Nehemiah 7:39-42
The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, namely the house of Jeshua, 973. The sons of Immer, 1,052. The sons of Pashhur, 1,247. The sons of Harim, 1,017.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
It's easy to see this as just a list, but notice it specifies "the house of Jeshua" within Jedaiah's sons. This points to a significant family lineage among the priests, showing how deeply their heritage mattered even after the exile. It highlights that within the broader priestly order, specific, recognizable family lines were still vitally important for service and identity.
This verse is part of a large genealogical list detailing who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah discovered an earlier register, and he's now presenting these meticulously recorded family lineages, especially focusing on the priests who held vital roles in the Temple. This detailed accounting, including the specific house of Jeshua and its 973 priests, underscores the importance of rediscovering and re-establishing their covenantal identity and religious responsibilities in rebuilding the community.
Why does Nehemiah bother listing so many names and numbers? This isn't just ancient record-keeping; it's a spiritual act.
God's People, God's Order
Nehemiah's meticulous recording of genealogies, including this specific listing of priests, isn't random. It's a vital part of rebuilding Jerusalem.
Ask a follow-up
Ask Sola things like:
Live chat about Nehemiah 7:39-42 is available in the Sola app.
This list seems precise, but what if someone's name or family wasn't there? Does that mean they were outside God's plan?
Beyond the Register
While Nehemiah records specific genealogies, commentators note that not all priestly families might appear in this particular list.
Understand the original words
hak-kō-ha-nîm · Hebrew Noun
The tribe of Levi, specifically those descended from Aaron, set apart for the service of the Lord, the performance of sacrificial duties, and the instruction of the law.
bêṯ · Hebrew Noun
Refers to the patrilineal family unit or ancestral descent group, signifying the structural organization of Israelite society and the preservation of covenantal inheritance.
ben · Hebrew Noun
A general term meaning 'male descendants' or 'members of a specific clan/house,' often used to denote lineage, heritage, and the passing down of covenant identity from one generation to the next.
This verse is part of a detailed census Nehemiah took upon returning to Jerusalem. It highlights how crucial genealogical records were for re-establishing the social and religious order after the Babylonian exile, ensuring correct identity and roles, especially for the priesthood serving in the Second Temple.
c. 586 BC
Destruction of Jerusalem and Temple
The Babylonians conquer Judah, destroy Jerusalem and Solomon's Temple, and exile many Jews. This event effectively ends the Davidic monarchy and the Levitical priesthood as it existed.
538 BC
Cyrus's Decree for Return
King Cyrus of Persia allows the Jewish exiles in Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the Temple. This marks the beginning of the post-exilic period.
c. 515 BC
Dedication of the Second Temple
The rebuilt Temple in Jerusalem is dedicated, signifying a restoration of worship, though on a smaller scale than Solomon's original Temple.
c. 444 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's Return to Jerusalem
Nehemiah, cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, returns to Jerusalem with royal permission to rebuild its walls. He sets about organizing the city and its people.
c. 444 BC
Genealogy Registry Review
Nehemiah finds an ancient register of those who first returned from Babylonian exile. He uses this to re-establish proper order and identity within the community, as detailed in Nehemiah chapters 7 and 12.
This passage is a direct parallel, showing the same genealogical record of priests returning from exile, highlighting the continuity of God's people and their service.
1 Chronicles 24:1This chapter details David's organization of the priests into courses, providing the historical context for the priestly families mentioned in Nehemiah, underscoring the structured way God established worship.
Hebrews 7:11This New Testament passage speaks of the inadequacy of the Levitical priesthood and the coming of a new, superior priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, providing a theological perspective on the fulfillment of the Old Testament priestly system.
1 Corinthians 11:23-26This passage describes the institution of the Lord's Supper, showing how Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, instituted a new covenant and a new way to remember God's redemptive work, fulfilling the purpose of the Old Testament priesthood.
pooleNehemiah 7:39: "The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three."
No text from Poole on this verse.
pulpitNehemiah 7:39: "The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three."
Verses 39-42. - This section exactly reproduces Ezra 2:36-39.
It's easy to see this as just a list, but notice it specifies "the house of Jeshua" within Jedaiah's sons. This points to a significant family lineage among the priests, showing how deeply their heritage mattered even after the exile. It highlights that within the broader priestly order, specific, recognizable family lines were still vitally important for service and identity.
This verse is part of a large genealogical list detailing who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah discovered an earlier register, and he's now presenting these meticulously recorded family lineages, especially focusing on the priests who held vital roles in the Temple. This detailed accounting, including the specific house of Jeshua and its 973 priests, underscores the importance of rediscovering and re-establishing their covenantal identity and religious responsibilities in rebuilding the community.
This verse is part of a large genealogical list detailing who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Nehemiah discovered an earlier register, and he's now presenting these meticulously recorded family lineages, especially focusing on the priests who held vital roles in the Temple. This detailed accounting, including the specific house of Jeshua and its 973 priests, underscores the importance of rediscovering and re-establishing their covenantal identity and religious responsibilities in rebuilding the community.
"The priests: the sons of Jedaiah, namely the house of Jeshua, 973. The sons of Immer, 1,052. The sons of Pashhur, 1,247. The sons of Harim, 1,017." — It's easy to see this as just a list, but notice it specifies "the house of Jeshua" within Jedaiah's sons. This points to a significant family lineage among the priests, showing how deeply their heri…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
