King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:70 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:70 in the King James Version says “And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fi...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments. some: Heb. part.”

Nehemiah 7:70 · KJV

Context

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.

70

And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments. some: Heb. part.

71

And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.

72

And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.

Read Nehemiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

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 7:70 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific contribution can you make to building up Christ's church in your local community?
  3. How does understanding your work as part of God's larger purposes transform your approach to daily responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וּמִקְצָת֙1 of 18

“And some of”

H7117

a termination (literally or figuratively); also (by implication) a portion; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

רָאשֵׁ֣י2 of 18

“the chief”

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

הָֽאָב֔וֹת3 of 18

“of the fathers”

H1

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

נָתַ֣ן4 of 18

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַמְּלָאכָ֑ה5 of 18

“unto the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

הַתִּרְשָׁ֜תָא6 of 18

“The Tirshatha”

H8660

tirshatha, the title of a persian deputy or governor

נָתַ֣ן7 of 18

“gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָֽאוֹצָ֗ר8 of 18

“to the treasure”

H214

a depository

זָהָ֞ב9 of 18

“of gold”

H2091

gold, figuratively, something gold-colored (i.e., yellow), as oil, a clear sky

דַּרְכְּמֹנִ֥ים10 of 18

“drams”

H1871

a 'drachma', or coin

אֶ֙לֶף֙11 of 18

“a thousand”

H505

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

מִזְרָק֣וֹת12 of 18

“basons”

H4219

a bowl (as if for sprinkling)

חֲמִשִּׁ֔ים13 of 18

“fifty”

H2572

fifty

כָּתְנוֹת֙14 of 18

“garments”

H3801

a shirt

כֹּֽהֲנִ֔ים15 of 18

“priests”

H3548

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

שְׁלֹשִׁ֖ים16 of 18

“and thirty”

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וַֽחֲמֵ֥שׁ17 of 18

“five”

H2568

five

מֵאֽוֹת׃18 of 18

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

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 7:70 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 7:70 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 8:9Numbers 7:2-862 Chronicles 4:81 Chronicles 28:17Exodus 24:61 Chronicles 29:3-9

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