The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.

NEHEMIAH 11:22KJV
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Nehemiah 11:22 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 11:22 mean?

Nehemiah 11:22 names Uzzi as the overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem, tracing his family line back several generations, and notes that the singers from the family of Asaph were responsible for the work connected to the house of God. The verse highlights both the leadership structure among the Levites and the special role of the singers in temple service.

Nehemiah is recounting how Jerusalem was repopulated and organized after the exile, listing those in charge of various temple duties. Uzzi, a descendant of notable Levites, is singled out as the leader (overseer) of the Levites in the city, while the descendants of Asaph are identified as those who managed the music and worship in the temple. This verse shows the careful attention given to both leadership and worship in the restored community.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 11:22

  • "overseer" (פָּקִיד, paqid): This word means someone appointed to supervise or manage. Here, it points to Uzzi’s official responsibility over the Levites, showing there was a clear structure and accountability in temple service.
  • "Levites" (לֵוִי, levi): The Levites were the tribe set apart for religious duties. Mentioning them here emphasizes the importance of their role in Jerusalem’s spiritual life.
  • "singers" (שָׁרִים, sharim): This word refers to those who led music in worship. The verse singles out the singers as being “over the business of the house of God,” highlighting that music and worship were organized, ongoing responsibilities, not just occasional acts.
  • "business" (מְלָאכָה, melakhah): This word means work or service. It shows that the singers’ role was considered essential work in the temple, not just a side activity.

Why Nehemiah 11:22 matters

  • The verse clarifies that temple worship was not spontaneous but carefully organized, with specific people assigned to lead and manage it.
  • By tracing Uzzi’s lineage, Nehemiah shows the continuity and legitimacy of temple leadership, connecting the restored community to its pre-exile roots.
  • The mention of the singers’ responsibilities highlights the central place of music and worship in the life of Jerusalem, not just as art but as a key part of serving God.

Where else these words appear

“Micha” Hebrew H4316 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Samuel 9:12 And Mephibosheth had a young son, whose name was Micha. And all that dwelt in the house of Ziba were servants unto Mephibosheth.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:15 And Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph;
  • Nehemiah 10:11 Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,

“Uzzi” Hebrew H5813 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 6:5 And Abishua begat Bukki, and Bukki begat Uzzi,
  • 1 Chronicles 7:2 And the sons of Tola; Uzzi, and Rephaiah, and Jeriel, and Jahmai, and Jibsam, and Shemuel, heads of their father's house, to wit, of Tola: they were valiant men of might in their generations; whose number was in the days of David two and twenty thousand and six hundred.
  • 1 Chronicles 9:8 And Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshullam the son of Shephathiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah;

“overseer” Hebrew H6496 · used in 13 verses

  • Genesis 41:34 Let Pharaoh do this, and let him appoint officers over the land, and take up the fifth part of the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous years.
  • 2 Chronicles 31:13 And Jehiel, and Azaziah, and Nahath, and Asahel, and Jerimoth, and Jozabad, and Eliel, and Ismachiah, and Mahath, and Benaiah, were overseers under the hand of Cononiah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king, and Azariah the ruler of the house of God.
  • Esther 2:3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:

“Bani” Hebrew H1137 · used in 14 verses

  • 2 Samuel 23:36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,
  • Ezra 10:29 And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth.
  • Nehemiah 8:7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.