Nehemiah 7:58
New International Version
Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,

New Living Translation
Jaalah, Darkon, Giddel,

English Standard Version
the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

Berean Standard Bible
the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,

Berean Literal Bible
the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

King James Bible
The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

New King James Version
the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

New American Standard Bible
the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

NASB 1995
the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

NASB 1977
the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

Legacy Standard Bible
the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

Amplified Bible
the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

Berean Annotated Bible
the descendants of Jaala (ascending), the descendants of Darkon (scatterer), the descendants of Giddel (very great),

Christian Standard Bible
Jaala’s descendants, Darkon’s descendants, Giddel’s descendants,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Jaala’s descendants, Darkon’s descendants, Giddel’s descendants,

American Standard Version
the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

English Revised Version
the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel;

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Jaala, Darkon, Giddel,

International Standard Version
Descendants of Jaala, Darkon, and Giddel,

NET Bible
the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,

New Heart English Bible
the descendants of Jaalah, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,

Webster's Bible Translation
The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,

World English Bible
the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
sons of Jaala, sons of Darkon, sons of Giddel,

Berean Literal Bible
the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

Young's Literal Translation
sons of Jaala, sons of Darkon, sons of Giddel,

Smith's Literal Translation
The sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The children of Jahala, the children of Darcon, the children of Jeddel,

Catholic Public Domain Version
the sons of Jaalah, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel,

New American Bible
descendants of Jaala, descendants of Darkon, descendants of Giddel,

New Revised Standard Version
of Jaala, of Darkon, of Giddel,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Daron, the descendants of Giddel.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The children of Ella, the children of Darun, the children of Gadal
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
the children of Jala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
the children of Jelel, the children of Dorcon, the children of Gadael,

Additional Translations ...



Context
The List of Returning Exiles
57The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida, 58the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel, 59the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Amon.…

Cross References
the descendants of Jaala

Ezra 2:56
the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,

Ezra 2:55
The descendants of the servants of Solomon: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Hassophereth, the descendants of Peruda,
the descendants of Darkon

Ezra 2:57
the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth-hazzebaim, and the descendants of Ami.

Ezra 2:58
The temple servants and descendants of the servants of Solomon numbered 392 in all.
the descendants of Giddel

Ezra 2:47
the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, the descendants of Reaiah,

Ezra 8:20
They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites.
Ezra 2:50
the descendants of Asnah, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephusim,

Nehemiah 11:3-4
These are the heads of the provinces who settled in Jerusalem. (In the villages of Judah, however, each lived on his own property in their towns—the Israelites, priests, Levites, temple servants, and descendants of Solomon’s servants— / while some of the descendants of Judah and Benjamin settled in Jerusalem.) From the descendants of Judah: Athaiah son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, a descendant of Perez;

1 Chronicles 9:2-3
Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. / Some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem:

Ezra 2:43-54
The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, / the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Siaha, the descendants of Padon, / the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Akkub, …

Nehemiah 11:21
The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them.

1 Chronicles 9:17-19
These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; / he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. / Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD.

Nehemiah 3:26
and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out.

1 Chronicles 9:14-16
From the Levites: Shemaiah son of Hasshub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, a descendant of Merari; / Bakbakkar, Heresh, Galal, and Mattaniah son of Mica, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph; / Obadiah son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun; and Berechiah son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who lived in the villages of the Netophathites.

Nehemiah 12:25
Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates.

1 Chronicles 9:10-13
From the priests: Jedaiah, Jehoiarib, and Jachin; / Azariah son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the chief official of God’s temple; / Adaiah son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah; Maasai son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; …


Treasury of Scripture

The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

Ezra 2:56
The children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,

Jaalah

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Children Darkon Giddel Jaala
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Children Darkon Giddel Jaala
Nehemiah 7
1. Nehemiah commits the charge of Jerusalem to Hanani and Hananiah
5. A register of the genealogy of them which came at the first out of Babylon
9. of the people
39. of the priests
43. of the Levites
46. of the Nethinims
57. of Solomon's servants
63. and of the priests which could not find their pedigree
66. The whole number of them, with their substance
70. Their offerings












the descendants of Jaala,

Jaala’s family was counted among the temple servants, the Nethinim, whose work supported the worship of God in Jerusalem. Their return helped restore not only the city’s population but also the ordered service of the rebuilt temple.

Ezr 2:56 the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon…
Ezr 2:55 The descendants of the servants of Solomon:…

the descendants of Darkon,

Darkon’s (a name of uncertain meaning) household appears also in Ezra 2:56, confirming its place in the original register of returnees. The preserved record guarded the identity of families entrusted with service in the restored covenant community.

Ezr 2:57 The descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil,…
Ezr 2:58 The temple servants and descendants of…

the descendants of Giddel,

Giddel’s descendants shared in the return from exile and in the renewed life of Jerusalem. Though little else is known of these families, the Lord preserved their names and service within the history of His people, showing that faithful participation in His work is never overlooked.

Ezr 2:47 the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar…
Ezr 8:20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants,…

Persons / Places / Events
1. Jaala
A family or clan mentioned in the context of those returning from the Babylonian exile. Their specific role or significance is not detailed, but they are part of the community rebuilding Jerusalem.

2. Darkon
Another family or clan listed among the returnees. Like Jaala, they are part of the collective effort to restore the city and its religious practices.

3. Giddel
A family or group included in the genealogical record of those who returned to Jerusalem. Their inclusion signifies their importance in the restoration process.
Teaching Points
Importance of Community
The listing of families like Jaala, Darkon, and Giddel highlights the collective effort required in God's work. Each family, regardless of their size or prominence, plays a vital role in the community's spiritual and physical restoration.

Faithfulness in Small Things
Though these families are not widely known, their inclusion in Scripture reminds us that God values faithfulness in all tasks, big or small. Our contributions to God's kingdom, no matter how seemingly insignificant, are noted by Him.

Heritage and Identity
The genealogical records emphasize the importance of knowing one's heritage and identity in God's plan. As believers, understanding our spiritual heritage can strengthen our faith and commitment to God's purposes.

Restoration and Renewal
The return from exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem symbolize spiritual renewal. This encourages us to seek personal and communal restoration in our walk with God.

Unity in Diversity
The diverse groups listed in Nehemiah 7 illustrate the beauty of unity in diversity within the body of Christ. Each member brings unique gifts and strengths to the community.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 7:58?

2. How does Nehemiah 7:58 emphasize the importance of community in God's plan?

3. What can we learn about God's faithfulness from Nehemiah 7:58?

4. How does Nehemiah 7:58 connect with the theme of restoration in the Bible?

5. How can we apply the lessons of Nehemiah 7:58 in our church today?

6. What role does obedience play in the context of Nehemiah 7:58?

7. What is the significance of the Nethinim in Nehemiah 7:58?

8. How does Nehemiah 7:58 reflect the historical context of post-exilic Jerusalem?

9. Why are the descendants of Solomon's servants mentioned in Nehemiah 7:58?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 7?


What Does Nehemiah 7:58 Mean
The descendants of Jaala

Nehemiah 7:58 records, “the descendants of Jaala …”. They are listed among the temple servants who returned from Babylon with Zerubbabel and later assisted Nehemiah in rebuilding Jerusalem. Though Scripture gives no further narrative about Jaala’s family, their inclusion tells us several things:

• God knows and records even the seemingly obscure. Just as their names appear here, Jesus assured His followers in Luke 10:20 that their “names are written in heaven.”

• Their lineage confirms the historic reality of the return. Ezra 2:56 offers the same list, providing two independent records that establish the accuracy of the event (see Deuteronomy 19:15).

• They were willing to leave comfort for covenant faithfulness. Like Abraham in Genesis 12:1, these servants uprooted their lives to obey God’s call to restore worship in Jerusalem.

• Being temple servants, they embodied humble service. 1 Corinthians 12:22 reminds us that “the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable.” Jaala’s descendants demonstrate that every act of service—no matter how hidden—matters to God.


The descendants of Darkon

“… the descendants of Darkon …” (Nehemiah 7:58) appear next. Again, no exploits are detailed, yet their mention carries weight.

• Their name sits in the middle of a carefully preserved census. This underscores God’s faithfulness to His covenant people (Jeremiah 32:38).

• They chose identity with God’s house over Babylon’s prosperity, echoing Psalm 84:10: “Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere.”

• Within the returned community, temple servants supported Levites (Ezra 8:20). Their obedience fulfilled Numbers 3:9, where helpers were “given wholly to Aaron and his sons.”

• Their presence highlights God’s delight in diverse, ordinary families. 1 Peter 2:5 calls believers “living stones,” each fitted into God’s spiritual house—Darkon’s line included.


The descendants of Giddel

The verse ends with “… the descendants of Giddel”, again a family of temple servants.

• Their reiteration in both Ezra 2:47 and Nehemiah 7:58 shows God’s meticulous care for accuracy. Luke 1:3 commends such orderly accounts.

• Giddel’s descendants modeled perseverance. Decades passed between the first return (Ezra 1–2) and Nehemiah’s wall project (Nehemiah 2–6), yet they remained faithful. Hebrews 10:23 urges, “Let us hold resolutely to the hope we profess.”

• Their service kept worship alive while walls were rebuilt. Worship first, then security—an order echoed in Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God.”

• By recording them, Scripture reminds every believer that God rewards unseen labor (Colossians 3:23-24). Their quiet role points to the ultimate Servant, Jesus, who “came not to be served, but to serve” (Mark 10:45).


summary

Nehemiah 7:58 is more than a list; it is a testimony that God values every servant and preserves every detail of His redemptive plan. Jaala, Darkon, and Giddel may be unknown to history, but they are well known to the Lord. Their inclusion teaches us that:

• God’s record-keeping is precise and trustworthy.

• Obedience often looks like humble, behind-the-scenes service.

• Every believer’s faithfulness strengthens the community’s worship and witness.

Just as these families found their place in God’s story, so do all who commit themselves to serve Him today.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
the descendants
בְּנֵי־ (bə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Jaala,
יַעְלָ֥א (ya‘·lā)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3279: Jaala -- an Israelite

the descendants
בְנֵי־ (ḇə·nê-)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Darkon,
דַרְק֖וֹן (ḏar·qō·wn)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1874: Darkon -- one of the Nethinim

the descendants
בְּנֵ֥י (bə·nê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Giddel,
גִדֵּֽל׃ (ḡid·dêl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1435: Giddel -- 'very great', one of the Nethinim, also one of Solomon's servants


Additonal Resources
Nehemiah 7:58 Blue Letter Bible
Nehemiah 7:58 Bible Gateway
Nehemiah 7:58 Bible.com

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OT History: Nehemiah 7:58 The children of Jaala the children (Neh Ne)

Nehemiah 7:57
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