Nehemiah 7 27

Nehemiah 7:27 kjv

The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.

Nehemiah 7:27 nkjv

the men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight;

Nehemiah 7:27 niv

of Anathoth ? 128

Nehemiah 7:27 esv

The men of Anathoth, 128.

Nehemiah 7:27 nlt

The people of Anathoth ? 128

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 27 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:27 states that "The men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight," were among those who returned from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel to Judah. This verse, part of a meticulous register of returnees, signifies the re-establishment of the community of God's people based on lineage and ancestral lands. It emphasizes divine providence in gathering the remnant and the importance of specific numerical detail in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 7 27 Context

Nehemiah chapter 7 presents a meticulously compiled roster of the families and individuals who had returned to Judah from Babylonian exile with Zerubbabel. This chapter serves as a critical historical record, establishing the legitimate inhabitants of Jerusalem and other Judean towns, based on their genealogical heritage and the land allotments prior to the exile. Nehemiah consulted this list to manage the re-population and rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem, especially the sensitive issue of land claims and social organization within the restored community. The chapter begins after the completion of the walls (Neh 6) and prior to the spiritual renewal under Ezra's teaching (Neh 8). The detailed numbering highlights the historical accuracy and divine oversight in preserving a remnant. This registry reinforced their identity as God's covenant people, distinguishing them from foreigners who might have sought to undermine their claims or infiltrate the community.

Nehemiah 7 27 Word analysis

• The men of (הָאֲנָשִׁים֙ - ha'anashim): The definite article "ha-" highlights specific men. The Hebrew word 'ish (אִישׁ) primarily means "man" but can also denote an individual of a collective group. Here, it emphasizes the specific individuals identified by their origin from Anathoth, signifying a distinct returning contingent rather than just a general number. Their return reinforces their ancient tribal and familial ties to their ancestral land, emphasizing the restoration of the tribal structure.
• Anathoth (עֲנָת֣וֹת - 'Anatot): An ancient Levitical city located a few miles northeast of Jerusalem, within the territory of Benjamin. It was designated as one of the cities for the Kohathite Levites (Josh 21:18, 1 Chr 6:60). Its most famous inhabitant was the prophet Jeremiah, who was of priestly lineage from Anathoth (Jer 1:1). The return of people from Anathoth highlights the re-population of formerly priestly cities and potentially, the re-establishment of Levitical families who retained their ties to the land and temple service, although their specific role as Levites is not stated in this particular verse.
• one hundred and twenty-eight (מֵאָה֩ עֶשְׂרִ֨ים וּשְׁמֹנָ֥ה - me'ah esrim ushmonah): The precise number underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the ancient Near Eastern scribal tradition and the Jewish exiles' dedication to genealogical accuracy. This exact count, consistently appearing in parallel lists (like Ezra 2:23), highlights the care taken to document those who returned. The specificity is not accidental but speaks to the divine hand in preserving a measurable remnant and ensures historical validity. This precision also served practical purposes, validating claims to land, property, and eligibility for temple service, protecting the covenant community's identity.

• "The men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight": This phrase precisely identifies a returning group by their ancestral hometown and numerical strength. It demonstrates the meticulous census-taking critical to re-establishing Israel's societal and religious structure after exile. This group, likely with a legacy of priestly heritage due to Anathoth being a Levitical city and Jeremiah's home, represents a small but significant segment of the repatriated community, foundational to rebuilding Judah. Their documented return reflects God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promise to regather His scattered people, reinforcing the authenticity and legitimacy of the re-established community. The precise numbering suggests not only a historical record but also God's personal attention to His people.

Nehemiah 7 27 Bonus section

The inclusion of precise numbers like "one hundred and twenty-eight" throughout Ezra and Nehemiah highlights a key aspect of biblical history: God's meticulous attention to detail in His covenant dealings. These numbers serve not just as historical data points, but as testaments to His active involvement in the lives of His people. They reinforce the idea that no individual or family unit within the returned remnant was overlooked. This detailed accounting might also be understood as a form of divine providence, ensuring that the covenant line leading to the Messiah remained clear and traceable. The fact that the list matches almost exactly between Ezra 2 and Nehemiah 7 speaks to the reliability and sacredness of these historical records for the Jewish people. This rigorous verification of ancestry was paramount for upholding religious purity (especially for priests and Levites) and legitimate claims to property within the restored land of Israel.

Nehemiah 7 27 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:27 is a succinct record of a specific group of returnees to Judah following the Babylonian exile: 128 men from Anathoth. This seemingly simple detail carries profound significance within the biblical narrative. It is part of a divinely orchestrated census, mirroring Ezra 2, underscoring the vital importance of lineage and geographical origin in re-establishing the post-exilic community. For the original audience, such precise documentation validated their identity, land claims, and religious roles. Anathoth, notably a Levitical city and hometown of the prophet Jeremiah, held historical and spiritual weight. The presence of its former inhabitants, even in modest numbers, indicated the continued divine hand in preserving a remnant of His people and fulfilling ancient prophecies of restoration. This meticulous record keeping counters any claims that the returnees were merely a scattered, disorganized group, affirming their legitimate place as God's chosen covenant community. It illustrates God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, not abandoning His people despite their rebellion and subsequent exile, but carefully orchestrating their return and resettlement.