Ezra 8:24
New International Version
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, namely, Sherebiah, Hashabiah and ten of their brothers,

New Living Translation
I appointed twelve leaders of the priests—Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten other priests—

English Standard Version
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests: Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their kinsmen with them.

Berean Standard Bible
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers,

Berean Literal Bible
And I separated twelve of the leaders of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them ten of their brothers.

King James Bible
Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

New King James Version
And I separated twelve of the leaders of the priests—Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them—

New American Standard Bible
Then I selected twelve of the leading priests: Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them ten of their brothers;

NASB 1995
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them ten of their brothers;

NASB 1977
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them ten of their brothers;

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them ten of their brothers;

Amplified Bible
Then I set apart twelve leading priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers (relatives),

Berean Annotated Bible
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah (YHWH has scorched), Hashabiah (YHWH has considered), and ten of their brothers,

Christian Standard Bible
I selected twelve of the leading priests, along with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I selected 12 of the leading priests, along with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and 10 of their brothers.

American Standard Version
Then I set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

Contemporary English Version
I chose twelve of the leading priests--Sherebiah, Hashabiah and ten of their relatives.

English Revised Version
Then I separated twelve of the chiefs of the priests, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then I selected 12 leaders from the priests-Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and 10 of their relatives.

Good News Translation
From among the leading priests I chose Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten others.

International Standard Version
Next I selected twelve of the chief priests—Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them—

NET Bible
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers,

New Heart English Bible
Then I set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them,

Webster's Bible Translation
Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers,

World English Bible
Then I set apart twelve of the chiefs of the priests, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I separate from the heads of the priests, twelve, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them of their brothers ten,

Berean Literal Bible
And I separated twelve of the leaders of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them ten of their brothers.

Young's Literal Translation
And I separate from the heads of the priests, twelve, even Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them of their brethren ten,

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall separate from the chiefs of the priests twelve to Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and with them ten from their brethren.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sarabias, and Hasabias, and with them ten of their brethren,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I separated twelve from among the leaders of the priests: Sherebiah, and Hashabiah, and with them ten of their brothers.

New American Bible
Next I selected twelve of the priestly leaders along with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their kinsmen,

New Revised Standard Version
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests: Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their kin with them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then I selected twelve of the elders of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I chose from the Elders, twelve Priests, and Sherabyah and Kheshabyah, and of their ten brethren with them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then I separated twelve of the chiefs of the priests, besides Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren with them,

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I gave charge to twelve of the chiefs of the priests, to Saraia, to Asabia, and ten of their brethren with them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Priests to Guard the Offerings
24Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers, 25and I weighed out to them the contribution of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his counselors, his leaders, and all the Israelites there had offered for the house of our God.…

Cross References
Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests,

1 Chronicles 23:13
The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever.

Exodus 28:1
“Next, have your brother Aaron brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar, to serve Me as priests.

Numbers 8:14
In this way you shall separate the Levites from the rest of the Israelites, and the Levites will belong to Me.
together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah,

Nehemiah 12:24
The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God.

Nehemiah 8:7
The Levites—Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, and Pelaiah—instructed the people in the Law as they stood in their places.

1 Chronicles 25:3
From the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah, Zeri, Jeshaiah, Shimei, Hashabiah, and Mattithiah—six in all—under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with the harp, giving thanks and praise to the LORD.
and ten of their brothers,

2 Chronicles 29:34
However, since there were not enough priests to skin all the burnt offerings, their Levite brothers helped them until the work was finished and until the priests had consecrated themselves. For the Levites had been more diligent in consecrating themselves than the priests had been.

1 Chronicles 23:28-32
but their duty was to assist the descendants of Aaron with the service of the house of the LORD, being responsible for the courts and chambers, the purification of all the holy things, and the work of the service of the house of God, / as well as for the rows of the showbread, the fine flour for the grain offering, the wafers of unleavened bread, the baking, the mixing, and all measurements of quantity and size. / They were also to stand every morning to give thanks and praise to the LORD, and likewise in the evening. …

2 Chronicles 35:11
And they slaughtered the Passover lambs, while the priests splattered the blood handed to them and the Levites skinned the animals.
Nehemiah 12:8
The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who, with his associates, led the songs of thanksgiving.

1 Chronicles 15:11-12
David summoned the priests Zadok and Abiathar and the Levites Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel, and Amminadab. / And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it.

Numbers 3:6-9
“Bring the tribe of Levi and present them to Aaron the priest to assist him. / They are to perform duties for him and for the whole congregation before the Tent of Meeting, attending to the service of the tabernacle. / They shall take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting and fulfill obligations for the Israelites by attending to the service of the tabernacle. …

1 Chronicles 23:4-5
“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, / 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”

2 Chronicles 29:11
Now, my sons, do not be negligent, for the LORD has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, to minister before Him, and to burn incense.”

Leviticus 8:6-13
Then Moses presented Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. / He put the tunic on Aaron, tied the sash around him, clothed him with the robe, and put the ephod on him. He tied the woven band of the ephod around him and fastened it to him. / Then he put the breastpiece on him and placed the Urim and Thummim in the breastpiece. …

1 Chronicles 9:13
and 1,760 of their relatives, the heads of their families, able men for the work of the service of the house of God.


Treasury of Scripture

Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers with them,

Sherebiah

Ezra 8:18,19
And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen; …

Jump to Previous
Apart Besides Chief Chiefs Hashabiah Hashabi'ah Kinsmen Leading Priests Separate Separated Sherebiah Sherebi'ah Side Ten Together Twelve
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Apart Besides Chief Chiefs Hashabiah Hashabi'ah Kinsmen Leading Priests Separate Separated Sherebiah Sherebi'ah Side Ten Together Twelve
Ezra 8
1. The companions of Ezra, who returned from Babylon
15. He sends to Iddo for ministers for the temple
21. He keeps a fast
24. He commits the treasures to the custody of the priests
31. From Ahava they come to Jerusalem
33. The treasure is weighed in the temple
36. The commission is delivered












Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests
Ezra, a scribe and priest, is organizing a group for a significant journey back to Jerusalem. The number twelve is symbolic, often representing completeness or the twelve tribes of Israel. Setting apart these priests indicates a consecration for a holy task, reflecting the importance of purity and dedication in service to God. This act mirrors the selection of the twelve apostles by Jesus, emphasizing leadership and spiritual responsibility.

together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah
Sherebiah and Hashabiah are Levites, a tribe set apart for religious duties. Their inclusion highlights the importance of having knowledgeable and dedicated individuals in spiritual leadership. Sherebiah is noted elsewhere in Ezra and Nehemiah for his teaching and leadership abilities, indicating his respected status. The presence of Levites underscores the need for proper worship and adherence to the Law, as they were responsible for teaching and maintaining religious practices.

and ten of their brothers
The mention of "ten of their brothers" suggests a communal effort and the importance of unity among the priests and Levites. This group of twelve priests, along with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and their brothers, forms a complete and balanced team, ready to undertake the sacred task of transporting valuable offerings to the temple. This reflects the biblical principle of collaboration in ministry, as seen in the early church's communal efforts in Acts. The number ten, often associated with completeness in a legal or covenantal sense, reinforces the idea of a well-rounded and divinely appointed group.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Ezra
A scribe and priest who led the second group of exiles from Babylon to Jerusalem. He was devoted to studying and teaching the Law of God.

2. Twelve Leading Priests
These were chosen by Ezra to oversee the transport of the temple treasures. The number twelve often signifies completeness or the tribes of Israel.

3. Sherebiah
A Levite who was noted for his understanding and teaching of the Law. He played a significant role in the spiritual revival of the people.

4. Hashabiah
Another Levite who assisted in the journey and the spiritual leadership of the people.

5. The Journey from Babylon to Jerusalem
This was a significant event where Ezra led a group of exiles back to Jerusalem, emphasizing the restoration of worship and adherence to God's Law.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Responsibility
Ezra's selection of leaders emphasizes the importance of choosing godly and capable individuals for spiritual tasks. In our lives, we should seek to be leaders who are faithful and trustworthy.

The Role of the Levites
The Levites were crucial in teaching and maintaining the spiritual health of the community. We should value and support those who teach and uphold God's Word today.

Preparation for Worship
The careful selection and preparation for the journey to Jerusalem highlight the importance of preparing our hearts and lives for worship and service to God.

Community and Cooperation
The involvement of multiple leaders and their cooperation in the task at hand demonstrates the power of working together in unity for God's purposes.

Faithfulness in Small Tasks
The priests and Levites were entrusted with the temple treasures, a reminder that faithfulness in small tasks is essential in our walk with God.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Ezra 8:24?

2. How does Ezra 8:24 demonstrate the importance of leadership in spiritual journeys?

3. What qualities should leaders possess according to Ezra 8:24's example of priestly leadership?

4. How does Ezra 8:24 connect with other biblical examples of appointed leaders?

5. How can we apply Ezra's leadership selection process to choosing church leaders today?

6. What role does trust play in Ezra 8:24's delegation of responsibilities?

7. What is the significance of Ezra appointing twelve leaders in Ezra 8:24?

8. How does Ezra 8:24 reflect the importance of leadership in spiritual journeys?

9. Why were the Levites specifically chosen for the task in Ezra 8:24?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Ezra 8?

11. What is Zerubbabel's significance to the Second Temple?

12. Deuteronomy 26:3 mentions going to the priest; who fulfilled this role before the Tabernacle or after the Temple's destruction, and does history support a continuous priestly lineage?

13. 1 Chronicles 14:5-7 - Does the large number of children born to David in Jerusalem suggest an exaggerated account or a cultural practice at odds with later moral teachings?

14. In Ezra 7:21-24, does the decree's broad tax exemption align with known Persian administrative policies, or is it historically implausible?
What Does Ezra 8:24 Mean
Then I set apart

• Ezra, “skilled in the Law of Moses” (Ezra 7:6), takes personal responsibility for the selection. His deliberate action mirrors earlier moments when God called leaders to be distinct for His service (Exodus 28:1; Numbers 8:14).

• Setting people apart underscores holiness—belonging wholly to God (Leviticus 20:26).

• Like Paul and Barnabas later “set apart” by the Spirit for mission (Acts 13:2), Ezra’s act shows that ministry begins with divine designation, not self-promotion.


twelve of the leading priests

• Twelve echoes the twelve tribes (Genesis 35:23-26) and anticipates the twelve apostles (Luke 9:1). Representation matters; the entire covenant community is symbolically included.

• “Leading” highlights proven character (1 Timothy 3:2). They will guard precious temple articles (Ezra 8:25-30), so integrity is non-negotiable (Proverbs 11:3).

• God often chooses a faithful minority to bless the majority (Judges 7:7; Revelation 7:4-8).


together with Sherebiah

• Sherebiah, a Levite of insight (Ezra 8:18), accepted Ezra’s summons despite earlier reluctance among Levites (Ezra 8:15). Willing servants fill critical gaps (Isaiah 6:8).

• Later, Sherebiah helps explain Scripture to the returned exiles (Nehemiah 8:7) and leads worship (Nehemiah 9:4), proving that availability leads to broader ministry.

• His inclusion with priests shows cooperative ministry across roles (1 Corinthians 12:4-6).


Hashabiah

• Another Levite chosen “because the good hand of our God was on us” (Ezra 8:18). Grace, not pedigree alone, secures service (1 Corinthians 15:10).

• Hashabiah later oversees temple singers (Nehemiah 11:22), illustrating how faithfulness in one task opens future doors (Luke 16:10).

• Pairing Sherebiah and Hashabiah provides accountability (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).


and ten of their brothers

• The unnamed ten remind us that most kingdom work is done by those history barely records (Romans 16:6).

• Their presence balances leadership with community participation (Exodus 18:21; Acts 6:3).

• Together—twelve priests plus twelve Levites—make twenty-four caretakers, matching the twenty-four priestly divisions David established (1 Chronicles 24:1-19), affirming continuity with earlier worship patterns.


summary

Ezra 8:24 shows deliberate, representative, and collaborative preparation for sacred service. Ezra sets leaders apart to handle temple treasures, modeling holiness, integrity, and teamwork. God still calls dedicated, accountable groups—both the well-known and the unnamed—to safeguard His work and advance His kingdom.

(24) Sherebiah.--Rather, to Sherebiah--that is, these two Levites, alone mentioned, with ten others, were associated with an equal number of priests in the charge of the Temple treasure.

Verse 24. - Then I separated twelve of the chief of the priests, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, etc. Our translators, following the Vulgate, have omitted to render the preposition לְ, which occurs in the Hebrew text before the name of Sherebiah, and have thus represented Sherebiah and Hashabiah as priests, whereas they were not priests, but Levites, as appears from vers. 18, 19. The true sense is given by the LXX. - "Then I assigned twelve of the chief priests to Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brethren; i.e. "then I appointed twelve chief priests to act with twelve chief Levites, of whom Sherebiah and Hashabiah were two, in the matter of the royal offering." Ezra seems to have considered, that as the gift of Artaxerxes was an offering to the house of God, it ought to be handed over at once to the custody of the ministers of religion, and not remain in secular hands (compare ver. 28).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then I set apart
וָאַבְדִּ֛ילָה (wā·’aḇ·dî·lāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 914: To be divided, separate

twelve
שְׁנֵ֣ים (šə·nêm)
Number - md
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

of the leading
מִשָּׂרֵ֥י (miś·śā·rê)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

priests,
הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים (hak·kō·hă·nîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3548: Priest

together with Sherebiah,
לְשֵׁרֵֽבְיָ֣ה (lə·šê·rê·ḇə·yāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8274: Sherebiah -- 'Yah has sent burning heat', an Israelite name

Hashabiah,
חֲשַׁבְיָ֔ה (ḥă·šaḇ·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2811: Hashabiah -- 'Yah has taken account', the name of a number of Israelites

and
וְעִמָּהֶ֥ם (wə·‘im·mā·hem)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

ten
עֲשָׂרָֽה׃ (‘ă·śā·rāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 6235: Ten

of their brothers,
מֵאֲחֵיהֶ֖ם (mê·’ă·ḥê·hem)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 251: A brother, )


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OT History: Ezra 8:24 Then I set apart twelve (Ezr. Ez)
Ezra 8:23
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