Nehemiah 11:35 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 11:35 mean?

Nehemiah 11:35 lists Lod, Ono, and the valley of craftsmen as places where some of the people of Judah lived after returning from exile. The verse is part of a record showing the resettlement of various towns by the returning Jewish community.

This verse comes in a section where Nehemiah is documenting the distribution of people in and around Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The mention of specific towns and the "valley of craftsmen" highlights not only the geographic spread but also hints at the presence of skilled workers, which was important for rebuilding and daily life.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 11:35

• Lod (לוֹד, Lod): This is the name of a town, known in later times as Lydda, located northwest of Jerusalem. Its mention shows the extent of resettlement.
• Ono (אוֹנוֹ, Ono): Another town, likely near Lod, included to show the specific locations where people settled.
• valley (גֵּי, gei): This word means "valley" and here refers to a specific area, the "valley of craftsmen," which may have been known for its artisans or tradespeople.
• craftsmen (חָרָשִׁים, charashim): This word means "craftsmen" or "artisans," indicating that this valley was associated with skilled workers, possibly a hub for trades needed in rebuilding efforts.

Why Nehemiah 11:35 matters

• Nehemiah 11:35 helps clarify that the return from exile involved not just Jerusalem but a network of towns, showing the broad effort to reestablish Jewish life in the land.
• The mention of the "valley of craftsmen" emphasizes the importance of skilled labor in the restoration of the community, hinting at the practical needs of rebuilding.
• This verse connects to the larger passage by showing the careful organization and planning that went into resettling the land, reflecting the priorities and structure of the post-exilic community.