What number verse is Nehemiah 7:13 in the Bible?

Nehemiah 7:13 is the 12,434th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Nehemiah 7:13 sits at position 12,434.

“The Register of Returnees”· Nehemiah 7:6–38

Translation

King James Version

The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.

Ask

KJV (with Strong's)

The children ^H1121 of Zattu ^H2240, eight ^H8083 hundred ^H3967 forty ^H705 and five ^H2568.

Ask

Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Zatu 845

Ask

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Zattu, 845;

Ask

American Standard Version

The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.

Ask

World English Bible Messianic

The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty-five.

Ask

Geneva Bible (1599)

The sonnes of Zattu, eight hundreth and fiue and fourtie.

Ask

Young's Literal Translation

Sons of Zattu: eight hundred forty and five.

Ask

Study This Verse

Summary

Nehemiah 7:13 is a precise entry within the comprehensive census of the returning exiles in Nehemiah 7, specifically detailing the number of individuals from the family of Zattu who journeyed back to Jerusalem from Babylonian captivity. This meticulously compiled register was a foundational document for the re-establishment of the post-exilic Jewish community, underscoring the vital importance of identity, lineage, and the human resources available for the monumental task of rebuilding the city, its infrastructure, and its spiritual life.

Context

Literary Context

Nehemiah 7:13 is embedded within a comprehensive genealogical list that forms the bulk of the chapter, specifically from Nehemiah 7:6 to Nehemiah 7:65. This census immediately follows the triumphant completion of the wall of Jerusalem, a monumental achievement detailed in Nehemiah 6. With the physical defenses secured, Nehemiah's focus shifts to the internal organization and repopulation of the city, ensuring its proper functioning and security. The list is introduced by Nehemiah's divine inspiration to gather the nobles, officials, and people to be registered by genealogy (Nehemiah 7:5), indicating its critical role in establishing civic and religious order. This detailed record closely parallels the one found in Ezra 2, highlighting its authoritative and foundational nature for the post-exilic community and demonstrating continuity across the historical narratives of the return.

Historical & Cultural Context

The return from Babylonian exile was a pivotal moment in Israelite history, marking the restoration of a people who had endured seventy years of captivity, as prophesied by Jeremiah (Jeremiah 29:10). The meticulous recording of genealogies was not merely an administrative exercise but a profound cultural and theological imperative. For a people whose identity, land claims, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service were deeply tied to their tribal and family lineage, these records were paramount. They helped re-establish social order, verify religious purity, and ensure that only those genuinely descended from Israel could participate fully in the restored covenant community. The list also served a practical purpose: to quantify the human resources available for the immense task of repopulating Jerusalem, rebuilding the temple, and re-establishing the spiritual life of the nation after generations of displacement and assimilation threats.

Key Themes

The census in Nehemiah 7, including the specific entry of Nehemiah 7:13, contributes to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic literature. Foremost among these is Divine Order and Accountability, as the detailed nature of the census highlights God's meticulous care for His people and the importance of structure and organization within His community. Every family, even those seemingly insignificant in isolation, contributes to the larger divine plan of restoration. Another crucial theme is the Faithfulness of God, demonstrated by the very existence of this list, which testifies to God's unwavering commitment to fulfilling His promises to restore His people from captivity and bring them back to their land. Furthermore, the emphasis on Identity and Heritage is central, as these records were vital for preserving the distinctiveness of God's covenant people and ensuring the continuation of the lineage that would ultimately lead to the Messiah. Finally, the census underscores the theme of Foundation for Rebuilding, representing the human capital essential for the physical and spiritual reconstruction of Jerusalem and the nation.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

children bên' H1121

Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term broadly denotes a son or descendant, signifying one who builds or continues the family name. In this context, "the children of Zattu" refers to the collective descendants or members of the Zattu family line. Its inclusion underscores the emphasis on lineage and family units as the foundational building blocks of the restored Israelite community. The meticulous counting of these "children" highlights the importance of each family's contribution to the re-establishment of the nation, emphasizing that God's plan involves specific, identifiable individuals and families.

Zattu Zattûwʼ' H2240

A proper noun identifying the progenitor or head of a specific Israelite family or clan. While the name itself does not carry a profound etymological meaning that alters the verse's interpretation, its presence is crucial for genealogical precision. In ancient Israel, especially during the post-exilic period, the accurate identification of families like Zattu's was paramount for re-establishing social structures, verifying land claims, and confirming eligibility for religious duties (e.g., priestly or Levitical service). The consistent mention of "Zattu" in this and parallel lists (e.g., Ezra 2:8) reinforces the biblical emphasis on genealogical continuity as a means of preserving identity and historical connection within God's covenant people.

five châmêsh' H2568

A primitive numeral denoting the quantity "five." This specific number, part of the larger figure "eight hundred forty and five," represents the meticulous precision of the census. In a list where every family's count is recorded with such exactness, the inclusion of even the smallest numerical unit like "five" emphasizes the thoroughness and reliability of the record. These numbers are not mere statistics; they represent the tangible human resources available for the rebuilding effort and testify to the literal fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people. The precision underscores the divine order and human diligence involved in the post-exilic reconstruction.

Verse Breakdown

"The children of Zattu"

This phrase serves to identify a specific family unit or clan that was part of the post-exilic return from Babylonian captivity. In a society where family and tribal identity were paramount, this designation immediately places these individuals within the broader tapestry of Israel's history and its covenant relationship with God. It signifies their lineage, their connection to the past, and their inherited place within the community of faith. The use of "children of" (בְּנֵי, bĕnê) emphasizes their collective identity as descendants of a common ancestor, Zattu, reinforcing the communal nature of the return and the rebuilding effort.

"eight hundred forty and five"

This numerical figure quantifies the male members (typically adult males capable of contributing to the community, though sometimes including all persons) belonging to the Zattu family who were part of the post-exilic return. The exactness of the number underscores the administrative precision and importance of the census. It represents a significant contribution to the overall population of the restored community, highlighting that the rebuilding of Jerusalem was a collective effort, dependent on the participation of many families, each contributing their unique strength and numbers. This detail, seemingly mundane, is a testament to the tangible reality of God's restorative work through His people.

Literary Devices

Nehemiah 7:13, as an individual line within a larger enumeration, primarily employs the literary device of Census or Genealogy. This is a recurrent feature in biblical literature, serving not merely as a historical record but as a profound theological statement. The repetitive structure of "The children of [Family Name], [Number]" throughout the chapter creates a sense of Repetition and Pattern, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the return and the meticulous divine and human organization behind it. While seemingly a dry list of figures, it functions as a powerful Testimony to God's faithfulness in preserving a remnant and to the unwavering commitment of the people who chose to return. The very act of listing these families and their numbers transforms what could be mere data into a vibrant narrative of restoration, identity, and the foundational elements of a renewed covenant community.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Nehemiah 7:13, though a single line in a long list, profoundly illustrates God's meticulous attention to detail and His unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises. It demonstrates that God's plan of restoration is not abstract but involves specific individuals and families, each counted and valued in His sight. The census underscores the importance of community and identity within God's people, highlighting how individual families contribute to the collective strength and purpose of the whole. It reflects the divine order that underpins successful spiritual and physical rebuilding, reminding us that God works through organized and committed human agents. This seemingly mundane entry is a testament to God's sovereign hand guiding His people back to their land and re-establishing their heritage, preparing them for future redemptive acts.

Ezra 2:8 Numbers 1:2-3 Luke 10:20

Reflection and Application

Nehemiah 7:13, despite its brevity and seemingly administrative nature, offers profound insights for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is intimately involved in the details of our lives and communities, even those we might consider mundane or insignificant. Just as every family in the census contributed to the larger body of returning exiles, so too does every individual and family play a vital role in the contemporary church, the body of Christ. Our unique identities, gifts, and contributions, though sometimes feeling like just a number in a large congregation, are deeply valued in God's economy and are essential for the flourishing of His kingdom. This verse encourages faithfulness in the seemingly ordinary tasks of life and ministry, recognizing that God works through diligent, detailed efforts to bring about His grand redemptive purposes. It calls us to appreciate the importance of our spiritual heritage and to participate actively in the ongoing work of building God's kingdom, knowing that our names are known and valued by Him, not merely as statistics, but as beloved children.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of this census challenge our perception of what God considers important, even in seemingly mundane tasks?
In what ways do you see your own "number" or unique contribution fitting into the larger body of Christ or your local church community?
What "mundane" or "administrative" tasks in your life or ministry might God be using to fulfill His greater purposes?
How does understanding the importance of lineage and identity in Nehemiah's time inform your understanding of your spiritual identity in Christ today?

FAQ

Why is a detailed list of names and numbers important in the Bible, especially in a book like Nehemiah?

Detailed lists of names and numbers, such as the one in Nehemiah 7, are crucial for several reasons, both historical and theological. Historically, they provide verifiable records of identity, lineage, and community structure, which were vital for land claims, tribal inheritances, and eligibility for priestly service in ancient Israel. Theologically, these lists demonstrate God's meticulous care for His people, showing that His promises of restoration are fulfilled through specific individuals and families, not just in an abstract sense. They also underscore the importance of order and accountability within God's community. Furthermore, they serve as a testament to the faithfulness of the returning exiles who, by their presence, fulfilled prophecy and contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem and the re-establishment of the covenant community. Such records also preserved the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, as seen in the genealogies of Matthew 1 and Luke 3.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

While Nehemiah 7:13 appears as a simple demographic detail, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The meticulous preservation of genealogies, of which this verse is a part, ultimately served to maintain the lineage through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would come, fulfilling the promises made to Abraham (Genesis 12:3) and David (2 Samuel 7:12-16). Just as every individual in the Zattu family was counted and essential for the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem, so too is every believer, regardless of their perceived significance, a vital member of the spiritual body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). Christ Himself is the true head of the restored community, the one who perfectly fulfills God's promise to gather His scattered people (John 11:52). The census, a record of those who returned to rebuild, foreshadows the ultimate spiritual rebuilding and restoration found in Christ, who builds His church (Matthew 16:18) and gathers His people into a new, eternal Jerusalem (Revelation 21:2-4). Thus, this seemingly dry verse points to the grand redemptive plan culminating in Jesus, the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20).

Copy as

Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Nehemiah 7:5–73. His four-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.

1662–1714 · 69 verses

Passage under commentNehemiah 7:5–73

5¶ And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,

6These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;

7Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;

8The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

9The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.

10The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.

11The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.

12The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

13The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.

14The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.

15The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.

16The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.

17The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.

18The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.

19The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.

20The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.

21The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.

22The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.

23The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.

24The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve.

25The children of Gibeon, ninety and five.

26The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.

27The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.

28The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two.

29The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.

30The men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred twenty and one.

31The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.

32The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.

33The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.

34The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.

35The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.

36The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

37The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.

38The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.

39The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.

40The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.

41The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.

42The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

43The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.

44The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.

45The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.

46The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,

47The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,

48The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai,

49The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,

50The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,

51The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,

52The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim,

53The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,

54The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,

55The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,

56The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.

57The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,

58The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

59The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.

60All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety and two.

61And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father's house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel.

62The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.

63And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.

64These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.

65And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.

66The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,

67Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.

68Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five:

69Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.

70And 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.

71And 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.

72And 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.

73So 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.

I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details[1.] [2.] Fine details

We have here another good project of Nehemiah's; for wise and zealous men will be always contriving something or other for the glory of God and the edification of his church. He knew very well that the safety of a city, under God, depends more upon the number and valour of the inhabitants than upon the height or strength of its walls; and therefore, observing that the people were few that dwelt in it, he thought fit to take an account of the people, that he might find what families had formerly had their settlement in Jerusalem, but were now removed into the country, that he might bring them back, and what families could in any other way be influenced by their religion, or by their business, to come and rebuild the houses in Jerusalem and dwell in them. So little reason have we to wish that we may be placed alone in the earth, or in Jerusalem itself, that much of our safety and comfort depends upon our neighbours and friends; the more the stronger, the more the merrier. It is the wisdom of the governors of a nation to keep the balance even between the city and country, that the metropolis be not so extravagantly large as to drain and impoverish the country, nor yet so weak as not to be able to protect it. Now observe,

I.Whence this good design of Nehemiah's came.

He owns, My God put it into my heart, Neh 7:5. Note, Whatever good motion is in our minds, either prudent or pious, we must acknowledge it to come from God. It was he that put it into our hearts; for every good gift and every good work are from above. He gives knowledge; he gives grace; all is of him, and therefore all must be to him. What is done by human prudence must be ascribed to the direction of divine Providence; he that teaches the husbandman his discretion (Isa 28:26) teaches the statesman his.

II.What method he took in prosecution of it.

1.He called the rulers together, and the people, that he might have an account of the present state of their families - their number and strength, and where they were settled. It is probable that when he summoned them to come together he ordered them to bring such an account along with them out of their several districts. And I doubt they were not so many but that it might be soon done.

2.He reviewed the old register of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and compared the present accounts with that; and here we have the repetition of that out of Ezra 2. The title is the same here (Neh 7:6, Neh 7:7) as there (Ezr 2:1): These are the children of the province, etc. Two things are here repeated and recorded a second time from thence - the names and numbers of their several families, and their oblations to the service of the temple. The repetition of these accounts may intimate to us the delight which the great God is pleased to take in the persons, families, and services of his spiritual Israel, and the particular notice he takes of them. He knows those that are his, knows them all, knows them by name, has his eye on the register of those children of the captivity, and does all according to the ancient counsel of his will concerning them.

(1.)Here is an account of the heads of the several families that first came up, v. 6-69. As to this,

[1.]Though it seem of little use to us now, yet then it was of great use, to compare what they had been with what they now were. We may suppose they were much increased by this time; but it would do well for them to remember their small beginnings, that they might acknowledge God in multiplying their families and building them up. By this means likewise their genealogies would be preserved, and the distinction of their families kept up, till the Messiah should come, and then an end be put to all their genealogies, which were preserved for his sake, but afterwards were endless. But,

[2.]There are many differences in the numbers between this catalogue and that in Ezra. Most of them indeed are exactly the same, and some others within a very few under or over (one or two perhaps); and therefore I cannot think, as some do, that that was the number of these families at their first coming and this as they were now, which was at least forty years after (some make it much more); for we cannot suppose so many families to be not at all, or but little, altered in their numbers in all that time; therefore what differences there are we may suppose to arise either from the mistakes of transcribers, which easily happen in numbers, or from the diversity of the copies from which they were taken. Or perhaps one was the account of them when they set out from Babylon with Zerubbabel, the other when they came to Jerusalem. The sum totals are all just the same there and here, except of the singing-men and singing-women, which there are 200, here 245. These were not of such importance as that they should keep any strict account of them.

(2.)Here is an account of the offerings which were given towards the work of God, Neh 7:70, etc. This differs much from that in Ezr 2:68, Ezr 2:69, and it may be questioned whether it refers to the same contribution; here the tirshatha, or chief governor, who there was not mentioned, begins the offering; and the single sum mentioned there exceeds all those here put together; yet it is probable that it was the same, but that followed one copy of the lists, this another; for the last verse is the same here that it was Ezr 2:70, adding Ezr 3:1. Blessed be God that our faith and hope are not built upon the niceties of names and numbers, genealogy and chronology, but on the great things of the law and gospel. Whatever is given to the work of God, he is not unrighteous to forget it; nor shall even a cup of cold water, wherewith he is honoured, go without its reward.

Copy as

Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.

Copy as

Continue studying Nehemiah 7:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.