Nehemiah 12:18
New International Version
of Bilgah’s, Shammua; of Shemaiah’s, Jehonathan;

New Living Translation
Shammua was leader of the family of Bilgah. Jehonathan was leader of the family of Shemaiah.

English Standard Version
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Berean Standard Bible
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jonathan;

King James Bible
Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

New King James Version
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

New American Standard Bible
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

NASB 1995
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

NASB 1977
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Legacy Standard Bible
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Amplified Bible
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Christian Standard Bible
Shammua of Bilgah, Jehonathan of Shemaiah,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Shammua of Bilgah, Jehonathan of Shemaiah,

American Standard Version
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Contemporary English Version
Shammua of Bilgah, Jehonathan of Shemaiah,

English Revised Version
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
from Bilgah, Shammua; from Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

International Standard Version
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Majority Standard Bible
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jonathan;

NET Bible
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

New Heart English Bible
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Webster's Bible Translation
Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

World English Bible
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jonathan;

Young's Literal Translation
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Smith's Literal Translation
To Bilgah, Shammua; to Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Of Belga, Sammua of Semaia, Jonathan:

Catholic Public Domain Version
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

New American Bible
for Bilgah, Shammua; for Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

New Revised Standard Version
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Bilgah, Shammua, Shemaiah, Jonathan;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Balga, Shamua, Shemaiah, Yunathan
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
to Balgas, Samue; to Semia, Jonathan;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Priests and Levites who Returned
17of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin and of Moadiah, Piltai; 18of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jonathan; 19of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;…

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

Nehemiah 7:43
The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua (through Kadmiel, through the line of Hodevah), 74.

Ezra 2:40
The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua and Kadmiel (through the line of Hodaviah), 74.

1 Chronicles 9:14
From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a descendant of Merari;

1 Chronicles 23:4
“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges,

1 Chronicles 24:20
Now these were the rest of the descendants of Levi: From the sons of Amram: Shubael; from the sons of Shubael: Jehdeiah.

1 Chronicles 25:1
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:

1 Chronicles 26:12
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did.

1 Chronicles 27:1
This is the list of the Israelites—the heads of families, the commanders of thousands and of hundreds, and their officers who served the king in every matter concerning the divisions on rotating military duty each month throughout the year. There were 24,000 men in each division:

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 31:15
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.

2 Chronicles 35:4
Prepare yourselves by families in your divisions, according to the instructions written by David king of Israel and Solomon his son.

Ezra 3:8-9
In the second month of the second year after they had arrived at the house of God in Jerusalem, Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, Jeshua son of Jozadak, and the rest of their associates including the priests, the Levites, and all who had returned to Jerusalem from the captivity, began the work. They appointed Levites twenty years of age or older to supervise the construction of the house of the LORD. / So Jeshua and his sons and brothers, Kadmiel and his sons (descendants of Yehudah), and the sons of Henadad and their sons and brothers—all Levites—joined together to supervise those working on the house of God.

Acts 6:1-7
In those days when the disciples were increasing in number, the Grecian Jews among them began to grumble against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. / So the Twelve summoned all the disciples and said, “It is unacceptable for us to neglect the word of God in order to wait on tables. / Therefore, brothers, select from among you seven men confirmed to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will assign this responsibility to them ...

Acts 13:1-3
Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch), and Saul. / While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.


Treasury of Scripture

Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;

Shemaiah.

Nehemiah 12:6
Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,

Jump to Previous
Bilgah Jehonathan Jehon'athan Shammua Sham'mu-A Shemaiah Shemai'ah
Jump to Next
Bilgah Jehonathan Jehon'athan Shammua Sham'mu-A Shemaiah Shemai'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.














of Bilgah, Shammua;
Bilgah is one of the priestly divisions established by King David, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 24:14. The division of Bilgah is significant in the organization of temple service, ensuring that worship and sacrifices were conducted in an orderly manner. Shammua, associated with this division, is likely a descendant or representative serving during Nehemiah's time. The name Shammua appears in various contexts in the Old Testament, often linked to individuals involved in significant religious or communal roles. This highlights the continuity of priestly duties from David's era to the post-exilic period, emphasizing the restoration of proper worship practices after the Babylonian exile.

of Shemaiah, Jonathan;
Shemaiah is another priestly division, also established in the time of David (1 Chronicles 24:20). The mention of Jonathan as a representative of this division during Nehemiah's time underscores the importance of maintaining the lineage and responsibilities of the priesthood. The name Jonathan, meaning "Yahweh has given," is common in the Old Testament and often associated with figures of leadership and faithfulness. This continuity reflects the dedication to preserving the religious heritage and the covenant relationship with God, which was central to the identity of the Jewish people. The restoration of these priestly divisions under Nehemiah's leadership is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promises to restore Israel and reestablish Jerusalem as a center of worship.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Bilgah
A priestly division mentioned in the context of the return from Babylonian exile. The division of Bilgah is one of the 24 priestly courses established by King David, as recorded in 1 Chronicles 24.

2. Shammua
A priest associated with the division of Bilgah. His role is part of the larger effort to restore proper worship and temple service in Jerusalem after the exile.

3. Shemaiah
Another priestly division mentioned in the same context. Like Bilgah, this division is part of the 24 courses of priests.

4. Jehonathan
A priest associated with the division of Shemaiah. His mention signifies the continuity and restoration of priestly duties in the post-exilic community.

5. Jerusalem
The central place of worship and the city where the temple is located. The restoration of its religious practices is a key theme in Nehemiah.
Teaching Points
Restoration of Worship
The mention of priestly divisions underscores the importance of restoring proper worship practices. In our lives, we should prioritize worship and ensure it aligns with biblical principles.

Continuity of Faith
The preservation of priestly lines demonstrates God's faithfulness in maintaining His covenant people. We are encouraged to remain faithful, trusting in God's promises.

Role of Leadership
The priests played a crucial role in leading the people in worship. Similarly, spiritual leaders today have a responsibility to guide their communities in truth and righteousness.

Community and Service
The collective effort to restore temple service highlights the importance of community in fulfilling God's purposes. We should actively participate in our faith communities, contributing our gifts and talents.

Historical Context
Understanding the historical and cultural background of biblical texts enriches our comprehension and application of Scripture. We should seek to study and understand the context of the Bible.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
of Bilgah,
לְבִלְגָּ֣ה (lə·ḇil·gāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1083: Bilgah -- 'cheerfulness', two Israelites

Shammua;
שַׁמּ֔וּעַ (šam·mū·a‘)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8051: Shammua -- three Israelites

of Shemaiah,
לִֽשְׁמַעְיָ֖ה (liš·ma‘·yāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8098: Shemaiah -- 'Yah hears', the name of a number of Israelites

Jonathan;
יְהוֹנָתָֽן׃ (yə·hō·w·nā·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3083: Jonathan -- 'the LORD has given', the name of a number of Israelites


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OT History: Nehemiah 12:18 Of Bilgah Shammua (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 12:17
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