What number verse is Nehemiah 7:42 in the Bible?

Nehemiah 7:42 is the 12,463rd verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Nehemiah 7:42 sits at position 12,463.

“Priests, Levites, and Temple Servants”· Nehemiah 7:39–60

Translation

King James Version

The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.

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KJV (with Strong's)

The children ^H1121 of Harim ^H2766, a thousand ^H505 and seventeen ^{H7651 H6240}.

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Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Harim 1,017

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Berean Standard Bible

and the descendants of Harim, 1,017.

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American Standard Version

The children of Harim, a thousandandseventeen.

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World English Bible Messianic

The children of Harim, one thousand seventeen.

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The sonnes of Harim, a thousande and seuenteene.

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Young's Literal Translation

sons of Harim: a thousand and seventeen.

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Study This Verse

Summary

Nehemiah 7:42 precisely enumerates the descendants of Harim who returned from Babylonian exile, totaling one thousand and seventeen individuals. This specific entry is an integral part of a comprehensive genealogical census recorded in Nehemiah 7, which served as a foundational document for the re-establishment of the post-exilic Jewish community in Jerusalem. It underscores the critical importance of lineage, identity, and the faithful restoration of God's people as they rebuilt their nation, re-ordered their society, and prepared for profound spiritual renewal under the leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra.

Context

Literary Context

Nehemiah 7:42 is embedded within an extensive genealogical register spanning Nehemiah 7:6-73. This meticulously detailed list immediately follows the triumphant completion of the wall of Jerusalem, a monumental physical achievement recounted in Nehemiah 6:15. Its placement is highly significant, marking a pivotal transition from the physical rebuilding of the city to the crucial task of re-establishing the social, religious, and national order of the returning community. The census serves as a foundational document, meticulously identifying the legitimate members of the restored community in Jerusalem and Judah. This careful enumeration sets the stage for the subsequent spiritual revival and covenant renewal described in Nehemiah 8, emphasizing that true restoration encompasses both physical infrastructure and the integrity of the covenant people. The detailed inclusion of family names and numbers highlights the importance of identity, legitimate participation, and the divine hand in gathering the scattered remnant.

Historical & Cultural Context

The historical setting for Nehemiah 7 is the post-exilic period, specifically the mid-5th century BC, roughly a century after the initial return under Zerubbabel and Jeshua. The Babylonian exile, a devastating consequence of Israel's covenant unfaithfulness as prophesied by Jeremiah (e.g., Jeremiah 25:11-12), had profoundly disrupted every aspect of Jewish life, leading to the loss of their land, the destruction of the Temple, and the cessation of national sovereignty. Upon their return, the exiles faced the daunting challenge of reconstructing not only physical structures but also their national and religious identity. In ancient Near Eastern societies, genealogies and censuses were indispensable for establishing land rights, confirming tribal affiliations, and determining eligibility for various societal roles, particularly the sacred duties of priestly and Levitical service. The meticulous record in Nehemiah 7, which closely parallels the earlier list in Ezra 2, was therefore crucial. It served to authenticate the claims of those asserting Israelite heritage, ensuring proper order, preventing unauthorized claims to land or sacred office, and laying the groundwork for a renewed, purified community.

Key Themes

This comprehensive census, including the specific entry for the children of Harim, powerfully contributes to several overarching themes central to the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic biblical narrative. Firstly, it profoundly underscores the theme of Restoration and Divine Faithfulness. Despite Israel's past unfaithfulness and the devastating exile, God, true to His covenant promises (e.g., Deuteronomy 30:1-5), meticulously brings His people back to their land. The census is a tangible manifestation of this divine commitment. Secondly, the meticulous record-keeping highlights the theme of Identity and Heritage. In an era marked by the threat of assimilation and intermarriage, knowing one's lineage was paramount for maintaining the distinctiveness of the covenant people and for rightful participation in temple worship, land ownership, and communal life. The list serves as a testament to the preservation of Israel's unique identity. Thirdly, it speaks to the theme of Order and Community. The detailed enumeration of families, priests, Levites, and other groups demonstrates the absolute necessity of structure and organization in rebuilding a shattered society. Each family, including the "children of Harim," represented a vital component of the collective effort to re-establish a functioning, God-centered community, laying the essential groundwork for the future of Judah and its spiritual vitality.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

children bên' H1121

Derived from a root meaning "to build," this term signifies a son or descendant, emphasizing their role as builders or continuers of the family name and legacy. In the context of Nehemiah 7:42, "the children of Harim" refers to the male descendants and, by extension, the entire household or clan associated with the patriarch Harim. This highlights the intergenerational continuity of the Israelite people and the importance of familial lines in the re-establishment of the nation after exile, as these "children" were the foundational units of the restored community.

Harim Chârim' H2766

This is a proper name, meaning "snub-nosed," but more significantly, it is associated with a prominent family, particularly a priestly one, in the post-exilic community. While Nehemiah 7:42 simply lists a numerical count for this family, the name "Harim" recurs in other crucial lists, such as those of the priestly divisions (e.g., Ezra 2:39) and signatories to the covenant (e.g., Nehemiah 10:5). This suggests that the "children of Harim" in this verse represent a significant and established family unit, likely with a history of devotion or service, whose return was vital for the reconstitution of the Jewish social and religious fabric.

thousand ʼeleph' H7651

This term denotes the cardinal number "one thousand." Its inclusion alongside "seventeen" (a combination of H7651 shebaʻ "seven" and H6240 ʻâsâr "ten") to form "one thousand and seventeen" underscores the meticulous and precise nature of the census. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, numerical precision in such registers was paramount for administrative, economic, and social purposes, reflecting a high degree of organizational rigor and the tangible reality of the returning population. It emphasizes that this was not a mere estimate but a carefully compiled record of individuals.

Verse Breakdown

"The children of Harim,"

This opening phrase precisely identifies a specific family or clan, underscoring that the census was organized along traditional familial and patriarchal lines. In ancient Israelite society, family and clan identity were foundational, serving as the primary units for social organization, economic activity, and religious participation. Belonging to a recognized family was essential for establishing land inheritance, participating in communal life, and asserting one's legitimate place within the covenant people. The term "children" here implies the collective descendants of a patriarchal figure named Harim, signifying a continuous lineage that had endured the seventy years of Babylonian exile and maintained its identity.

"a thousand and seventeen."

This numerical statement provides the exact count of individuals from the family of Harim who returned from their captivity in Babylon. The specificity of the number, down to the single digit, highlights the meticulousness and administrative rigor of the record-keeping process undertaken by Nehemiah and his associates. This precision was not merely for historical accuracy but was crucial for practical administrative purposes, such as the allocation of land, the distribution of resources, and the determination of eligibility for various community roles, particularly those related to the restored temple service and the Levitical duties. Furthermore, this exact figure serves as a tangible testament to the scale of the return and a powerful witness to God's faithfulness in preserving and restoring His chosen people, even in the midst of their scattered state.

Literary Devices

Nehemiah 7:42, as an individual entry within a larger genealogical list, primarily employs Enumeration and Repetition. The entire chapter is an extended enumeration, meticulously listing families, groups, and their corresponding numbers of returning exiles. This device serves to establish a comprehensive and precise record, emphasizing administrative order and historical accuracy. The consistent repetition of the formula "The children of [Name], [Number]" throughout the chapter reinforces the systematic nature of the census and the importance placed on each family unit. While seemingly dry and factual, this detailed enumeration functions as a powerful form of Verisimilitude, lending immense credibility and weight to the narrative of restoration. It grounds the grand theological themes of divine faithfulness, national rebirth, and covenant renewal in the concrete, verifiable reality of individual lives and families. Moreover, the very act of listing these names and numbers carries a subtle yet profound Symbolism of God's meticulous and personal care for His people, demonstrating that not one of His chosen ones is overlooked or forgotten, even within the vastness of a returning nation. Each number represents a precious life, a family preserved, and a promise fulfilled.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Nehemiah 7:42, despite its seemingly simple numerical nature, is deeply interwoven with the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering covenant faithfulness and His meticulous care for His people. It powerfully illustrates how God orchestrates the practical details of human administration to fulfill His grand redemptive purposes. The return from Babylonian exile, meticulously documented in this census, was a tangible and undeniable demonstration of God keeping His promises to His scattered people, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament from the Abrahamic covenant to the prophetic declarations. This census, therefore, transcends a mere historical record; it stands as a profound theological statement about God's sovereignty over history, His commitment to restoring His people despite their past unfaithfulness, and His active involvement in the lives of individuals and families. It highlights the indispensable importance of identity, community, and order as foundational elements for a people called to worship, serve, and bear witness to the living God, preparing them for a renewed covenant relationship and a vibrant spiritual future.

Ezra 2:1-70 Numbers 26:1-65 Jeremiah 32:37-41

Reflection and Application

The seemingly mundane details of Nehemiah 7:42, recording a specific family and their precise number, offer profound and enduring insights for contemporary reflection and application. This verse reminds us that God's transformative work in the world often involves painstaking attention to detail, patient organization, and the purposeful gathering of individuals into a cohesive community. Just as each family, including the children of Harim, was an indispensable component in the physical and spiritual rebuilding of Judah, so too is every individual and every seemingly small contribution vitally important to the flourishing and advancement of God's kingdom today. This passage encourages us to value the "foundational" work—the administrative, organizational, supportive, and often unseen efforts—that undergird spiritual growth, communal strength, and effective ministry. It challenges us to recognize that God, the ultimate record-keeper, knows each of us by name and number (Psalm 139:13-16), affirming our individual worth and unique place in His grand design, while simultaneously calling us to participate faithfully and sacrificially in the collective body of Christ, contributing our unique gifts and presence to the larger whole.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous detail of this ancient census challenge our contemporary perception of what God values in our personal lives and in the life of our communities?
In what ways might we be called to engage in "foundational" or "administrative" work within our churches or ministries that, while not always glamorous, is absolutely essential for spiritual health and growth?
How does knowing that God meticulously accounted for each returning family encourage us in moments when we feel like "just a number" or perceive our contributions as insignificant?
What does this verse teach us about the enduring importance of family, spiritual heritage, and intentional community in God's ongoing plan for His people?

FAQ

Why is such a detailed list, like Nehemiah 7:42, included in the Bible?

Detailed lists, including the extensive one in Nehemiah 7, serve several crucial and multifaceted purposes within the biblical narrative. Historically, they were essential for validating the lineage and identity of the returning exiles, which was paramount for establishing land claims, tribal inheritances, and determining eligibility for specific roles, particularly the sacred duties of priestly and Levitical service (as seen in Ezra 2:62). Theologically, these lists powerfully underscore God's unwavering faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to restore His people to their land after the seventy-year Babylonian exile, demonstrating His meticulous care for each individual and family. They also highlight the profound importance of order, accountability, and community in the re-establishment of a nation devoted to God, setting the essential stage for the profound spiritual renewal and the re-institution of the Law, as vividly described in Nehemiah 8.

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

While Nehemiah 7:42 is a historical record of the physical and demographic restoration of Israel, it ultimately points forward to the greater, spiritual restoration accomplished in Jesus Christ. The meticulous accounting of the "children of Harim" and other families foreshadows God's divine precision and intentionality in gathering His chosen people, not merely by physical lineage or national identity, but by spiritual adoption through faith in Christ. Just as the returning exiles formed the foundational core of a renewed physical Jerusalem, Christ is the chief cornerstone of a new spiritual temple, His global church, composed of believers from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation (Revelation 7:9). The profound emphasis on identity and belonging in Nehemiah finds its ultimate and eternal fulfillment in Christ, who grants all believers a new, unshakeable identity as children of God and co-heirs with Him (Romans 8:17). The meticulous nature of the census, ensuring that no one was overlooked or forgotten, beautifully reflects the Good Shepherd's perfect care, who knows His sheep by name and promises that none of them will be lost (John 10:28). The restoration of Judah, a partial and temporary return to a physical land, points to the eternal and perfect restoration found in Christ, who brings all things together in Himself (Ephesians 1:10), establishing an unshakeable kingdom and a new covenant community that transcends earthly genealogies and national boundaries, built on the solid foundation of His atoning work.

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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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