Nehemiah 12:23
New International Version
The family heads among the descendants of Levi up to the time of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the book of the annals.

New Living Translation
A record of the heads of the Levite families was kept in The Book of History down to the days of Johanan, the grandson of Eliashib.

English Standard Version
As for the sons of Levi, their heads of fathers’ houses were written in the Book of the Chronicles until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

Berean Standard Bible
As for the descendants of Levi, the family heads up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles.

King James Bible
The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

New King James Version
The sons of Levi, the heads of the fathers’ houses until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib, were written in the book of the chronicles.

New American Standard Bible
The sons of Levi, the heads of fathers’ households, were registered in the Book of the Chronicles up to the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

NASB 1995
The sons of Levi, the heads of fathers’ households, were registered in the Book of the Chronicles up to the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

NASB 1977
The sons of Levi, the heads of fathers’ households, were registered in the Book of the Chronicles up to the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

Legacy Standard Bible
The sons of Levi, the heads of fathers’ households, were written down in the Book of the Chronicles up to the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

Amplified Bible
The sons of Levi, heads of fathers’ households, were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

Christian Standard Bible
Levi’s descendants, the family heads, were recorded in the Book of the Historical Events during the days of Johanan son of Eliashib.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Levi’s descendants, the leaders of families, were recorded in the Book of the Historical Records during the days of Johanan son of Eliashib.

American Standard Version
The sons of Levi, heads of fathers' houses, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

Contemporary English Version
However, no official record was kept of the heads of the Levite clans after the death of Johanan, the grandson of Eliashib.

English Revised Version
The sons of Levi, heads of fathers' houses, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
[The names of] the family heads of the Levites were recorded in the Book of Chronicles until the time of Johanan, grandson of Eliashib.

Good News Translation
The heads of the Levite families, however, were recorded in the official records only until the time of Jonathan, the grandson of Eliashib.

International Standard Version
The leaders of the ancestors of Levi were written in the Book of Annals until the time of Eliashib's son Johanan.

Majority Standard Bible
As for the descendants of Levi, the family heads up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles.

NET Bible
The descendants of Levi were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles as heads of families up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib.

New Heart English Bible
The sons of Levi, heads of ancestral houses, were written in the scroll of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

Webster's Bible Translation
The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even till the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

World English Bible
The sons of Levi, heads of fathers’ households, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Sons of Levi, heads of the fathers, are written on the scroll of the Chronicles even until the days of Johanan son of Eliashib;

Young's Literal Translation
Sons of Levi, heads of the fathers, are written on the book of the Chronicles even till the days of Johanan son of Eliashib;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the sons of Levi, the chiefs of the fathers, being written upon the book of the words of the days, and even to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The sons of Levi, heads of the families were written in the book of Chronicles, even unto the days of Jonathan the son of Eliasib.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The sons of Levi, according to the leaders of the families, were written in the book of the words of those days, even to the days of Johanan, the son of Eliashib.

New American Bible
The sons of Levi: the family heads were written down in the Book of Chronicles, up until the time of Johanan, the son of Eliashib.

New Revised Standard Version
The Levites, heads of ancestral houses, were recorded in the Book of the Annals until the days of Johanan son of Eliashib.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The descendants of Levi, the chiefs of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The sons of Levi, Chiefs of the fathers, are written on the Book of the Accounts of the Days until the days of Yokhanan, son of Elishab.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The sons of Levi, heads of fathers' houses, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the sons of Levi, heads of families, were written in the book of the chronicles, even to the days of Joanan son of Elisue.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Priests and Levites who Returned
22In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, during the reign of Darius the Persian, the heads of the families of the Levites and priests were recorded. 23As for the descendants of Levi, the family heads up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles. 24The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.…

Cross References
1 Chronicles 9:1
So all Israel was recorded in the genealogies written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness.

Ezra 2:62
These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.

Nehemiah 7:5
Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it:

Nehemiah 7:64-65
These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean. / The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.

1 Chronicles 4:33
and all their surrounding villages as far as Baal. These were their settlements, and they kept a genealogical record:

1 Chronicles 5:17
All of them were recorded in the genealogies during the reigns of Jotham king of Judah and Jeroboam king of Israel.

1 Chronicles 6:1
The sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.

1 Chronicles 6:31-32
These are the men David put in charge of the music in the house of the LORD after the ark rested there. / They ministered with song before the tabernacle, the Tent of Meeting, until Solomon built the house of the LORD in Jerusalem. And they performed their duties according to the regulations given them.

1 Chronicles 23:27
For according to the final instructions of David, the Levites twenty years of age or older were counted,

1 Chronicles 24:6
The scribe, Shemaiah son of Nethanel, a Levite, recorded their names in the presence of the king and of the officers: Zadok the priest, Ahimelech son of Abiathar, and the heads of families of the priests and the Levites—one family being taken from Eleazar, and then one from Ithamar.

1 Chronicles 26:31
As for the Hebronites, Jerijah was the chief of the Hebronites, according to the genealogies of his ancestors. In the fortieth year of David’s reign the records were searched, and strong, capable men were found among the Hebronites at Jazer in Gilead.

1 Chronicles 27:24
Joab son of Zeruiah began to count the men but did not finish. For because of this census wrath came upon Israel, and the number was not entered in the Book of the Chronicles of King David.

Ezra 2:59-63
The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: / the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 652 in all. / And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). ...

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
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.


Treasury of Scripture

The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

the book.

1 Chronicles 9:14-16
And of the Levites; Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari; …

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Annals Book Chief Children Chronicles Descendants Eliashib Eli'ashib Families Family Fathers Heads Households Houses Johanan Joha'nan Levi Recorded Registered Time Written
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Annals Book Chief Children Chronicles Descendants Eliashib Eli'ashib Families Family Fathers Heads Households Houses Johanan Joha'nan Levi Recorded Registered Time Written
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.














The heads of the Levite families
This phrase refers to the leaders or chief representatives of the Levite clans. The Levites were a distinct tribe in Israel, set apart for religious duties and temple service. The Hebrew word for "heads" is "רָאשִׁים" (roshim), which signifies leadership and authority. The Levites played a crucial role in maintaining the spiritual life of Israel, and their leadership was essential for the proper functioning of temple worship. Historically, the Levites were responsible for teaching the Law and leading the people in worship, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership in guiding the community.

were recorded
The act of recording signifies the importance of documentation and preservation of lineage and duties. The Hebrew root "כָּתַב" (katav) means to write or inscribe, indicating a formal and lasting record. This practice ensured that the roles and responsibilities of the Levites were preserved for future generations, highlighting the value placed on heritage and continuity in the service of God. It also underscores the meticulous nature of Jewish record-keeping, which was vital for maintaining the integrity of religious practices.

in the Book of the Chronicles
This phrase refers to a historical record, possibly a genealogical register or an official document that chronicled the lineage and duties of the Levites. The Hebrew term "סֵפֶר" (sefer) means book or scroll, indicating a written document. The Chronicles mentioned here are not necessarily the biblical books of 1 and 2 Chronicles but rather a separate record that was kept for administrative and religious purposes. This highlights the importance of written records in preserving the history and organization of the religious community.

until the days of Johanan son of Eliashib
This phrase provides a temporal marker, indicating the period during which these records were maintained. Johanan, the son of Eliashib, was a high priest, and his mention provides a historical context for the events described. The name "Johanan" means "Yahweh is gracious," and "Eliashib" means "God restores," reflecting the spiritual significance of their roles. This timeframe situates the narrative within a specific historical period, emphasizing the continuity of religious leadership and the enduring nature of God's covenant with His people. The mention of these individuals underscores the personal and familial aspects of spiritual leadership, reminding us of the human element in divine service.

Verse 23. - Even until the days of Johanan. Why the practice of inserting the names in the book of the chronicles ceased at this date it is impossible to say, unless it was that the chronicles themselves ceased to be compiled. There certainly appears to be a long gap in the authentic Jewish annals between the close of the Old Testament canon and the composition of the First Book of the Maccabees. Johanan, the son of Eliashib. The "grandson" really, as appears by vers. 10, 11. LIST OF THE CHIEF LEVITICAL FAMILIES IN THE TIME OF JOIAKIM AND LATER (Nehemiah 12:24-26). That family, rather than personal, names are here intended is sufficiently shown in the final summary of ver. 26, since the same individuals cannot have flourished under Joiakim (B.C. 490-460)and also under Nehemiah (B.C. 444-430). The actual names - Jeshua, Kadmiel, Hashabiah, Shersbiah, etc. - are all found as family names.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As for the descendants
בְּנֵ֤י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Levi,
לֵוִי֙ (lê·wî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3878: Levi -- a son of Jacob, also the tribe descended from him

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

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

up to
וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the days
יְמֵ֖י (yə·mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of Johanan
יֽוֹחָנָ֥ן (yō·w·ḥā·nān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3110: Jochanan

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

of Eliashib
אֶלְיָשִֽׁיב׃ (’el·yā·šîḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 475: Eliashib -- 'God restores', the name of several Israelites

were recorded
כְּתוּבִ֕ים (kə·ṯū·ḇîm)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 3789: To grave, to write

in
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the Book
סֵ֖פֶר (sê·p̄er)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

of the Chronicles.
דִּבְרֵ֣י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause


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OT History: Nehemiah 12:23 The sons of Levi heads of fathers' (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 12:22
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