Log inSign up

Nehemiah 13 · a question people ask

Is the Eliashib of 13:4 the high priest?

In the text

The chapter doesn't say. It names "Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the rooms of the house of our God" (13:4), and later "Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest" (13:28). Earlier the book named "Eliashib the high priest" who "rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate" (3:1), and its list of priests says, "Joiakim became the father of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of Joiada" (12:10). Whether the Eliashib of 13:4 is the high priest of 13:28, the chapter leaves unsaid, and these notes don't join them. What 13:4 tells of him is his charge over the rooms and that he was "allied to Tobiah" (13:4). Since 12:10 and 13:28 both name Joiada as Eliashib's son, the family tree takes 13:28's Eliashib as the Eliashib of 12:10; it joins neither to the Eliashib of 13:4.

The verses

“Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the rooms of the house of our God, being allied to Tobiah,”
Nehemiah 13:4 · World English Bible
“One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite; therefore I chased him from me.”
Nehemiah 13:28 · World English Bible
“Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the sheep gate. They sanctified it, and set up its doors. They sanctified it even to the tower of Hammeah, to the tower of Hananel.”
Nehemiah 3:1 · World English Bible
“Jeshua became the father of Joiakim, and Joiakim became the father of Eliashib, and Eliashib became the father of Joiada,”
Nehemiah 12:10 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Nehemiah 13

Nehemiah 13: Remember me, my God, for good

Nehemiah doesn't end with the wall. After Tobiah's room is cleared, the Levites' portions given again and the doors shut before the Sabbath, the book's last words are a prayer, "Remember me, my God, for good" (13:31), and the "good deeds" he asks God not to wipe out (13:14) are chesed, the word he uses for God's own "loving kindness" (13:22).

In Favor, questions like this come up right where they arise as you read, with the Hebrew and Greek behind the words and how the chapter leads to Jesus.

Start your free weekNehemiah 13 Bible study

First week free, then $10 a month per person

More questions about Nehemiah 13

All questions about Nehemiah →

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions like this, in every chapter

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions