King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 7:73 Mean?

Nehemiah 7:73 in the King James Version says “So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Is...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 7:73 · KJV

Context

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
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.

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 7:73 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 · 17 words
וַיֵּֽשְׁב֣וּ1 of 17

“dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים2 of 17

“So the priests”

H3548

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

וְהַלְוִיִּ֡ם3 of 17

“and the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהַשּֽׁוֹעֲרִים֩4 of 17

“and the porters”

H7778

a janitor

וְהַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֨ים5 of 17

“and the singers”

H7891

to sing

וּמִן6 of 17
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָעָ֧ם7 of 17

“and some 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

וְהַנְּתִינִ֛ים8 of 17

“and the Nethinims”

H5411

the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)

וְכָל9 of 17
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל10 of 17

“and all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּעָֽרֵיהֶֽם׃11 of 17

“in their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

וַיִּגַּע֙12 of 17

“came”

H5060

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

הַחֹ֣דֶשׁ13 of 17

“month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י14 of 17

“and when the seventh”

H7637

seventh

וּבְנֵ֥י15 of 17

“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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל16 of 17

“and all Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בְּעָֽרֵיהֶֽם׃17 of 17

“in their cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

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 7:73 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 7:73 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:70-3:1

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Nehemiah 7 →

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