Old Testament
Nehemiah 10:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
Compare translations
Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
What Nehemiah 10:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
Nehemiah 10:16 lists the names of individuals who were part of the covenant made by the people of Israel. This verse highlights the commitment of these individuals to follow God's laws and serve Him faithfully. The names mentioned, Adonijah, Bigvai, and Adin, represent a group of leaders or families who pledged to uphold the covenant, which included promises to support the temple, observe the Sabbath, and maintain purity in their community. This act of signing the covenant was significant as it demonstrated a collective decision to return to God after a period of exile and disobedience. The inclusion of specific names emphasizes the personal responsibility each individual had in the community's spiritual renewal. It shows that faithfulness to God is not just a communal effort but also requires individual commitment and accountability.
How to apply Nehemiah 10:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to take personal responsibility in our commitments to God and our community. Just as the individuals in Nehemiah's time pledged to uphold their covenant, we too should reflect on our promises and strive to live faithfully according to our values and beliefs.
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 10:16
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 10:16
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
What is the significance of Nehemiah 10:16?
Nehemiah 10:16 is significant because it lists the names of individuals who committed to a covenant with God, highlighting their dedication to follow His laws. This act of signing the covenant represented a collective return to faithfulness after a period of exile, emphasizing the importance of individual responsibility in a community's spiritual renewal.
Who are Adonijah, Bigvai, and Adin in Nehemiah 10:16?
Adonijah, Bigvai, and Adin are names mentioned in Nehemiah 10:16 as part of the group that pledged to uphold the covenant with God. They represent leaders or families within the Israelite community who committed to supporting the temple and maintaining their spiritual and communal responsibilities.
How does Nehemiah 10:16 relate to personal responsibility?
Nehemiah 10:16 illustrates the concept of personal responsibility in faith. Each individual named in the verse took a stand to uphold the covenant, showing that faithfulness to God requires not just communal effort but also individual commitment. This encourages us to reflect on our own promises and responsibilities in our spiritual lives.
What can we learn from the covenant in Nehemiah 10:16?
From the covenant in Nehemiah 10:16, we learn the importance of commitment to our values and beliefs. Just as the individuals pledged to follow God's laws, we are reminded to take our commitments seriously, support our communities, and strive for spiritual integrity in our lives.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.