Nehemiah 7:21 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 7:21 mean?

Nehemiah 7:21 lists a group returning from exile: “The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.” This means that 98 descendants from the family line of Ater, who was associated with Hezekiah, returned to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.

This verse is part of a census Nehemiah recorded as he organized the repopulation of Jerusalem. The list names families and the number of their members who came back to help rebuild the city. It shows the careful record-keeping and the importance of each family group in restoring the community.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 7:21

• The word “children” (בֵּן, ben) often means “descendants” or “members of a family line,” not just literal sons. Here, it refers to all those belonging to the family of Ater.
• “Ater” (עָטֵר, ‘ater) is a personal name, likely the ancestor of this family group. The name means “leftover” or “remnant,” which may have special meaning for a group returning from exile.
• “Hezekiah” (חִזְקִיָּה, ḥizqiyyah) is a name meaning “Yahweh strengthens.” This may refer to a notable ancestor or a branch of the family distinguished by this name.
• The numbers “ninety” (תִּשְׁעִים, tish‘im) and “eight” (שְׁמוֹנֶה, shemoneh) simply state the exact count of this family group, showing the precision of the census.

Why Nehemiah 7:21 matters

• This verse highlights the careful documentation of families returning from exile, showing the value placed on each group’s identity and heritage.
• Naming “Ater of Hezekiah” distinguishes this family from others, suggesting there may have been more than one Ater, or that this group had a notable ancestor.
• The census in Nehemiah 7 connects the returning exiles to their ancestral roots, emphasizing continuity and belonging as Jerusalem is rebuilt.