Nehemiah 7:65
Nehemiah 7:65 in Multiple Translations
The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.
And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.
And the governor said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.
And the Tirshatha said that they were not to have the most holy things for their food, till a priest came to give decision by the Urim and Thummim.
The governor instructed them not to eat anything from the sanctuary sacrifices until a priest could ask the Lord about the issue by using the Urim and Thummim.
And the Tirshatha sayd vnto them, that they should not eate of the most holy, till there rose vp a Priest with Vrim and Thummim.
and the Tirshatha saith to them that they eat not of the most holy things till the standing up of the priest with Urim and Thummim.
The governor told them not to eat of the most holy things until a priest stood up to minister with Urim and Thummim.
And the Tirshatha said to them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there should stand up a priest with Urim and Thummim.
And Athersatha said to them, that they should not eat of the holies of holies, until there stood up a priest learned and skillful.
The governor told them that before they could eat the food offered as sacrifices, a priest should use the marked stones to find out what God said about their being priests.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 7:65
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 7:65 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
הַ/תִּרְשָׁ֨תָא֙
לָ/הֶ֔ם
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
לֹא
יֹאכְל֖וּ
מִ/קֹּ֣דֶשׁ
הַ/קֳּדָשִׁ֑ים
עַ֛ד
עֲמֹ֥ד
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
לְ/אוּרִ֥ים
וְ/תוּמִּֽים
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/תִּרְשָׁ֨תָא֙
Tirshâthâʼ
H8660
governor
Art | N-ms
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֹאכְל֖וּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מִ/קֹּ֣דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Prep | N-ms
הַ/קֳּדָשִׁ֑ים
qôdesh
H6944
Holy Place
Art | N-mp
עַ֛ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
עֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-ms
לְ/אוּרִ֥ים
ʼÛwrîym
H224
Urim
Prep | N-mp
וְ/תוּמִּֽים
Tummîym
H8550
Thummim
Conj | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 7:65
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/תִּרְשָׁ֨תָא֙
Tirshâthâʼ
H8660
"governor"
Art | N-ms
Tirshatha was a title used by Persian governors in Judea, like Nehemiah. It refers to a high-ranking official. This title appears in the book of Nehemiah.
Definition: 1) Tirshatha-governor 1a) a title used by the Persian governor in Judea 1a1) Nehemiah used this title
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Tirshatha. See also: Ezra 2:63; Nehemiah 7:69; Nehemiah 10:2.
לָ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֹאכְל֖וּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
מִ/קֹּ֣דֶשׁ
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Prep | N-ms
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
הַ/קֳּדָשִׁ֑ים
qôdesh
H6944
"Holy Place"
Art | N-mp
The Holy Place refers to a sacred or set-apart area, like the temple in Jerusalem. It is a place of sanctity and holiness, where God is worshipped. The Bible describes it as a place of reverence and awe.
Definition: This name means apartness, holiness, sacredness Also named: hagion (ἅγιον "Holy Place" G0039)
Usage: Occurs in 380 OT verses. KJV: consecrated (thing), dedicated (thing), hallowed (thing), holiness, ([idiom] most) holy ([idiom] day, portion, thing), saint, sanctuary. See also: Exodus 3:5; Leviticus 23:4; 1 Chronicles 26:26.
עַ֛ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
עֲמֹ֥ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Inf-a
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֖ן
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
לְ/אוּרִ֥ים
ʼÛwrîym
H224
"Urim"
Prep | N-mp
Urim refers to the stones on the high-priest's breastplate, used to determine God's decisions. These stones were a key part of Israel's worship, providing guidance.
Definition: Urim = "lights" stones kept in a pouch on the high-priest's breastplate, used in determining God's decision in certain questions and issues Also named: dēlos (δῆλος "Urim" G1212)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: Urim. See also: Exodus 28:30; Deuteronomy 33:8; Nehemiah 7:65.
וְ/תוּמִּֽים
Tummîym
H8550
"Thummim"
Conj | N-mp
Thummim refers to the objects on the high priest's breastplate, used to reveal God's will. It represents complete truth and perfection, as described in Exodus and Leviticus.
Definition: § Thummim = "perfection" 1) stones provided for the means of achieving a sacred lot 1a) used with the Urim, the will of God was revealed
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Thummim. See also: Exodus 28:30; Deuteronomy 33:8; Nehemiah 7:65.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 7:65
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The List of Returning Exiles
63And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name).
64These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.
65The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.
66The whole assembly numbered 42,360, 67in addition to their 7,337 menservants and maidservants, as well as their 245 male and female singers.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 28:30 | And place the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece of judgment, so that they will also be over Aaron’s heart whenever he comes before the LORD. Aaron will continually carry the judgment of the sons of Israel over his heart before the LORD. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 8:9 | Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 10:1 | Now these were the ones who sealed the document: Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah, |
| 4 | Ezra 2:63 | The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 33:8 | Concerning Levi he said: “Give Your Thummim to Levi and Your Urim to Your godly one, whom You tested at Massah and contested at the waters of Meribah. |
| 6 | Numbers 27:21 | He shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who will seek counsel for him before the LORD by the judgment of the Urim. At his command, he and all the Israelites with him—the entire congregation—will go out and come in.” |
| 7 | Leviticus 6:17 | It must not be baked with leaven; I have assigned it as their portion of My offerings made by fire. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the guilt offering. |
| 8 | Leviticus 2:3 | The remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD. |
| 9 | Leviticus 2:10 | But the remainder of the grain offering shall belong to Aaron and his sons; it is a most holy part of the offerings made by fire to the LORD. |
| 10 | Leviticus 10:17–18 | “Why didn’t you eat the sin offering in the holy place? For it is most holy; it was given to you to take away the guilt of the congregation by making atonement for them before the LORD. Since its blood was not brought inside the holy place, you should have eaten it in the sanctuary area, as I commanded.” |
Nehemiah 7:65 Summary
[Nehemiah 7:65 tells us that the governor ordered the priests not to eat the most holy things until a priest could consult the Urim and Thummim. This shows that the leaders wanted to make sure they were doing what God wanted them to do, and they were willing to wait for His guidance. As we see in Psalm 119:105, God's word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path, guiding us in our decisions and actions. By seeking God's guidance and will, we can ensure that we are following His plan for our lives, just like the priests in this verse.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most holy things mentioned in Nehemiah 7:65?
The most holy things refer to the sacred food or offerings that only the priests were allowed to eat, as seen in Leviticus 2:3 and Leviticus 7:6. These offerings were a part of the priestly ministry and were considered sacred.
What is the significance of the Urim and Thummim in this verse?
The Urim and Thummim were objects used by the high priest to determine God's will, as mentioned in Exodus 28:30 and Numbers 27:21. In Nehemiah 7:65, the governor orders the priests not to eat the most holy things until a priest can consult the Urim and Thummim, indicating the importance of seeking God's guidance in their actions.
Why did the governor give this order to the priests?
The governor gave this order because there was a need to ensure that the priests were acting in accordance with God's will, as guided by the Urim and Thummim. This shows the importance of seeking divine guidance in matters of worship and ministry, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual leadership?
This verse highlights the importance of spiritual leaders seeking God's guidance and will in their decision-making, as seen in Nehemiah 7:65 and Jeremiah 23:4. It emphasizes the need for leaders to prioritize spiritual discernment and seek God's direction in their actions.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance and will, just like the priests in Nehemiah 7:65?
- How can I prioritize spiritual discernment in my decision-making, and what role does scripture play in this process?
- What does it mean to wait on God's timing and guidance, and how can I apply this principle to my own life?
- In what ways can I support and pray for my spiritual leaders as they seek to follow God's will and guidance?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 7:65
[See comments on Ne 7:6].
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 7:65
And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:65
(5-73) The genealogical reckoning of the people, as the first step towards increasing the population of the metropolis, is determined on, not without express Divine suggestion; the allusion to this inspiration from God, is, as in Nehemiah 2:12, very emphatic. The original register of Zerubbabelis found and copied. The express language of both Ezra and Nehemiah makes it plain that this is no other than the list of those who came up with Zerubbabel and Joshua after the decree of Cyrus, in B.C. 538. Nehemiah’s own census follows, in Nehemiah 11. The exposition, especially as compared with Ezra 2, has been given on that chapter.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 7:65
65. the Tirshatha] R.V. marg. Or, governor. a priest] Literally ‘the priest.’ ‘With Urim and Thummim.’ LXX. ὁἱερεὺςφωτίσων. Vulg. ‘sacerdos doctus et eruditus.’
Sermons on Nehemiah 7:65
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Levi's Urim and Thummim Found With Christ. by John Gill | John Gill preaches on the significance of the Urim and Thummim, emphasizing that they represent the light and perfection found in Christ. He explains how these ancient tools were u |
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A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson | This sermon is a powerful call to anguish, urging listeners to move beyond concern to a deep sense of inner pain and distress for the state of the church and society. It emphasizes |
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A Booth on the Roof by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the danger of becoming too attached to worldly possessions and material wealth. He warns that the more blessed we are, the more we tend to d |
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A Time to Weep and a Time to Laugh by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of false laughing revivals and the need for genuine spiritual hunger. He emphasizes the importance of following Bible principles and |
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The Basics of Expository Preaching by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the foundation of the preaching of the word of God. He acknowledges that sometimes preachers focus so much on |
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Getting Back to the Bible by David Legge | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of getting back to the Bible. The sermon is based on Nehemiah chapter 8, where the people of Israel gather together to hear t |
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Nehemiah #3: Chapter 7-12 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ. He describes a gathering in a large tent where people from different backgrounds come together to worship a |