Nehemiah 7:50

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### 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](/ezra/2 "Ezra 2 - The First Return from Exile"), 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](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years' Exile"). 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](/nehemiah/11 "Nehemiah 11 - Settlers in Jerusalem").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **children (Hebrew, _bên'_):** 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 (Hebrew, _Rᵉʼâyâh'_):** 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 (Hebrew, _Nᵉqôwdâʼ'_):** 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](/ezra/2-60 "Ezra 2:60 - Descendants whose lineage was uncertain"), 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](/ezra/2-1-60 "Ezra 2:1-60 - List of Those Who Returned from Exile")
* [1 Chronicles 9:1-9](/1_chronicles/9-1-9 "1 Chronicles 9:1-9 - Inhabitants of Jerusalem after the Exile")
* [Revelation 20:12](/revelation/20-12 "Revelation 20:12 - The Book of Life")

### 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?**

Answer: 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](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years' Exile").
* **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](/matthew/1-1-17 "Matthew 1:1-17 - Genealogy of Jesus")).

### 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](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - A Royal Priesthood")). 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](/john/10-14 "John 10:14 - Jesus the Good Shepherd")), and assures His followers that their names are "written in heaven" ([Luke 10:20](/luke/10-20 "Luke 10:20 - Rejoice that your names are written in heaven")). 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](/revelation/21-27 "Revelation 21:27 - Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life")). 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.

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.