Nehemiah 7:57 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 7:57 mean?

Nehemiah 7:57 lists the descendants of Solomon’s servants, specifically naming the families of Sotai, Sophereth, and Perida. This verse is part of a census recording those who returned from exile to Jerusalem and Judah.

Nehemiah, the governor, is recounting the groups who came back from Babylonian captivity to help rebuild Jerusalem. The mention of “Solomon’s servants” refers to a group originally assigned to work for King Solomon, whose descendants maintained a distinct identity even generations later. This list shows the careful record-keeping and the importance of every group in the restored community.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 7:57

• בְּנֵי (bᵉnê, H1121): Meaning “children” or “descendants.” This word highlights that the list is about family lines, not just individuals.
• עַבְדֵי (ʿavdê, H5650): Meaning “servants.” Here, it refers to those who served Solomon, marking a special class within the returning exiles.
• שְׁלֹמֹה (Shelomoh, H8010): Meaning “Solomon.” The verse connects these families directly to the legacy of King Solomon, underlining their historical role.
• סֹטַי (Sotai, H5479), סֹפֶרֶת (Sophereth, H5618), פְּרִידָא (Perida, H6514): These are family names, showing the preservation of identity over centuries.

Why Nehemiah 7:57 matters

• This verse shows that even those with servant backgrounds were valued enough to be recorded by name in the restored community.
• The listing of specific families underlines the continuity and memory of Israel’s history, even after exile and upheaval.
• By naming these groups, Nehemiah emphasizes that the rebuilding of Jerusalem was a collective effort, involving people from all walks of life.