Old Testament
Nehemiah 7:69
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
their camels: 435; their donkeys: 6,720.
Compare translations
Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.
What Nehemiah 7:69 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 7:69, the verse provides a detailed account of the livestock owned by the returning exiles. Specifically, it mentions that there were 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys. This enumeration serves to highlight the wealth and resources of the people who returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. Livestock was a significant part of ancient economies, symbolizing both wealth and the ability to sustain a community. The mention of these animals also reflects the practical needs of the returning exiles, as they would require transportation and resources for farming and trade. This verse, while seemingly a simple count, underscores the importance of community rebuilding and the material aspects necessary for a thriving society. It illustrates how the returning exiles were not just spiritually restored but also materially equipped to start anew in their homeland.
How to apply Nehemiah 7:69 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of resources in rebuilding our lives and communities. Just as the exiles had livestock to support their new beginning, we should recognize and utilize our own resources wisely to foster growth and support those around us.
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 7:69
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 7:69
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 7:69 mean?
Nehemiah 7:69 lists the number of camels and donkeys owned by the returning exiles, specifically 435 camels and 6,720 donkeys. This count highlights the wealth and resources available to the community as they rebuilt their lives in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.
What is the significance of livestock in Nehemiah 7:69?
In Nehemiah 7:69, livestock like camels and donkeys symbolize wealth and the ability to sustain a community. These animals were essential for transportation, farming, and trade, reflecting the practical needs of the returning exiles.
How does Nehemiah 7:69 relate to community rebuilding?
Nehemiah 7:69 underscores the role of material resources in community rebuilding. Just as the exiles had livestock to support their new beginning, it highlights the need for practical resources in fostering growth and stability.
What can we learn from Nehemiah 7:69?
Nehemiah 7:69 teaches us about the importance of recognizing and utilizing our resources effectively. It reminds us that, like the exiles, we should leverage our own assets to support our communities and promote growth.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.