Historical Validation:

They provide verifiable records of who returned from exile, confirming the fulfillment of prophecy and the re-establishment of the Jewish nation. This meticulousness lends credibility to the biblical narrative. *

The very existence of a remnant, preserved and returned, testifies to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness despite Israel's disobedience. He remembered His promises and meticulously brought His people back, as prophesied in Jeremiah 29:10. *

Inclusivity and Value:

They show that every individual and family, even those whose names might seem obscure to us, had a vital place in God's plan and were known by Him. This underscores the theological truth that God cares for and uses all His people. *

Foundation for Messiah:

Ultimately, these genealogies, though not directly leading to Jesus in Nehemiah, are part of the larger biblical record that meticulously traces the lineage through which the Messiah would come, ensuring the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham and David (e.g., Matthew 1:1-17).

What number verse is Nehemiah 7:50 in the Bible?

Nehemiah 7:50 is the 12,471st verse of the Bible. Counting straight through the King James canon — all 31,102 verses from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21 — Nehemiah 7:50 sits at position 12,471.

7:497:49

Nehemiah 7:50

7:517:51

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

Translation

King James Version

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

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KJV (with Strong's)

The children ^H1121 of Reaiah ^H7211, the children ^H1121 of Rezin ^H7526, the children ^H1121 of Nekoda ^H5353,

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Complete Jewish Bible

descendants of Re'ayah, descendants of Retzin, descendants of N'koda,

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Berean Standard Bible

the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda,

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American Standard Version

the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,

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World English Bible Messianic

the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,

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Geneva Bible (1599)

The sonnes of Reaiah, the sonnes of Rezin, the sonnes of Nekoda,

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Young's Literal Translation

sons of Reaiah, sons of Rezin, sons of Nekoda,

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In the KJVVerse 12,471 of 31,102 · 40.1%

LawLawHistoryHistPoetryPoetProphetsProphNew TestamentNT

Study This Verse

Summary

Nehemiah 7:50 is a concise entry within the extensive genealogical record of those who returned from Babylonian exile to Judea, specifically listing "The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda." Far from being a mere dry enumeration, this verse, like the surrounding census, serves as a vital historical and theological affirmation of God's faithfulness in preserving His covenant people and meticulously re-establishing the post-exilic community, ensuring proper lineage, land claims, and eligibility for temple service in the rebuilt Jerusalem.

Context

Literary Context

Nehemiah 7 presents a meticulously detailed census of the Jewish community that returned from Babylonian captivity to Judea under Zerubbabel. This chapter immediately follows the completion of the wall of Jerusalem, shifting the focus from physical reconstruction to the re-establishment of the community itself. The list in Nehemiah 7 is almost identical to the one recorded earlier in Ezra 2, underscoring its immense importance and reliability as a foundational document for the post-exilic nation. Verse 50, embedded within this lengthy catalog of families, continues the systematic enumeration of family heads and their descendants, demonstrating the comprehensive nature of this record in identifying and organizing the returning exiles. The repetition of these names across both books highlights their authoritative status in defining the true Israelite community.

Historical & Cultural Context

The period following the seventy-year Babylonian exile was critical for the Jewish people. Having lost their land, temple, and monarchy, their identity as God's chosen people was severely challenged. The return to Judea was not merely a physical relocation but a spiritual and national reconstitution. Lineage was paramount in ancient Israelite society, determining tribal affiliation, land inheritance, social standing, and, crucially, eligibility for priestly and Levitical service in the rebuilt Temple. This census, therefore, served practical purposes: confirming land rights, ensuring proper worship by identifying legitimate priests and Levites, and establishing a clear structure for the re-emerging nation. The inclusion of specific family names like Reaiah, Rezin, and Nekoda underscores the meticulous effort to reconstruct society based on established ancestral lines, reinforcing continuity with their pre-exilic heritage despite the rupture of exile.

Key Themes

This seemingly simple verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates Divine Faithfulness and Restoration. The very existence of these returning families, meticulously recorded, testifies to God's unwavering commitment to His covenant promises, fulfilling prophecies of return after the Babylonian captivity. Secondly, it emphasizes Identity and Lineage, which were foundational for the re-establishment of the Israelite nation. Knowing one's "children of" (family) was essential for social, religious, and economic integration, ensuring the purity of the community and its proper function. Finally, the detailed nature of this census reflects a profound commitment to Order and Community Building. Nehemiah was not just a wall-builder but a community organizer, and these lists provided the framework for a structured, accountable, and functional society, laying the groundwork for the future of the nation, as seen in the subsequent organization of Jerusalem's inhabitants in Nehemiah 11.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

children bên' H1121

This term (H1121) literally means "son" but is used in a very broad sense to denote descendants, members of a family, or even those belonging to a particular group or condition. In this context, it signifies the collective descendants or family unit of the named individual, emphasizing the continuity of lineage and the corporate identity of the returning exiles. It highlights the importance of familial ties as the foundational unit of Israelite society.

Reaiah Rᵉʼâyâh' H7211

This Hebrew proper noun (H7211) means "Yah has seen" or "Yahweh has cared." Its inclusion signifies a family whose lineage was recognized as legitimate among the returning exiles. The name itself can be seen as a subtle theological statement, reminding the reader of God's watchful eye and provision over His people, even through the trials of exile and return, affirming His constant awareness of His covenant community.

Nekoda Nᵉqôwdâʼ' H5353

This proper noun (H5353), possibly meaning "distinction" or "marked," refers to a specific family of Temple servants. The family of Nekoda is notable because in Ezra 2:60, some of their descendants were among those whose lineage was questioned regarding their priestly claims, highlighting the rigorous scrutiny applied to ensure purity of descent, especially for those serving in the Temple. Their inclusion here confirms their general acceptance as part of the community, even if some specific claims within their family required further verification.

Verse Breakdown

"The children of Reaiah"

This phrase identifies the descendants of a specific family head named Reaiah. The use of "children of" (בְּנֵי, b'nei) emphasizes the collective identity and continuity of the family unit, which was the fundamental building block of Israelite society. It signifies their recognized lineage and participation in the post-exilic community, affirming their right to return and re-establish their place in the land.

"the children of Rezin"

Similarly, this identifies the descendants of Rezin. The repetition of "the children of" reinforces the systematic nature of the census and the importance of each distinct family line. It highlights the diverse family groups that comprised the returning remnant, each contributing to the re-population and re-establishment of the land, demonstrating the comprehensive scope of the divine restoration.

"the children of Nekoda"

This final clause in the verse lists the descendants of Nekoda. As noted in the Key Word Analysis, this family's presence is particularly significant given the challenges some of their members faced in proving priestly lineage in Ezra. Their inclusion here confirms their general acceptance as part of the lay community, even if certain branches had specific issues to resolve, underscoring the meticulousness of the record and the importance of verified heritage for all.

Literary Devices

Nehemiah 7:50, as part of a larger list, primarily employs Catalog or Genealogy, a common literary device in biblical texts. This involves the systematic listing of names, places, or events, serving to establish historical continuity, validate lineage, and provide a comprehensive record. The Repetition of the phrase "the children of" (or "the sons of") before each family name creates a rhythmic structure that emphasizes the familial basis of the community and the distinct identity of each household. This repetition also serves to underscore the meticulousness of the record-keeping and the thoroughness with which the returning exiles were identified. While seemingly mundane, this detailed listing also functions as a form of Emphasis, highlighting the importance of every individual and family in the grand narrative of God's restoration, asserting their legitimate place within the covenant community.

Theological and Thematic Connections

While a simple list of names, Nehemiah 7:50 powerfully underscores God's meticulous care for His people and His sovereign plan for their restoration. It reminds us that divine faithfulness is often demonstrated not just in grand miracles but in the painstaking preservation of lineage and community structures. The inclusion of these families signifies their vital role in God's ongoing redemptive history, affirming that every individual and family, no matter how seemingly obscure, has a place in His overarching purpose. This commitment to detail reflects the divine character—a God who knows His own, preserves His remnant, and orchestrates the rebuilding of His people, both physically and spiritually.

Ezra 2:1-60 1 Chronicles 9:1-9 Revelation 20:12

Reflection and Application

Nehemiah 7:50, though a list of ancient names, offers profound contemporary relevance. It reminds us that God values every individual and family within His divine tapestry, meticulously preserving those who belong to Him. Just as these families were essential for the physical and spiritual rebuilding of Jerusalem, every believer is called to contribute to the ongoing construction of God's spiritual house, the church. Our identity in Christ connects us to a vast, multi-generational family, a community rooted in shared faith and purpose. This verse subtly highlights the importance of knowing our spiritual heritage, understanding our place within the body of Christ, and actively participating in the collective effort to advance God's kingdom. It encourages us to find our unique role, however small it may seem, in God's grand narrative of redemption, trusting that He meticulously cares for and uses each one of us for His glory.

Questions for Reflection

How does the meticulous record-keeping in Nehemiah 7:50 challenge our perception of "insignificant" details in God's plan?
In what ways does knowing your "spiritual lineage" or connection to the broader family of faith impact your sense of identity and purpose today?
How can we, like the returning exiles, contribute to the "rebuilding" of God's community (the church) in our own time and context?

FAQ

Why are these seemingly "dry" lists of names included in the Bible, and what is their significance?

These lists, like Nehemiah 7:50, are far from dry; they are foundational to understanding God's faithfulness and the historical continuity of His people. Their inclusion serves several critical purposes:

Historical Validation: They provide verifiable records of who returned from exile, confirming the fulfillment of prophecy and the re-establishment of the Jewish nation. This meticulousness lends credibility to the biblical narrative.
Identity and Lineage: For ancient Israel, lineage determined tribal affiliation, land inheritance, and eligibility for priestly or Levitical service. These lists ensured the purity of the community and the proper functioning of the Temple.
Divine Faithfulness: The very existence of a remnant, preserved and returned, testifies to God's unwavering covenant faithfulness despite Israel's disobedience. He remembered His promises and meticulously brought His people back, as prophesied in Jeremiah 29:10.
Inclusivity and Value: They show that every individual and family, even those whose names might seem obscure to us, had a vital place in God's plan and were known by Him. This underscores the theological truth that God cares for and uses all His people.
Foundation for Messiah: Ultimately, these genealogies, though not directly leading to Jesus in Nehemiah, are part of the larger biblical record that meticulously traces the lineage through which the Messiah would come, ensuring the fulfillment of promises made to Abraham and David (e.g., Matthew 1:1-17).

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

The meticulous record of families returning to Jerusalem in Nehemiah 7:50 foreshadows a greater, spiritual gathering and the ultimate "census" of God's people in Christ. Just as the physical returnees were identified by their lineage to claim their place in the restored community, so too are believers today identified by their spiritual lineage, being "born again" into the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ. The purity of lineage that was so crucial for temple service in Nehemiah finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ, the perfect High Priest, who established a new covenant where all believers become a "royal priesthood" (1 Peter 2:9). The detailed lists of names in Nehemiah point to God's intimate knowledge of His own, a truth profoundly echoed in the New Testament where Jesus declares, "I know My sheep" (John 10:14), and assures His followers that their names are "written in heaven" (Luke 10:20). The ultimate fulfillment of such earthly registers is the Lamb's Book of Life, where the names of all those redeemed by Christ are eternally recorded, signifying their secure and permanent place in God's heavenly kingdom (Revelation 21:27). Thus, Nehemiah 7:50, a seemingly simple list, subtly points to the comprehensive and eternal record of God's redeemed family, gathered and secured in Christ.

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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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