Old Testament
Nehemiah 7:42
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The children of Harim: 1,017.
Compare translations
The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
What Nehemiah 7:42 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 7:42, we see a specific count of the descendants of Harim, totaling 1,017 individuals. This verse is part of a larger list that details the families and their numbers who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem. The mention of Harim highlights the importance of family lineage and community in the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Each number represents not just a statistic but real people who contributed to the restoration of their homeland. This emphasis on numbers reflects the organization and structure necessary for the community's revival. It also serves to remind the returning exiles of their heritage and the continuity of their identity as God's chosen people. The meticulous recording of these names and numbers underscores the significance of each family in the collective effort to restore Jerusalem, both physically and spiritually. It illustrates the importance of community and the role each individual plays in the larger narrative of God's plan for His people.
How to apply Nehemiah 7:42 to your life
Understanding the importance of community and heritage can inspire us to value our own families and connections. Just as the people of Harim contributed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem, we too can play a vital role in our communities by supporting one another and recognizing our shared history and 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 7:42
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 7:42
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 7:42 say about the children of Harim?
Nehemiah 7:42 states that the children of Harim numbered 1,017 individuals. This verse is part of a census that lists the families who returned from Babylonian exile to Jerusalem, emphasizing the significance of each family in the restoration process.
Why is the census in Nehemiah important?
The census in Nehemiah serves to document the families returning to Jerusalem, highlighting the importance of community and heritage. It reflects the organization needed for rebuilding efforts and reminds the exiles of their identity as God's chosen people, reinforcing their connection to their past.
How does Nehemiah 7:42 relate to community building?
Nehemiah 7:42 illustrates the role of individual families, like the children of Harim, in the collective effort to restore Jerusalem. It emphasizes that every person's contribution is vital to community building, encouraging us to recognize and support one another in our own communities.
What can we learn from the children of Harim in Nehemiah 7:42?
The mention of the children of Harim teaches us the value of family and heritage. It reminds us that our connections to our families and communities are important, and that we can all play a role in supporting and uplifting one another as we work towards common goals.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.