Nehemiah 7 70

Nehemiah 7:70 kjv

And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

Nehemiah 7:70 nkjv

And some of the heads of the fathers' houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury one thousand gold drachmas, fifty basins, and five hundred and thirty priestly garments.

Nehemiah 7:70 niv

Some of the heads of the families contributed to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 bowls and 530 garments for priests.

Nehemiah 7:70 esv

Now some of the heads of fathers' houses gave to the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 darics of gold, 50 basins, 30 priests' garments and 500 minas of silver.

Nehemiah 7:70 nlt

Some of the family leaders gave gifts for the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 gold coins, 50 gold basins, and 530 robes for the priests.

Nehemiah 7 verses

Nehemiah 7 70 Meaning

Nehemiah 7:70 details significant contributions made by community leaders, most notably the Tirshatha (governor), Nehemiah, towards the reconstruction efforts and the re-establishment of worship in post-exilic Jerusalem. These gifts, comprising gold, temple basins, and priestly garments, demonstrate commitment to supporting God's house and the restoration of sacred practices after the return from exile.

Nehemiah 7 70 Context

Nehemiah 7:70 falls within a significant transitional phase in the book of Nehemiah. Chapter 7 immediately follows the completion and dedication of the Jerusalem walls (Nehemiah 6:15-16), a major achievement that secured the city. With physical security established, the focus shifts to organizing and strengthening the returned exiles as a community. The chapter begins with Nehemiah appointing officials and preparing for a census (Nehemiah 7:1-4). Verses 5-69 then provide a detailed genealogical register, identifying those who initially returned with Zerubbabel. This re-establishes the identity and lineage of the Jewish community. Verse 70, along with the verses that follow (Neh 7:71-72), recounts the substantial financial and material contributions made by leaders and the people. These donations serve as a prelude to the spiritual revival described in Nehemiah 8, where the law is read and the people commit themselves to God's covenant. Historically, this period marks the post-exilic era, with Jerusalem under Persian rule, highlighting the community's reliance on their own resources and internal leadership to rebuild both the physical infrastructure and the religious life of their nation. The giving recorded here demonstrates renewed dedication and commitment after decades of exile and partial rebuilding efforts.

Nehemiah 7 70 Word analysis

• And some of the heads of fathers' houses: Hebrew: ûmē'rā'shê hā'āvôt. Refers to the patriarchal heads of the clans or family groups. This signifies significant community leaders, demonstrating that giving was not confined to one individual but involved broad leadership participation. Their example was crucial for inspiring the people. This structure echoes the ancient tribal organization of Israel.
• gave: Hebrew: nātenū. A simple, direct verb indicating a voluntary act of donation. It implies active generosity and commitment to the task at hand. The emphasis is on giving, rather than mere collection or taxation.
• to the work: Hebrew: lam'lā'ḵāh. This refers broadly to the "work" of restoring Jerusalem and the temple service. It encompasses the ongoing construction, the maintenance of the city, and especially the practical needs for conducting sacred worship. It’s not just about bricks and mortar but about enabling the religious and civic life of the re-established community.
• The Tirshatha: Hebrew: hattirshātā'. This is a Persian administrative title, likely meaning "governor" or "your Excellency." In the context of Nehemiah, it specifically refers to Nehemiah himself (cf. Neh 8:9; 10:1). His personal, substantial contribution sets a powerful example for the entire community, highlighting leadership by action.
• gave to the treasury: Hebrew: nātan 'el 'ôṣar. This indicates the designated storage place for sacred contributions and funds used for the temple, the priests, and community welfare. It signifies that these donations were specifically allocated for religious and communal purposes, demonstrating accountability and foresight in resource management.
• 1,000 gold drams: Hebrew: darkemonim zāhāḇ 'elef. A "dram" or "daric" was a Persian gold coin, weighing approximately 8.4 grams. 1,000 gold darics was an extremely large sum, representing a substantial portion of wealth. This massive financial gift from Nehemiah underscores his extraordinary personal commitment and generosity to the cause of Jerusalem's restoration. It reflects the immense personal cost borne by him for the Lord's work.
• 50 basins: Hebrew: mizrāqôt ḥamîššîm. These were large, often ornate, bowls or basins used in temple rituals, specifically for collecting sacrificial blood, oil, or water during purification rites and offerings. Their material was typically gold or silver. Their donation highlights the practical needs for reinstating proper temple worship and reflects a desire to fully restore the functions of the sacred service.
• 530 priests' garments: Hebrew: kuttōnôt kōhănîm ḥămiššîm wěšělōš mê’ôt. These were the necessary tunics and vestments worn by priests as they performed their duties in the temple. Such garments were specified in the Mosaic Law for cleanliness, distinction, and proper conduct of worship (e.g., Exod 28). Providing 530 garments indicates a commitment to equipping a significant number of priests for service, signifying the full re-establishment of the priesthood and proper temple worship. It suggests a substantial investment in the spiritual infrastructure of the returned community.

Nehemiah 7 70 Bonus section

The detailed inventory of gifts in Nehemiah 7:70, as well as the following verses (71-72), parallels the meticulous accounts of donations for the Tabernacle in Exodus and the Temple in 1 Chronicles. This subtle literary echo connects the post-exilic community’s efforts to the foundational acts of worship and dedication by previous generations of Israelites, reinforcing their continuity as God's covenant people despite exile. The specific mention of gold (darics), basins, and priestly garments underscores that the people were re-establishing essential elements for legitimate temple worship, demonstrating adherence to the Law of Moses. This act of corporate and individual giving underscores the theological principle that divine work often requires tangible human resources and cheerful stewardship from those whom God has blessed. It’s not just about what is given, but the spirit of cheerful and dedicated giving that underpins God's blessings.

Nehemiah 7 70 Commentary

Nehemiah 7:70 highlights a pivotal moment of generosity and dedication following the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. It is more than a simple record of donations; it exemplifies sacrificial leadership and community commitment to God's purposes. The distinct contributions from the "heads of fathers' houses" and especially the "Tirshatha," Nehemiah, set a powerful precedent. Nehemiah’s personal donation of gold darics, basins, and priests' garments was exceptionally large and varied, indicating a deep investment not only in the physical reconstruction but also in the spiritual life of the restored community, specifically in enabling the temple's functions and supporting the priesthood. This act of giving solidified the foundation for the upcoming spiritual renewal, demonstrating that true restoration involves both material provision and devout adherence to God's ordained worship. It shows that godly leadership leads by example in contributing to the work of the Lord, making provisions for divine service and worship, thus laying groundwork for both spiritual and physical sustenance of the community.