King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:62 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:62 in the King James Version says “The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Nehemiah 7:62 · King James Version

Context

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.

64

These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

Read Nehemiah 7 full chapter

Commentaries2 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 7:62 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?

Compare 2 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
בְּנֵ֣י1 of 10

“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

דְלָיָ֥ה2 of 10

“of Delaiah”

H1806

delajah, the name of five israelites

בְּנֵ֣י3 of 10

“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

טוֹבִיָּ֖ה4 of 10

“of Tobiah”

H2900

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

בְּנֵ֣י5 of 10

“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

נְקוֹדָ֑א6 of 10

“of Nekoda”

H5353

nekoda, a temple-servant

שֵׁ֥שׁ7 of 10

“six”

H8337

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

מֵא֖וֹת8 of 10

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים9 of 10

“forty”

H705

forty

וּשְׁנָֽיִם׃10 of 10

“and two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

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 7:62 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 7:62 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:60

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