Old Testament
Nehemiah 13:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites as treasurers over the storehouses. Next to them was Hanan, son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah. They were considered faithful, and their duty was to distribute to their brothers.
Compare translations
And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.
What Nehemiah 13:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 13:13, Nehemiah takes steps to ensure the proper management of resources in Jerusalem after the wall's completion. He appoints Shelemiah, a priest, Zadok, a scribe, and Pedaiah, a Levite, as treasurers responsible for the storehouses. Their role is crucial as they are tasked with distributing supplies to the people, ensuring that everyone receives what they need. Hanan, who is mentioned as the son of Zaccur and grandson of Mattaniah, is also included in this group. The emphasis on their faithfulness highlights the importance of integrity and trustworthiness in leadership roles, especially when handling communal resources. This verse illustrates the need for organized leadership and accountability in managing the community's needs, reflecting a structured approach to governance and support for the people.
How to apply Nehemiah 13:13 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of trustworthy leadership in our communities. We should strive to be faithful in our responsibilities, whether in church, work, or family, ensuring that we support and uplift those around us through our actions and decisions.
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 David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. 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.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
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 13:13
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 13:13
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 does Nehemiah 13:13 teach about leadership?
Nehemiah 13:13 emphasizes the importance of appointing trustworthy leaders in the community. By selecting Shelemiah, Zadok, Pedaiah, and Hanan as treasurers, Nehemiah highlights that integrity and faithfulness are crucial traits for those in positions of responsibility, especially when managing communal resources. This teaches us that effective leadership requires accountability and a commitment to serving the needs of others.
Why were Shelemiah, Zadok, and Pedaiah chosen as treasurers?
Shelemiah, Zadok, and Pedaiah were chosen as treasurers because they were considered faithful individuals. Their roles involved managing the storehouses and distributing supplies to the community, which required a high level of trustworthiness. Nehemiah's decision reflects the need for reliable leaders who can handle resources responsibly and ensure that everyone in the community is supported.
What is the significance of Hanan's mention in this verse?
Hanan, the son of Zaccur and grandson of Mattaniah, is mentioned in Nehemiah 13:13 as part of the group of treasurers. His inclusion signifies the importance of collaboration and teamwork in leadership roles. It also highlights that leadership is not solely about one individual but involves a community of trusted people working together to meet the needs of others.
How can we apply the lessons from Nehemiah 13:13 in our lives?
We can apply the lessons from Nehemiah 13:13 by striving to be trustworthy and responsible in our own roles, whether at work, in our families, or within our communities. This verse encourages us to support and uplift those around us through our actions, ensuring that we are accountable and reliable in managing resources and helping others.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.