King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:20 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:20 in the King James Version says “The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.”

Nehemiah 7:20 · KJV

Context

18

The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.

19

The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.

20

The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.

21

The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

22

The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.

Read Nehemiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.

This verse within Nehemiah 7 addresses themes of organization, genealogy, remembrance, continuity. With physical security established, Nehemiah organizes administration and records genealogies, showing continuity with God's promises. 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. The spiritual reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah shaped Judaism for centuries, establishing Scripture's centrality and patterns of worship continuing into the intertestamental period and beyond. 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 Nehemiah 7:20 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 6

“The children”

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

עָדִ֔ין2 of 6

“of Adin”

H5720

adin, the name of two israelites

שֵׁ֥שׁ3 of 6

“six”

H8337

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

מֵא֖וֹת4 of 6

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

חֲמִשִּׁ֥ים5 of 6

“fifty”

H2572

fifty

וַֽחֲמִשָּֽׁה׃6 of 6

“and five”

H2568

five

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 7:20 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 7:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:15

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