Nehemiah 7:16
What does Nehemiah 7:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 7:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 7:16 means
The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight, are listed among those who returned. In a humbled nation, each group’s return is a small resurrection of hope. Registering them publicly safeguards their rights while obligating them to support the common good. Their presence would help fill vacant homes and fields, contributing to the economy and the service of the temple. The name and number reflect a story of survival and willingness to start anew. Even without notable deeds recorded here, their faithful return is itself noteworthy, forming part of the stable core upon which Jerusalem’s renewed life could grow.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The children of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-eight.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Sons of Bebai: six hundred twenty and eight.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-eight.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The children of Bebai, six hundred and twenty-eight.
Context
Within the chain of family counts begun in verse 8, verse 16 offers another data point that contributes to the chapter’s cumulative effect. The list’s uniform style enables administrators and readers to track the breadth of the return. As the roster grows, it shows the viability of reconstituting Israel’s social and religious life. This background is crucial for understanding why certain groups later require proof of lineage (verses 61–65) and how the final totals and offerings (verses 66–72) represent the collective strength and generosity of those who came back.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 2:11
The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and three.
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