Nehemiah 7:52

What does Nehemiah 7:52 mean?

A plain-English look at Nehemiah 7:52 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Nehemiah 7:52 means

The children of Besai, Meunim, and Nephushesim are included among the Nethinim. These names, though unfamiliar, represent real families whose service ensured the temple’s daily operations. Recording them prevents their marginalization and secures their role in the community. The list exhibits the humility and breadth of the restored people: not only priests and prominent leaders, but also many who faithfully support worship behind the scenes. Their inclusion signals that all parts of the body are needed for the life of the nation to flourish again.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim,

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim,

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

sons of Bezai, sons of Meunim, sons of Nephishesim,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The children of Besai, the children of Munim, the children of Nephussim,

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

the children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim,

Context

Verse 52 continues within the Nethinim section (verses 46–56), adding three additional groups. The cumulative listing highlights the substantial number of support roles necessary in the temple. This careful attention to the Nethinim will be mirrored by the subsequent listing of the children of Solomon’s servants (verses 57–60), before shifting to the issue of unverified descent (verses 61–65). The sequence keeps the reader aware that restoration requires both spiritual leadership and practical service, all rightly ordered.

v.51the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah.

v.52This passage

v.53the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Ezra 2:50

    the children of Asnah, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephisim,

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