And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests' garments.

NEHEMIAH 7:70KJV
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Nehemiah 7:70 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 7:70 mean?

Nehemiah 7:70 describes how some of the leading families of Israel contributed valuable gifts for the rebuilding work, and specifically notes that the governor, called the Tirshatha, gave a large donation of gold, basins, and priestly garments to the treasury. This verse highlights the generosity and leadership of those in authority during the restoration of Jerusalem.

In this setting, Nehemiah is recording the efforts to restore Jerusalem after the exile, listing those who returned and what they gave to support the work. The mention of the Tirshatha (a Persian title for the governor) shows that both religious and civic leaders were involved in supporting the temple and its services, providing both money and items needed for worship.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 7:70

  • תִּרְשָׁתָא (Tirshatha): This word is a title meaning "the governor," used for Nehemiah. It is not a personal name but a Persian administrative title, emphasizing Nehemiah’s official authority in the region.
  • דַּרְכְּמוֹן (drams, transliterated as darkemon): This refers to a unit of gold, often understood as a coin or weight, showing the substantial nature of the donation.
  • כְּלִי (basons, transliterated as kelim): These are vessels or basins used in temple service, highlighting that the gifts were not just money but also practical items needed for worship.
  • מִלְבּוּשׁ (garments, transliterated as malbush): This refers to the special clothing for priests, showing care for the needs of those serving in the temple.

Why Nehemiah 7:70 matters

  • Nehemiah 7:70 clarifies that the rebuilding of Jerusalem was supported by both leaders and ordinary people, demonstrating a united community effort.
  • The verse shows that leadership involved setting an example in generosity, not just giving orders, which would have encouraged others to contribute as well.
  • By listing specific items and amounts, the verse connects the restoration work to the practical needs of temple worship, reminding readers that spiritual renewal also required material support.

Where else these words appear

“drams” Hebrew H1871 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 2:69 They gave after their ability unto the treasure of the work threescore and one thousand drams of gold, and five thousand pound of silver, and one hundred priests' garments.
  • Nehemiah 7:71 And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.
  • Nehemiah 7:72 And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests' garments.

“of” Hebrew H7117 · used in 5 verses

  • Daniel 1:2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim king of Judah into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God: which he carried into the land of Shinar to the house of his god; and he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god.
  • Daniel 1:5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king's meat, and of the wine which he drank: so nourishing them three years, that at the end thereof they might stand before the king.
  • Daniel 1:15 And at the end of ten days their countenances appeared fairer and fatter in flesh than all the children which did eat the portion of the king's meat.

“Tirshatha” Hebrew H8660 · used in 5 verses

  • Ezra 2:63 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and with Thummim.
  • Nehemiah 7:65 And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.
  • Nehemiah 8:9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

“garments” Hebrew H3801 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them.
  • Exodus 28:40 And for Aaron's sons thou shalt make coats, and thou shalt make for them girdles, and bonnets shalt thou make for them, for glory and for beauty.
  • Leviticus 16:4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen breeches upon his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen girdle, and with the linen mitre shall he be attired: these are holy garments; therefore shall he wash his flesh in water, and so put them on.