complete verse (Nehemiah 7:66)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Nehemiah 7:66:

  • Kupsabiny: “So, all the people who returned were 42,360.” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “The wholeness of those who had-returned from being-captive were 42,360, aside from their male and female servants who were 7,337 and the male and female singers who were 245. They brought with them 736 horses, 245 mules, 435 camels, and 6,720 donkeys.” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • English: “Altogether, there were 42,360 people who returned to Judea.” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on Nehemiah 7:66 - 7:69

For these verses refer to Ezra 2.64-67.

Some versions introduce a new section heading here for the remaining verses of the chapter, but this does not follow the punctuation of MT and is not necessary. These verses give the total count of people and their livestock that returned from exile in Babylonia, along with the gifts they gave for rebuilding the Temple. English Standard Version calls this section “Totals of People and Gifts.”

The text of verse 68 does not occur in the Hebrew MT. However, it is evident from the Hebrew text that something has been omitted. Hebrew Old Testament Text Project has an A rating for the Hebrew text as it stands, but it notes that the text is incomplete. Therefore most versions include the content of Ezra 2.66 for this verse as Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation have done. Revised Standard Version/New Revised Standard Version and New International Version give an explanation in a footnote. Translators should include the contents of verse 68 and may explain it in a footnote.

Because of the omission of verse 68 in MT, there are two different verse numbering systems for the remainder of this chapter. The MT numbering continues following the omission with verses 68-72 (so New Jerusalem Bible). Those versions that insert the contents of verse 68 on the basis of the Septuagint and Vulgate continue the numbering after verse 68 up through verse 73, as Revised Standard Version and Good News Translation have done.

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Nehemiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .