Nehemiah – Chapter 11

Old Testament36 Verses

Chapter Summary

Nehemiah 11 opens with the words: "And the princes of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: but the rest of the people cast lots, to take one part in ten to dwell in Jerusalem the…" The chapter centers on Zechariah, Solomon and Baruch. Across its 36 verses, two threads run through the text: family and covenant relationships and worship and praise. Read slowly, this chapter rewards the kind of prayerful attention the Church calls lectio divina.

1And the princes of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: but the rest of the people cast lots, to take one part in ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities.

2And the people blessed all the men that willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem.

3These therefore are the chief men of the province, who dwelt in Jerusalem, and in the cities of Juda. And every one dwelt in his possession, in their cities: Israel, the priests, the Levites, the Nathinites, and the children of the servants of Solomon.

4And in Jerusalem there dwelt some of the children of Juda, and some of the children of Benjamin: of the children of Juda, Athaias the son of Aziam, the son of Zacharias, the son of Amarias, the son of Saphatias, the son of Malaleel: of the sons of Phares,

5Maasia the son of Baruch, the son of Cholhoza, the son of Hazia, the son of Adaia, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zacharias, the son of the Silonite:

6All these the sons of Phares, who dwelt in Jerusalem, were four hundred sixty-eight valiant men.

7And these are the children of Benjamin: Sellum the son of Mosollam, the son of Joed, the son of Phadaia, the son of Colaia, the son of Masia, the son of Etheel, the son of Isaia.

8And after him Gebbai, Sellai, nine hundred twenty-eight.

9And Joel the son of Zechri their ruler, and Judas the son of Senua was second over the city.

10And of the priests Idaia the son of Joarib, Jachin,

11Saraia the son of Helcias, the son of Mosollam, the son of Sadoc, the son of Meraioth, the son of Achitob the prince of the house of God,

12And their brethren that do the works of the temple: eight hundred twenty-two. And Adaia the son of Jeroham, the son of Phelelia, the son of Amsi, the son of Zacharias, the son of Pheshur, the son of Melchias,

13And his brethren the chiefs of the fathers: two hundred forty-two. And Amassai the son of Azreel, the son of Ahazi, the son of Mosollamoth, the son of Emmer,

14And their brethren who were very mighty, a hundred twenty-eight: and their ruler Zabdiel son of the mighty.

15And of the Levites Semeia the son of Hasub, the son of Azaricam, the son of Hasabia, the son of Boni,

16And Sabathai and Jozabed, who were over all the outward business of the house of God, of the princes of the Levites,

17And Mathania the son of Micha, the son of Zebedei, the son of Asaph, was the principal man to praise, and to give glory in prayer, and Becbecia, the second, one of his brethren, and Abda the son of Samua, the son of Galal, the son of Idithun.

18All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four.

19And the porters, Accub, Telmon, and their brethren, who kept the doors: a hundred seventy-two.

20And the rest of Israel, the priests and the Levites were in all the cities of Juda, every man in his possession.

21And the Nathinites, that dwelt in Ophel, and Siaha, and Gaspha of the Nathinites.

22And the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem, was Azzi the son of Bani, the son of Hasabia, the son of Mathania, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, were the singing men in the ministry of the house of God.

23For the king's commandment was concerning them, and an order among the singing men day by day.

24And Phathahia the son of Mesezebel of the children of Zara the son of Juda was at the hand of the king, in all matters concerning the people,

25And in the houses through all their countries. Of the children of Juda some dwelt at Cariath-Arbe, and in the villages thereof: and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof: and at Cabseel, and in the villages thereof.

26And at Jesue, and at Molada, and at Bethphaleth,

27And at Hasersuel, and at Bersabee, and in the villages thereof,

28And at Siceleg, and at Mochona, and in the villages thereof,

29And at Remmon, and at Saraa, and at Jerimuth,

30Zanoa, Odollam, and in their villages, at Lachis and its dependencies, and at Azeca and the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Bersabee unto the valley of Ennom.

31And the children of Benjamin, from Geba, at Mechmas, and at Hai, and at Bethel, and in the villages thereof,

32At Anathoth, Nob, Anania,

33Asor, Rama, Gethaim,

34Hadid, Seboim, and Neballat, Lod,

35And Ono the valley of craftsmen.

36And of the Levites were portions of Juda and Benjamin.

Important Verses in Nehemiah 11

And the princes of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: but the rest of the people cast lots, to take one part in ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other cities.

Nehemiah 11:1

Saraia the son of Helcias, the son of Mosollam, the son of Sadoc, the son of Meraioth, the son of Achitob the prince of the house of God,

Nehemiah 11:11

And Sabathai and Jozabed, who were over all the outward business of the house of God, of the princes of the Levites,

Nehemiah 11:16

And the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem, was Azzi the son of Bani, the son of Hasabia, the son of Mathania, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, were the singing men in the ministry of the house of God.

Nehemiah 11:22

Historical Context

Nehemiah addresses the restored Jerusalem community, organized for worship and covenant living within the broader story of God's covenant people. Chapter 11 of 13 moves toward the climax of the book as earlier promises and conflicts converge. It is a genealogical record linking earlier promises to later generations with 36 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. The chapter focuses on Zechariah, Solomon, Baruch and Judas, whose actions and words drive the passage forward. The chapter begins: "And the princes of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: but the rest of the people cast lots, to take one part in ten to…" The chapter ends with: "And of the Levites were portions of Juda and Benjamin. " The wider setting of Nehemiah is this: Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, obtained leave to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in 445 BC—completing them in fifty-two days despite armed opposition. Scholarly and ecclesial tradition places the composition of Nehemiah around About 430-400 BC.

Who Wrote It

Based on the personal memoirs of Nehemiah; compiled with the Ezra traditions

When It Was Written

About 430-400 BC

Catholic Commentary

This chapter traces lines of descent that connect earlier promises to later figures in salvation history. A pivotal line is verse 1: "And the princes of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: but the rest of the people cast lots, to take one part in ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine…" The passage repeatedly touches on family and covenant relationships.

Catholic exegesis reads Nehemiah 11 within the unity of Scripture and Tradition. Nehemiah's leadership models faithful service (CIC 2578). St. Bernard of Clairvaux and other Fathers of the Church saw in texts like this a preparation for or reflection of Christ, the center of revelation (CIC 265).

For Christians today, the chapter's lesson is clear: The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.. The Church invites us to receive this word not as antiquarian information but as living Scripture proclaimed at Mass and prayed in lectio divina.

Main Teachings

  • The family is the first school of faith, where love, obedience, and forgiveness are learned.
  • Worship is the heart of the covenant: giving God the praise and adoration that are His due.
  • God invites His people to approach Him confidently in prayer, trusting that He hears and answers.

People in This Chapter

Zechariah3 mentionsSolomon1 mentionBaruch1 mentionJudas1 mention

Reflection for Today

Nehemiah Chapter 11, containing 36 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation, offers a distinct passage for prayer and meditation.

The Magisterium teaches that every biblical passage must be read in light of Christ, the center of Scripture (CIC 958). Here the emphasis falls on lectio divina and meditation on God's Word, which shapes how the Church understands rebuilding Jerusalem and covenant renewal.

Entrust your meditation to Mary, who pondered God's Word in her heart. Through her intercession, may the message of lectio divina and meditation on God's Word bear fruit in humility, courage, and charity this day.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nehemiah Chapter 11 about?

Nehemiah 11 contains 36 verses. It opens with "And the princes of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: but the rest of the people cast lots, to take one part in ten to…" and closes with "And of the Levites were portions of Juda and Benjamin. ". The book as a whole is memoir and historical narrative.

What is a key verse in Nehemiah 11?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "And the princes of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: but the rest of the people cast lots, to take one part in ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts in the other…" It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who appears in Nehemiah Chapter 11?

This chapter mentions Zechariah, Solomon, Baruch, Judas.

Who wrote Nehemiah and when?

Based on the personal memoirs of Nehemiah; compiled with the Ezra traditions. About 430-400 BC.

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