King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:45 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:45 in the King James Version says “The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children ...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.”

Nehemiah 7:45 · KJV

Context

43

The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four. Hodevah: or, Hodaviah or Judah

44

The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.

45

The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.

46

The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

47

The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,

Read Nehemiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.

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 7:45 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 · 16 words
הַשֹּֽׁעֲרִ֗ים1 of 16

“The porters”

H7778

a janitor

בְּנֵ֣י2 of 16

“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

שַׁלּ֤וּם3 of 16

“of Shallum”

H7967

shallum, the name of fourteen israelites

בְּנֵ֣י4 of 16

“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

אָטֵר֙5 of 16

“of Ater”

H333

ater, the name of three israelites

בְּנֵ֣י6 of 16

“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

טַלְמֹ֣ן7 of 16

“of Talmon”

H2929

talmon, a temple doorkeeper

בְּנֵ֣י8 of 16

“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

עַקּ֔וּב9 of 16

“of Akkub”

H6126

akkub, the name of five israelites

בְּנֵ֣י10 of 16

“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

חֲטִיטָ֖א11 of 16

“of Hatita”

H2410

chatita, a temple porter

בְּנֵ֣י12 of 16

“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

שֹׁבָ֑י13 of 16

“of Shobai”

H7630

shobai, an israelite

מֵאָ֖ה14 of 16

“an hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שְׁלֹשִׁ֥ים15 of 16

“thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּשְׁמֹנָֽה׃16 of 16

“and eight”

H8083

a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth

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 7:45 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 7:45 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:421 Chronicles 26:1-32

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