Nehemiah 7:5

Nehemiah 7:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it:

King James Version KJV

¶ And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,

American Standard Version ASV

And my God put into my heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of them that came up at the first, and I found written therein:

Bible in Basic English BBE

And my God put it into my heart to get together the rulers and the chiefs and the people so that they might be listed by families. And I came across a record of the names of those who came up at the first, and in it I saw these words:

Free Bible Version FBV

My God encouraged me to have everyone—the nobles, the officials, and the people—all come to be registered according to their family genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had returned first. This what I discovered written there.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And my God put into mine heart, and I gathered the princes, and the rulers, and the people, to count their genealogies: and I found a booke of the genealogie of them, which came vp at the first, and found written therein,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and my God putteth it unto my heart, and I gather the freeman, and the prefects, and the people, for the genealogy, and I find a book of the genealogy of those coming up at the beginning, and I find written in it: —

World English Bible WEB

My God put into my heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be listed by genealogy. I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found this written in it:

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And my God put into my heart to assemble the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them who came up at the first, and found written in it,

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But God had put in my heart, and I assembled the princes and magistrates, and common people, to number them: and I found a book of the number of them who came up at first, and therein it was found written:

Translation for Translators T4T

To defend the city, we needed more people there. Then God gave me the idea to summon the leaders and officials and other people, and to look in the books in which were written the names of all the people and their clans. So I found the records of the people who had first returned from Babylonia. This is what I found written in those records:

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 7:5

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 7:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יִּתֵּ֤ן אֱלֹהַ/י֙ אֶל לִבִּ֔/י וָ/אֶקְבְּצָ֞/ה אֶת הַ/חֹרִ֧ים וְ/אֶת הַ/סְּגָנִ֛ים וְ/אֶת הָ/עָ֖ם לְ/הִתְיַחֵ֑שׂ וָֽ/אֶמְצָ֗א סֵ֤פֶר הַ/יַּ֨חַשׂ֙ הָ/עוֹלִ֣ים בָּ/רִאשׁוֹנָ֔ה וָ/אֶמְצָ֖א כָּת֥וּב בּֽ/וֹ

וַ/יִּתֵּ֤ן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

אֱלֹהַ/י֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

לִבִּ֔/י lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

וָ/אֶקְבְּצָ֞/ה qâbats H6908 to gather Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

הַ/חֹרִ֧ים chôr H2715 noble Art | N-mp

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

הַ/סְּגָנִ֛ים çâgân H5461 ruler Art | N-mp

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 Amaw Art | N-ms

לְ/הִתְיַחֵ֑שׂ yâchas H3187 to enroll Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

וָֽ/אֶמְצָ֗א mâtsâʼ H4672 to find Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

סֵ֤פֶר çêpher H5612 scroll N-ms

הַ/יַּ֨חַשׂ֙ yachas H3188 genealogy Art | N-ms

הָ/עוֹלִ֣ים ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Art | V-Qal

בָּ/רִאשׁוֹנָ֔ה riʼshôwn H7223 first Prep | Adj

וָ/אֶמְצָ֖א mâtsâʼ H4672 to find Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

כָּת֥וּב kâthab H3789 to write V-Qal-Inf-c

בּֽ/וֹ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 7:5

וַ/יִּתֵּ֤ן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

אֱלֹהַ/י֙ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

לִבִּ֔/י lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

וָ/אֶקְבְּצָ֞/ה qâbats H6908 "to gather" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff

To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.

Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together

Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/חֹרִ֧ים chôr H2715 "noble" Art | N-mp

In the original Hebrew, this word means noble or pure, like something made clean by fire. It describes someone of high rank or birth, like a freeborn person. It appears in various Bible translations as 'noble'.

Definition: a noble, freeborn one

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: noble. See also: 1 Kings 21:8; Nehemiah 6:17; Isaiah 34:12.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הַ/סְּגָנִ֛ים çâgân H5461 "ruler" Art | N-mp

A ruler is a person with authority and power, like a prince or governor. In the Bible, this word is used to describe leaders in Assyria and Babylon, who had control over provinces and people.

Definition: 1) ruler, prefect, governor, a subordinate ruler 1a) prefects (of Assyria and Babylon) 1b) petty rulers or officials Aramaic equivalent: se.gan (סְגַן "prefect" H5460)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: prince, ruler. See also: Ezra 9:2; Nehemiah 13:11; Isaiah 41:25.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

הָ/עָ֖ם ʻam H5971 "Amaw" Art | N-ms

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

לְ/הִתְיַחֵ֑שׂ yâchas H3187 "to enroll" Prep | V-Hithpael-Inf-a

To enroll means to officially record or list someone's name, often for genealogical purposes. This word is used to describe the process of reckoning or numbering people in a family tree or genealogy.

Definition: (Hithpael) to reckon genealogically, enrol on a genealogy, enrol, be enrolled

Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (number after, number throughout the) genealogy (to be reckoned), be reckoned by genealogies. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:33; 2 Chronicles 12:15; Nehemiah 7:64.

וָֽ/אֶמְצָ֗א mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)

Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.

סֵ֤פֶר çêpher H5612 "scroll" N-ms

This word means a written document, like a scroll or book, used to record important events or messages. It appears in books like Isaiah and Matthew, referring to written records.

Definition: : document 1) missive, document, writing, book 1a) missive 1a1) letter (of instruction), written order, commission, request, written decree 1b) legal document, certificate of divorce, deed of purchase, indictment, sign 1c) book, scroll 1c1) book of prophecies 1c2) genealogical register 1c3) law-book 1c4) book (of poems) 1c5) book (of kings) 1c6) books of the canon, scripture 1c7) record book (of God) 1d) book-learning, writing 1d1) be able to read (after verb 'to know')

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: bill, book, evidence, [idiom] learn(-ed) (-ing), letter, register, scroll. See also: Genesis 5:1; 2 Chronicles 17:9; Psalms 40:8.

הַ/יַּ֨חַשׂ֙ yachas H3188 "genealogy" Art | N-ms

Genealogy refers to a family's history or pedigree, like a tree growing spontaneously. In the Bible, it appears in Exodus and 1 Chronicles. Genealogy is important to understand family relationships.

Definition: genealogy

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: genealogy. See also: Nehemiah 7:5.

הָ/עוֹלִ֣ים ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Art | V-Qal

To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.

Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself

Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.

בָּ/רִאשׁוֹנָ֔ה riʼshôwn H7223 "first" Prep | Adj

This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.

Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.

וָ/אֶמְצָ֖א mâtsâʼ H4672 "to find" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.

כָּת֥וּב kâthab H3789 "to write" V-Qal-Inf-c

To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.

Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)

Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.

בּֽ/וֹ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Nehemiah 7:5

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Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 7:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 7:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 7:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 7:5
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 7:5
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5
Sermons on Nehemiah 7:5

Context — The List of Returning Exiles

3And I told them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the guards are on duty, keep the doors shut and securely fastened. And appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their own homes.” 4Now the city was large and spacious, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not yet been rebuilt.

5Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles, the officials, and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. I found the genealogical register of those who had first returned, and I found the following written in it:

6These are the people of the province who came up from the captivity of the exiles carried away to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar its king. They returned to Jerusalem and Judah, each to his own town, 7accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel:

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	2 Corinthians 3:5	Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim that anything comes from us, but our competence comes from God.
2	Colossians 1:29	To this end I also labor, striving with all His energy working powerfully within me.
3	Ezra 7:27	Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put into the heart of the king to so honor the house of the LORD in Jerusalem,
4	1 Chronicles 9:1–9	So all Israel was recorded in the genealogies written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. These were some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh who lived in Jerusalem: Uthai son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, a descendant of Perez son of Judah. From the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn and his sons. From the Zerahites: Jeuel and 690 relatives. From the Benjamites: Sallu son of Meshullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah; Ibneiah son of Jeroham; Elah son of Uzzi, the son of Michri; Meshullam son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah; and 956 of their relatives according to their genealogy. All these men were heads of their families.
5	Ezra 2:62	These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.
6	2 Corinthians 8:16	But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.
7	Nehemiah 7:64	These men searched for their family records, but they could not find them and so were excluded from the priesthood as unclean.
8	1 Corinthians 15:10	But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
9	Nehemiah 6:14	O my God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me.
10	James 1:16	Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

Nehemiah 7:5 Summary

[Nehemiah 7:5 tells us that God put it into Nehemiah's heart to assemble the people and enroll them by genealogy. This means that Nehemiah was following God's leading and guidance, just like we are called to do in our own lives, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God's sovereignty and guidance, Nehemiah was able to accomplish great things, like rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and repopulating the city, as seen in Nehemiah 6:15-16 and Nehemiah 7:6-73.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted Nehemiah to assemble the nobles, officials, and people to be enrolled by genealogy?

Nehemiah was prompted by God, as he writes 'Then my God put it into my heart' in Nehemiah 7:5, similar to how God put it in King Cyrus' heart to decree the rebuilding of the Temple in Ezra 1:1-4.

Why was it important to enroll the people by genealogy?

Enrolling the people by genealogy was important to establish their heritage and connection to the promises of God, as seen in the genealogies recorded in 1 Chronicles 1-9 and the importance of genealogy in determining the priesthood in Ezra 2:61-63.

What can we learn from Nehemiah's example of following God's leading?

We can learn the importance of being sensitive to God's leading and guidance in our lives, as Nehemiah was, and trusting in His sovereignty, as expressed in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Jeremiah 29:11.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Nehemiah?

This verse is a pivotal point in the book of Nehemiah, as it marks the beginning of the repopulation and rebuilding of Jerusalem, which is the main focus of the book, as seen in Nehemiah 7:6-73 and the completion of the wall in Nehemiah 6:15-16.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that God has put it into your heart to take action or make a decision, and how did you respond?
How can you apply the principle of being sensitive to God's leading in your own life, as Nehemiah did?
What are some things that you can do to trust in God's sovereignty and guidance, even when the circumstances are uncertain?
How can you use your own experiences and decisions to encourage and guide others, as Nehemiah did for the people of Jerusalem?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 7:5

And my God put into mine heart,.... Every good motion in him, and whatever he thought of that was conducive to the good and welfare of Jerusalem, Nehemiah always ascribed it to God; see 2 Corinthians

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 7:5

And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5

God put into mine heart: this action, though merely prudential, he doth not ascribe to himself, or his own wit, but to the gift and grace of God directing and inclining him to it. To gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people not only for the particular end here mentioned, but for divers other weighty purposes and matters, of which the following chapters treat. That they might be reckoned by genealogy; that so it might appear to what families each person belonged, and where their ancient habitations lay, which for a great number of them were in the city, the replenishing of which was now his design. Them which came up at the first, to wit, with Zerubbabel, as it follows, . But this following catalogue differs in some particulars from that Ezra 2, of which see the notes there.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5

Nehemiah 7:5 And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,Ver. 5. And my God put into my heart] Seeing how thinly the city was inhabited, and casting in his mind what evil might come of it, he bethinks himself (by a motion from heaven) how to set things to rights; that the city might be better peopled, and so preserved. This to do, God put into his heart by his Holy Spirit (the sweet motions whereof are the sound of his goings, the footsteps of his anointed, Psalms 89:51). We are not sufficient of ourselves (saith that great apostle) to think anything as of ourselves: but our sufficiency is of God, 2 Corinthians 3:5. Nemo vir magnus sine aliquo afflatu Divino unquam fuit, saith Cicero; no man ever grew to be greatly good without a Divine instinct. To gather together the nobles, and the rulers, &c.] That out of them a tenth man might be taken to furnish out the city, Nehemiah 11:1, after that they had been first prepared by the hearing of the law, Nehemiah 8:2. That they might be reckoned by their genealogy] And so, Jerusalem be inhabited again, in her own place, even in Jerusalem, Zechariah 12:6.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5

(5-73) The genealogical reckoning of the people, as the first step towards increasing the population of the metropolis, is determined on, not without express Divine suggestion; the allusion to this inspiration from God, is, as in Nehemiah 2:12, very emphatic. The original register of Zerubbabelis found and copied. The express language of both Ezra and Nehemiah makes it plain that this is no other than the list of those who came up with Zerubbabel and Joshua after the decree of Cyrus, in B.C. 538. Nehemiah’s own census follows, in Nehemiah 11. The exposition, especially as compared with Ezra 2, has been given on that chapter.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5

Verse 5. God put into mine heart] With this good man every good thing was of GOD. If he purposed any good, it was because God put it into his heart; if he did any good, it was because the good hand of his God was upon him; if he expected any good, it was because he earnestly prayed God to remember him for good. Thus, in all his ways he acknowledged God, and God directed all his steps.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 7:5

5. my God put into mine heart] R.V. my heart. For this expression see note on Nehemiah 2:12. nobles … rulers (R.V. marg. deputies) … people] cf. Nehemiah 2:16; Nehemiah 4:14; Nehemiah 4:19. that they might be reckoned by genealogy] LXX. εἰςσυνοδίας, Vulg. ‘ut recenserem eos.’ Nehemiah’s census seems to be referred to in Nehemiah 11:1-3, from which passage we gather that the census was a preliminary to measures for replenishing the population of Jerusalem.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 7:5

It is argued by some that the entire catalogue which follows Neh. 7:7-73 is not the register of them “which came up ‘at the first’,” but of the Jewish people in Nehemiah’s time.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 7:5

5. God put into mine heart — Inspired me with the thought and purpose about to be told.

Sermons on Nehemiah 7:5

	Sermon	Description
	(2 Corinthians) ch.1:20-3:4 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the inner life of the Apostle Paul and his ministry. Paul emphasizes the importance of working together with others and not ministering alone
	Jack Hyles Fresh Oil Part 1 by Jack Hyles	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being anointed with fresh oil, drawing parallels to King David's anointing as a symbol of God's empowerment and calling. It shares a person
	(2 Corinthians) ch.4:3-4:11 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the ministry of the New Covenant and the importance of being adequate for this ministry. He emphasizes that it is God who makes us adequate,
	At the Kings Gate by Teresa Conlon	In this sermon titled "At the King's Gate," the speaker focuses on the story of Esther in the Bible. The sermon emphasizes the importance of having a heart for God and living for H
	The Glorious Ministration of the Spirit by Carter Conlon	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of focusing on Christ rather than being distracted by the charisma and self-promotion of human leaders. He warns against bein
	Through the Bible - 2 Corinthians - Part 2 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the qualities and characteristics of the apostle Paul as a servant of God. He emphasizes that Paul was called by God and had a deep love for
	Your Conscience, the Cross, True Faith, False Religion by David Cooper	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the profound significance of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ on the hill of Calvary. The preacher emphasizes the selfless love and grace of