Old Testament
Nehemiah 7:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The children of Arah: 652.
Compare translations
The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.
What Nehemiah 7:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 7:10, the verse lists the descendants of Arah, a family or clan that returned from exile in Babylon to Jerusalem. The number given is 652, indicating the size of this particular group. This census is part of a larger effort to account for the people who returned to rebuild Jerusalem and restore their community. The mention of specific families and their numbers highlights the importance of community and heritage in the Jewish tradition. It shows that each family had a role in the restoration process, emphasizing the collective effort required to rebuild their homeland. This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of ancestry and the contributions of each individual to the larger community. It also reflects the organization and structure that Nehemiah implemented to ensure a successful rebuilding of Jerusalem, showcasing the importance of planning and accountability in any communal effort.
How to apply Nehemiah 7:10 to your life
Understanding the importance of community and heritage can inspire us to value our own backgrounds and the contributions of those around us. Just as the people of Arah played a role in rebuilding Jerusalem, we too can contribute to our communities in meaningful ways, fostering unity and collaboration.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Nehemiah 7:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Nehemiah 7:10
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nehemiah 7:10 mean?
Nehemiah 7:10 lists the descendants of Arah, indicating that 652 members of this family returned from Babylonian exile to help rebuild Jerusalem. This verse highlights the importance of community and ancestry in the restoration process.
What is the significance of the number 652 in Nehemiah 7:10?
The number 652 in Nehemiah 7:10 represents the size of the family of Arah that returned to Jerusalem. It emphasizes the collective effort of families in the community to restore their homeland after exile.
Why is ancestry important in Nehemiah 7:10?
Ancestry is important in Nehemiah 7:10 as it reflects the heritage and identity of the Jewish people. The verse underscores how each family's history and presence were vital to the community's restoration efforts.
How does Nehemiah 7:10 relate to community efforts?
Nehemiah 7:10 illustrates the role of individual families, like Arah's, in the larger community effort to rebuild Jerusalem. It shows that every person's contribution is essential for achieving common goals.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.