Nehemiah 11:18
New International Version
The Levites in the holy city totaled 284.

New Living Translation
In all, there were 284 Levites in the holy city.

English Standard Version
All the Levites in the holy city were 284.

Berean Standard Bible
The Levites in the holy city totaled 284.

King James Bible
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.

New King James Version
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred and eighty-four.

New American Standard Bible
All the Levites in the holy city were 284.

NASB 1995
All the Levites in the holy city were 284.

NASB 1977
All the Levites in the holy city were 284.

Legacy Standard Bible
All the Levites in the holy city were 284.

Amplified Bible
All the Levites in the holy city totaled 284.

Christian Standard Bible
All the Levites in the holy city: 284

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All the Levites in the holy city: 284.

American Standard Version
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.

Contemporary English Version
Altogether, 284 Levites settled in the holy city.

English Revised Version
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All the Levites in the holy city totaled 284.

Good News Translation
In all, 284 Levites lived in the holy city of Jerusalem.

International Standard Version
All of the descendants of Levi in the holy city numbered 284

NET Bible
The sum total of the Levites in the holy city was 284.

New Heart English Bible
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four.

Webster's Bible Translation
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred and eighty four.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
The Levites in the holy city totaled 284.

World English Bible
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
All the Levites, in the holy city, [are] two hundred eighty-four.

Young's Literal Translation
All the Levites, in the holy city, are two hundred eighty and four.

Smith's Literal Translation
All the Levites in the holy city, two hundred eighty and four.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four.

Catholic Public Domain Version
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four.

New American Bible
The total of the Levites in the holy city was two hundred and eighty-four.

New Revised Standard Version
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred eighty-four.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred and eighty-four.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
All of the Levites who were in the City of Holiness: two hundred and eighty and four.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
two hundred and eighty-four.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The New Settlers in Jerusalem
17Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led in thanksgiving and prayer; Bakbukiah, second among his associates; and Abda son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 18The Levites in the holy city totaled 284 19And the gatekeepers: Akkub, Talmon, and their associates, who kept watch at the gates—172 men.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 9:22-34
The number of those chosen to be gatekeepers at the thresholds was 212. They were registered by genealogy in their villages. David and Samuel the seer had appointed them to their positions of trust. / So they and their descendants were assigned to guard the gates of the house of the LORD—the house called the Tent. / The gatekeepers were stationed on the four sides: east, west, north, and south. ...

1 Chronicles 23:1-32
When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel. / Then he gathered all the leaders of Israel, as well as the priests and Levites. / The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. ...

1 Chronicles 24:1-19
These were the divisions of the descendants of Aaron. The sons of Aaron were Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. / But Nadab and Abihu died before their father did, and they had no sons; so Eleazar and Ithamar served as priests. / With the help of Eleazar’s descendant Zadok and Ithamar’s descendant Ahimelech, David divided them according to the offices of their service. ...

1 Chronicles 25:1-31
Additionally, David and the commanders of the army set apart some of the sons of Asaph, Heman, and Jeduthun to prophesy with the accompaniment of lyres, harps, and cymbals. The following is the list of the men who performed this service: / From the sons of Asaph: Zaccur, Joseph, Nethaniah, and Asarelah. These sons of Asaph were under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied under the direction of the king. / From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD. ...

1 Chronicles 26:12-19
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. ...

1 Chronicles 28:13
for the divisions of the priests and Levites, for all the work of service in the house of the LORD, and for all the articles of service in the house of the LORD:

2 Chronicles 8:14
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.

2 Chronicles 31:2
Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling.

Ezra 2:36-39
The priests: The descendants of Jedaiah (through the house of Jeshua), 973; / the descendants of Immer, 1,052; / the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247; ...

Ezra 6:18
They also appointed the priests by their divisions and the Levites by their groups to the service of God in Jerusalem, according to what is written in the Book of Moses.

Numbers 3:5-10
Then the LORD said to Moses, / “Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. ...

Numbers 18:1-7
So the LORD said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house must bear the iniquity involving the sanctuary. And you and your sons alone must bear the iniquity involving your priesthood. / But bring with you also your brothers from the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may join you and assist you and your sons before the Tent of the Testimony. / And they shall attend to your duties and to all the duties of the Tent; but they must not come near to the furnishings of the sanctuary or the altar, or both they and you will die. ...

Numbers 18:21-24
Behold, I have given to the Levites all the tithes in Israel as an inheritance in return for the work they do, the service of the Tent of Meeting. / No longer may the Israelites come near to the Tent of Meeting, or they will incur guilt and die. / The Levites are to perform the work of the Tent of Meeting, and they must bear their iniquity. This is a permanent statute for the generations to come. The Levites will not receive an inheritance among the Israelites. ...

Matthew 23:1-3
Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples: / “The scribes and Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. / So practice and observe everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

Luke 1:5-9
In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah, and whose wife Elizabeth was a descendant of Aaron. / Both of them were righteous in the sight of God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and decrees of the Lord. / But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren, and they were both well along in years. ...


Treasury of Scripture

All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.

the holy.

Nehemiah 11:1
And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

1 Kings 11:13
Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

Daniel 9:24
Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy.

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City Eighty Eighty-Four Four Fourscore Holy Hundred Levites Totaled
Nehemiah 11
1. The rulers, voluntary men, and the tenth man chosen by lot, dwell at Jerusalem.
3. A catalogue of their names.
20. Those who remain dwell in other cities.














The Levites in the holy city
The Levites were a tribe set apart for religious duties and service in the temple. Their presence in Jerusalem, the "holy city," underscores the city's spiritual significance as the center of Jewish worship and governance. Jerusalem was considered holy because it housed the temple, the dwelling place of God's presence among His people. The Levites' role was crucial in maintaining the temple services, teaching the law, and leading worship, which highlights the importance of spiritual leadership in the community. This phrase connects to the broader biblical theme of God's chosen people being set apart for His purposes, as seen in passages like Exodus 19:6, where Israel is called a "kingdom of priests."

totaled 284
The specific number of Levites, 284, indicates a well-organized and structured community within Jerusalem. This number reflects the careful planning and dedication to reestablishing proper worship and religious order after the return from Babylonian exile. The detailed record-keeping seen here is consistent with other parts of Nehemiah, emphasizing the importance of accountability and stewardship in God's work. The number also suggests a significant, though not overwhelming, presence, indicating that while the Levites were essential, they were part of a larger community effort to restore Jerusalem. This can be compared to the detailed genealogies and census records found in books like Numbers and Chronicles, which underscore the importance of each individual's role in God's plan.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Levites
A tribe of Israel set apart for religious duties and temple service. In Nehemiah 11:18, they are specifically mentioned as residing in Jerusalem, the holy city, to fulfill their roles in worship and temple maintenance.

2. Jerusalem
Known as the holy city, it is the central place of worship for the Israelites. During Nehemiah's time, it was being repopulated and rebuilt after the Babylonian exile.

3. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the reestablishment of the community after the exile. His leadership was instrumental in organizing the repopulation of the city.

4. The Holy City
Refers to Jerusalem, emphasizing its significance as the spiritual and religious center for the Jewish people.

5. Post-Exilic Period
The time after the return from Babylonian exile, marked by efforts to restore Jerusalem and reestablish the Jewish community and its religious practices.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Dedicated Service
The Levites' presence in Jerusalem underscores the necessity of dedicated individuals in maintaining and leading worship. In our communities, we should value and support those who serve in ministry roles.

Commitment to God's Work
The Levites' commitment to their duties, even after returning from exile, serves as a model for our dedication to God's work, regardless of circumstances.

The Role of Community in Worship
The repopulation of Jerusalem, including the Levites, highlights the importance of community in worship. We are reminded that worship is not just an individual act but a communal one.

Faithfulness in Small Numbers
Though the Levites numbered only 284, their impact was significant. This teaches us that faithfulness and dedication, even in small numbers, can have a profound effect on the community.

Rebuilding and Restoration
The Levites' role in the post-exilic period reflects the broader theme of rebuilding and restoration. In our lives, we can trust God to restore and rebuild what has been broken.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 11:18?

2. How does Nehemiah 11:18 highlight the importance of serving in God's house?

3. What can we learn from the Levites' dedication in Nehemiah 11:18?

4. How does Nehemiah 11:18 connect to New Testament teachings on service?

5. How can we apply the Levites' commitment to our church involvement today?

6. What does Nehemiah 11:18 teach about community roles in God's plan?

7. What is the significance of the Levites in Nehemiah 11:18 for the community of Jerusalem?

8. How does Nehemiah 11:18 reflect the importance of religious leadership in ancient Israel?

9. Why were 284 Levites specifically mentioned in Nehemiah 11:18?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 11?

11. What are the main themes of the Bible's books?

12. Nehemiah 11:3-4 - Is there any concrete evidence to confirm the listed families and their numbers who supposedly settled in the city?

13. Why do Nehemiah 8:9-12 command people to rejoice instead of mourning if they had just realized their past failures?

14. Why are Bible genealogies considered important?
What Does Nehemiah 11:18 Mean
Historical Backdrop

Nehemiah 11 recounts how Jerusalem was repopulated after the wall’s completion (Nehemiah 6:15). By casting lots (Nehemiah 11:1), one-tenth of Judah’s people moved inside the city to ensure its vitality. This mirrors earlier returns under Zerubbabel (Ezra 2) and Ezra (Ezra 8:1–20). The statement “The Levites in the holy city totaled 284” (Nehemiah 11:18) sits amid these census notes, underscoring God’s orderly restoration of worship (compare 1 Chronicles 9:2–34, where another post-exilic census is recorded).


Levites and Their Calling

• Originating from Levi, son of Jacob (Genesis 29:34), the Levites received no territorial inheritance but were dedicated to serve at the tabernacle and later the temple (Numbers 3:5–10).

• Duties included guarding sacred spaces (1 Chronicles 23:27–32) and leading worship (2 Chronicles 29:25-30).

• In Nehemiah’s day, reinstating these servants was essential for covenant faithfulness (Nehemiah 10:28-39). Their presence affirmed that worship was not an afterthought but the heart of the nation’s life (Deuteronomy 10:8-9).


The Phrase “in the holy city”

• “Holy city” points to Jerusalem’s consecration for God’s dwelling (Psalm 48:1-2; Isaiah 52:1).

• By highlighting the Levites “in” the holy city, the verse distinguishes these 284 from fellow Levites serving in surrounding towns (Nehemiah 11:20,36).

• This fulfills prophetic hope that worship would be restored at the very place God chose “to make His Name dwell” (Deuteronomy 12:5; 2 Chronicles 6:6).


Why Record the Exact Number—284?

• Scripture often lists precise counts to testify to historical accuracy and God’s meticulous care (Numbers 1:46; Luke 3:1-2).

• 284 reflects a small yet sufficient corps for temple operations after exile, showing that even limited resources can accomplish God’s purposes (Zechariah 4:10).

• The detail reminds readers that every servant matters; none are faceless to the Lord (Malachi 3:16-17; John 10:3).


Echoes in the Rest of Scripture

• Similar censuses guard the continuity of priestly service (Ezra 2:40; Nehemiah 7:43).

• The pattern foreshadows Christ appointing specific helpers—first the Twelve (Mark 3:14), then seventy-two (Luke 10:1)—to maintain gospel ministry.

Revelation 7:4-8 also lists exact numbers, assuring believers that God knows His faithful by name and tribe.


Personal Takeaways

• God values ordered, God-centered worship; neglecting it weakens the community (Hebrews 10:25).

• Small bands of devoted servants can change the spiritual climate of an entire city (Acts 1:13-14; 17:6).

• Faithfulness often means stepping into less-visible roles, trusting the Lord who “is not unjust to forget your work” (Hebrews 6:10).


summary

Nehemiah 11:18 records that 284 Levites lived inside Jerusalem after the exile. This literal figure underscores God’s precise restoration plan, the crucial role of the Levites in temple worship, and the truth that every obedient servant counts. The verse invites us to value orderly worship, embrace our assigned tasks, and trust that God remembers every name devoted to His holy service.

Verse 18. - All the Levites... were two hundred fourscore and four. The small proportion borne by the Levites to the priests, which has been already noticed (see comment on Ezra 8:15), is here again apparent. They do not quite amount to one-third of the priests.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
The Levites
הַלְוִיִּם֙ (hal·wî·yim)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

in the holy
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ (haq·qō·ḏeš)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6944: A sacred place, thing, sanctity

city
בְּעִ֣יר (bə·‘îr)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

totaled
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

284
מָאתַ֖יִם (mā·ṯa·yim)
Number - fd
Strong's 3967: A hundred


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OT History: Nehemiah 11:18 All the Levites in the holy city (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 11:17
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