King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:72 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:72 in the King James Version says “And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and thre...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 7:72 · KJV

Context

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.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 7:72 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 · 15 words
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר1 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָֽתְנוּ֮2 of 15

“gave”

H5414

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

שְׁאֵרִ֣ית3 of 15

“And that which the rest”

H7611

a remainder or residual (surviving, final) portion

הָעָם֒4 of 15

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

זָהָ֗ב5 of 15

“of gold”

H2091

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

דַּרְכְּמוֹנִים֙6 of 15

“drams”

H1871

a 'drachma', or coin

שְׁתֵּ֣י7 of 15

“was twenty”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

רִבּ֔וֹא8 of 15

“thousand”

H7239

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

וְכֶ֖סֶף9 of 15

“of silver”

H3701

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

מָנִ֣ים10 of 15

“pound”

H4488

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

אַלְפָּ֑יִם11 of 15

“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

וְכָתְנֹ֥ת12 of 15

“garments”

H3801

a shirt

כֹּֽהֲנִ֖ים13 of 15

“priests”

H3548

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

שִׁשִּׁ֥ים14 of 15

“and threescore”

H8346

sixty

וְשִׁבְעָֽה׃15 of 15

“and seven”

H7651

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

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 7:72 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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