Old Testament
Nehemiah 7:13
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The children of Zattu: 845.
Compare translations
The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.
What Nehemiah 7:13 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 7:13, we see a record of the descendants of Zattu, a family that returned from exile to help rebuild Jerusalem. The number given, 845, indicates the size of this family group. This census was important for establishing the community's structure and ensuring that the people who returned were recognized and accounted for. It highlights the significance of family lineage and the role of each group in the restoration of the city. The mention of specific numbers also reflects the organized effort to repopulate Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing the importance of community and identity in the rebuilding process. This verse, while seemingly just a statistic, underscores the collective effort of the Israelites to restore their homeland and their commitment to God’s covenant. It serves as a reminder of the importance of community and the contributions of each individual family in achieving a common goal.
How to apply Nehemiah 7:13 to your life
Understanding the importance of community and family can inspire us to value our own contributions to our communities. Just as the families in Nehemiah's time played a crucial role in rebuilding Jerusalem, we too can make a difference in our neighborhoods and churches by actively participating and supporting one another.
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 7:13
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 7:13
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 7:13 mean?
Nehemiah 7:13 records the number of descendants of Zattu who returned from exile to help rebuild Jerusalem, specifically noting 845 individuals. This census highlights the importance of family lineage and community structure in the restoration of the city.
What is the significance of the number 845 in Nehemiah 7:13?
The number 845 represents the size of the family group of Zattu that returned to Jerusalem. It emphasizes the organized effort to repopulate the city after the Babylonian exile and the role of each family in the community's restoration.
Why is family lineage important in Nehemiah 7:13?
Family lineage is important in Nehemiah 7:13 as it establishes the identity and heritage of those who returned to Jerusalem. It reflects the significance of each family's role in the collective effort to restore the community after exile.
How does Nehemiah 7:13 relate to community building?
Nehemiah 7:13 relates to community building by showing how individual families, like that of Zattu, contributed to the larger goal of restoring Jerusalem. It highlights the necessity of each person's involvement in creating a strong and united community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.