And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.

NEHEMIAH 11:5KJV
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Nehemiah 11:5 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 11:5 mean?

Nehemiah 11:5 lists Maaseiah and his ancestors as part of a genealogy, identifying him as a descendant of several notable forefathers, including Baruch, Colhozeh, Hazaiah, Adaiah, Joiarib, Zechariah, and Shiloni. This verse is part of a record of those who lived in Jerusalem after the return from exile.

This genealogy is part of a larger section where Nehemiah, the governor of Jerusalem, documents the families and leaders who resettled in the city. Listing Maaseiah’s lineage shows the importance of heritage and continuity for the returned Jewish community, emphasizing their connection to past generations and their legitimate place in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 11:5

  • מַעֲשֵׂיָה (Maaseiah, transliterated "Ma‘aseyah") means "the work of the LORD" or "Yahweh has made." This name reflects a common practice of embedding God’s name or attributes in personal names, showing faith or hope.
  • בֵּן (ben) means "son," and is used repeatedly to show direct descent from one generation to the next, highlighting the importance of family lineage.
  • שִׁלֹנִי (Shiloni, transliterated "Shiloni") likely refers to someone from Shiloh, an ancient city with religious significance in Israel’s history. This connects Maaseiah’s family to a notable place in Israel’s past.

Why Nehemiah 11:5 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the careful record-keeping and emphasis on ancestry among the returned exiles, showing that belonging to Jerusalem was tied to family history.
  • By tracing Maaseiah’s line back through several generations, Nehemiah highlights the continuity of Israel’s people and their connection to earlier times, reinforcing their identity after years of exile.
  • The mention of Shiloni at the end of the genealogy may remind readers of Israel’s earlier religious centers and the deep roots of the community being restored in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“Colhozeh” Hebrew H3626 · used in 2 verses

  • Nehemiah 3:15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.

“Joiarib” Hebrew H3114 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 8:16 Then sent I for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, and for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam, chief men; also for Joiarib, and for Elnathan, men of understanding.
  • Nehemiah 11:10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.
  • Nehemiah 12:6 Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,

“Adaiah” Hebrew H5718 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Kings 22:1 Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty and one years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Jedidah, the daughter of Adaiah of Boscath.
  • 1 Chronicles 8:21 And Adaiah, and Beraiah, and Shimrath, the sons of Shimhi;
  • Ezra 10:29 And of the sons of Bani; Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Ramoth.

“Maaseiah” Hebrew H4641 · used in 23 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 15:18 And with them their brethren of the second degree, Zechariah, Ben, and Jaaziel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehiel, and Unni, Eliab, and Benaiah, and Maaseiah, and Mattithiah, and Elipheleh, and Mikneiah, and Obededom, and Jeiel, the porters.
  • Ezra 10:21 And of the sons of Harim; Maaseiah, and Elijah, and Shemaiah, and Jehiel, and Uzziah.
  • Nehemiah 11:7 And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.