King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 11:7 Mean?

Nehemiah 11:7 in the King James Version says “And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah,...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.”

Nehemiah 11:7 · KJV

Context

5

And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.

6

All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.

7

And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.

8

And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.

9

And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.

Read Nehemiah 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.

This verse within Nehemiah 11 addresses themes of sacrifice, community building, strategic living. Repopulating Jerusalem required sacrifice—willingness to leave comfortable situations to strengthen the covenant community. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. Nehemiah's final reforms address recurring covenant violations, demonstrating the ongoing challenge of maintaining spiritual commitment across generations. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
  2. What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וְאֵ֖לֶּה1 of 18
H428

these or those

בֶּן2 of 18

“And these are the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בִנְיָמִ֑ן3 of 18

“of Benjamin”

H1144

binjamin, youngest son of jacob; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory

סַלֻּ֡א4 of 18

“Sallu”

H5543

sallu or sallai, the name of two israelites

בֶּן5 of 18

“And these are the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מְשֻׁלָּ֡ם6 of 18

“of Meshullam”

H4918

meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites

בֶּן7 of 18

“And these are the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יוֹעֵ֡ד8 of 18

“of Joed”

H3133

joed, an israelite

בֶּן9 of 18

“And these are the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

פְּדָיָה֩10 of 18

“of Pedaiah”

H6305

pedajah, the name of six israelites

בֶּן11 of 18

“And these are the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

ק֨וֹלָיָ֧ה12 of 18

“of Kolaiah”

H6964

kolajah, the name of two israelites

בֶּן13 of 18

“And these are the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מַֽעֲשֵׂיָ֛ה14 of 18

“of Maaseiah”

H4641

maasejah, the name of sixteen israelites

בֶּן15 of 18

“And these are the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

אִֽיתִיאֵ֖ל16 of 18

“of Ithiel”

H384

ithiel, the name of an israelite, also of a symbolical person

בֶּן17 of 18

“And these are the sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יְשַֽׁעְיָֽה׃18 of 18

“of Jesaiah”

H3470

jeshajah, the name of seven israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 11:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 11:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 9:7-9

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