King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:67 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:67 in the King James Version says “Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and t...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.”

Nehemiah 7:67 · KJV

Context

65

And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim. the Tirshatha: or, the governor

66

The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

67

Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.

68

Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five:

69

Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.

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 7:67 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
מִ֠לְּבַד1 of 16
H905

properly, separation; by implication, a part of the body, branch of a tree, bar for carrying; figuratively, chief of a city; especially (with preposit

עַבְדֵיהֶ֤ם2 of 16

“Beside their manservants”

H5650

a servant

וְאַמְהֹֽתֵיהֶם֙3 of 16

“and their maidservants”

H519

a maid-servant or female slave

אֵ֔לֶּה4 of 16
H428

these or those

וְשִׁבְעָ֑ה5 of 16

“and seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

אֲלָפִ֔ים6 of 16

“thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

שְׁלֹ֥שׁ7 of 16

“three”

H7969

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

מָאתַ֖יִם8 of 16

“and they had two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

שְׁלֹשִׁ֣ים9 of 16

“thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וְשִׁבְעָ֑ה10 of 16

“and seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

וְלָהֶ֗ם11 of 16
H0
וּמְשֹׁ֣רֲר֔וֹת12 of 16

“and singing women”

H7891

to sing

וּמְשֹׁ֣רֲר֔וֹת13 of 16

“and singing women”

H7891

to sing

מָאתַ֖יִם14 of 16

“and they had two hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

וְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים15 of 16

“forty”

H705

forty

וַֽחֲמִשָּֽׁה׃16 of 16

“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 7:67 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 7:67 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:65Jeremiah 27:7Isaiah 45:1-2

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