KJV ORIGINAL
The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
The men from Bethel and Ai numbered 123.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
This verse records that 123 men from the towns of Bethel and Ai returned from exile in Babylon.
📚 Historical Context
In the Book of Nehemiah, this verse is part of a detailed census recorded after the Jewish exiles returned from Babylonian captivity, as they worked to rebuild Jerusalem and reestablish their community. It lists the number of men from the ancient towns of Bethel and Ai, which were significant sites in Israel's history, Bethel as a place of worship and Ai from the conquest era. This census helped organize the returning population for proper settlement and governance.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save