Old Testament
Nehemiah 10:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The chief of the people: Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,
Compare translations
The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,
What Nehemiah 10:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 10:14, a list of leaders from various families or clans is presented. These individuals are recognized as the chief representatives of their people, indicating their importance in the community. The names mentioned—Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, and Bani—reflect the diverse backgrounds of the Israelites who returned from exile. This verse highlights the collective commitment of these leaders to uphold the covenant with God, as they are part of a larger assembly that agrees to follow God's laws and commands. Their leadership is crucial for guiding the people in their spiritual and communal responsibilities. By naming these leaders, the text emphasizes the importance of accountability and representation in the community, showing that the restoration of Israel involves not just individual commitment but also collective action led by trusted figures. This verse serves as a reminder of the role of leadership in spiritual renewal and the importance of unity among the people in fulfilling their commitments to God.
How to apply Nehemiah 10:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of strong leadership in our communities. We should support and hold our leaders accountable as they guide us in our commitments to our values and beliefs. Unity and collective action are essential for achieving common goals.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Nehemiah 10:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Nehemiah 10:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who are the leaders mentioned in Nehemiah 10:14?
Nehemiah 10:14 lists several leaders from different clans of the Israelites, specifically Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, and Bani. These individuals are recognized as chief representatives of their families, highlighting their significant role in the community during the restoration of Israel after exile.
What is the significance of naming leaders in Nehemiah 10:14?
The naming of leaders in Nehemiah 10:14 emphasizes the importance of accountability and representation within the community. It shows that these leaders are committed to upholding the covenant with God and guiding their people in spiritual and communal responsibilities, which is vital for the collective renewal of Israel.
How does Nehemiah 10:14 relate to community leadership today?
Nehemiah 10:14 illustrates the importance of strong leadership in a community. Today, it reminds us to support our leaders and hold them accountable as they guide us in our values and commitments. Effective leadership fosters unity and collective action, which are essential for achieving common goals in any community.
What themes are highlighted in Nehemiah 10:14?
Nehemiah 10:14 highlights several key themes, including leadership, community, covenant, restoration, and accountability. These themes reflect the collective commitment of the leaders to follow God's laws and the importance of unity among the people in fulfilling their spiritual and communal responsibilities.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.