Bible Strands
Nehemiah 10:1
Now these were the ones who sealed the document: Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah,
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The text introduces the signatories of a binding covenant document, naming Nehemiah and Zedekiah as the first to affix their names. The context of Nehemiah 10:2 and Nehemiah 9:38 places this moment immediately after a public confession of sin and the formalization of a written agreement among the community leaders.
The words — תּרְשָׁתָא (tirshata) translates literally to "governor," and חֲתוּמִים (chatumim) means "the sealed [ones]." These terms anchor the verse in the administrative act of ratifying a formal record.
The thread — The sealing of leaders' names appears in Nehemiah 9:38, where the community puts its binding agreement in writing. Nehemiah 1:1 identifies Nehemiah only as the son of Hacaliah, while Nehemiah 8:9 explicitly titles him governor alongside Ezra.
Why it lands — The text records the formal ratification of a covenant through named signatories before any theological commentary is added. It requires the reader to recognize that communal obedience begins with accountable, documented commitment.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,
Cross-references
- Nehemiah 9:38 In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.”
- Nehemiah 1:1 These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,
- Nehemiah 8:9 Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to all of them, “This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people were weeping as they heard the words of the Law.
- Ezra 2:63 The governor ordered them not to eat the most holy things until there was a priest to consult the Urim and Thummim.
- Nehemiah 7:70 Some of the heads of the families contributed to the project. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 bowls, and 530 priestly garments.