Introduction to Neḥemyah 12:7: Structuring Authority Through Syntactic Chains
Neḥemyah 12:7 is part of a carefully preserved genealogical and administrative record. These priestly lists served to validate religious authority and temple function during the post-exilic period. The phrase אֵ֣לֶּה רָאשֵׁ֧י הַכֹּהֲנִ֛ים וַאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם בִּימֵ֥י יֵשׁוּעַ represents a structured nominative chain, where multiple noun phrases are placed in succession, functioning together as a formal identification and appositional structure. This article explores how Biblical Hebrew uses such chains to organize information, especially in administrative or genealogical contexts.
סַלּ֣וּ עָמֹ֔וק חִלְקִיָּ֖ה יְדַֽעְיָ֑ה אֵ֣לֶּה רָאשֵׁ֧י הַכֹּהֲנִ֛ים וַאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם בִּימֵ֥י יֵשׁוּעַ׃
Analyzing the Nominative and Appositional Structure
1. סַלּ֣וּ עָמֹ֔וק חִלְקִיָּ֖ה יְדַֽעְיָ֑ה – A Sequence of Proper Names
- Each is a proper noun functioning as a subject or appositive, listed without explicit verbals.
- The form reflects a common biblical method of compact list formation, omitting connective conjunctions for rhythmic or formal effect.
These names belong to priestly leaders, and while no verb appears, they are tied to the identification clause that follows. Hebrew frequently uses such asyndetic sequences in genealogies and lists to imply unity or shared status.
2. אֵ֣לֶּה רָאשֵׁ֧י הַכֹּהֲנִ֛ים – “These are the heads of the priests”
- אֵ֣לֶּה – Demonstrative pronoun, masculine plural (“these”)
- רָאשֵׁי – Construct plural of רֹאשׁ (“head, chief”)
- הַכֹּהֲנִים – Definite noun (“the priests”) completing the construct chain
This phrase forms a construct chain with a demonstrative subject, and functions as a verbless clause meaning: “These [are] the heads of the priests.” The definite article in הַכֹּהֲנִים governs the entire phrase, making רָאשֵׁי הַכֹּהֲנִים definite as well.
3. וַאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם – “and their brothers”
- Root: א־ח־ה (“brother”)
- Form: Plural noun + 3mp suffix (“their brothers”)
- Functions in apposition to רָאשֵׁי הַכֹּהֲנִים
This noun phrase expands the list of responsible figures beyond just the “heads”—also including subordinate or co-equal priestly brothers. The phrase acts syntactically in parallel to the previous clause, sharing the same demonstrative reference.
4. בִּימֵ֥י יֵשׁוּעַ – “in the days of Yeshua”
- בִּימֵי – Construct plural of יוֹם + preposition בְּ (“in the days of”)
- יֵשׁוּעַ – Proper name of the high priest during the early return
This temporal phrase anchors the list in history. The construct form בִּימֵי is standard in Biblical Hebrew to denote a particular era, especially in administrative or royal annals.
Stylistic and Structural Functions
- Apposition and Compression: The verse uses nouns in succession with implied relationships rather than explicit syntax, a common feature in list-heavy texts.
- Historical Anchoring: The phrase בִּימֵי יֵשׁוּעַ situates the names in a real post-exilic context, affirming continuity in priestly leadership.
- Inclusion via וַאֲחֵיהֶם: Hebrew often uses “brothers” to denote not only kinship, but colleagueship, reinforcing the communal nature of sacred leadership.
Identities in Sequence: The Power of Noun Chains in Ezra-Neḥemyah
In Neḥemyah 12:7, the Hebrew construction forms a nominative list that unfolds into a final identification clause. With no verbs in the opening, the reader is drawn into a catalogue of names that culminates in the formal marker: אֵלֶּה רָאשֵׁי הַכֹּהֲנִים. This syntactic style is characteristic of priestly records and historical registries. Through its compact yet rich structure, the verse models how Hebrew uses apposition and verbless clauses to frame authority, time, and communal roles—all in a single grammatical breath.
