Nehemiah 11:1 Meaning and Explanation
“And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The leaders settled in Jerusalem, and lots were cast so that one family in ten would move into the rebuilt but still sparsely peopled holy city.
What Does Nehemiah 11:1 Mean?
The walls are finished, but Jerusalem stands largely empty inside them. With the leaders already living there, the people draw lots to choose which households will leave their hometowns and resettle the capital, while the other nine-tenths remain in the surrounding cities.
To dwell in the holy city was both a privilege and a sacrifice; it meant leaving fields and homes to fill a place where God had set His name. The casting of lots placed the choice in God's hands rather than human preference, and those chosen carried the burden of making the sacred city live again.
Nehemiah 11:1 in the Original Language
qadosh (קָדוֹשׁ), 'holy' -- set apart and consecrated to God, here naming Jerusalem as the city belonging to Him.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nehemiah 11:1
What does Nehemiah 11:1 mean?
The leaders settled in Jerusalem, and lots were cast so that one family in ten would move into the rebuilt but still sparsely peopled holy city.