Nehemiah 7:8 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 7:8 mean?

Nehemiah 7:8 records that the descendants of Parosh numbered 2,172. This verse is part of a list that counts the families returning from exile to Jerusalem after the Babylonian captivity.

Nehemiah, the governor of Jerusalem, is compiling a census of the people who returned from exile. The verse simply names one family group, the children (descendants) of Parosh, and gives their total number. This list helped the community organize itself and reconnect with its heritage as they rebuilt their city and society.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 7:8

• "children" (בְּנֵי, bᵉnê): This word means "sons" or "descendants," emphasizing family lineage rather than just immediate children.
• "Parosh" (פָּרֹשׁ, Parosh): This is a family or clan name, likely meaning "flea," but here it simply identifies a specific group among the returnees.
• The numbers: "two" (שְׁנַיִם, shenayim), "thousand" (אֶלֶף, eleph), "hundred" (מֵאָה, me'ah), "seventy" (שִׁבְעִים, shiv'im), "two" (שְׁנַיִם, shenayim): The Hebrew numbers are combined to form the total 2,172, showing careful record-keeping.

Why Nehemiah 7:8 matters

• This verse helps show the careful organization and record-keeping that was important for the community’s identity and restoration after exile.
• Listing the descendants of Parosh by name and number connects the returning exiles to their ancestral roots, reinforcing a sense of belonging and continuity.
• The census in Nehemiah 7 highlights the practical steps taken to rebuild Jerusalem, not just physically but also socially and spiritually, by reestablishing family lines and community structure.