Nehemiah 7:65 Meaning and Explanation
“And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The governor rules that these may not eat the most holy food until a priest can inquire by Urim and Thummim.
What Does Nehemiah 7:65 Mean?
The Tirshatha, the Persian title for the governor, decreed that these of uncertain priestly descent must not partake of the most holy offerings until a priest could arise to consult God by the Urim and Thummim. The matter was left open, awaiting a clear answer from God Himself. Their case was not closed but deferred to divine guidance.
Rather than decide by human judgment alone, the ruling waited upon God to make the matter plain. This reverent restraint trusted that God would reveal the truth in His time. The reader sees a humility that refuses to presume on holy things, choosing instead to wait for God's own word where human certainty fails.
Nehemiah 7:65 in the Original Language
Urim and Thummim (אוּרִים וְתֻמִּים), 'lights and perfections' -- sacred means by which the high priest inquired of God.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nehemiah 7:65
What does Nehemiah 7:65 mean?
The governor rules that these may not eat the most holy food until a priest can inquire by Urim and Thummim.