Nehemiah 7:39
What does Nehemiah 7:39 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 7:39 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 7:39 means
The priests are introduced, beginning with the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, numbering nine hundred seventy and three (973). Priests are essential for the sacrificial system and temple purity. Their recorded lineage assures the community that sacred duties will be performed by those rightly descended. The “house of Jeshua” connects to known priestly lines, stabilizing religious life after exile. This entry highlights that true restoration requires not only people in towns but also authorized ministers for worship, so that the covenant life can be renewed in accordance with God’s appointments.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The priests: The children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The priests: The children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the family of Jeshua, nine hundred and seventy-three.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The priests: sons of Jedaiah: of the house of Jeshua: nine hundred seventy and three;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The priests: the children of Idaia in the house of Josue, nine hundred and seventy-three.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred and seventy-three.
Context
With verse 39, the register shifts from towns to sacred service categories, starting with priests. This follows logically after repopulation: now the worship life must be staffed by legitimate lines. The priests’ list will continue through verse 42, then the Levites (verse 43), singers (verse 44), and porters (verse 45). These classifications set the groundwork for proper temple functioning. Later verses will address those who claim priestly descent but lack proof (verses 63–65), illustrating why these records are so critical. The chapter thus moves from general population to the specialized servants of worship.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 2:36
The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.
- 1 Chronicles 24:7
Now the first lot came forth to Jehoiarib, the second to Jedaiah,
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