Old Testament
Nehemiah 7:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The men of Michmas: 122.
Compare translations
The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.
What Nehemiah 7:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 7:31, the verse provides a specific count of the men from Michmas who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. This number, 122, reflects the community's effort to repopulate and restore the city. The mention of Michmas indicates its importance as a location near Jerusalem, highlighting the role of various towns in the rebuilding process. The census taken by Nehemiah serves to document the people who were committed to rebuilding their homeland, emphasizing the significance of community and participation in God's work. This verse, while simple, underscores the importance of each individual in the larger narrative of restoration and renewal. It reminds us that every person counts in the work of God, and that collective efforts lead to significant outcomes in fulfilling divine purposes.
How to apply Nehemiah 7:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the value of community involvement in our spiritual journeys. Just as the men of Michmas contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, we too can play a vital role in our communities. Engaging with others in faith-based activities fosters unity and strengthens our collective purpose.
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 7:31
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 7:31
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 7:31 mean?
Nehemiah 7:31 lists the number of men from Michmas who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile, specifically stating there were 122. This count highlights the importance of community participation in the restoration of Jerusalem.
What is the significance of Michmas in Nehemiah 7:31?
Michmas is mentioned in Nehemiah 7:31 as a location that contributed to the repopulation of Jerusalem. Its inclusion emphasizes the role of various towns in the rebuilding efforts after the exile.
Why is the census important in Nehemiah 7:31?
The census in Nehemiah 7:31 serves to document the individuals who were dedicated to the rebuilding of Jerusalem. It underscores the significance of each person's contribution to the community's restoration.
How does Nehemiah 7:31 relate to community involvement?
Nehemiah 7:31 highlights the importance of community involvement by showing how the men of Michmas played a role in rebuilding Jerusalem. It encourages us to engage with others in our communities for collective growth and support.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.