Old Testament
Nehemiah 7:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The children of Bebai: 628.
Compare translations
The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.
What Nehemiah 7:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 7:16, the verse lists the descendants of Bebai, a family among the returning exiles from Babylon. The number given is 628, indicating the size of this particular family group. This census is part of a larger effort to account for all the people who returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and its walls after the Babylonian exile. The mention of specific family names and numbers highlights the importance of community and heritage in the Jewish tradition. It also serves to establish a record of those who were faithful to return and contribute to the restoration of their homeland. This verse, while seemingly straightforward, reflects the broader themes of identity, belonging, and the significance of each individual and family in the collective effort to restore Jerusalem. The meticulous recording of names and numbers underscores the value placed on each person in the community, reminding us that everyone has a role to play in the larger narrative of faith and restoration.
How to apply Nehemiah 7:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the importance of community and our individual roles within it. Just as each family was counted in the rebuilding of Jerusalem, we too have unique contributions to make in our communities. Embrace your identity and actively participate in collective efforts for positive change.
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 7:16
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 7:16
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 7:16 mean?
Nehemiah 7:16 lists the descendants of Bebai, indicating that there were 628 members in this family group among the returning exiles from Babylon. This census highlights the importance of community and heritage as the people worked together to rebuild Jerusalem.
What is the significance of the number 628 in Nehemiah 7:16?
The number 628 represents the size of the family of Bebai among those who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It emphasizes the collective effort of families in the restoration process and the value of each individual's contribution.
How does Nehemiah 7:16 relate to community?
Nehemiah 7:16 illustrates the significance of community by counting each family that returned to Jerusalem. It shows that every individual and family plays a vital role in collective efforts for restoration and rebuilding.
What themes are present in Nehemiah 7:16?
Key themes in Nehemiah 7:16 include community, heritage, restoration, identity, and faithfulness. The verse reflects the importance of each family in the collective journey of returning and rebuilding Jerusalem.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.