kept the charge of their God, and the charge of the purification, and so did the singers and the porters, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.
And they kept the watch of their God, and were responsible for making things clean, and so did the music-makers and the door-keepers, as it was ordered by David and Solomon his son.
They were responsible for the worship of their God and for the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, following the instructions of David and his son Solomon.
And both the singers and the Leuites kept the ward of their God, and the warde of the purification according to the commandement of Dauid, and Salomon his sonne.
And the singers and the gatekeepers keep the charge of their God, even the charge of the cleansing — according to the command of David [and] Solomon his son,
They performed the duty of their God and the duty of the purification, and so did the singers and the gatekeepers, according to the commandment of David and of Solomon his son.
And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.
For in the days of David and Asaph from the beginning there were chief singers appointed, to praise with canticles, and give thanks to God.
because they performed the rituals to purify things, and the other rituals that God had commanded. The musicians in the temple also did their work as King David and his son Solomon had declared that they should do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 12:45
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 12:45 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְר֞וּ
מִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת
אֱלֹֽהֵי/הֶם֙
וּ/מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
הַֽ/טָּהֳרָ֔ה
וְ/הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים
וְ/הַ/שֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים
כְּ/מִצְוַ֥ת
דָּוִ֖יד
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה
בְנֽ/וֹ
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְר֞וּ
shâmar
H8104
to keep
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
מִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fs
אֱלֹֽהֵי/הֶם֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
וּ/מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
charge
Conj | N-fs
הַֽ/טָּהֳרָ֔ה
ṭohŏrâh
H2893
purifying
Art | N-cs
וְ/הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים
shîyr
H7891
to sing
Conj | Art | V-o
וְ/הַ/שֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים
shôwʻêr
H7778
gatekeeper
Conj | Art | N-mp
כְּ/מִצְוַ֥ת
mitsvâh
H4687
commandment
Prep | N-fs
דָּוִ֖יד
Dâvid
H1732
David
N-proper
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
Solomon
N-proper
בְנֽ/וֹ
bên
H1121
son
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 12:45
וַֽ/יִּשְׁמְר֞וּ
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
מִשְׁמֶ֤רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fs
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
אֱלֹֽהֵי/הֶם֙
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
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.
וּ/מִשְׁמֶ֣רֶת
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
Conj | N-fs
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
הַֽ/טָּהֳרָ֔ה
ṭohŏrâh
H2893
"purifying"
Art | N-cs
This Hebrew word means purification or cleansing, often used in the context of ceremonial laws. It appears in Leviticus 12 and 15, where purification rituals are described, and in 2 Chronicles 30, where the Israelites purify themselves before celebrating the Passover.
Definition: 1) purifying, cleansing, purification, purity, cleanness 1a) purifying, menstruation 1b) cleansing, purification
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] is cleansed, cleansing, purification(-fying). See also: Leviticus 12:4; Leviticus 14:32; Ezekiel 44:26.
וְ/הַ/מְשֹׁרְרִ֖ים
shîyr
H7891
"to sing"
Conj | Art | V-o
This Hebrew word means to sing, and it is used in the Bible to describe the act of singing, like when the Israelites sang after crossing the Red Sea in Exodus 15. It can also refer to a singer or songstress. The Bible often mentions singing as a way to praise God.
Definition: 1) to sing 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sing 1a2) singer, songstresses (participle) 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to sing 1b2) singer, songstress (participle) 1c) (Hophal) to be sung
Usage: Occurs in 79 OT verses. KJV: behold (by mistake for H7789 (שׁוּר)), sing(-er, -ing man, -ing woman). See also: Exodus 15:1; Nehemiah 12:45; Psalms 7:1.
וְ/הַ/שֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים
shôwʻêr
H7778
"gatekeeper"
Conj | Art | N-mp
A gatekeeper or porter was a person responsible for guarding and maintaining a gate or door. This word is used to describe someone who controls access to a building or area. In the Bible, it is translated as doorkeeper or porter.
Definition: gatekeeper, porter
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: doorkeeper, porter. See also: 2 Samuel 18:26; 2 Chronicles 23:4; Nehemiah 13:5.
כְּ/מִצְוַ֥ת
mitsvâh
H4687
"commandment"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.
Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.
דָּוִ֖יד
Dâvid
H1732
"David"
N-proper
David was the youngest son of Jesse and a king of Judah, first mentioned in Ruth 4:17, and an ancestor of Jesus.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at Rut.4.17; son of: Jesse (H3448) and Nahash (H5176I); brother of: Eliab (H0446I), Abinadab (H0041I), Shimeah (H8093), Zeruiah (H6870), Abigail (H0026H)(?), Nethanel (H5417H), Raddai (H7288), Ozem (H0684) and Elihu (H0453J); married to Michal (H4324), Abigail (H0026), Ahinoam (H0293H), Maacah (H4601I), Haggith (H2294), Abital (H0037), Eglah (H5698) and Bathsheba (H1339); father of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727), Nathan (H5416), Solomon (H8010), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N) Also named: Daueid, Dauid, Dabid (Δαυείδ, Δαυίδ, Δαβίδ "David" G1138) § David = "beloved" youngest son of Jesse and second king of Israel
Usage: Occurs in 912 OT verses. KJV: David. See also: Ruth 4:17; 1 Samuel 20:41; 1 Samuel 27:9.
שְׁלֹמֹ֥ה
Shᵉlômôh
H8010
"Solomon"
N-proper
Shelomoh, or Solomon, was a king of Judah and successor of his father David, first mentioned in 2 Samuel 5:14 and known for his wisdom.
Definition: A king of the tribe of Judah living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.5.14; son of: David (H1732) and Bathsheba (H1339); brother of: Shammua (H8051H), Shobab (H7727) and Nathan (H5416); half-brother of: Amnon (H0550), Chileab (H3609), Absalom (H0053), Adonijah (H0138), Shephatiah (H8203), Ithream (H3507), Ibhar (H2984), Elishua (H0474), Nepheg (H5298H), Japhia (H3309I), Elishama (H0476H), Eliada (H0450), Eliphelet (H0467), Tamar (H8559H), Elpelet (H0467I), Nogah (H5052) and Jerimoth (H3406N); married to daughter_of_Pharaoh (H6547P) and Naamah (H5279A); father of: Taphath (H2955), Basemath (H1315) and Rehoboam (H7346); also called Jedidiah at 2Sa.12.25; § Solomon = "peace" son of David by Bathsheba and 3rd king of Israel; author of Proverbs and Song of Songs
Usage: Occurs in 263 OT verses. KJV: Solomon. See also: 2 Samuel 5:14; 1 Kings 9:25; 2 Chronicles 7:8.
בְנֽ/וֹ
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 12:45
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 12:45 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:45
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:45
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:45
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:45
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:45
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 12:45
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:45
Context — Provisions for Temple Worship
43On that day they offered great sacrifices, rejoicing because God had given them great joy. The women and children also rejoiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard from afar.
44And 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.
45They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed.
46For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were directors for the singers and for the songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 47So in the days of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah, all Israel contributed the daily portions for the singers and gatekeepers. They also set aside daily portions for the Levites, and the Levites set aside daily portions for the descendants of Aaron.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Chronicles 25:1–26 | Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. From the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel, Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, Romamti-ezer, Joshbekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. All these sons of Heman the king’s seer were given him through the promises of God to exalt him, for God had given Heman fourteen sons and three daughters. All these were under the direction of their fathers for the music of the house of the LORD with cymbals, harps, and lyres, for the service of the house of God. Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman were under the direction of the king. Together with their relatives, who were all trained and skillful in the songs of the LORD, they numbered 288. They cast lots for their duties, young and old alike, teacher as well as pupil. The first lot, which was for Asaph, fell to Joseph, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the second to Gedaliah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the third to Zaccur, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the fourth to Izri, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the fifth to Nethaniah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the sixth to Bukkiah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the seventh to Jesarelah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the eighth to Jeshaiah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the ninth to Mattaniah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the tenth to Shimei, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the eleventh to Azarel, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the twelfth to Hashabiah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the thirteenth to Shubael, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the fourteenth to Mattithiah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the fifteenth to Jeremoth, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the sixteenth to Hananiah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the seventeenth to Joshbekashah, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the eighteenth to Hanani, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; the nineteenth to Mallothi, his sons, and his brothers—12 in all; |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 23:6 | No one is to enter the house of the LORD except the priests and those Levites who serve; they may enter because they are consecrated, but all the people are to obey the requirement of the LORD. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 23:28 | but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, |
Nehemiah 12:45 Summary
[This verse tells us that the Israelites were serious about worshiping God and following His instructions, just like David and Solomon had taught them, as seen in 2 Chronicles 35:1-19. They made sure to include important roles like singers and gatekeepers in their worship, which helped everyone come together to praise and honor God. By following the examples of godly leaders and being faithful in their worship, the Israelites were able to experience great joy and a sense of unity, as mentioned in Nehemiah 12:43. This reminds us that when we prioritize worship and obedience to God, we can experience joy and closeness to Him, as promised in Psalm 16:11.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to perform the service of God and the service of purification?
Performing the service of God refers to worship and obedience, while the service of purification involves rituals and practices to maintain spiritual cleanliness, as seen in Leviticus 16:30 and Numbers 19:12-13, and is essential for a right relationship with God.
Why are singers and gatekeepers mentioned alongside priests and Levites?
Singers and gatekeepers played important roles in Israel's worship, with singers leading in musical praise, as in 1 Chronicles 6:31-48, and gatekeepers serving as guardians of the temple, as mentioned in 1 Chronicles 9:17-27, and both roles were vital to the smooth operation of temple worship.
What is the significance of following the prescriptions of David and his son Solomon?
Following the prescriptions of David and his son Solomon, as in 2 Chronicles 8:14, shows that the Israelites were committed to adhering to the traditions and guidelines established by their wise and godly leaders, demonstrating respect for their heritage and a desire to honor God through proper worship.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Nehemiah?
This verse highlights the restoration of proper worship and the reestablishment of Israel's covenant relationship with God, which is a central theme in the book of Nehemiah, as seen in Nehemiah 1:5-11 and Nehemiah 13:1-3, and emphasizes the importance of faithful obedience to God's commands.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I ensure that my own worship and service to God are done with integrity and faithfulness, as seen in this verse?
- How can I balance my desire for personal expression in worship with the need to follow established guidelines and traditions, like those set by David and Solomon?
- What role do I play in supporting and enabling the ministry of others, such as singers, gatekeepers, and priests, in my own community of faith?
- In what ways can I prioritize the 'service of purification' in my own life, seeking to maintain spiritual cleanliness and a right relationship with God?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:45
And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of their purification,.... The singers kept their turns in course in the temple, and were not wanting to officiate on all
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:45
And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:45
The ward of their God, i.e. that ward, or charge, or business which God had prescribed to them. And the ward of the purification; and in particular the charge of purification, i.e. of taking care that no unclean person or thing might enter into the house or courts of the Lord; which care did certainly belong to the porters, as is expressed, , and at this time, and in some sort, as it seems to the singers, who, besides their proper employment, were also over the business of the house of God, as is affirmed, ; which being a general expression, may well comprehend, if it doth not principally design this, that they should take care to keep the house of God free from all pollution. And possibly as the porters were to take care that no unclean thing might enter there, so if it should through their inadvertency enter in, the singers were to remove it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:45
(45) Kept the ward.—This should be read differently. The priests and Levites kept the ward of their God, and the ward of purification, and the singers and porters, &c. To “keep the ward” is to observe the regular times and seasons of sacrifice and thanksgiving.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:45
45. And both the singers and the porters kept] R.V. And they kept … and so did the singers and the porters. The verse, according to the rendering of the R.V. states first that the priests and Levites performed the due ceremonial obligations, and then that the same strict conformity to rule was practised by the singers and porters. The verb ‘kept’ has to be supplied in the second clause. This is preferable to the suggestion that the second clause is one of a different character, = ‘and the singers and the porters were at their post according to the commandment of David’ &c. The ground for this alternative rendering is the supposition that the singers and porters would not be subject to the same laws of purification. kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification] The word rendered ‘ward’ means here ‘that which has to be observed,’ ‘a charge,’ in the same sense in which it occurs in Numbers 9:23 ‘they kept the charge of the Lord;’ 2 Chronicles 13:11 ‘For we keep the charge of the Lord our God.’ Cf. Genesis 26:5. It is therefore to be distinguished from its more concrete use in Nehemiah 12:9; Nehemiah 12:24; Nehemiah 13:30, where it refers to the ‘posts’ of the Levites. according to the commandment … and of Solomon his son] The reference is one of a general character to the regulations of the Temple services ascribed by the Chronicler to David (1 Chronicles 23-26) and Solomon (2 Chronicles 8:14). ‘And of Solomon.’ The word ‘and’ must have accidentally dropped out of the Hebrew text, and must be restored.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 12:45
The ward of the purification - The observances with respect to purification. Compare 1 Chronicles 23:28.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:45
45. Kept the ward of their God — Or, kept the charge of their God; looked after all the sacred interests committed to their oversight and care. Compare Leviticus 8:35.