Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,

NEHEMIAH 10:1KJV
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Nehemiah 10:1 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 10:1 mean?

Nehemiah 10:1 lists the first person who sealed the covenant agreement, naming Nehemiah, his title as governor (Tirshatha), his father Hachaliah, and another leader, Zidkijah. This verse begins a record of those who formally committed to the covenant with God after the return from exile.

Nehemiah 10:1 is part of a historical account where the leaders of the returned Jewish community publicly affirm their commitment to follow God’s law. Nehemiah, as the governor, is named first to show his leadership and responsibility in this renewal. The act of sealing the document was a formal way to show agreement and accountability, setting an example for the rest of the people.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 10:1

  • "sealed" (חָתַם, ḥātam): This word means to affix a seal or sign a document, indicating a binding agreement. In this context, it shows that the leaders made a solemn, public commitment.
  • "Tirshatha" (תִּרְשָׁתָא, tirshathā’): This is a Persian title meaning "governor." Its use here highlights Nehemiah’s official authority in the Persian Empire and among the Jewish people.
  • "son" (בֵּן, ben): This word simply means "son of," connecting Nehemiah to his father Hachaliah, which was a common way to identify people in ancient records.

Why Nehemiah 10:1 matters

  • Nehemiah 10:1 clarifies that the covenant renewal was not just a private or spiritual act but a public, legal agreement, led by the highest authority among the returned exiles.
  • The mention of Nehemiah’s title and lineage emphasizes the legitimacy and seriousness of the commitment, showing that the leaders were accountable both to God and to the people.
  • This verse sets the stage for the following list, helping readers understand the communal and structured nature of the covenant renewal in Nehemiah’s time.

Where else these words appear

“Hachaliah” Hebrew H2446 · used in 2 verses

  • Nehemiah 1:1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,

“Tirshatha” Hebrew H8660 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 2:63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
  • Nehemiah 7:65 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.
  • Nehemiah 7:70 And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

“Nehemiah” Hebrew H5166 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezra 2:2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
  • Nehemiah 3:16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.
  • Nehemiah 8:9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

“sealed” Hebrew H2856 · used in 24 verses

  • Leviticus 15:3 And this shall be his uncleanness in his issue: whether his flesh run with his issue, or his flesh be stopped from his issue, it is his uncleanness.
  • Job 9:7 Which commandeth the sun, and it riseth not; and sealeth up the stars.
  • Jeremiah 32:10 And I subscribed the evidence, and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money in the balances.