Nehemiah 7:62

What does Nehemiah 7:62 mean?

A plain-English look at Nehemiah 7:62 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Nehemiah 7:62 means

The children of Delaiah, Tobiah, and Nekoda number six hundred forty and two (642) among those unable to prove Israelite descent. The specificity shows that this was not a vague problem but involved identifiable groups. Their situation was delicate: they were among the returnees yet could not establish genealogical claims. The record acknowledges their presence while withholding certain rights until matters could be clarified. This approach balanced compassion with prudence, upholding community integrity without hastily rejecting people who may well have belonged but lacked documentation after years of displacement.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred and forty-two.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

sons of Delaiah, sons of Tobiah, sons of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

The children of Dalaia, the children of Tobia, the children of Necoda, six hundred forty-two.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobijah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred and forty-two.

Context

Verse 62 continues detailing those who lacked genealogical proof, providing numbers and names. This precision shows administrative seriousness and sets the stage for the subsequent, more critical question of priests with uncertain lineage (verses 63–64). The flow contrasts the stability of the verified lists (verses 6–60) with the caution applied to those in doubt. The coming decision in verse 65 will establish a principle for handling sacred privileges when identity is unclear, aiming to protect worship while seeking God’s direction.

v.61And these were they that went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer; but they could not show their fathers’ houses, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel:

v.62This passage

v.63And of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name.

Cross references

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

  • Ezra 2:60

    the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred fifty and two.

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