Nehemiah 12:1
New International Version
These were the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Joshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

New Living Translation
Here is the list of the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the high priest: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

English Standard Version
These are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Berean Standard Bible
Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

King James Bible
Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

New King James Version
Now these are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

New American Standard Bible
Now these are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

NASB 1995
Now these are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

NASB 1977
Now these are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Legacy Standard Bible
Now these are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Amplified Bible
Now these are the priests and Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Christian Standard Bible
These are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

American Standard Version
Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Contemporary English Version
Many priests and Levites had returned from Babylonia with Zerubbabel and Joshua as their leaders. Those priests were Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

English Revised Version
Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
These are the priests and Levites who came back with Zerubbabel (Shealtiel's son) and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Good News Translation
The following is a list of the priests and Levites who returned from exile with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with the High Priest Joshua:

International Standard Version
These are the priests and descendants of Levi who had returned with Shealtiel's son Zerubbabel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

NET Bible
These are the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

New Heart English Bible
Now these are the priests and the Levites who went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Webster's Bible Translation
Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

World English Bible
Now these are the priests and the Levites who went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And these [are] the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Young's Literal Translation
And these are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua; Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Smith's Literal Translation
And these the priests and the Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Joshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now these are the priests and the Levites, that went up with Zorobabel the son of Salathiel, and Josue: Saraia, Jeremias, Esdras,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now these are the priests and the Levites who ascended with Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

New American Bible
The following are the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel, son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

New Revised Standard Version
These are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
NOW these are the priests and the Levites who came up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Joshua: Seraiah, Azma, Ezra,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And these are the Priests and the Levites who came up with Zorobabel, son of Shealthiel: Yeshua, Seriah, Azma, Azra
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zorobabel the son of Salathiel and Jesus: Saraia, Jeremia, Esdra,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Priests and Levites who Returned
1Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, 2Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,…

Cross References
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; ...

Nehemiah 7:39-42
The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah (through the house of Jeshua), 973; / the descendants of Immer, 1,052; / the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247; ...

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. ...

Ezra 3:2
Then Jeshua son of Jozadak and his fellow priests, along with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and his associates, began to build the altar of the God of Israel to sacrifice burnt offerings on it, as it is written in the Law of Moses the man of God.

Nehemiah 10:2-8
Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, / Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, / Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, ...

1 Chronicles 9:10-13
From the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin; / Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of God’s temple; / Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; ...

2 Chronicles 31:15-19
Under his authority, Eden, Miniamin, Jeshua, Shemaiah, Amariah, and Shecaniah faithfully distributed portions to their fellow priests in their cities, according to their divisions, old and young alike. / In addition, they distributed portions to the males registered by genealogy who were three years of age or older—to all who would enter the house of the LORD for their daily duties for service in the responsibilities of their divisions— / and to the priests enrolled according to their families in the genealogy, as well as to the Levites twenty years of age or older, according to their responsibilities and divisions. ...

Ezra 8:1-20
These are the family heads and genealogical records of those who returned with me from Babylon during the reign of King Artaxerxes: / from the descendants of Phinehas, Gershom; from the descendants of Ithamar, Daniel; from the descendants of David, Hattush / of the descendants of Shecaniah; from the descendants of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him were registered 150 men; ...

Nehemiah 11:10-14
From the priests: Jedaiah son of Joiarib; Jachin; / Seraiah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of the house of God; / and their associates who did the work at the temple—822 men; Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; ...

1 Chronicles 6:1-15
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. / The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. / The children of Amram: Aaron, Moses, and Miriam. The sons of Aaron: Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. ...

Matthew 1:12-13
After the exile to Babylon: Jeconiah was the father of Shealtiel, Shealtiel the father of Zerubbabel, / Zerubbabel the father of Abiud, Abiud the father of Eliakim, and Eliakim the father of Azor.

Luke 3:27
the son of Joanan, the son of Rhesa, the son of Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel, the son of Neri,

Hebrews 7:11-14
Now if perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on this basis the people received the law), why was there still need for another priest to appear—one in the order of Melchizedek and not in the order of Aaron? / For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed as well. / He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. ...

Acts 6:7
So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith.

Romans 15:4
For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.


Treasury of Scripture

Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

the priests.

Nehemiah 7:7
Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;

Ezra 2:1,2
Now these are the children of the province that went up out of the captivity, of those which had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away unto Babylon, and came again unto Jerusalem and Judah, every one unto his city; …

Zerubbabel.

1 Chronicles 3:17-19
And the sons of Jeconiah; Assir, Salathiel his son, …

Ezra 3:8
Now in the second year of their coming unto the house of God at Jerusalem, in the second month, began Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brethren the priests and the Levites, and all they that were come out of the captivity unto Jerusalem; and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to set forward the work of the house of the LORD.

Ezra 4:2
Then they came to Zerubbabel, and to the chief of the fathers, and said unto them, Let us build with you: for we seek your God, as ye do; and we do sacrifice unto him since the days of Esarhaddon king of Assur, which brought us up hither.

Zorobabel.

Nehemiah 12:10
And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,

Zechariah 3:1-9
And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the LORD, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him…

Zechariah 6:11
Then take silver and gold, and make crowns, and set them upon the head of Joshua the son of Josedech, the high priest;

Joshua.

Nehemiah 12:12-21
And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; …

Nehemiah 10:2-8
Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, …

Ezra 2:2
Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:

Jump to Previous
Ezra Jeremiah Jeshua Levites Priests Seraiah Serai'ah Shealtiel She-Al'ti-El Zerubbabel Zerub'babel
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Ezra Jeremiah Jeshua Levites Priests Seraiah Serai'ah Shealtiel She-Al'ti-El Zerubbabel Zerub'babel
Nehemiah 12
1. The priests and the Levites which came up with Zerubbabel.
10. The succession of high priests.
22. Certain chief Levites.
27. The solemnity of the dedication of the walls.
44. The offices of priests and Levites appointed in the temple.














Now these are the priests and Levites
This phrase introduces a list of religious leaders who played a crucial role in the restoration of Jerusalem and its temple. The priests and Levites were responsible for maintaining the spiritual life of the community, performing sacrifices, and leading worship. Their presence underscores the importance of religious leadership in the post-exilic community.

who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel
Zerubbabel was a key leader in the return from Babylonian exile and the rebuilding of the temple. As a descendant of King David, he represents the continuation of the Davidic line, which is significant in biblical prophecy concerning the Messiah. His leadership in the return and rebuilding efforts is documented in the books of Ezra and Haggai.

and with Jeshua
Jeshua, also known as Joshua, was the high priest who returned with Zerubbabel. His role was crucial in re-establishing the temple worship and religious practices. The partnership between Zerubbabel and Jeshua highlights the collaboration between political and religious leadership in the restoration period.

Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra
These names represent some of the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua. Seraiah and Jeremiah were common names, and their specific identities in this context are not detailed, but they signify the continuity of priestly service. Ezra, though not the same Ezra who authored the book of Ezra, shares a name with a significant figure in the restoration period known for his dedication to the Law and reforms. This connection emphasizes the importance of adherence to the Law and the re-establishment of religious order.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zerubbabel
A leader of the first group of Jews who returned from Babylonian exile. He was a governor of Judah and played a significant role in rebuilding the temple in Jerusalem.

2. Shealtiel
The father of Zerubbabel, mentioned in the genealogies of Jesus in the New Testament, linking the return from exile to the lineage of Christ.

3. Jeshua
Also known as Joshua, the high priest who returned with Zerubbabel. He was instrumental in the spiritual restoration of the people.

4. Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra
These are among the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel. Their roles were crucial in re-establishing the religious practices and temple services in Jerusalem.

5. Return from Exile
This event marks a significant moment in Jewish history where the exiles returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and restore their community and worship.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness in Leadership
Zerubbabel and Jeshua exemplify faithful leadership in times of restoration. Leaders today are called to guide their communities with integrity and dedication to God's purposes.

Importance of Spiritual Restoration
The return from exile was not just physical but spiritual. Believers are encouraged to prioritize spiritual renewal in their lives and communities.

God's Sovereignty and Plan
The return from exile and the rebuilding of the temple were part of God's sovereign plan, reminding us that God is in control and works through history to fulfill His promises.

Role of Community in Worship
The priests and Levites played a crucial role in re-establishing worship. This highlights the importance of community and collective effort in maintaining and nurturing faith practices.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 12:1?

2. How does Nehemiah 12:1 emphasize the importance of spiritual leadership in our lives?

3. What role did the priests and Levites play in Nehemiah 12:1?

4. How can we honor spiritual leaders as seen in Nehemiah 12:1?

5. How does Nehemiah 12:1 connect to the broader theme of worship in Scripture?

6. What practical steps can we take to support our church leaders today?

7. What is the significance of the priests and Levites listed in Nehemiah 12:1 for Jewish history?

8. How does Nehemiah 12:1 reflect the importance of leadership in religious communities?

9. Why are genealogies, like in Nehemiah 12:1, important for understanding biblical history?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 12?

11. In Nehemiah 12:1–7, are there any historical or archaeological records confirming the specific priests and Levites named here?

12. What are the key themes in Zechariah's prophecies?

13. What was the Levitical Priesthood?

14. Who was the father of Shealtiel? (Matthew 1:12 vs. 1 Chronicles 3:17)
What Does Nehemiah 12:1 Mean
Now these are the priests and Levites who went up

“Now these are the priests and Levites who went up …” (Nehemiah 12:1)

– The phrase grounds the verse in real history: specific men, in a specific generation, made a literal journey from Babylon to Jerusalem (cf. Ezra 1:5; Nehemiah 7:39–43).

– “Went up” recalls the covenant promise of return (Jeremiah 29:10–14) and shows God’s faithfulness to restore His people.

– Priests and Levites are highlighted first because worship is the center of restored community life (Exodus 28:1; Numbers 3:5–10).

– Their presence assures the returned exiles that sacrificial worship and teaching of God’s Law will resume, fulfilling what was commanded at Sinai (Leviticus 8; Deuteronomy 33:8–10).


with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua

“… with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua …”

– Zerubbabel, heir of David’s line (Haggai 2:23; Matthew 1:12–13), leads the civil side; Jeshua (Joshua) the high priest leads the spiritual side (Haggai 1:1).

– Their joint mention models the partnership of throne and priesthood foreshadowed in Zechariah 6:12–13, pointing ultimately to Christ who unites both offices (Hebrews 7:1–2).

– The order underscores proper authority: God raised up leaders so the people could follow with confidence (Ezra 3:2; Nehemiah 4:14).

– “Went up with” indicates solidarity; leaders did not command from afar but traveled and labored alongside the people (Philippians 2:22).


Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra

“… Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra.”

– Listing names personalizes the record and affirms that every servant in God’s plan matters (Romans 16:1–16).

– These three likely represent heads of priestly divisions (1 Chronicles 24:7–18), indicating continuity with pre-exile worship patterns.

– Their names appear again when lots are cast for duties (Nehemiah 12:24), stressing accountability in ministry.

– By preserving their identities, Scripture encourages faithfulness today: what we do for God endures (1 Corinthians 15:58).


summary

Nehemiah 12:1 anchors the restoration story in concrete people, underscoring God’s covenant faithfulness. Priests and Levites “went up” physically and spiritually, led by Zerubbabel and Jeshua, to re-establish worship in Jerusalem. Naming Seraiah, Jeremiah, and Ezra affirms that each servant counts and connects the post-exilic community to its ancient heritage. The verse calls us to prioritize worship, honor God-appointed leadership, and cherish our part in His unfolding plan.

XII.

(1-9) The priests and Levites of the First Return.

(1) Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra.--The first is the family name, represented by Jeshua. Of the two others we know nothing more than this record gives.

Verse 1. - Zerubbabel, the son of Shealtiel. See the comment on Ezra 3:2. Jeshua. The high priest of Zerubbabel's time. Seraiah. Compare Nehemiah 11:11 with the comment on that place. The original Seraiah was the high priest murdered by Nebuchadnezzar (2 Kings 25:18-21). Jeremiah and Ezra, who gave name to the second and third course, must not be regarded as the prophet or the scribe so named, but as persons of whom nothing more is known to us.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Now these
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙ (wə·’êl·leh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

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

and Levites
וְהַלְוִיִּ֔ם (wə·hal·wî·yim)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi

who
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

went up
עָל֛וּ (‘ā·lū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

Zerubbabel
זְרֻבָּבֶ֥ל (zə·rub·bā·ḇel)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2216: Zerubbabel -- 'begotten in Babylon', a leader of returning Israelite exiles

son
בֶּן־ (ben-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Shealtiel
שְׁאַלְתִּיאֵ֖ל (šə·’al·tî·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7597: Shealtiel -- 'I have asked of God', an Israelite name

and with Jeshua:
וְיֵשׁ֑וּעַ (wə·yê·šū·a‘)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3442: Jeshua

Seraiah,
שְׂרָיָ֥ה (śə·rā·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8304: Seraiah -- 'Yah persists', the name of a number of Israelites

Jeremiah,
יִרְמְיָ֖ה (yir·mə·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3414: Jeremiah -- 'Yah loosens', the name of a number of Israelites

Ezra,
עֶזְרָֽא׃ (‘ez·rā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5830: Ezra -- 'help', three Israelites


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OT History: Nehemiah 12:1 Now these are the priests and (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 11:36
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