And some of the heads of fathers’ houses gave into the treasury of the work 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse highlights that true generosity for God's work often comes not from the entire crowd, but from "some of the chief of the fathers." It's a reminder that while many benefit from God's provision, a faithful few step up with significant, sacrificial gifts to fuel His purposes.
And some of the heads of fathers’ houses gave into the treasury of the work 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This passage comes right after the meticulous recording of everyone who returned to Jerusalem and the completion of the city walls. It highlights the generous contributions of some prominent families towards the ongoing work and service of the Temple, demonstrating their commitment to restoring worship and maintaining the community. This spirit of selfless giving sets the stage for the people's gathering to hear the Law and recommit themselves to God's covenant.
Ever wonder where the resources come from for significant projects of faith? This verse reveals a powerful truth about how God's people step up.
Nehemiah chapter 7 concludes with a remarkable display of generosity. After the people meticulously recorded their genealogies, a segment of the leaders, the 'chiefs of the fathers,' stepped forward with incredible personal contributions.
Generous Donations
This wasn't just a small offering; these were substantial amounts, highlighting a deep commitment to the 'work' – likely the ongoing rebuilding and spiritual restoration efforts in Jerusalem. It's a vivid reminder that significant undertakings for God's kingdom often require significant sacrifice from His people.
What do 'darics' and 'minas' really mean for us today? This verse isn't just about numbers; it's about understanding the weight of sacrifice.
The specific terms 'darics' (or drams) for gold and 'minas' for silver point to significant sums of wealth in the ancient world.
Ancient Wealth
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Scholars estimate these amounts would be equivalent to many thousands, if not millions, of dollars today. This wasn't pocket change; it was a deep personal investment. It shows that when God's people are stirred to give, they often give of their best and most valuable possessions.
Who prompted these leaders to give so generously? The answer might surprise you and speaks volumes about God's heart.
While the text states that 'some of the heads of fathers' houses gave,' it's crucial to remember the broader context of Nehemiah's ministry.
God's Influence
This verse, therefore, isn't just a record of a financial transaction. It’s evidence of God working in the hearts of His people, inspiring them to contribute their wealth to His purposes. True generosity for God's work always begins with God's initiative.
Understand the original words
rosh avot · Hebrew Noun Phrase
Refers to the leaders of the ancestral family units or clans within the tribes of Israel, responsible for governing and representing their lineage.
otsar · Hebrew Noun
A place for storing valuables, offerings, or resources dedicated to the service of God and the maintenance of the sanctuary.
darkemon · Hebrew Noun
A gold coin of Persian origin, often associated with the era of the return from Babylonian exile, used as a standard of currency.
maneh · Hebrew Noun
A unit of weight or currency used in the ancient Near East, frequently associated with the weighing of precious metals like silver in biblical narratives.
This verse highlights the sacrificial giving of the leaders during the critical period of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, demonstrating their commitment to both the physical restoration of the city and its ongoing needs.
c. 538 BC
First Return from Exile
Following Cyrus the Great's decree, a large contingent of Jewish exiles, led by Zerubbabel, returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple.
c. 515 BC
Rebuilding of the Second Temple Completed
The foundational work of rebuilding the Temple on its original site was finished, marking a significant step in the restoration of Jewish religious life in Jerusalem.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Return to Jerusalem
The scribe Ezra led a group of Jews back to Jerusalem, focusing on religious reform and the strict observance of the Law.
c. 445 BC
Nehemiah Arrives in Jerusalem
Appointed governor, Nehemiah arrived with royal authority and a mission to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, facing significant opposition.
c. 445-444 BC— this verse
Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls
Under Nehemiah's leadership, the people of Jerusalem, including their leaders, worked diligently to reconstruct the city walls despite threats and discouragement.
c. 444 BC
Census and Dedication of the Walls
After the walls were completed, Nehemiah conducted a census of the returnees and led a solemn dedication ceremony for the rebuilt walls and city.
This passage highlights the voluntary offerings of gold, silver, and precious materials given by the Israelites for the construction of the tabernacle, paralleling the generous contributions made for the Temple repairs in Nehemiah.
1 Chronicles 29:3-5King David's fervent appeal for contributions to build the Temple, where he and his people willingly gave large amounts of gold and silver, echoes the spirit of selfless giving seen in Nehemiah 7.
2 Corinthians 8:1-5This New Testament passage speaks of the Macedonian churches, whose extreme poverty did not hinder their overflowing generosity in giving to the Jerusalem church, demonstrating a deep commitment to supporting God's work, similar to the leaders in Nehemiah.
Haggai 1:4-6Haggai confronts the returned exiles for prioritizing their own houses over rebuilding the Temple, urging them to consider their ways and invest in God's house, which connects to the idea of dedicating resources to the Temple's upkeep and work.
clarkeNehemiah 7:71: "And 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."
Two thousand and two hundred pounds - The Septuagint has two thousand Three hundred minae of silver.
cambridgeNehemiah 7:71: "And 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."
71 . to the treasure ] R.V. into the treasury. pound ] R.V. marg. ‘Heb. maneh ’.
This verse highlights that true generosity for God's work often comes not from the entire crowd, but from "some of the chief of the fathers." It's a reminder that while many benefit from God's provision, a faithful few step up with significant, sacrificial gifts to fuel His purposes.
This passage comes right after the meticulous recording of everyone who returned to Jerusalem and the completion of the city walls. It highlights the generous contributions of some prominent families towards the ongoing work and service of the Temple, demonstrating their commitment to restoring worship and maintaining the community. This spirit of selfless giving sets the stage for the people's gathering to hear the Law and recommit themselves to God's covenant.
This passage comes right after the meticulous recording of everyone who returned to Jerusalem and the completion of the city walls. It highlights the generous contributions of some prominent families towards the ongoing work and service of the Temple, demonstrating their commitment to restoring worship and maintaining the community. This spirit of selfless giving sets the stage for the people's gathering to hear the Law and recommit themselves to God's covenant.
"And some of the heads of fathers’ houses gave into the treasury of the work 20,000 darics of gold and 2,200 minas of silver." — This verse highlights that true generosity for God's work often comes not from the entire crowd, but from "some of the chief of the fathers." It's a reminder that while many benefit from God's provis…
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Last reviewed October 2026