This verse gives a general description of the arrangements for providing for the singers, gatekeepers, Levites, and priests. All Israel was involved in fulfilling these arrangements. This may be expressed more fully as “the whole of Israel” (Jerusalem Bible), or its meaning may be stated explicitly as in Good News Translation.

In the days of occurs twice in this verse. This is consistent with the author’s emphasis on time. The use of this expression with the names of Zerubbabel and Nehemiah separately may suggest that the author considered the times of the two men to be separate. Note that in the preceding verse this phrase is used for David and Asaph together and they were contemporaries. Translators should not combine this phrase into one expression as in Contemporary English Version, but should indicate two time references as Good News Translation has done (also Bible en français courant, Nouvelle Bible Segond, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible).

Zerubbabel and Nehemiah are the two official governors of Judah mentioned during the time period that is covered in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Citing the names of these two governors indicates that these arrangements were in practice during this period. Good News Translation therefore says “In the time of” instead of the literal translation of Revised Standard Version. Some translators may wish to say “During the times when Zerubbabel and Nehemiah were governors.”

For daily the Hebrew says literally “matter of day in its day.” See the comment on “as every day required” at Neh 11.23.

They set apart is from the Hebrew root meaning “to sanctify,” that is, to dedicate something for sacred use. This refers to the portions (see verse 44 above). These were not gifts of food that were voluntarily shared with the needy during celebrations as in Neh 8.10. Instead, these were contributions that were required as part of everyone’s religious duties. Good News Translation therefore calls the contributions “a sacred offering,” Jerusalem Bible refers to them as “sacred dues,” and New Jerusalem Bible says “dedicated contributions.” They refers back to all Israel.

The sons of Aaron is a designation for the priests. The Levites collected a tithe from the people, and a tenth of this tithe, that is a tithe of the tithe, was destined for the priests (see Neh 10.38).

Good News Translation may serve as a good model for a clear translation of this verse.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Nehemiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .