Nehemiah 11:6

KJV

All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem [were] four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.

KJV (with Strong's)

All the sons {H1121} of Perez {H6557} that dwelt {H3427} at Jerusalem {H3389} were four {H702} hundred {H3967} threescore {H8346} and eight {H8083} valiant {H2428} men {H582}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The total number of descendants of Peretz living in Yerushalayim was 468 courageous men.

Berean Standard Bible

The descendants of Perez who settled in Jerusalem totaled 468 men of valor.

American Standard Version

All the sons of Perez that dwelt in Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 11:6 details the specific contribution of the descendants of Perez, a significant clan within the tribe of Judah, to the repopulation of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It records that four hundred and sixty-eight "valiant men" from this lineage chose or were chosen to dwell in the city, underscoring the meticulous organization and the vital role of individual families in the restoration of Jerusalem as a secure and thriving community. This verse highlights the practical implementation of Nehemiah's vision for a renewed capital, emphasizing the commitment and strength required for such a monumental undertaking.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 11 follows the completion of the wall's rebuilding in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Completion of the Wall") and the subsequent dedication and covenant renewal ceremonies described in [Nehemiah 8-10](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - Reading of the Law"). With the physical structure of Jerusalem secured, the narrative shifts to the critical need for repopulation. Chapter 11 meticulously lists the families and individuals who would reside within the city walls, distinguishing them from those in the surrounding towns. This census-like record serves to document the fulfillment of the plan to establish a viable, inhabited capital, which was essential for the city's long-term security and spiritual vitality. The specific numbers, like that of the sons of Perez, affirm the organized and intentional nature of this resettlement effort.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the seventy-year Babylonian exile, the Jewish people were allowed to return to their homeland under the decrees of Persian kings, notably Cyrus and Artaxerxes. While many returned with Zerubbabel and Ezra, Jerusalem itself remained largely desolate and vulnerable. The city's walls were in ruins, and its population sparse, making it an easy target for hostile neighbors. Repopulating Jerusalem was not merely a matter of convenience; it was a strategic necessity for its defense, economic revival, and its role as the spiritual center of the nation. Culturally, lineage and tribal identity were paramount in post-exilic Israel, as seen in the extensive genealogies in books like [Ezra](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned") and [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Exiles Who Returned"). The mention of "sons of Perez" emphasizes the importance of maintaining tribal distinctions and acknowledging the contributions of specific family units to the national restoration. Living in Jerusalem at this time required significant commitment, as it likely meant greater exposure to threats and potentially fewer immediate comforts compared to settled rural areas.
* **Key Themes:** The verse contributes to several overarching themes within Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. **Repopulation and Restoration** is central, illustrating the practical steps taken to transform Jerusalem from a desolate ruin into a vibrant capital. This was not just physical rebuilding but also the restoration of a living community, vital for the nation's identity and future. The theme of **Commitment and Sacrifice** is evident in the willingness of individuals, like the "valiant men" of Perez, to settle in a challenging environment for the sake of the collective good and God's purposes. Their presence was a testament to dedication beyond mere obligation. Furthermore, the detailed listing of lineages, including the "sons of Perez," reinforces the theme of **Lineage and Identity**, highlighting the importance of tribal heritage and the continuity of God's covenant people. Finally, the entire process, from the rebuilding of walls to the repopulation, is framed within the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to His people and enabling their return and re-establishment in the land, as prophesied in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Perez (Hebrew, _Peretz_):** This name means "breakthrough" or "breach." Perez was one of the twin sons of Judah and Tamar, born in a dramatic manner described in [Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "Genesis 38:29 - Birth of Perez"). His lineage was significant, as he became an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, of Jesus Christ (as seen in [Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Genealogy of Jesus")). In Nehemiah 11:6, the mention of "sons of Perez" highlights the continuing importance of this specific, prominent clan within the tribe of Judah, which was central to the leadership and future of post-exilic Israel. Their presence in Jerusalem underscored the re-establishment of key tribal representation in the capital.
* **valiant men (Hebrew, _gibborim_):** The Hebrew term _gibborim_ (plural of _gibbor_) is rich in meaning, extending beyond mere physical strength. It often denotes individuals of great power, courage, skill, and capability, particularly in military or leadership contexts. For instance, David's mighty men were called _gibborim_ ([2 Samuel 23:8](/2_samuel/23-8 "2 Samuel 23:8 - David's Mighty Men")). In the context of Nehemiah 11:6, these "valiant men" were not just residents; they were capable individuals fit for the challenging task of settling and defending a city that had recently been rebuilt and still faced potential threats from surrounding adversaries. Their presence contributed significantly to the city's security, stability, and the overall strength of the re-established community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"All the sons of Perez":** This phrase specifies a particular lineage, tracing back to Perez, a son of Judah. It emphasizes the importance of tribal and family identity in the post-exilic community and highlights the contribution of a distinct, recognized clan to the repopulation effort.
* **"that dwelt at Jerusalem":** This clause indicates the specific location where these individuals resided. It signifies their commitment to the capital city, which was still vulnerable and required dedicated inhabitants for its security and revitalization, distinguishing them from those who lived in the surrounding towns.
* **"[were] four hundred threescore and eight":** This precise numerical detail (468) reflects meticulous record-keeping, a common practice in ancient Israelite censuses and genealogies. It underscores the organized and intentional nature of the repopulation effort, demonstrating a careful accounting of the community's resources and manpower.
* **"valiant men":** This descriptive phrase qualifies the individuals, indicating that they were not just any residents, but men of strength, courage, and capability (_gibborim_). Their presence in Jerusalem was a strategic asset, contributing to the city's defense and overall stability in a challenging environment.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 11:6 primarily employs **Census Listing** and **Numerical Detail**. The entire chapter is a detailed record, or census, of those who came to dwell in Jerusalem and the surrounding towns. This device serves to provide a comprehensive account of the repopulation efforts, lending credibility and historical weight to the narrative. The specific inclusion of "four hundred threescore and eight" is an example of **Numerical Detail**, which emphasizes the meticulous organization and the tangible scale of the rebuilding and resettlement. This precision highlights the administrative efforts involved in Nehemiah's leadership and the importance of every individual's contribution. The mention of "sons of Perez" also functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where a part (the clan of Perez) represents a larger whole (a significant portion of the tribe of Judah), underscoring the contribution of key tribal groups to the city's restoration.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 11:6, though seemingly a mere statistical detail, carries profound theological weight. It illustrates God's faithfulness in bringing His people back to their land and re-establishing their capital, fulfilling ancient prophecies of restoration. The meticulous listing of families and numbers demonstrates that God's grand plan for His people often unfolds through the specific, dedicated actions of individuals and communities. The "valiant men" of Perez embody the spirit of commitment and sacrifice required for God's work, reminding us that every member, regardless of their perceived role, contributes to the overall strength and purpose of the collective body. This verse underscores the divine orchestration behind human effort, where God empowers His people to rebuild not just structures, but also community and spiritual vitality.

* [Ezra 2:64-65](/ezra/2-64 "Ezra 2:64-65 - Total Number of Returnees") - This passage provides a total count of those who returned from exile, demonstrating the broader context of detailed record-keeping for the returning community.
* [1 Chronicles 9:2-3](/1_chronicles/9-2 "1 Chronicles 9:2-3 - First Inhabitants of Jerusalem After Exile") - This passage from Chronicles also lists the first inhabitants of Jerusalem after the exile, highlighting the ongoing importance of tribal and family representation in the city.
* [Zechariah 8:3-8](/zechariah/8-3 "Zechariah 8:3-8 - Jerusalem Restored and Inhabited") - This prophecy speaks of Jerusalem being inhabited again, with old men and women, and children playing in its streets, showing the divine promise of a repopulated and secure city.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 11:6, with its seemingly mundane numerical detail, offers a powerful lesson on the nature of God's work and our role within it. It reminds us that grand visions, like the restoration of Jerusalem, are realized through the faithful and often unsung contributions of many individuals. The "valiant men" of Perez were not necessarily the architects or the leaders, but their willingness to settle in a challenging, vulnerable city was absolutely crucial for its survival and flourishing. This calls us to value every contribution within a community or a collective endeavor, recognizing that God uses specific individuals and groups in their unique capacities to accomplish His purposes. Whether we are called to lead, to serve, or simply to "dwell" faithfully in a specific place or role, our commitment and courage are vital. This verse encourages us to embrace our part, however small it may seem, with the same valor and dedication as these men, understanding that our faithfulness contributes to something far greater than ourselves, building up the kingdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "valiant" commitments is God calling you to make in your current season of life, even if they seem numerically insignificant?**
* **How does the emphasis on specific family lineages like "Perez" inform your understanding of your own identity and your role within God's larger story?**
* **In what ways can you contribute to the "repopulation" or "restoration" of spiritual vitality in your own community or church, even if your role is not one of prominent leadership?**
* **How does the meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah encourage you to consider the importance of every individual's contribution to God's work?**

### FAQ

**Why is such a specific number (468) mentioned for the sons of Perez?**

Answer: The mention of a precise number like 468 (four hundred threescore and eight) for the sons of Perez reflects the meticulous record-keeping common in ancient Israelite administration and genealogies, particularly during significant national events like the return from exile and the repopulation of Jerusalem. This detail underscores the organized and intentional nature of Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild not just the walls but also the community itself. It signifies a careful census, ensuring that the city had adequate and specific representation from various clans and tribes, thereby demonstrating a tangible commitment to the restoration of Jerusalem as a viable capital. Such numerical precision also lends historical authenticity to the account, showing the diligence with which these records were maintained, much like the detailed lists found in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - List of Exiles Who Returned") and [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - List of Exiles Who Returned").

**What was the significance of the "sons of Perez" in this context?**

Answer: The "sons of Perez" refer to the descendants of Perez, one of the twin sons of Judah, as recorded in [Genesis 38:29](/genesis/38-29 "Genesis 38:29 - Birth of Perez"). Perez's lineage was highly significant, as he was an ancestor of King David and, ultimately, of the Messiah ([Matthew 1:3](/matthew/1-3 "Matthew 1:3 - Genealogy of Jesus")). In the post-exilic period, the tribe of Judah, from which Perez descended, was central to the re-establishment of the Jewish nation and its spiritual leadership. The specific mention of the "sons of Perez" highlights the importance of tribal and family identity in the repopulation efforts. It shows that prominent and historically significant clans were actively participating in the rebuilding of Jerusalem, reinforcing the continuity of God's covenant people and their connection to the land and the capital. Their presence in Jerusalem was a testament to the re-establishment of key tribal representation in the city.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 11:6 details a specific historical act of repopulating Jerusalem, it points to a deeper, Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. The physical restoration of the city and its inhabitants foreshadows the spiritual rebuilding of God's people, the Church, with Christ as its cornerstone and head. Just as the "valiant men" of Perez were essential for the security and vitality of earthly Jerusalem, so too are believers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, vital members of the spiritual Jerusalem, the body of Christ ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation")). The meticulous counting of individuals in Nehemiah reflects God's intimate knowledge and care for each member of His covenant community, a truth profoundly realized in Christ, who knows His sheep by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Good Shepherd Knows His Sheep")). The commitment and sacrifice of these men to dwell in a vulnerable city prefigure the call to discipleship, where believers are called to live faithfully in a world often hostile to the gospel, contributing their unique gifts to the building up of the kingdom ([1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones")). Ultimately, the repopulation of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership anticipates the gathering of all nations into the new Jerusalem, where Christ reigns supreme and every believer finds their true dwelling and purpose in Him ([Revelation 21:2-4](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-4 - The New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.