Nehemiah 7:34

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

The children {H1121} of the other {H312} Elam {H5867}, a thousand {H505} two hundred {H3967} fifty {H2572} and four {H702}.

Complete Jewish Bible

people from the other 'Eilam 1,254

Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of the other Elam, 1,254;

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 7:34 is a precise entry within the comprehensive genealogical register of Jewish families who returned to Judah from Babylonian exile. This verse meticulously records the specific number of individuals belonging to "the children of the other Elam," a distinct family group differentiated from another of the same name. It serves as a testament to the painstaking detail with which Nehemiah and the returning exiles documented their community, underscoring the vital importance of identity, lineage, and accurate accounting for the purpose of re-establishing their national and spiritual infrastructure in Jerusalem.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 7:34 is embedded within a lengthy and meticulously detailed genealogical register that spans [Nehemiah 7:6-69](/nehemiah/7-6-69 "Nehemiah 7:6-69 - The List of Returnees from Exile"). This extensive list serves as a foundational document for the re-establishment of the Jewish community in Judah after the Babylonian captivity. The verses immediately preceding and succeeding Nehemiah 7:34 continue this enumeration, systematically listing various family groups and their respective numbers of returnees. The specific inclusion of "the other Elam" (distinguished from the "children of Elam" mentioned earlier in [Nehemiah 7:12](/nehemiah/7-12 "Nehemiah 7:12 - Children of Elam")) highlights the extraordinary precision and administrative rigor of the record-keeping. This meticulousness was essential for accurate identification, preventing confusion among families sharing common names, and ensuring the proper allocation of resources and responsibilities within the nascent post-exilic society. The entire chapter is presented as a crucial administrative act, initiated by Nehemiah's discovery of an original register ([Nehemiah 7:5](/nehemiah/7-5 "Nehemiah 7:5 - Discovery of the Register")), which underscores the paramount importance of lineage and identity for the covenant community.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Nehemiah 7:34 is the mid-5th century BCE, during the post-exilic period, following the decrees of Cyrus the Great which permitted the Jews to return to their homeland after seventy years of Babylonian captivity ([Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Return")). The returning exiles faced the formidable challenge of rebuilding Jerusalem, which lay in ruins, and re-establishing their national and religious identity. Culturally, lineage and tribal affiliation were of paramount importance in ancient Israel, determining not only land rights and social standing but also eligibility for priestly service. A precise census, such as the one detailed in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Census of Returnees"), was far more than a demographic exercise; it was a vital administrative tool for re-establishing social order, confirming the purity of priestly lines (as evidenced by the exclusion of those whose lineage was uncertain in [Nehemiah 7:64](/nehemiah/7-64 "Nehemiah 7:64 - Exclusion from Priesthood")), and facilitating the allocation of resources for the monumental rebuilding efforts. The geographical context is Jerusalem and the surrounding Judean territory, where these families were to resettle, reconstruct their lives, and restore their covenant relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Faithfulness and Restoration:** The meticulous record of returnees, exemplified by the "children of the other Elam," powerfully underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. After decades of divine judgment and exile, the return of His people to the land, as foretold by prophets like Jeremiah ([Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Return")), signifies a profound act of restoration. This census is not merely a list of names and numbers; it is a tangible, undeniable testament to God's commitment to rebuild His people and their nation, demonstrating His sovereign hand guiding historical events to fulfill His redemptive plan despite human failure and exile.
* **Identity and Continuity of Israel:** The painstaking detail in recording family lineages, including the precise distinction between different groups sharing the same name, highlights the critical importance of identity for the post-exilic community. This census was crucial for establishing tribal affiliations, confirming rights to ancestral lands, and ensuring the purity of the priestly and Levitical lines ([Nehemiah 7:61-65](/nehemiah/7-61-65 "Nehemiah 7:61-65 - Those Who Could Not Prove Lineage")). It was a means of asserting the enduring continuity of the covenant people, linking the present generation back to their patriarchal roots and the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This meticulous record-keeping was foundational for re-establishing their national and religious distinctiveness and for their future as God's chosen people.
* **Community Rebuilding and Collective Effort:** Beyond individual identities, each entry in this register represents a vital component of the collective effort to rebuild Jerusalem and re-establish the nation. The "thousand two hundred fifty and four" individuals from the children of the other Elam were not mere statistics; they were active participants in the arduous tasks of reconstruction, repopulation, and re-establishing the social and spiritual fabric of Israel. This theme emphasizes that the restoration was a communal endeavor, requiring the dedicated contribution of every family and individual to achieve God's purposes for His people, illustrating the power of unity in pursuing a divine mandate.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elam (Hebrew, _‘Êlām'_):** (H5867) This is a proper name, referring to a specific family or clan among the Jewish returnees from exile. The name "Elam" appears multiple times in biblical genealogies and registers (e.g., [Genesis 10:22](/genesis/10-22 "Genesis 10:22 - Sons of Shem"), [Ezra 2:7](/ezra/2-7 "Ezra 2:7 - Children of Elam")). The critical distinction in Nehemiah 7:34 is "the *other* Elam," explicitly differentiating this group from another family also named Elam, listed earlier in the same census ([Nehemiah 7:12](/nehemiah/7-12 "Nehemiah 7:12 - Children of Elam")). This meticulous naming convention underscores the administrative precision and the importance of accurate identification for the returning exiles, vital for land allocation, tribal identity, and civic organization in the re-established community.
* **other (Hebrew, _ʼachêr'_):** (H312) Derived from a root meaning "hinder," this word signifies "next," "another," or "different." In the context of Nehemiah 7:34, its use with "Elam" is crucial for disambiguation. It indicates that the census-takers were aware of at least two distinct groups bearing the name "Elam" and were careful to distinguish between them. This highlights the administrative thoroughness and the critical need for precise identification in a society where lineage and family identity were foundational for land ownership, social standing, and religious duties.
* **thousand two hundred fifty and four (Hebrew, _’elef u-matayim va-ḥamishim ve-’arba‘ah'_):** (H505, H3967, H2572, H702) This precise numerical figure, broken down into "thousand" (H505), "two hundred" (H3967), "fifty" (H2572), and "four" (H702), highlights the careful and systematic nature of the census. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, such detailed enumerations were not merely statistical but served practical purposes related to taxation, military conscription, and the allocation of resources. For the post-exilic community, these numbers represented the human capital available for the immense task of rebuilding Jerusalem and re-establishing the nation. The exactness of the number, down to the single digit, emphasizes the tangible reality of the return and the specific contribution of this particular family group to the overall restoration effort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The children of the other Elam":** This clause precisely identifies a specific family or clan group among the returning exiles. The addition of "the other" (Hebrew: אַחֵר, _ʼachêr_) is crucial, indicating that this particular group named Elam is distinct from another family of the same name previously listed in the register ([Nehemiah 7:12](/nehemiah/7-12 "Nehemiah 7:12 - Children of Elam")). This highlights the meticulousness of the census, ensuring clarity and avoiding confusion in a society where lineage was paramount for identity, inheritance, and social structure. It points to a highly organized and detailed record-keeping system undertaken by the leaders of the returning community.
* **"a thousand two hundred fifty and four":** This numerical statement provides the exact count of individuals belonging to "the children of the other Elam" who returned from exile. The specificity of the number, down to the single digit, emphasizes the comprehensive and accurate nature of the census. It transforms a mere name into a tangible group of people, each representing a life, a family unit, and a contributor to the rebuilding efforts. This figure contributes to the overall demographic picture of the post-exilic community, demonstrating the scale of the return and the human resources available for the restoration of Jerusalem and Judah, underscoring the collective effort required for national renewal.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 7:34, as an integral part of a larger census, primarily employs the literary device of **Enumeration** or **Register**. This technique involves the systematic listing of names, places, or numbers, serving to provide a detailed and comprehensive account of the returning exiles. The meticulous numerical precision, "a thousand two hundred fifty and four," exemplifies this device, lending an air of historical accuracy and administrative thoroughness to the narrative. Furthermore, the phrase "the other Elam" demonstrates **Distinction** or **Differentiation**, a subtle but crucial literary technique used to clarify identity and avoid ambiguity within a list where names might be repeated. While not a vivid narrative, the very act of listing and numbering also functions as a form of **Symbolism**, where each entry, though seemingly mundane, represents the tangible reality of God's faithfulness in restoring His people and the collective human effort required for national rebuilding. The dry facts become a testament to divine promise and human perseverance in the face of immense challenges.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The seemingly mundane nature of a numerical entry like Nehemiah 7:34 carries profound theological weight. It speaks to God's divine meticulousness and His sovereign interest in the details of His people's lives. Just as He numbered the tribes of Israel in the wilderness for purposes of organization and land allocation, this post-exilic register demonstrates that every individual and family, no matter how seemingly small or obscure, is known and valued by God. This attention to detail reflects a God who is intimately involved in the restoration of His covenant people, orchestrating their return and providing the human resources necessary for the fulfillment of His promises. It underscores the theological truth that God's plans are not abstract but are realized through the specific lives and contributions of His people, highlighting His providential care for the community and its individual members.

* [Numbers 1:2-3](/numbers/1-2-3 "God Commands a Census")
* [Ezra 2:1-2](/ezra/2-1-2 "Parallel Census of Returnees")
* [Psalm 147:4](/psalms/147-4 "God Numbers the Stars")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While Nehemiah 7:34 might initially appear as a dry historical statistic, it offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God, who oversees the grand sweep of history and orchestrates the return of an entire nation, also cares intimately about the individual. Each number, each name, represents a person known to God, whose life and contribution were essential to His redemptive plan. This should encourage us to recognize our own irreplaceable value within the body of Christ; no one is a mere statistic in God's kingdom. Furthermore, it challenges us to appreciate the collective effort required for God's work. Just as the "children of the other Elam" contributed their numbers to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, so too are our individual gifts, talents, and presence vital for the flourishing of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom today. It calls us to faithful participation, knowing that even seemingly small contributions are significant in God's grand design, and that God sees and values every act of obedience and service.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the meticulous nature of this census affirm God's personal knowledge and care for you as an individual?**
* **In what ways can you see your "number" or unique contribution fitting into God's larger plan for your community or the church?**
* **How does understanding the importance of every individual in Nehemiah's time encourage you to value and affirm every member of your spiritual community today?**

### FAQ
**Why is this census so detailed, and why is it repeated in Ezra?**

Answer: The meticulous detail of the census in [Nehemiah 7](/nehemiah/7 "Nehemiah 7 - The Census of Returnees"), including specific family names and precise numbers like "the children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four," was crucial for several reasons in the post-exilic community. It served to re-establish tribal identities, confirm land ownership rights, organize the population for rebuilding efforts (especially the walls of Jerusalem), and ensure the purity of the priestly and Levitical lines. The repetition of this census in [Ezra 2](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The List of Returnees") underscores its immense historical and administrative importance. It provided a foundational document for the re-establishment of the nation of Israel, validating the lineage of those who returned and forming the basis for the new community's structure and governance. This dual appearance in two distinct but related historical books emphasizes its authoritative and foundational nature for the restored Jewish community, highlighting its reliability and significance.

**What is the significance of "the other Elam"?**

Answer: The phrase "the other Elam" (Hebrew: אֶלָם אַחֵר, _‘Elam ‘achêr_) in [Nehemiah 7:34](/nehemiah/7-34 "Nehemiah 7:34 - The Children of the Other Elam") is a key detail that highlights the extraordinary precision of the ancient census. It signifies that there were at least two distinct family groups or clans named Elam among the returning exiles. One "Elam" group is listed earlier in the register ([Nehemiah 7:12](/nehemiah/7-12 "Nehemiah 7:12 - Children of Elam")), and this verse refers to a second, separate group. This careful differentiation was vital for accurate record-keeping, preventing confusion in matters of lineage, inheritance, and community organization. It demonstrates the meticulous administrative efforts undertaken by Nehemiah and the leaders to properly identify and account for every family in the re-established community, ensuring order, continuity, and the integrity of the tribal system.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 7:34 details the physical restoration of a specific lineage in post-exilic Israel, it points forward to the ultimate and spiritual restoration found in Jesus Christ. The meticulous accounting of names and numbers in Nehemiah foreshadows God's intimate knowledge of every individual who belongs to His new covenant people. Just as the returning exiles were gathered to rebuild Jerusalem, Christ gathers His church, the spiritual Israel, from every tribe and nation ([Revelation 7:9](/revelation/7-9 "Revelation 7:9 - A Multitude from Every Nation")). In Christ, the emphasis shifts from physical lineage to spiritual adoption, where believers are made "children of God through faith" ([Galatians 3:26-29](/galatians/3-26-29 "Galatians 3:26-29 - Children of God by Faith")). He is the true builder of God's temple, not of stone, but of living stones, with each believer being a vital part of this spiritual edifice ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). Every believer, regardless of their earthly origin, is known by name by the Good Shepherd ([John 10:3](/john/10-3 "John 10:3 - The Shepherd Calls His Own Sheep by Name")) and is an essential part of His body ([1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ")). The detailed census of Nehemiah thus serves as a historical testament to God's unwavering commitment to His people, a commitment fully realized and infinitely expanded in the person and work of the [Lord Jesus Christ](/john/3-16 "John 3:16 - God So Loved the World"), who ensures that none of His chosen "sheep" are lost ([John 6:39](/john/6-39 "John 6:39 - Jesus Will Lose None")), bringing them into a spiritual lineage that transcends earthly records.

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.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 7:12

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

Ezra 2:31

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