Nehemiah 7 56

Nehemiah 7:56 kjv

The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

Nehemiah 7:56 nkjv

the sons of Neziah, and the sons of Hatipha.

Nehemiah 7:56 niv

Neziah and Hatipha

Nehemiah 7:56 esv

the sons of Neziah, the sons of Hatipha.

Nehemiah 7:56 nlt

Neziah, and Hatipha.

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 56 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:56 is part of a detailed census of those who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile. Specifically, this verse lists five more families among the Nethenim, a designated group of temple servants. This record emphasizes the meticulous account of all who returned, ensuring that every family contributing to the restoration of Judah and the re-establishment of proper worship and community structure in Jerusalem was acknowledged and recorded, highlighting the divine order and re-population efforts after the seventy-year exile.

Nehemiah 7 56 Context

Nehemiah 7 serves as a detailed registry, paralleling the list of returnees found in Ezra 2. Following the completion of the wall in Jerusalem, Nehemiah initiates a census to determine who had returned from Babylonian exile and to organize the city's inhabitants. The primary purpose was to ensure an orderly repopulation of Jerusalem, to establish secure family lines for administrative, priestly, and temple service roles, and to correctly distribute inheritance. Verses 46-60 specifically list the Nethenim, who were "given ones" dedicated to temple service. This list is not merely a record of names but represents the rebuilding of God's chosen community with an emphasis on structure, identity, and the continuity of sacred worship after a period of displacement. Their inclusion underscores that all levels of service were valued in the restoration project.

Nehemiah 7 56 Word analysis

• the children of (Hebrew: bᵊnê, בְּנֵי): This recurring phrase denotes direct descendants or members of a particular family or clan. Its repeated use here emphasizes the meticulous accounting by family unit, which was crucial for tribal identity, inheritance, and assigning duties in post-exilic Judah. It speaks to the importance of lineage in God's covenant people.
• Hatiphia (Hebrew: Chaṭîpāʾ, חַטִיפָא): A specific family name among the Nethenim. The name likely derives from a root meaning "to seize" or "to capture," suggesting a possible historical origin where this family or its ancestors might have been taken captive and subsequently assigned to temple service. This illustrates the diverse backgrounds of those serving God.
• Lebana (Hebrew: Lᵊḇānâ, לְבָנָה): Another family name of Nethenim. This name appears as "Lebanah" in Ezra 2:45. It means "white" or "moon."
• Hagaba (Hebrew: Ḥăḡāḇāʾ, חֲגָבָא): A family name of Nethenim, listed as "Hagabah" in Ezra 2:45. The name means "locust," which could imply a humble or numerous origin for this family, perhaps linked to their designated status as servants.
• Salmai (Hebrew: Śalmāy, שַׂלְמַי): This family name appears as "Shalmai" in Ezra 2:46. It may derive from a root meaning "my garments" or "my peace."
• Hanan (Hebrew: Ḥānān, חָנָן): The last family name listed in this specific verse. The name means "gracious" or "merciful." This is a common and positive Hebrew name, appearing elsewhere in the Bible, signifying God's grace or the character of the named individual.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "the children of [name], the children of [name], the children of [name]...": The repeated formula "the children of" underscores the focus on ancestral family units and continuity. This is typical of ancient censuses, providing not just names but validating the lineage and right of individuals to be included in the repatriated community, especially for those involved in the sacred service of the temple. The inclusion of these families, specifically Nethenim, demonstrates God's care for all who served Him, regardless of their social standing or ancestral origin, affirming their place in the restored community.

Nehemiah 7 56 Bonus section

The listing of the Nethenim, including those in Nehemiah 7:56, highlights God's sovereignty over the seemingly mundane aspects of administration and record-keeping. Their role, though less prominent than priests or Levites, was indispensable for the functioning of the temple, a place critical to the covenant relationship. This demonstrates that all service, from the most exalted to the most menial, is valuable when offered in dedication to God. Furthermore, the very existence and detailed enumeration of the Nethenim illustrate divine grace in bringing diverse individuals into His service, sometimes from backgrounds traditionally separate from the Israelites, symbolizing the inclusiveness of God's redemptive plan. Their integration into the organized Israelite community underscores themes of unity in purpose despite varied origins.

Nehemiah 7 56 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:56, a concise enumeration of five families of Nethenim, reflects the meticulous and divinely guided work of community restoration post-exile. The Nethenim were a unique group, likely descendants of foreigners dedicated to humble, yet essential, tasks within the temple system, from carrying water and chopping wood to assisting Levites. Their inclusion in this comprehensive census alongside priests, Levites, and other Israelite families underscores a vital principle: every single person and family had a specific place and value within God's reconstituted covenant community. This was not a hierarchy of importance, but rather an acknowledgment of divinely appointed roles for the effective functioning of the tabernacle/temple service and the wider communal life. The detailed nature of these lists served not only for practical administration but also for validating heritage and ensuring that sacred duties could continue according to divine design, securing the future of God's people in Jerusalem. It reminds us that in God's plan, there are no insignificant contributions, and His order encompasses all who dedicate themselves to His service.