Nehemiah 11:6
“All the sons of Perez who lived in Jerusalem were four hundred sixty-eight valiant men.”
What does Nehemiah 11:6 mean?
The book of Nehemiah records the Jewish people's return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This verse is part of a genealogical record listing the families and their numbers in the newly restored city, showing which tribes and clans had resettled there. Perez was a son of Judah, so his descendants formed one of the prominent family lines in Jerusalem. The specific mention of "valiant men" (or "mighty men") suggests these weren't just any residents—they were people of strength and capability, likely those called upon to help defend and rebuild the city. Knowing that 468 strong, able-bodied men from this one family line had returned to Jerusalem gives us a sense of the real human effort behind the community's restoration. It's a reminder that rebuilding, whether physical or spiritual, requires people who show up and contribute their strength.