And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,

NEHEMIAH 12:10KJV
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Nehemiah 12:10 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 12:10 mean?

Nehemiah 12:10 lists a line of succession among the high priests after the return from exile: Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, and Eliashib was the father of Joiada. This verse is part of a genealogical record showing the continuity of priestly leadership in Jerusalem.

The verse appears in a section where Nehemiah is recording the names of priests and Levites who served after the Babylonian exile. The focus is on tracing the legitimate line of high priests, which was important for maintaining order and religious authority as the Jewish community rebuilt itself in Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 12:10

  • יֵשׁוּעַ (Yeshua, "Jeshua"): This name refers to the high priest who returned with Zerubbabel; his role is foundational for the restored priesthood.
  • הוֹלִיד (holid, "begat"): This verb means "to father" or "to beget," emphasizing direct descent and legitimate succession.
  • יוֹיָקִים (Yoiaqim, "Joiakim"), אֶלְיָשִׁיב (Elyashiv, "Eliashib"), יוֹיָדָע (Yoiyada, "Joiada"): These names each mark a generation of high priests, anchoring the community’s leadership in specific historical figures.

Why Nehemiah 12:10 matters

  • This verse helps clarify the line of high priests, which was crucial for establishing legitimate religious authority in the restored community.
  • By naming each generation, Nehemiah 12:10 connects the leadership of the post-exilic period to the earlier traditions, showing continuity despite the disruption of exile.
  • The verse supports the larger theme of Nehemiah: rebuilding not just the city walls, but also the spiritual and social structures of the Jewish people.

Where else these words appear

“Joiakim” Hebrew H3113 · used in 3 verses

  • Nehemiah 12:12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;
  • Nehemiah 12:26 These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.

“Joiada” Hebrew H3111 · used in 5 verses

  • Nehemiah 3:6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
  • Nehemiah 12:11 And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.
  • Nehemiah 12:22 The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

“Eliashib” Hebrew H475 · used in 15 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 3:24 And the sons of Elioenai were, Hodaiah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Dalaiah, and Anani, seven.
  • Ezra 10:27 And of the sons of Zattu; Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth, and Zabad, and Aziza.
  • Nehemiah 12:22 The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

“Jeshua” Hebrew H3442 · used in 29 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 24:11 The ninth to Jeshua, the tenth to Shecaniah,
  • Ezra 4:3 But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.
  • Nehemiah 8:17 And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.