Nehemiah 7:31
What does Nehemiah 7:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 7:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 7:31 means
The men of Michmas, a hundred and twenty and two (122), are counted. Though not many, they represent a foothold for renewing life in their town. Registering them secures their property and role in the wider community. Small totals remind us that post-exilic restoration often began with minimal resources, requiring perseverance. Yet the official record gives them legitimacy and encouragement. With their recognized status, they can coordinate with neighboring towns, contribute to temple support, and participate in regional defense, all under the governance re-established in Jerusalem.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The men of Michmas, a hundred and twenty and two.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The men of Michmas, a hundred and twenty and two.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The men of Michmas, a hundred and twenty-two.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Men of Michmas: a hundred and twenty and two.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The men of Machmas, a hundred twenty-two.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The men of Michmas, a hundred and twenty-two.
Context
Verse 31 continues the town series (verses 26–38), showing the varied sizes of returning groups across Judah. The geographical catalog underscores that the restoration touched many places, even where populations were slender. Such variability would affect how resources were allocated and where reinforcements might be needed. The list proceeds methodically toward its conclusion at verse 38, after which attention turns to those in sacred service (verses 39–45) and the classes assisting temple operations (verses 46–60). The flow leads toward culminating totals and offerings later in the chapter.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Samuel 13:23
And the garrison of the Philistines went out unto the pass of Michmash.
- Isaiah 10:28
He is come to Aiath, he is passed through Migron; at Michmash he layeth up his baggage;
- Ezra 2:27
The men of Michmas, a hundred twenty and two.
- 1 Samuel 13:5
And the Philistines assembled themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots, and six thousand horsemen, and people as the sand which is on the sea-shore in multitude: and they came up, and encamped in Michmash, eastward of Beth-aven.
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