The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and in their villages,

NEHEMIAH 11:31KJV
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Nehemiah 11:31 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 11:31 mean?

Nehemiah 11:31 describes how some of the descendants of Benjamin settled in several towns—specifically Geba, Michmash, Aija, Bethel, and their surrounding villages—after returning from exile. This verse lists where these Benjamite families made their homes as part of the broader resettlement of the land.

The context is the period after the Jewish people returned from Babylonian exile. Nehemiah, who was overseeing the rebuilding of Jerusalem and its community, records which groups lived in which areas. The verse shows the practical steps taken to repopulate not just Jerusalem but also the surrounding towns, highlighting the tribe of Benjamin’s role in this restoration.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 11:31

  • children (בְּנֵי, bnei): This word means "sons" or "descendants," emphasizing that it was the families or clans of Benjamin who settled these places, not just individuals.
  • Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִין, binyamin): Refers to one of the twelve tribes of Israel, whose ancestral land included the towns listed here. Their presence in these towns ties back to their historic inheritance.
  • Geba (גֶּבַע, geva), Michmash (מִכְמָשׁ, mikhmash), Aija (עַיָּה, ayah), Bethel (בֵּית־אֵל, beit-el): These are specific towns within Benjamin’s territory. Naming them shows the restoration of traditional tribal boundaries.
  • villages (בְּנוֹתֶיהָ, benoteyha): Literally "daughters," this term refers to the smaller settlements or villages around the main towns, indicating a broader resettlement beyond just the main cities.

Why Nehemiah 11:31 matters

  • This verse helps clarify how the land was resettled after the exile, showing that the restoration was organized and based on tribal heritage.
  • By naming both main towns and their villages, the verse highlights the thoroughness of the resettlement, not just focusing on Jerusalem but on the entire region.
  • The mention of Benjamin’s descendants connects the post-exilic community to their ancestral promises and land, reinforcing their identity and continuity with Israel’s past.

Where else these words appear

“Michmash” Hebrew H4363 · used in 11 verses

  • 1 Samuel 13:2 Saul chose him three thousand men of Israel; whereof two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in mount Bethel, and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin: and the rest of the people he sent every man to his tent.
  • 1 Samuel 13:16 And Saul, and Jonathan his son, and the people that were present with them, abode in Gibeah of Benjamin: but the Philistines encamped in Michmash.
  • 1 Samuel 14:31 And they smote the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon: and the people were very faint.

“Geba” Hebrew H1387 · used in 19 verses

  • Joshua 18:24 And Chepharhaammonai, and Ophni, and Gaba; twelve cities with their villages:
  • 1 Samuel 14:5 The forefront of the one was situate northward over against Michmash, and the other southward over against Gibeah.
  • 2 Chronicles 16:6 Then Asa the king took all Judah; and they carried away the stones of Ramah, and the timber thereof, wherewith Baasha was building; and he built therewith Geba and Mizpah.

“Aija” Hebrew H5857 · used in 34 verses

  • Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
  • Joshua 8:11 And all the people, even the people of war that were with him, went up, and drew nigh, and came before the city, and pitched on the north side of Ai: now there was a valley between them and Ai.
  • Joshua 8:26 For Joshua drew not his hand back, wherewith he stretched out the spear, until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai.

“Bethel” Hebrew H1008 · used in 63 verses

  • Genesis 12:8 And he removed from thence unto a mountain on the east of Bethel, and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west, and Hai on the east: and there he builded an altar unto the LORD, and called upon the name of the LORD.
  • Judges 1:22 And the house of Joseph, they also went up against Bethel: and the LORD was with them.
  • 2 Kings 2:3 And the sons of the prophets that were at Bethel came forth to Elisha, and said unto him, Knowest thou that the LORD will take away thy master from thy head to day? And he said, Yea, I know it; hold ye your peace.