Nehemiah 11:8

KJV

And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.

KJV (with Strong's)

And after {H310} him Gabbai {H1373}, Sallai {H5543}, nine {H8672} hundred {H3967} twenty {H6242} and eight {H8083}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After him: Gabai, Salai; 928 in all.

Berean Standard Bible

and his followers Gabbai and Sallai—928 men.

American Standard Version

And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 11:8 is a specific entry within a detailed census of those who returned from Babylonian exile and settled in Jerusalem and the surrounding towns. This verse meticulously records the names Gabbai and Sallai, along with the precise number of nine hundred twenty-eight individuals associated with them, who took up residence in the repopulated capital. Far from being a mere dry list, this verse underscores God's meticulous attention to every individual involved in His grand plan of restoration, highlighting the vital human element in rebuilding the physical and spiritual fabric of Jerusalem after a period of desolation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 11 follows the completion of Jerusalem's walls, a monumental achievement detailed in [Nehemiah 6](/nehemiah/6 "Nehemiah 6 - Completion of the Wall"). With the physical infrastructure in place, the narrative shifts to the critical task of repopulating the city. [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - Register of Those Who Returned") provides a list of those who initially returned from exile, setting the stage for the strategic repopulation effort. Chapter 11 describes how a tenth of the people were chosen by lot to dwell in Jerusalem, while others settled in nearby towns, fulfilling the mandate articulated in [Nehemiah 11:1](/nehemiah/11-1 "Nehemiah 11:1 - Repopulation of Jerusalem"). Verse 8 is a specific entry within the larger list of individuals and families who committed to this challenging but vital task of re-establishing Jerusalem as a vibrant, inhabited city. The preceding verses list other prominent figures and their associated numbers, making verse 8 a continuation of this meticulous record.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic period was one of immense challenge and rebuilding for the Jewish people. After seventy years of Babylonian captivity, the return to Judah was fraught with difficulties, including economic hardship, external opposition, and internal disorganization. Jerusalem, though its walls were now rebuilt, was still largely desolate and vulnerable. Living in the capital city required significant commitment and sacrifice, as it was likely less secure and less economically viable than other, more established towns. The act of repopulating Jerusalem was not merely a logistical exercise but a profound statement of faith and a necessary step in re-establishing the nation's spiritual and political center. The meticulous census reflects the administrative practices of the time, emphasizing order, accountability, and the importance of tribal and family lineage in the restored community.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 11:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. The primary theme is **Rebuilding and Restoration**, not just of physical structures but of the community itself. The detailed listing of names underscores the theme of **Divine Providence and Meticulous Care**, showing God's attention to every individual involved in His plan, even seemingly minor figures like Gabbai and Sallai. It also highlights the **Importance of Community and Order**, demonstrating the intentional effort to establish a stable and thriving society in Jerusalem. Furthermore, the willingness of these individuals to settle in the capital speaks to their **Faithfulness and Obedience** to God's call, embodying the spirit of commitment necessary for the nation's spiritual and social renewal, as seen in the dedication of the wall in [Nehemiah 12](/nehemiah/12 "Nehemiah 12 - Dedication of the Wall").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gabbai (Hebrew, _Gabbay'_):** This is a proper Hebrew name, meaning "my back" or "my elevated one." In this context, it functions as an identifier for an individual, likely a head of a family or a representative of a group, who settled in Jerusalem. The name itself, while not explicitly expounded upon in the text, signifies a specific person known and recorded, emphasizing the individual nature of God's attention within the collective restoration.
* **Sallai (Hebrew, _Sallay'_):** Another proper Hebrew name, possibly meaning "my basket" or "my elevation/exaltation." Like Gabbai, Sallai is listed as an individual contributing to the repopulation. The inclusion of two distinct names suggests either two prominent figures or two distinct family lines/groups being accounted for, each bringing a significant contingent of people into the city.
* **Nine hundred twenty and eight (Hebrew, _tisha' me'ot u-shmonim ve-shemonim'_):** This precise numerical figure is not merely an approximation but a specific count. It represents the total number of people associated with Gabbai and Sallai—likely their households, extended families, or a contingent under their leadership—who took up residence in Jerusalem. The exactness of the number underscores the administrative rigor of the census and the significant scale of the repopulation effort, highlighting that the restoration was a collective endeavor involving thousands of people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after him":** This phrase serves as a transitional element, connecting Nehemiah 11:8 to the preceding verses which also list names and numbers of those dwelling in Jerusalem. It indicates a continuation of the census, systematically accounting for the various groups and their leaders who contributed to the city's repopulation. This structure reinforces the comprehensive nature of the record.
* **"Gabbai, Sallai":** These are the specific names of individuals, likely heads of households or prominent figures, who were part of the group settling in Jerusalem. Their inclusion by name signifies their personal involvement and commitment to the restoration project. In a culture where identity and lineage were paramount, being named in such a register was an act of recognition and historical preservation.
* **"nine hundred twenty and eight":** This numerical detail specifies the exact number of people associated with Gabbai and Sallai who resided in Jerusalem. This precision highlights the meticulous nature of the record-keeping and the significant human resources dedicated to the repopulation. It underscores that the restoration of Jerusalem was not just about rebuilding walls, but about gathering and organizing a substantial community to inhabit and revitalize the city.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 11:8 and the surrounding chapter is **Census/Genealogy**. This detailed listing of names and numbers serves to establish order, confirm identity, and underscore the importance of individual participation in the collective restoration. It functions as a historical record, meticulously documenting those who answered the call to rebuild Jerusalem's population. The **Repetition** of this census format throughout the chapter emphasizes the thoroughness of the administrative effort and the scale of the repopulation. Furthermore, the use of **Synecdoche** is evident, as the names "Gabbai" and "Sallai" likely stand in for larger family units or groups of people under their leadership, representing a part (the named leader) for the whole (the contingent they brought). This device allows for concise yet comprehensive reporting of the diverse groups contributing to the city's revival.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 11:8, though a seemingly simple record, carries profound theological weight. It demonstrates God's meticulous care for His people, even in the smallest details of their lives and their collective history. The very act of recording these names and numbers signifies that every individual, no matter how seemingly obscure, is known and valued by God in the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The restoration of Jerusalem was not merely a divine decree but a collaborative effort involving the faithful obedience and sacrifice of many individuals. This verse reminds us that God works through people, and even the "unseen" contributions are vital to His grand design. It underscores the importance of human agency in divine providence, where God's will is accomplished through the willing participation of His servants.

* [Ezra 2:1-70](/ezra/2-1-70 "Ezra 2 - List of Those Who Returned from Exile"): Provides a similar detailed census of the initial returnees from Babylonian exile, emphasizing the importance of identity and lineage in the post-exilic community.
* [Numbers 1:1-46](/numbers/1-1-46 "Numbers 1 - The First Census of Israel"): Details the census taken in the wilderness, demonstrating God's command for order and organization among His people, and the significance of every individual's place within the community.
* [1 Chronicles 9:2-9](/1_chronicles/9-2 "1 Chronicles 9:2-9 - Inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Exile"): Offers another account of those who settled in Jerusalem after the exile, reinforcing the historical and theological importance of the repopulation effort.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 11:8, a verse that might easily be overlooked as a mere list, offers powerful lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's grand purposes are often fulfilled through the seemingly mundane details and the faithful contributions of countless individuals. Just as Gabbai, Sallai, and their 928 associates were vital to the physical repopulation of Jerusalem, so too are ordinary believers essential to the ongoing work of God's kingdom today. Every act of service, every commitment to community, and every sacrifice made for the sake of the gospel contributes to the spiritual "repopulation" and flourishing of God's people. This verse challenges us to consider our own place in God's plan, recognizing that our names, though perhaps not recorded in an ancient biblical census, are known to God and our contributions are valued by Him. It encourages us to embrace our part in the collective mission, knowing that even in the anonymity of a crowd or a list, our faithfulness matters to the Lord.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous detail of Nehemiah 11:8 challenge my perception of God's attention to individual lives?**
* **In what ways am I, like Gabbai and Sallai, called to contribute to the "repopulation" or strengthening of God's community today, even in seemingly small or unglamorous roles?**
* **What sacrifices might be required to participate faithfully in God's work, and how does the commitment of those in Nehemiah's time inspire me?**

### FAQ
**Why are these names and numbers so important in the Bible, when they seem like a mere list?**

Answer: These names and numbers are crucial because they underscore several profound truths. First, they demonstrate God's meticulous attention to detail and His personal knowledge of every individual involved in His redemptive plan. Even seemingly "minor" figures are recorded, showing that every person's contribution is valued. Second, they highlight the importance of human agency and participation in God's work. The rebuilding of Jerusalem was not just a divine act but required the faithful obedience and sacrifice of specific individuals and families. Third, these lists provide historical authenticity and continuity, linking the post-exilic community to their ancestral heritage and demonstrating the fulfillment of God's promises to restore His people to their land, as seen in prophecies like [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Promise of Return from Exile"). They are a testament to God's faithfulness and the people's response.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 11:8, with its meticulous enumeration of those who repopulated earthly Jerusalem, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate, spiritual repopulation of the heavenly Jerusalem through Christ. Just as every name and number in Nehemiah's census was vital to the physical restoration, so too is every individual believer, whose name is written in the [Lamb's Book of Life](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Book of Life"), essential to the spiritual city of God. The commitment of Gabbai, Sallai, and their contingent to dwell in a vulnerable Jerusalem points to the greater commitment of those who, by faith in Christ, become citizens of a new, eternal city, whose builder and maker is God ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Faith in a Heavenly City")). Jesus, as the true Nehemiah, rebuilds not walls of stone but the spiritual temple, His church, gathering people from every tribe and tongue into His body ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19 - Citizens with the Saints")). The detailed census of old anticipates the perfect knowledge of God, who knows each of His sheep by name ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")), and whose ultimate plan is to bring His countless redeemed people into the glorious New Jerusalem ([Revelation 21:2](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2 - 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.