Nehemiah 10:8
New International Version
Maaziah, Bilgai and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

New Living Translation
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

English Standard Version
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these are the priests.

Berean Standard Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

King James Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.

New King James Version
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

New American Standard Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

NASB 1995
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah. These were the priests.

NASB 1977
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah. These were the priests.

Legacy Standard Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah. These were the priests.

Amplified Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah—these were the priests.

Christian Standard Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

American Standard Version
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these were the priests.

English Revised Version
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

International Standard Version
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah—these are the priests.

Majority Standard Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

NET Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

New Heart English Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these were the priests.

Webster's Bible Translation
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.

World English Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these [are] the priests.

Young's Literal Translation
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these are the priests.

Smith's Literal Translation
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these the priests.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Maazia, Belgia, Semeia: these were priests.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these were the priests.

New American Bible
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these are the priests.

New Revised Standard Version
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these are the priests.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Maasiah, Bilgai, Shemaiah; these were the priests.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Maaziah, Belgi, Shemaiah: these are the Priests.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah. These were the priests.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Maazia, Belgai, Samaia; these were priests.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Signers of the Covenant
7Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin, 8Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests. 9The Levites: Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel,…

Cross References
Nehemiah 9:38
In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.”

Nehemiah 13:29
Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.

Ezra 10:3
So now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God. Let it be done according to the Law.

Deuteronomy 29:12-15
so that you may enter into the covenant of the LORD your God, which He is making with you today, and into His oath, / and so that He may establish you today as His people, and He may be your God as He promised you and as He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. / I am making this covenant and this oath not only with you, ...

2 Kings 23:3
So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant.

2 Chronicles 29:10
Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us.

2 Chronicles 34:31
So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book.

Joshua 24:25
On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance.

Exodus 24:3-8
When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.” / And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. / Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. ...

Jeremiah 34:15
Recently you repented and did what pleased Me; each of you proclaimed freedom for his neighbor. You made a covenant before Me in the house that bears My Name.

Psalm 119:106
I have sworn and confirmed that I will keep Your righteous judgments.

Isaiah 44:5
One will say, ‘I belong to the LORD,’ another will call himself by the name of Jacob, and still another will write on his hand, ‘The LORD’s,’ and will take the name of Israel.”

Jeremiah 50:5
They will ask the way to Zion and turn their faces toward it. They will come and join themselves to the LORD in an everlasting covenant that will never be forgotten.

Matthew 26:28
This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.

Luke 22:20
In the same way, after supper He took the cup, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is poured out for you.


Treasury of Scripture

Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.

Bilgai.

Nehemiah 12:5
Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,

Bilgah.

Nehemiah 3:29
After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

Nehemiah 12:6,18,42
Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah, …

Ezra 10:21
And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.

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Nehemiah 10
1. The names of those who sealed the covenant.
29. The points of the covenant.














Maaziah
Maaziah is one of the priests listed in the covenant renewal led by Nehemiah. The name Maaziah means "Yahweh is a refuge," reflecting the priestly role of providing spiritual guidance and refuge for the people. This name appears in other priestly contexts, such as in 1 Chronicles 24:18, where Maaziah is listed as one of the priestly divisions established by King David. This connection underscores the continuity of priestly service from the time of David to the post-exilic period of Nehemiah. The role of priests was crucial in maintaining the religious and cultural identity of the Israelites, especially after the Babylonian exile.

Bilgai
Bilgai is another priest mentioned in this passage. The name Bilgai is less common, and its meaning is not entirely clear, but it may be related to the Hebrew root meaning "to be happy" or "to rejoice." This could symbolize the joy and dedication of the priests in serving God and leading the people in worship. The inclusion of Bilgai in the covenant renewal signifies the collective commitment of the priesthood to uphold the laws and commandments of God. This reflects the broader theme of restoration and renewal found throughout the book of Nehemiah, as the community seeks to reestablish their covenant relationship with God.

Shemaiah
Shemaiah, meaning "heard by Yahweh," is a name that appears frequently in the Old Testament, often associated with prophetic or priestly figures. In the context of Nehemiah 10:8, Shemaiah represents the priestly lineage that played a vital role in the spiritual leadership of the community. The name emphasizes the importance of being attentive to God's voice and guidance, a key aspect of the priestly function. This connection to divine communication is echoed in other parts of scripture, such as in the prophetic ministry of Shemaiah in 1 Kings 12:22-24, where he delivers God's message to King Rehoboam.

These were the priests.
The phrase "These were the priests" highlights the collective responsibility and authority of the priesthood in the covenant renewal process. The priests were central to the religious life of Israel, serving as mediators between God and the people. Their role included offering sacrifices, teaching the law, and leading worship. In the context of Nehemiah, the priests' participation in the covenant renewal signifies their commitment to restoring the spiritual and communal life of the Israelites after the exile. This renewal is a precursor to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ, who is described in the New Testament as the great high priest (Hebrews 4:14-16), offering a perfect and eternal sacrifice for the sins of humanity.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Maaziah
- One of the priests who sealed the covenant. His name means "consolation of Yahweh," indicating a role of comfort and support within the community.

2. Bilgai
- Another priest who signed the covenant. His name is less clear in meaning but is associated with the priestly lineage.

3. Shemaiah
- A priestly figure who also sealed the covenant. His name means "Yahweh has heard," suggesting a role of intercession and communication with God.

4. The Covenant
- The agreement made by the Israelites to follow God's laws, as renewed in Nehemiah's time. This was a significant event in the restoration of the Jewish community post-exile.

5. Jerusalem
- The central place where these events occurred, representing the heart of Jewish worship and community life.
Teaching Points
Commitment to God's Word
The sealing of the covenant by the priests signifies a deep commitment to God's laws. As believers, we are called to uphold and live by the teachings of Scripture in our daily lives.

Role of Leadership in Spiritual Renewal
The involvement of priests like Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah highlights the importance of spiritual leaders in guiding and supporting community faithfulness. Leaders today should inspire and lead by example in spiritual matters.

Community Accountability
The collective agreement to the covenant underscores the importance of community accountability in spiritual growth. Believers should encourage and hold each other accountable in their walk with God.

Historical Continuity of Faith
The renewal of the covenant in Nehemiah's time connects to past covenants, showing the continuity of faith and God's unchanging nature. This reminds us of the importance of understanding our faith's history and its implications for today.(8) These were the priests.--That is, the names of the priestly families. (Comp. Nehemiah 12:1-6.)



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Maaziah,
מַֽעַזְיָ֥ה (ma·‘az·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4590: Maaziah -- two Israelites priests

Bilgai,
בִלְגַּ֖י (ḇil·gay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1084: Bilgai -- an Israelite

and Shemaiah.
שְׁמַֽעְיָ֑ה (šə·ma‘·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8098: Shemaiah -- 'Yah hears', the name of a number of Israelites

These [were]
אֵ֖לֶּה (’êl·leh)
Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

the priests.
הַכֹּהֲנִֽים׃ (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest


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OT History: Nehemiah 10:8 Maaziah Bilgai Shemaiah (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 10:7
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