King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:61 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:61 in the King James Version says “And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew thei... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. seed: or, pedigree

Nehemiah 7:61 · KJV


Context

59

The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon. Amon: or, Ami

60

All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

61

And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel. seed: or, pedigree

62

The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

63

And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And these were they which went up also from Tel-melah, Tel-haresha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel.

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 7:61 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 · 18 words
וְאֵ֗לֶּה1 of 18
H428

these or those

הָֽעוֹלִים֙2 of 18

And these were they which went up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

מִתֵּ֥ל3 of 18
H0
מֶ֙לַח֙4 of 18

also from Telmelah

H8528

tel-melach, a place in babylonia

תֵּ֣ל5 of 18
H0
חַרְשָׁ֔א6 of 18

Telharesha

H8521

tel-charsha, a place in babylonia

כְּר֥וּב7 of 18

Cherub

H3743

kerub, a place in babylon

אַדּ֖וֹן8 of 18

Addon

H114

addon, apparently an israelite

וְאִמֵּ֑ר9 of 18

and Immer

H564

immer, the name of five israelites

וְלֹ֣א10 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָֽכְל֗וּ11 of 18

but they could

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לְהַגִּ֤יד12 of 18

not shew

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

בֵּית13 of 18

house

H1004

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

אֲבוֹתָם֙14 of 18

their father's

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְזַרְעָ֔ם15 of 18

nor their seed

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

אִ֥ם16 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

מִיִּשְׂרָאֵ֖ל17 of 18

whether they were of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הֵֽם׃18 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)


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 7:61 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 7:61 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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