Nehemiah 12:2
New International Version
Amariah, Malluk, Hattush,

New Living Translation
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

English Standard Version
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Berean Standard Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

King James Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

New King James Version
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

New American Standard Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

NASB 1995
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

NASB 1977
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Legacy Standard Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Amplified Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Christian Standard Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

American Standard Version
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Contemporary English Version
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

English Revised Version
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

International Standard Version
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

NET Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

New Heart English Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Webster's Bible Translation
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

World English Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Young's Literal Translation
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Smith's Literal Translation
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Amaria, Melluch, Hattus,

Catholic Public Domain Version
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

New American Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

New Revised Standard Version
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Amaria, Meluk, Khatush
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Amariah, Malluch, Hattush;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Amaria, Maluch,

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, 3Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,…

Cross References
Nehemiah 7:7
accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:

Ezra 2:2
accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:

Nehemiah 10:9-13
The Levites: Jeshua son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel, / and their associates: Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan, / Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, ...

Nehemiah 11:12-14
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; / and his associates, the leaders of families—242 men; Amashai son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer; / and his associates—128 mighty men of valor. Zabdiel son of Haggedolim was their overseer.

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; ...

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 3:1
At the Sheep Gate, Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests began rebuilding. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated the wall.

Nehemiah 8:7
The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places.

Nehemiah 9:4-5
And the Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani—stood on the raised platform and cried out in a loud voice to the LORD their God. / Then the Levites—Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah—said, “Stand up and bless the LORD your God from everlasting to everlasting: Blessed be Your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise.

Nehemiah 13:13
I appointed as treasurers over the storerooms Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, with Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, to assist them, because they were considered trustworthy. They were responsible for distributing the supplies to their fellow Levites.

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,

Acts 4:36-37
Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (meaning Son of Encouragement), / sold a field he owned, brought the money, and laid it at the apostles’ feet.

Romans 16:7
Greet Andronicus and Junia, my fellow countrymen and fellow prisoners. They are outstanding among the apostles, and they were in Christ before I was.

1 Corinthians 16:15-18
You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, / to submit to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. / I am glad that Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus have arrived, because they have supplied what was lacking from you. ...


Treasury of Scripture

Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,

Malluch.

Nehemiah 12:14
Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph;

Melicu.

Jump to Previous
Amariah Amari'ah Hattush Malluch
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Amariah Amari'ah Hattush Malluch
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.














Amariah
Amariah is a name that appears multiple times in the Old Testament, often associated with priestly or Levitical lines. The name means "Yahweh has promised" or "Yahweh speaks." In the context of Nehemiah 12, Amariah is listed among the priests who returned with Zerubbabel and Jeshua, indicating a restoration of the priestly order after the Babylonian exile. This reflects the importance of re-establishing religious practices and leadership in Jerusalem. The name Amariah also appears in other genealogies, such as in 1 Chronicles 6:7, showing continuity in the priestly lineage.

Malluch
Malluch is another name found in the priestly and Levitical genealogies. The name means "counselor" or "reigning." In Nehemiah 12, Malluch is part of the list of priests, emphasizing the reconstitution of the religious community in Jerusalem. This reflects the broader theme of Nehemiah, which is the rebuilding of both the physical and spiritual walls of the city. The presence of Malluch in this list underscores the importance of maintaining a strong spiritual leadership to guide the people in adherence to the Law of Moses.

Hattush
Hattush is a name that appears in several genealogical records, including those of the descendants of David (1 Chronicles 3:22) and the priestly lines. The name means "assembled" or "gathered." In the context of Nehemiah 12, Hattush is listed among the priests, highlighting the role of the priesthood in the post-exilic community. This inclusion signifies the gathering of the faithful remnant and the re-establishment of worship in Jerusalem. Hattush's presence in the genealogies also connects to the broader biblical narrative of restoration and hope, as the people of Israel return to their covenant relationship with God.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Amariah
A priestly figure mentioned in the lineage of those who returned from the Babylonian exile. The name Amariah means "Yahweh has promised" or "Yahweh speaks," indicating a divine assurance or communication.

2. Malluch
Another priestly figure, whose name means "counselor" or "reigning." This name suggests a role of leadership or guidance within the community.

3. Hattush
A descendant of David, mentioned in the genealogies of those who returned to Jerusalem. The name Hattush means "assembled" or "gathered," reflecting the gathering of God's people back to their homeland.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Lineage and Heritage
Understanding the significance of lineage in the Bible helps us appreciate the continuity of God's promises and faithfulness across generations.

God's Faithfulness in Restoration
The return of the exiles and the reestablishment of the priestly line demonstrate God's faithfulness in restoring His people and fulfilling His promises.

Roles and Responsibilities in God's Community
Each name listed represents a role within the community, reminding us of the importance of fulfilling our God-given responsibilities in the body of Christ.

The Gathering of God's People
Just as God gathered His people from exile, He continues to gather His church today, calling us to unity and purpose in His kingdom.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 12:2?

2. How does Nehemiah 12:2 highlight the importance of spiritual leadership today?

3. What role did the priests play in Nehemiah 12:2, and why is it significant?

4. How can we apply the dedication seen in Nehemiah 12:2 to our lives?

5. What connections exist between Nehemiah 12:2 and the New Testament church leadership?

6. How does Nehemiah 12:2 encourage us to support our church leaders?

7. What is the significance of Nehemiah 12:2 in the context of Israel's history?

8. How does Nehemiah 12:2 reflect the importance of genealogy in biblical times?

9. Why are the names in Nehemiah 12:2 important for understanding Jewish heritage?

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. How many were the children of Azgad? One thousand two hundred and twenty-two (Ezra 2:12) Two thousand three hundred and twenty-two (Nehemiah 7:17)

13. In Ezra 8:2-14, how can these genealogies be accurately verified given the long exile gap and sparse extrabiblical records?

14. How many children of Pahrath-Moab were freed from Babylonian captivity? 2,812 (Ezra 2:6) or 2,818 (Nehemiah 7:11)?
What Does Nehemiah 12:2 Mean
Amariah

Nehemiah 12 opens by listing the priests who returned from exile with Zerubbabel: “Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush …”. Amariah’s inclusion is more than a roll call.

• Confirmation of legitimate priestly lineage. God had charged the sons of Levi to “stand before the LORD to serve Him” (Deuteronomy 10:8). By naming Amariah—found earlier among priestly families in 1 Chronicles 24:7—the text assures the reader that temple service is being re-established exactly as God required (Numbers 3:10).

• Evidence of God’s covenant faithfulness. Judah had been disciplined through exile, yet Amariah stands as proof that God’s promise in Jeremiah 29:10 to restore His people has been kept.

• A reminder that faithful leaders matter. Jehoshaphat once set “Amariah the chief priest” over spiritual matters (2 Chronicles 19:11). Even if the Amariahs are not all the same man, the name evokes continuing priestly oversight, pointing forward to our perfect High Priest, Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16).


Malluch

Next comes Malluch—almost obscure, yet intentionally recorded.

• God sees the “smaller” servants. Malluch also signs the covenant renewal in Nehemiah 10:4, reminding us that those who seem little-known are indispensable (1 Corinthians 12:18).

• An invitation to participate. Just as Malluch stepped back into temple duties after exile, believers today are urged to “offer yourselves as living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1-8).

• Integrity in worship. Malluch’s presence in both priestly and covenant lists underscores consistency; private devotion and public commitment should align (Luke 16:10).


Hattush

Hattush closes the trio, linking priestly and royal threads.

• A bridge to the Davidic line. Ezra 8:2 names a Hattush descended from David (compare 1 Chronicles 3:22). By pairing priestly and royal bloodlines in one returnee, the text hints at God’s larger redemption plan where King and Priest meet in Christ (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:1-2).

• Hope for the future. Returning priests like Hattush joined in rebuilding both altar and wall (Ezra 3:2; Nehemiah 3:1), showing that God revives worship and restores protection simultaneously (Isaiah 58:12).

• Encouragement to persevere. Though covenant promises seemed stalled during exile, Hattush’s reappearance proves God’s timeline never fails (2 Peter 3:9).


summary

Nehemiah 12:2 may look like merely three names—Amariah, Malluch, Hattush—yet each underscores a facet of God’s faithfulness. Amariah certifies rightful priestly leadership, Malluch highlights the worth of every obedient servant, and Hattush intertwines priestly and royal hopes that culminate in Christ. Together they remind us that God records, remembers, and employs all who return to Him, ensuring that worship in every generation is anchored to His unchanging Word.

Verse 2. - Malluch is rolled "Melicu" below, in ver. 14; but the reading of "Malluch" is confirmed by Nehemiah 10:4. Hattush. It is curious that Hattush is omitted from the third list (infra, vers. 12-21). He appears, however, in the first (Nehemiah 10:4), as well as here.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Amariah,
אֲמַרְיָ֥ה (’ă·mar·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 568: Amariah -- 'Yah has promised', the name of several Israelites

Malluch,
מַלּ֖וּךְ (mal·lūḵ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4409: Malluch -- the name of several Israelites

Hattush,
חַטּֽוּשׁ׃ (ḥaṭ·ṭūš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2407: Hattush -- three Israelites


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OT History: Nehemiah 12:2 Amariah Malluch Hattush (Neh Ne)
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