Old Testament
Nehemiah 11:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
and his brothers, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty-two. And Amashai son of Azareel, son of Ahasai, son of Meshillemoth, son of Immer,
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And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,
What Nehemiah 11:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 11:13, we see a listing of leaders and their families who played significant roles in the community after the return from exile. The verse specifically mentions Amashai, who is identified as the son of Azareel, and traces his lineage back through Ahasai and Meshillemoth to Immer. This genealogy highlights the importance of family heritage and leadership in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. The mention of 'chief of the fathers' indicates that these individuals held respected positions within their families and the community. The number 'two hundred forty-two' signifies the size of this group, emphasizing the collective effort required to restore the city. Such records were crucial for maintaining order and accountability in the community, ensuring that the right people were in leadership roles as they worked together to rebuild their lives and their city.
How to apply Nehemiah 11:13 to your life
Understanding the importance of leadership and community involvement is vital for any group today. Just as the leaders in Nehemiah's time were essential for rebuilding Jerusalem, modern communities thrive when individuals take responsibility and work together towards common goals, fostering unity and progress.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
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Keep studying Nehemiah 11:13
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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 does Nehemiah 11:13 mean?
Nehemiah 11:13 lists leaders and their families who were significant in the community after returning from exile. It highlights Amashai's lineage and the importance of family heritage in leadership roles during the rebuilding of Jerusalem.
What is the significance of 'chief of the fathers' in Nehemiah 11:13?
The term 'chief of the fathers' refers to respected leaders within their families and the community. This designation emphasizes their authority and responsibility in guiding the people as they worked to restore Jerusalem.
Who is Amashai in Nehemiah 11:13?
Amashai is mentioned as the son of Azareel and is part of a genealogy that traces back to Immer. His inclusion signifies the importance of family lineage in leadership during the restoration of the community.
Why is the number 242 important in Nehemiah 11:13?
The number 242 represents the size of the group of leaders and their families involved in the rebuilding efforts. It underscores the collective effort and unity required to restore Jerusalem after the exile.
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