Nehemiah 11:6 kjv
All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.
Nehemiah 11:6 nkjv
All the sons of Perez who dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred and sixty-eight valiant men.
Nehemiah 11:6 niv
The descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem totaled 468 men of standing.
Nehemiah 11:6 esv
All the sons of Perez who lived in Jerusalem were 468 valiant men.
Nehemiah 11:6 nlt
There were 468 descendants of Perez who lived in Jerusalem ? all outstanding men.
Nehemiah 11 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Neh. 7:4 | "Now the city was large and spacious, but the people in it were few..." | The problem of Jerusalem's underpopulation. |
| Ezra 2:64 | "The whole assembly together was forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty." | Overall count of returnees. |
| Zech. 8:3 | "Thus says the Lord: ‘I will return to Zion...Jerusalem shall be called...a city of truth.’" | Prophecy of God's dwelling and city's restoration. |
| Isa. 43:5-6 | "I will bring your offspring from the east...from the west I will gather you." | God's promise to re-gather His scattered people. |
| Eze. 36:33-35 | "On the day that I cleanse you...the waste cities shall be rebuilt..." | God restoring the land and its population. |
| Jer. 31:27-28 | "Behold, days are coming...when I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man..." | God's pledge to increase the population. |
| Num. 1:2-3 | "Take a census of all the congregation of the sons of Israel, by their families..." | God commanding a numbering of His people. |
| 1 Chr. 7:6 | "The sons of Benjamin: Bela, Becher, and Jediael, three." | Lists of Benjamite family heads/numbers. |
| Neh. 7:5 | "Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be registered by genealogy." | Effort to document returned exiles. |
| Gen. 49:27 | "Benjamin is a ravenous wolf; in the morning he devours the prey, and in the evening he divides the spoil." | Jacob's prophecy highlighting Benjamin's warrior nature. |
| Judg. 20:43-44 | "So they surrounded the Benjamites, pursued them...and trampled them down with ease from their resting place to opposite Gibeah, east of the sun." | Illustrates Benjamite's fierce fighting despite defeat. |
| 1 Chr. 12:2 | "...mighty men of valor, helpers in war..." | Describes Benjamites as strong warriors who joined David. |
| Prov. 31:10 | "An excellent wife who can find? For her worth is far above jewels." (אֵֽשֶׁת־חַיִל֙ - eshet chayil) | "Chayil" extended to virtuous strength/competence. |
| Ruth 3:11 | "And now, my daughter, do not fear. I will do for you all that you ask, for all my people in the city know that you are a worthy woman." (אֵשֶׁת־חָ֑יִל - ishet chayil) | "Chayil" applied to Boaz's recognition of Ruth's character. |
| Phil. 1:27 | "Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ..." | Living with valor/worth in a spiritual sense. |
| Eph. 6:10 | "Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might." | Call to spiritual strength. |
| 2 Tim. 2:3 | "Endure hardship with us, as a good soldier of Christ Jesus." | A parallel to the spirit of enduring hardship for a greater cause. |
| Neh. 11:1-2 | "Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem, but the rest of the people cast lots..." | Introduction to the repopulation effort. |
| Ps. 122:3-4 | "Jerusalem, that is built as a city that is compact together; To which the tribes go up..." | Significance of Jerusalem as a center for tribal unity. |
| Rom. 11:1 | "I ask then, God has not rejected His people, has He? May it never be! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin." | Continuity of the tribe of Benjamin. |
| Isa. 60:1-3 | "Arise, shine, for your light has come...And nations will come to your light..." | Prophecy of Jerusalem's future glory and renewed inhabitants. |
Nehemiah 11 verses
Nehemiah 11 6 Meaning
Nehemiah 11:6 states that a specific number, nine hundred and twenty-eight, of valiant and competent men from the tribe of Benjamin were residents in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This verse provides a precise record of the post-exilic repopulation efforts, highlighting the contribution of one of the tribal groups towards the city's restoration and security.
Nehemiah 11 6 Context
Nehemiah 11 describes the repopulation of Jerusalem after the return from Babylonian exile. Following the completion and dedication of the city walls (Neh. 6-7) and the spiritual renewal under Ezra's teaching (Neh. 8-9), a crucial next step was to inhabit the once desolate capital. Jerusalem, though politically important, had few residents compared to its size and potential (Neh. 7:4). To address this, leaders resided there, and the rest of the population cast lots, with one-tenth designated to move into Jerusalem (Neh. 11:1-2). The remainder settled in other towns. Chapter 11 then lists the various tribal representatives and their numbers who settled in Jerusalem, serving as a vital census and record. Nehemiah 11:6 specifically focuses on the contingent from the tribe of Benjamin, a tribe historically known for its proximity to Jerusalem and its martial prowess. Their contribution to populating and securing the city was significant in the post-exilic community.
Nehemiah 11 6 Word analysis
- And those were: (וְאֵ֣לֶּה - v'eileh) This connective phrase serves to introduce the specific group being described, linking them back to the general context of those dwelling in Jerusalem. It indicates a continuation of the listing.
- all: (כָל־ - chol) Signifies completeness, suggesting that the stated number represents the full count of the Benjamite "valiant men" designated for Jerusalem.
- valiant men: (אַנְשֵׁ֣י הַחַיִל֮ - anshei hachayil)
- Answei means "men of" or "people of."
- Chayil (חַיִל) is a key Hebrew term with a rich range of meanings beyond mere physical bravery. While it often refers to military strength, might, or valor (e.g., Ex. 15:4 "Pharaoh's chariots and his army [chayil]"), it also denotes capability, substance, wealth, and moral excellence. In this context, it speaks to their competence, reliability, and readiness for service—whether in defense, administration, or contributing to the city's overall strength and prosperity. This aligns with the "man of wealth" or "man of ability" sense, crucial for establishing a stable city. It avoids a polemic, rather it is a description of desired qualities for city builders.
- of Benjamin: (לִבְנֵ֣י בִנְיָמִן֒ - livnei Binyamin) This identifies their tribal affiliation, sons of Benjamin. The tribe of Benjamin held a strategic position around Jerusalem (which itself sat partly on Benjamite and partly on Judahite land) and was historically recognized for its martial skill (Gen. 49:27; Judg. 20). Their presence in the capital was thus militarily and symbolically significant.
- nine hundred twenty-eight: (תְּשַׁ֣ע מֵא֖וֹת וְעֶשְׂרִ֣ים וּשְׁמוֹנָֽה - tsha' me'ot v'esrim u'shmonah)
- Tsha' me'ot: nine hundred.
- v'esrim: and twenty.
- u'shmonah: and eight.This precise number reflects the detailed census records and meticulous organization during the post-exilic period. Such numerical specificity underscores the meticulousness of the administrative work overseen by Nehemiah and Ezra, demonstrating divine providential oversight even in these practical details of community building. It provides a concrete measure of the community's progress.
Nehemiah 11 6 Bonus section
The significant number of Benjamite "valiant men" in Jerusalem can be understood in light of their tribe's historical background. Benjamin's territory was strategically situated next to Judah and encompassed key cities near Jerusalem, making them natural protectors of the capital. Historically, they were known as fierce warriors (e.g., Judges 20), a quality highly valued for safeguarding the vulnerable city of Jerusalem in the post-exilic era. Moving to Jerusalem required a commitment and sacrifice from the chosen families, as life within the walled city often involved higher costs, less land for agriculture, and constant vulnerability to external threats. Therefore, these 928 "valiant men" (and their families) represent a dedicated segment of the population, crucial for the long-term stability and security of the heart of Israel.
Nehemiah 11 6 Commentary
Nehemiah 11:6 is a granular detail within the larger narrative of Judah's restoration, emphasizing the practicalities of rebuilding beyond walls and worship. The listing of "valiant men" from Benjamin—totaling 928 individuals—reflects a precise accounting of the population deemed suitable to reside in the newly repopulated capital. The term "valiant men" (חַיִל - chayil) denotes not only military prowess, fitting for the security needs of Jerusalem, but also competence, capability, and substance, qualities essential for establishing a functional society. This attention to numerical detail and the character of the inhabitants highlights God's hand in orchestrating the physical and communal re-establishment of His people in their land. It underscores the importance of committed individuals and tribal contributions to the collective strength and spiritual life of the restored nation, showcasing God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to gather and resettle His people.