Nehemiah 7:32
What does Nehemiah 7:32 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 7:32 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 7:32 means
The men of Beth-el and Ai, a hundred twenty and three (123), are listed together. These neighboring towns had a shared history, and their combined registration reflects practical grouping. Though small, their presence reclaims strategic points near the borderlands. Listing them affirms their inheritance and helps plan for security and supply lines. Even with limited numbers, their willingness to return serves the greater good, linking towns in cooperative support of Jerusalem. Recording such totals prevents neglect and acknowledges the courage required to rebuild in places that had seen earlier defeats and desolations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The men of Beth-el and Ai, a hundred twenty and three.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The men of Beth–el and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The men of Beth-el and Ai, a hundred twenty and three.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The men of Beth-el and Ai, a hundred and twenty-three.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Men of Bethel and Ai: a hundred twenty and three.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The men of Bethel and Hai, a hundred twenty-three.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The men of Bethel and Ai, a hundred and twenty-three.
Context
Within the place-based enumeration (verses 26–38), verse 32 groups Beth-el and Ai, similar to earlier paired or grouped towns. The catalog illustrates the geographical breadth of repopulation, with some areas starting from nearly nothing. Each entry contributes to the administrative picture needed for reassigning land and ensuring adequate support for Jerusalem and the temple. The towns list will continue through verse 38, and thereafter the register will move to the religious service classes (verses 39–45) and the temple servants (verses 46–60), before turning to totals and contributions.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 2:28
The men of Beth-el and Ai, two hundred twenty and three.
- Joshua 8:9
And Joshua sent them forth; and they went to the ambushment, and abode between Beth-el and Ai, on the west side of Ai: but Joshua lodged that night among the people.
- Joshua 8:17
And there was not a man left in Ai or Beth-el, that went not out after Israel: and they left the city open, and pursued after Israel.
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