King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:71 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:71 in the King James Version says “And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand an...” — 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 to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.”

Nehemiah 7:71 · KJV

Context

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.

73

So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.

Read Nehemiah 7 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 7:71 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 · 13 words
וּמֵֽרָאשֵׁ֣י1 of 13

“And some of the chief”

H7218

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

הָֽאָב֗וֹת2 of 13

“of the fathers”

H1

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

נָֽתְנוּ֙3 of 13

“gave”

H5414

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

לְאוֹצַ֣ר4 of 13

“to the treasure”

H214

a depository

הַמְּלָאכָ֔ה5 of 13

“of the work”

H4399

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

זָהָ֕ב6 of 13

“of gold”

H2091

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

דַּרְכְּמוֹנִ֖ים7 of 13

“drams”

H1871

a 'drachma', or coin

שְׁתֵּ֣י8 of 13

“twenty”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

רִבּ֑וֹת9 of 13

“thousand”

H7239

a myriad, i.e., indefinitely, large number

וְכֶ֕סֶף10 of 13

“of silver”

H3701

silver (from its pale color); by implication, money

מָנִ֖ים11 of 13

“pound”

H4488

properly, a fixed weight or measured amount, i.e., (technically) a maneh or mina

אַלְפַּ֥יִם12 of 13

“and two thousand”

H505

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

וּמָאתָֽיִם׃13 of 13

“and two 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 7:71 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 7:71 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Corinthians 8:12Job 34:19Luke 21:1-4

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