Nehemiah 12:12
New International Version
In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of Seraiah’s family, Meraiah; of Jeremiah’s, Hananiah;

New Living Translation
Now when Joiakim was high priest, the family leaders of the priests were as follows: Meraiah was leader of the family of Seraiah. Hananiah was leader of the family of Jeremiah.

English Standard Version
And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers’ houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Berean Standard Bible
In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of the family of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

King James Bible
And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

New King James Version
Now in the days of Joiakim, the priests, the heads of the fathers’ houses were: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

New American Standard Bible
Now in the days of Joiakim, the priests, the heads of fathers’ households were: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

NASB 1995
Now in the days of Joiakim, the priests, the heads of fathers’ households were: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

NASB 1977
Now in the days of Joiakim the priests, the heads of fathers’ households were: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Legacy Standard Bible
Now in the days of Joiakim, the priests, the heads of fathers’ households were: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Amplified Bible
And in the days of Joiakim, the priests, the heads of fathers’ households were: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Christian Standard Bible
In the days of Joiakim, the heads of the priestly families were Meraiah of Seraiah, Hananiah of Jeremiah,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In the days of Joiakim, the leaders of the priestly families were: Meraiah of Seraiah, Hananiah of Jeremiah,

American Standard Version
And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Contemporary English Version
When Joiakim was high priest, the following priests were leaders of their clans: Meraiah of the Seraiah clan, Hananiah of Jeremiah,

English Revised Version
And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
At the time of Joiakim, these were the priests who were the leaders of their families: From Seraiah, Meraiah; from Jeremiah, Hananiah;

International Standard Version
These were the priests and heads of their ancestors' houses in the time of Joiakim: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Majority Standard Bible
In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of the family of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

NET Bible
In the days of Joiakim, these were the priests who were leaders of the families: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

New Heart English Bible
In the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of ancestral houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Webster's Bible Translation
And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

World English Bible
In the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers’ households: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And in the days of Joiakim have been priests, heads of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Young's Literal Translation
And in the days of Joiakim have been priests, heads of the fathers; of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Smith's Literal Translation
And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of the fathers: to Seraiah, Meraiah; to Jeremiah, Hananiah;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And in the days of Joacim the priests and heads of the families were : Of Saraia, Maraia: of Jeremias, Hanania:

Catholic Public Domain Version
And in the days of Joiakim, the priests and the leaders of the families were: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

New American Bible
In the days of Joiakim these were the priestly family heads: for Seraiah, Meraiah; for Jeremiah, Hananiah;

New Revised Standard Version
In the days of Joiakim the priests, heads of ancestral houses, were: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chiefs of the fathers; namely, Seraiah, Amariah, Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And in the days of Yuyaqim were the Chief Priests of the fathers, Seriah, Amaria, Jeremiah, KhananYah
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And in the days of Joiakim were priests, heads of fathers' houses: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And in the days of Joakim, his brethren the priests and the heads of families were, belonging to Saraia, Amaria; to Jeremia, Anania;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Priests and Levites who Returned
11Joiada was the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan was the father of Jaddua. 12In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of the family of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; 13of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;…

Cross References
Nehemiah 10:8
Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shemaiah. These were the priests.

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; ...

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; ...

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 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 10:18-22
Among the descendants of the priests who had married foreign women were found these descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah. / They pledged to send their wives away, and for their guilt they presented a ram from the flock as a guilt offering. / From the descendants of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah. ...

2 Chronicles 29:12-14
Then the Levites set to work: Mahath son of Amasai and Joel son of Azariah from the Kohathites; Kish son of Abdi and Azariah son of Jehallelel from the Merarites; Joah son of Zimmah and Eden son of Joah from the Gershonites; / Shimri and Jeuel from the Elizaphanites; Zechariah and Mattaniah from the Asaphites; / Jehiel and Shimei from the Hemanites; and Shemaiah and Uzziel from the Jeduthunites.

2 Chronicles 35:3-5
To the Levites who taught all Israel and were holy to the LORD, Josiah said: “Put the holy ark in the temple built by Solomon son of David king of Israel. It is not to be carried around on your shoulders. Now serve the LORD your God and His people Israel. / Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son. / Moreover, stand in the Holy Place by the divisions of the families of your kinsmen the lay people, and by the divisions of the families of the Levites.

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 1:1-17
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: / Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, and Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers. / Judah was the father of Perez and Zerah by Tamar, Perez the father of Hezron, and Hezron the father of Ram. ...

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. ...

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.

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. ...

1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.


Treasury of Scripture

And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;

the chief.

Nehemiah 12:22
The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

1 Chronicles 9:33,34
And these are the singers, chief of the fathers of the Levites, who remaining in the chambers were free: for they were employed in that work day and night…

1 Chronicles 15:12
And said unto them, Ye are the chief of the fathers of the Levites: sanctify yourselves, both ye and your brethren, that ye may bring up the ark of the LORD God of Israel unto the place that I have prepared for it.

Seraiah.

Nehemiah 12:1
Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,

Jump to Previous
Chief Families Family Fathers Hananiah Hanani'ah Heads Households Houses Jeremiah Jeremiah's Joiakim Joi'akim Priestly Priests Seraiah Serai'ah
Jump to Next
Chief Families Family Fathers Hananiah Hanani'ah Heads Households Houses Jeremiah Jeremiah's Joiakim Joi'akim Priestly Priests Seraiah Serai'ah
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.














In the days of Joiakim
Joiakim was the son of Jeshua and the high priest during the time of Nehemiah. His leadership period is significant as it represents a time of rebuilding and reestablishing religious practices after the Babylonian exile. This era is marked by a return to the Law and a focus on restoring the temple and its services, reflecting the broader theme of restoration found throughout the book of Nehemiah.

these were the heads of the priestly families
The priestly families were crucial for maintaining the religious and ceremonial life of Israel. Each family had specific roles and responsibilities in the temple service. The mention of these heads signifies the importance of lineage and the continuation of priestly duties, which were essential for the spiritual health of the nation. This structure ensured that worship and sacrifices were conducted according to the Law of Moses.

of the family of Seraiah, Meraiah
Seraiah was a prominent priestly family, and Meraiah is noted as its head during Joiakim's time. The Seraiah family is mentioned in various genealogies, indicating its longstanding role in the priesthood. This continuity underscores the importance of heritage and the fulfillment of God’s promises to maintain a priestly line, which is a theme that resonates with the faithfulness of God throughout the Old Testament.

of Jeremiah, Hananiah
Jeremiah here refers to a priestly family, not the prophet. Hananiah, as the head of this family, would have been responsible for overseeing the duties assigned to his lineage. The name Hananiah means "Yahweh is gracious," which reflects the hope and reliance on God's grace during the post-exilic period. This connection to grace and restoration is a recurring theme in the narrative of Nehemiah, as the people of Israel seek to reestablish their covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Joiakim
Joiakim was the high priest during the time of Nehemiah. His leadership was crucial in the post-exilic community as they sought to reestablish their religious practices and identity.

2. Seraiah
A priestly family mentioned in the lineage of the priests. The name Seraiah means "Yahweh is ruler," reflecting the theocratic nature of Israel's leadership.

3. Meraiah
The head of the priestly family of Seraiah during Joiakim's time. His role was significant in maintaining the religious order and traditions.

4. Jeremiah
Another priestly family, not to be confused with the prophet Jeremiah. This family played a role in the religious life of the community.

5. Hananiah
The head of the priestly family of Jeremiah. His leadership contributed to the spiritual oversight and guidance of the people.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Spiritual Leadership
The listing of priestly families underscores the importance of spiritual leadership in maintaining faith and order within the community. Leaders today are called to guide with integrity and faithfulness.

Continuity of Faith
The mention of specific families highlights the continuity of faith and tradition. Believers are encouraged to value and uphold their spiritual heritage.

Role of Community in Worship
The organization of priestly families reflects the communal aspect of worship. Christians are reminded of the importance of gathering together to worship and support one another.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The restoration of priestly roles after exile is a testament to God's faithfulness. Believers can trust in God's promises to restore and renew.

Legacy of Faith
The passage encourages reflection on the legacy we leave for future generations. Are we cultivating a faith that will endure and inspire those who come after us?(12-26) List of representatives of Zerubbabel's priests in the days of Joiakim; to which is added an account of the Levites in his day. Between these there is an interpolation (Nehemiah 12:22-23).

Verse 12. - Of Seraiah, Meraiah. It will be observed that the family names of the priestly, courses follow the order of the same names in vers. 1-7, and exactly accord with them, excepting in minute differences of spelling, and in one omission - that of the name of "Hattush.' It might be supposed that the family of Hattush had died out; but this is contradicted by its reappearance among the signatures to the covenant (Nehemiah 10:4); the omission here would therefore appear to be accidental.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
In the days
וּבִימֵי֙ (ū·ḇî·mê)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of Joiakim,
יֽוֹיָקִ֔ים (yō·w·yā·qîm)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3113: Jojakim

these were
הָי֥וּ (hā·yū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

the heads
רָאשֵׁ֣י (rā·šê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the priestly
כֹהֲנִ֖ים (ḵō·hă·nîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

families:
הָאָב֑וֹת (hā·’ā·ḇō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1: Father

of [the family of] Seraiah,
לִשְׂרָיָ֣ה (liś·rā·yāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8304: Seraiah -- 'Yah persists', the name of a number of Israelites

Meraiah;
מְרָיָ֔ה (mə·rā·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4811: Meraiah -- an Israelite priest

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

Hananiah;
חֲנַנְיָֽה׃ (ḥă·nan·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2608: Hananiah -- 'Yah has been gracious', the name of a number of Israelites


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OT History: Nehemiah 12:12 In the days of Joiakim were priests (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 12:11
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