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Nehemiah 11:17

And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

Nehemiah 11:17 · King James Version

Meaning

In this verse, we learn about the individuals who were responsible for leading the thanksgiving in prayer. Mattaniah, the son of Micha and descendant of Asaph, held the principal role in initiating the prayers of thanks. He was followed by Bakbukiah and Abda, who were also tasked with leading the thanksgiving among their brethren. Bakbukiah, the second among his siblings, and Abda, the son of Shammua and descendant of Jeduthun, played important roles in ensuring that the prayers of thanksgiving were carried out properly. This verse highlights the importance of expressing gratitude and praise to God through prayer, and demonstrates how different individuals were appointed to lead the community in this act of worship.

Theological Overview

This verse from the book of Nehemiah describes the lineage of those appointed to lead in giving thanks through prayer. The names mentioned, such as Mattaniah and Bakbukiah, are descendants of notable figures in Israelite history, including Asaph and Jeduthun, who were prominent musicians in the temple. The mention of their lineage underscores the importance of tradition and heritage in the religious practices of the Israelites. These individuals were entrusted with the responsibility of leading the community in praise and gratitude to God, reflecting the central role of thanksgiving in the worship of the Israelites. Through their leadership, they set an example for others in the community to follow, demonstrating the importance of acknowledging and appreciating God's blessings in their lives. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of giving thanks in prayer and the value of passing down spiritual traditions from generation to generation.

Nehemiah 11:17 in other translations

American Standard Version

and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brethren; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

World English Bible

and Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who was the chief to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.

Douay-Rheims

And Mathania the son of Micha, the son of Zebedei, the son of Asaph, was the principal man to praise, and to give glory in prayer, and Becbecia, the second, one of his brethren, and Abda the son of Samua, the son of Galal, the son of Idithun.

Geneva Bible (1599)

And Mattaniah, the sonne of Micha, the sonne of Zabdi, the sonne of Asaph was the chiefe to begin the thankesgiuing and prayer: and Bakbukiah the second of his brethren, and Abda, the sonne of Shammua, the sonne of Galal, the sonne of Ieduthun.