King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:39 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:39 in the King James Version says “The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three. — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

Nehemiah 7:39 · KJV


Context

37

The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.

38

The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.

39

The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

40

The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.

41

The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

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 7:39 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 · 9 words
הַֽכֹּהֲנִ֑ים1 of 9

The priests

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

בְּנֵ֤י2 of 9

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

יְדַֽעְיָה֙3 of 9

of Jedaiah

H3048

jedajah, the name of two israelites

לְבֵ֣ית4 of 9

of the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

יֵשׁ֔וּעַ5 of 9

of Jeshua

H3442

jeshua, the name of ten israelites, also of a place in palestine

תְּשַׁ֥ע6 of 9

nine

H8672

nine or (ordinal) ninth

מֵא֖וֹת7 of 9

hundred

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שִׁבְעִ֥ים8 of 9

seventy

H7657

seventy

וּשְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃9 of 9

and three

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice


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 7:39 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 7:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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