What number verse is Nehemiah 7:16 in the Bible?

Nehemiah 7:16 is the 12,437th verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Nehemiah 7:16 sits at position 12,437.

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

Translation

King James Version

The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.

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KJV (with Strong's)

The children ^H1121 of Bebai ^H893, six ^H8337 hundred ^H3967 twenty ^H6242 and eight ^H8083.

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Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of B'vai 628

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Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Bebai, 628;

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American Standard Version

The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.

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World English Bible Messianic

The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty-eight.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The sonnes of Bebai, sixe hundreth and eight and twentie.

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Young's Literal Translation

Sons of Bebai: six hundred twenty and eight.

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Study This Verse

Summary

Nehemiah 7:16 serves as a precise entry within a comprehensive census list, meticulously detailing the number of individuals from the family of Bebai who returned to Judah from the Babylonian exile. This verse, part of a larger administrative record in Nehemiah 7, underscores the careful organization and re-establishment of the post-exilic community, highlighting the profound importance of lineage, identity, and the tangible fulfillment of God's promises in the restoration of His people to their ancestral land.

Context

Literary Context

Nehemiah 7 immediately follows the monumental achievement of completing Jerusalem's walls, a feat detailed in Nehemiah 6. With the physical security of the city established, Nehemiah shifts his focus to the internal organization and repopulation of Jerusalem. Chapter 7 functions as a vital administrative document, providing a detailed roster of those who returned from exile. This list is notably almost identical to the one found in Ezra 2, indicating its profound significance and accuracy as a foundational record for the reconstituted community. The inclusion of specific family counts, such as that of Bebai in Nehemiah 7:16, emphasizes the meticulous nature of this record, laying the groundwork for the re-establishment of civic, social, and religious life in Jerusalem and Judah.

Historical & Cultural Context

The return from Babylonian exile was a watershed moment in Israelite history, marking the conclusion of a seventy-year period of divine judgment and the dawn of a new era of restoration. This return was made possible by the decree of Cyrus the Great, allowing the Jewish people to return to their homeland and rebuild the Temple. For the returning exiles, identity and lineage were of paramount importance. Genealogical records were absolutely crucial for establishing tribal affiliations, determining rights to ancestral lands, confirming eligibility for priestly and Levitical duties, and ensuring the purity of the covenant community. The meticulous counting of families, such as the 628 members of Bebai, reflects the cultural emphasis on maintaining a clear and verifiable connection to their Israelite heritage in a period of national rebuilding and spiritual renewal.

Key Themes

This seemingly dry list contributes significantly to several major themes within Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Faithfulness and Restoration, demonstrating God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises to bring His people back from captivity, as powerfully prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., Jeremiah 29:10). Each number, including the precise count for Bebai, represents a tangible act of divine deliverance and a testament to God's redemptive plan. Secondly, it underscores the theme of Identity and Heritage, as knowing one's family lineage was essential for affirming one's place within the covenant community and the reconstituted nation. These records highlight the importance of both spiritual and national identity in God's unfolding plan. Finally, the Meticulous Record-Keeping reflects the precision and order God brings to His work, suggesting that every individual was known and accounted for in His comprehensive plan for His people, forming the nucleus of the restored Jewish community in Judah. This attention to detail is also seen in the broader narrative of the return, as seen in Ezra 2.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

Bebai Bêbay' H893

This is a personal or family name, appearing several times in the post-exilic lists (e.g., Ezra 2:11). The Strong's definition indicates it is "probably of foreign origin," suggesting a possible Babylonian or Persian influence absorbed during the seventy years of exile. The significance here lies not in the name's etymological meaning, but in its inclusion as a distinct, identifiable family unit among the returning exiles, underscoring the specific and granular nature of the census and the importance of family identity within the restored community.

Children bên H1121

Meaning "a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or condition, etc.)." In this context, "children of Bebai" refers to the descendants or members of the family or clan headed by Bebai. This term emphasizes the familial and lineage-based structure of the Israelite community, where identity and belonging were deeply rooted in one's ancestral line. It highlights the continuity of the covenant people through generations, even after a period of displacement.

Six hundred twenty and eight shêsh mêʼâh ʻesrîym shᵉmôneh H8337

Composed of H8337 (six), H3967 (hundred), H6242 (twenty), and H8083 (eight). This precise numerical count is highly significant. It emphasizes the meticulousness of the record-keeping and the administrative diligence applied to the resettlement process. In a culture where oral tradition was strong, the written preservation of such exact figures highlights the importance placed on accuracy and accountability. It also implicitly conveys the sheer scale of the return, not just as a general movement but as a collection of thousands of individuals, each belonging to a specific family, known and counted, reflecting a divinely ordered restoration.

Verse Breakdown

"The children of Bebai,"

This phrase precisely identifies a specific family or clan unit that participated in the return from exile. The use of "children of" (בְּנֵי, bĕnê) is a common Hebrew idiom to denote descendants or members of a particular lineage, emphasizing their collective identity and shared heritage. This highlights the tribal and familial structure that formed the bedrock of Israelite society and was crucial for re-establishing order, land claims, and communal life after the Babylonian captivity. It points to the continuity of God's people through their family lines.

"six hundred twenty and eight."

This numerical detail provides the exact count of individuals belonging to the family of Bebai who participated in the return. The precision of this number, down to the single digit, underscores the administrative rigor of the census. It signifies that these were not mere estimates but carefully tabulated figures, reflecting a deep concern for accuracy in documenting the foundational population of the restored community. This meticulousness also subtly suggests divine oversight, where every individual in God's redemptive plan is known and accounted for, affirming their value and place in the unfolding story of God's faithfulness.

Literary Devices

Nehemiah 7:16, as part of a larger genealogical record, primarily employs List or Census as its overarching literary device. This technique serves to document and categorize, providing a factual and verifiable account of the returning exiles. The sheer Precision of the numbers, down to the single digit ("six hundred twenty and eight"), functions as a powerful form of Emphasis through Detail, underscoring the historical accuracy and administrative diligence of the biblical record. This meticulousness lends profound credibility to the narrative, asserting that these were real people, precisely counted and remembered by God and His servants. Furthermore, the repetitive structure of the list, naming a family and then its corresponding number, creates a pervasive sense of Order and Completeness, reinforcing the idea that the restoration was not haphazard but a carefully orchestrated divine and human endeavor, reflecting God's sovereign hand in every detail.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Nehemiah 7:16, though a simple numerical entry, is profoundly theological in its implications. It testifies to God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, particularly His commitment to restore His people to their land after exile, as prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., Jeremiah 29:10) and Isaiah. The meticulous counting of each family underscores the divine value placed on every individual and lineage within God's redemptive plan, demonstrating that no one is forgotten or insignificant in His sight. This census provided the foundational structure for the reconstituted community, emphasizing the importance of identity, heritage, and the collective effort required to rebuild both the physical city and the spiritual life of the nation. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's grand narrative of salvation unfolds through the lives of ordinary people, precisely known and sovereignly guided.

Ezra 2:11 Jeremiah 29:10 Psalm 147:4

Reflection and Application

Even a seemingly mundane list of names and numbers, like Nehemiah 7:16, carries profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God is a God of order, precision, and unwavering faithfulness, meticulously overseeing every detail of His redemptive plan, including the lives of individuals. Just as every member of the Bebai family was counted and known, so too does God know and value every single person in His kingdom. We are not lost in the crowd; our individual lives, our heritage in Christ, and our contributions are deeply significant to Him. This passage encourages us to embrace our identity within the larger community of faith, recognizing that we are part of a continuous story of God's faithfulness and restoration. It calls us to live with diligence, accountability, and purpose, knowing that our collective efforts, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, contribute to the building of God's eternal kingdom and the unfolding of His perfect will. Our lives, like those counted, are part of a divine census, known and cherished by our Creator.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous counting of families like Bebai challenge our perception of what God considers important in His grand plan?
In what ways does this verse affirm God's faithfulness to His promises, even through long periods of waiting and hardship?
How can understanding our spiritual heritage in Christ and actively participating in a faith community strengthen our sense of identity and purpose today?
What does the emphasis on order and diligence in this ancient census teach us about our own responsibilities in spiritual and practical matters, both individually and corporately?

FAQ

Why is a verse like Nehemiah 7:16, which just lists a number, included in the Bible?

Verses like Nehemiah 7:16 are included for several crucial reasons, demonstrating the Bible's unique nature as both a spiritual and historical document. Firstly, they provide historical and administrative authenticity to the biblical narrative. This meticulous record-keeping underscores the reality of the return from exile, demonstrating that it was not a vague concept but a concrete historical event involving real people and families. Secondly, these lists highlight God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises; the return of His people, even in precise numbers, is a tangible demonstration of His covenant loyalty, as prophesied by the prophets. Thirdly, they establish the identity and lineage of the returning community, which was vital for re-establishing tribal lands, priestly functions, and ultimately, preserving the genealogical line that would lead to the Messiah. Every number, every name, speaks to God's detailed involvement in the lives of His people and the unfolding of His redemptive plan. The parallel list in Ezra 2 further emphasizes its importance and accuracy, showing that God's work is precise and purposeful.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

While Nehemiah 7:16 is a historical record of returning exiles, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound ways. The preservation of specific lineages, like that of Bebai, underscores God's meticulous care in maintaining the genealogical thread that would ultimately lead to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, through whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" (2 Corinthians 1:20). The entire purpose of the return from exile was to re-establish a people and a land through whom God's redemptive plan would culminate in Jesus Christ, the true King of Israel and the ultimate restorer. Just as these individuals were counted and restored to their homeland, Christ, as the ultimate Good Shepherd, gathers His elect from every tribe and nation, bringing them into a new spiritual kingdom, the church, where every believer is known and valued by name (John 10:3). The precision of the census foreshadows the divine order and perfect fulfillment found in Christ, who is the head of the new covenant community, the true Israel of God (Galatians 6:16). He is the ultimate restorer, not just of a physical land, but of humanity's broken relationship with God, bringing true and lasting spiritual restoration to all who believe (Colossians 1:19-20). The returnees in Nehemiah were foundational to the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem; Christ is the cornerstone of the spiritual temple, building up His church with every individual member precisely fitted into His divine design (Ephesians 2:20-22). In Him, we find our true identity, our ultimate heritage, and our eternal home.

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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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