What number verse is Nehemiah 7:15 in the Bible?

Nehemiah 7:15 is the 12,436th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Nehemiah 7:15 sits at position 12,436.

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

Translation

King James Version

The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.

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KJV (with Strong's)

The children ^H1121 of Binnui ^H1131, six ^H8337 hundred ^H3967 forty ^H705 and eight ^H8083.

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Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Binui 648

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Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Binnui, 648;

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American Standard Version

The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.

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World English Bible Messianic

The children of Binnui, six hundred forty-eight.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The sonnes of Binnui, sixe hundreth and eight and fourtie.

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Young's Literal Translation

Sons of Binnui: six hundred forty and eight.

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Study This Verse

Summary

Nehemiah 7:15 is a precise entry within a comprehensive genealogical and numerical register, meticulously documenting the return of Jewish exiles to Judah from Babylonian captivity. This verse specifically records that "the children of Binnui" numbered six hundred forty and eight individuals, forming a vital part of the reconstituted community in Jerusalem. It underscores the divine faithfulness in preserving a remnant, emphasizing their identity, heritage, and the detailed effort required to re-establish the covenant people of God for the restoration of Israel.

Context

Literary Context

Nehemiah 7 serves as a pivotal chapter, immediately following the triumphant completion of the wall of Jerusalem in Nehemiah 6:15. With the physical defenses secured, Nehemiah shifts his focus to the internal organization and repopulation of the holy city. This chapter presents a detailed census, almost identical to the one found in Ezra 2, which lists the families and their numbers who returned with Zerubbabel in the first wave of exiles. The repetition of this list highlights its immense importance for establishing legitimacy, tribal identity, and the foundational population of the post-exilic community. It functions as a legal and historical document, affirming the lineage of those who would inherit land, serve in the temple, and participate in the restored nation.

Historical & Cultural Context

The setting is post-exilic Judah, specifically Jerusalem, around 444 BC, during Nehemiah's governorship under the Persian Empire. Seventy years of Babylonian captivity had scattered the Jewish people, and their return was a fulfillment of prophetic promises. For a people whose identity was inextricably linked to their ancestry, land, and covenant with Yahweh, these genealogical records were paramount. They ensured that only true descendants of Israel, particularly those of priestly and Levitical lines, could serve in the rebuilt temple. Culturally, lineage determined social status, property rights, and religious roles. The meticulous counting of individuals, even down to specific family units like "the children of Binnui," reflects an administrative necessity for taxation, military conscription (though not explicitly stated here, it was a common ancient practice), and the proper allocation of resources in a nascent, struggling community striving for stability and purity.

Key Themes

Nehemiah 7:15, as part of this extensive register, contributes to several overarching themes. Firstly, Identity and Heritage is central; the lists affirm who belongs to the covenant community, ensuring proper lineage for temple service and land inheritance, as seen in the careful distinction of those whose lineage was uncertain in Nehemiah 7:64. Secondly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Faithfulness and Preservation; despite the trauma of exile and dispersion, God preserved a remnant of His people and orchestrated their return to the land, fulfilling His promises through prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah. The very existence of these thousands of returnees testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant. Thirdly, the chapter emphasizes Order and Organization in the restored community. Nehemiah, a skilled administrator, understood that rebuilding was not just about walls but about structuring a society, establishing proper governance, and ensuring the purity of worship, all of which depended on accurate records of its people.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Children bên' H1121

This term (H1121) functions as a collective noun here, referring to the descendants or members of the household/clan of Binnui. Derived from the root meaning "to build," it emphasizes the family as the fundamental unit of Israelite society and the primary means by which lineage and identity were preserved. The census is not merely of individuals but of family groups, highlighting the corporate nature of the covenant people and the importance of maintaining tribal and familial distinctions for land inheritance, religious duties, and social order in the restored community.

Binnui Binnûwy' H1131

This personal or clan name (H1131) is derived from the Hebrew root banah, meaning "to build" or "to establish." While its direct meaning "built" or "building" might be coincidental for this specific family, it resonates profoundly with the overarching theme of the book of Nehemiah, which is centered on the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the re-establishment of the Jewish community. The inclusion of "Binnui" in this list signifies the contribution of this particular family unit to the larger project of rebuilding and re-populating the city and nation.

Verse Breakdown

"The children of Binnui"

This phrase identifies a specific family or clan unit that participated in the return from exile. The meticulous naming of families underscores the importance of lineage and heritage for the post-exilic community. It signifies their legitimate claim to being part of the covenant people of Israel and their right to reside in the land and participate in the life of the restored nation. This detail reinforces the historical accuracy and administrative thoroughness of the biblical record, affirming the identity of those who were rebuilding the nation.

"six hundred forty and eight"

This precise numerical figure indicates the exact count of individuals belonging to the family of Binnui who returned. The specificity of the number, rather than an approximation, highlights the meticulous record-keeping undertaken by the leaders, likely for purposes of resettlement, resource allocation, and the re-establishment of social and religious order. It also conveys the scale of the return, emphasizing that while a remnant, it was a substantial number of people committed to rebuilding their lives and their nation in the promised land, demonstrating the tangible reality of God's restorative work.

Literary Devices

Nehemiah 7:15, as part of a larger list, primarily employs the literary device of Cataloging or Register. This involves the systematic enumeration of items, in this case, family units and their respective numbers. The purpose of such a catalog is not merely to provide dry data but to establish historical veracity, demonstrate comprehensive organization, and underscore the tangible reality of the returned remnant. The Repetition of this list, nearly identical to Ezra 2, serves to validate its accuracy and emphasize its foundational importance for the identity and structure of the restored community. The precision of the numbers also acts as a form of Emphasis, highlighting the meticulous care taken in documenting the new beginnings of Israel, reflecting a divine concern for order and accountability in the re-establishment of His people.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Nehemiah 7:15, embedded within the larger census, powerfully testifies to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness. Despite the devastating exile, God preserved a remnant and orchestrated their return, fulfilling His prophetic promises. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the divine value placed on individual identity within the corporate body of Israel, demonstrating that every person and family unit mattered in God's grand plan of redemption and restoration. It speaks to the importance of order, heritage, and the re-establishment of a holy people in their land, laying the groundwork for future divine interactions and ultimately pointing to the ultimate gathering of God's people.

Ezra 2:1-70 Isaiah 11:11-12 Romans 9:27

Reflection and Application

While a verse like Nehemiah 7:15 might initially appear to be a simple historical record, it offers profound spiritual and practical lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is a God of detail and order, who knows each of His children by name and numbers the very hairs on our heads. Just as the returning exiles were meticulously counted and recorded, so too are we, as members of God's new covenant community, known and valued by Him. This verse encourages us to appreciate our spiritual heritage, understanding that we are part of a larger story of God's faithfulness throughout history, a story that continues to unfold through us. It also challenges us to live with intentionality and order, recognizing that our individual lives contribute to the collective witness and mission of the church. The preservation of a remnant against all odds serves as a powerful reminder of God's enduring power to keep His promises and sustain His people through every trial, instilling hope and confidence in His sovereign plan for our lives and for the world.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah 7, including specific numbers like "six hundred forty and eight," speak to God's character and His view of individuals within His community?
In what ways does understanding your own spiritual heritage (your place in God's redemptive story) strengthen your identity and purpose as a believer today?
What practical steps can you take to live a more ordered and intentional life, recognizing your role within the larger body of Christ?

FAQ

Why is this detailed list, including numbers like "six hundred forty and eight," so important in the book of Nehemiah?

This detailed list is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a foundational document for the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It meticulously records the families and their numbers who returned, providing a clear and verifiable lineage for the inhabitants, which was essential for maintaining tribal identities, land inheritance rights, and ensuring that only legitimate descendants of Israel, particularly those of priestly and Levitical lines, could serve in the rebuilt temple. Secondly, its near-identical nature to the list in Ezra 2 underscores its historical accuracy and importance to the chroniclers, validating the legitimacy of the post-exilic community. Thirdly, it highlights the administrative genius of Nehemiah, who, after securing the city's physical walls, turned his attention to organizing its people, demonstrating a divine emphasis on order, accountability, and the proper structuring of society for worship and governance. It shows that God cares about the details of His people's lives and their corporate identity, ensuring the purity and integrity of the restored community.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

While Nehemiah 7:15 is a historical record of a specific family's return, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate "builder" and gatherer of God's people, Jesus Christ. The meticulous accounting of the remnant in Nehemiah foreshadows God's precise and intentional work in gathering His new covenant people, the Church, from every tribe and nation. Just as the "children of Binnui" were counted and brought back to Jerusalem, so too are all believers "numbered" in the Lamb's Book of Life, called out of spiritual exile and brought into the true city of God, the heavenly Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22-24). Jesus is the true "builder" of God's spiritual house, as He declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). The emphasis on lineage in Nehemiah points to Christ as the ultimate Seed of Abraham (Galatians 3:16), through whom all the families of the earth are blessed. The preservation of a physical remnant in Nehemiah anticipates the spiritual remnant preserved by grace through faith in Christ (Romans 11:5-6), who are now citizens of a heavenly kingdom, eternally registered in the divine census of redemption.

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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.

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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.

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