And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.

NEHEMIAH 13:10KJV
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Nehemiah 13:10 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 13:10 mean?

Nehemiah 13:10 describes how Nehemiah realized that the Levites, who were supposed to serve in the temple, had not received their allotted portions of food and support. Because of this neglect, both the Levites and the singers who worked in the temple had left their duties and returned to work in their own fields to provide for themselves.

Nehemiah himself is speaking in this verse, recounting what he discovered after returning to Jerusalem. The situation is that the people responsible for supporting the temple workers had failed in their duty, causing those workers to abandon their temple service. This verse highlights a breakdown in the system meant to keep temple worship running, showing Nehemiah’s concern for proper support of those serving God.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 13:10

  • "Perceived" (יָדַע, yada‘): This word means to know or realize, often through careful observation. Nehemiah is not just guessing; he has become aware of a real problem through investigation.
  • "Portions" (מָנָה, manah): This refers to the assigned shares or provisions meant for the Levites. The word emphasizes that these were not optional gifts, but designated supplies the Levites were supposed to receive.
  • "Fled" (בָּרַח, barach): This word means to escape or run away. It shows that the Levites and singers did not just leave casually—they felt forced to abandon their posts because their needs were not being met.

Why Nehemiah 13:10 matters

  • This verse clears up that the Levites and singers did not neglect their temple duties out of laziness, but because they were not being supported as they should have been.
  • Nehemiah 13:10 highlights the importance of the community’s responsibility to provide for those who serve in religious roles, a theme that runs throughout Nehemiah’s reforms.
  • The verse sets up the actions Nehemiah takes in the following verses to correct the problem, showing his commitment to restoring proper worship and order in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“portions” Hebrew H4521 · used in 7 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 31:3 He appointed also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, to wit, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 12:44 And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
  • Psalms 11:6 Upon the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup.

“fled” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

“singers” Hebrew H7891 · used in 79 verses

  • Exodus 15:1 Then sang Moses and the children of Israel this song unto the LORD, and spake, saying, I will sing unto the LORD, for he hath triumphed gloriously: the horse and his rider hath he thrown into the sea.
  • Ezra 7:7 And there went up some of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
  • Psalms 68:4 Sing unto God, sing praises to his name: extol him that rideth upon the heavens by his name JAH, and rejoice before him.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.