Nehemiah 3:10

KJV

And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And next unto them {H3027} repaired {H2388} Jedaiah {H3042} the son {H1121} of Harumaph {H2739}, even over against his house {H1004}. And next unto him {H3027} repaired {H2388} Hattush {H2407} the son {H1121} of Hashabniah {H2813}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next to him Y'dayah the son of Harumaf made repairs opposite his own house. Next to him Hatush the son of Hashavn'yah made repairs.

Berean Standard Bible

next to him, Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs across from his house; and next to him, Hattush son of Hashabneiah made repairs.

American Standard Version

And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabneiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:10 is a concise yet significant entry within the detailed register of Jerusalem's wall reconstruction, highlighting the contributions of Jedaiah the son of Harumaph and Hattush the son of Hashabniah. This verse, embedded in a broader narrative of communal effort, underscores the meticulous organization and widespread participation required for the monumental task of rebuilding the city's defenses after the Babylonian exile, emphasizing both individual responsibility—particularly Jedaiah's work "over against his house"—and the collective dedication to restoring the physical and spiritual integrity of the community.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3 serves as a remarkable and unique "building roster," meticulously documenting the collaborative effort to reconstruct the walls of Jerusalem. Following Nehemiah's initial assessment of the broken walls in [Nehemiah 2:11-16](/nehemiah/2-11 "Nehemiah 2:11-16 - Nehemiah's Secret Inspection") and his rallying cry to the people in [Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17-18 - The Call to Rebuild"), chapter 3 details the systematic division of labor. Each verse, including [Nehemiah 3:10](/nehemiah/3-10 "Nehemiah 3:10 - Jedaiah and Hattush Repair"), names individuals, families, guilds, and even specific locations of their work, moving methodically around the city's perimeter from the Sheep Gate. This verse is part of a larger sequence that emphasizes the widespread participation and the strategic organization under Nehemiah's leadership, demonstrating how a seemingly insurmountable task was accomplished through countless individual contributions. The repetitive formula "next to him/them repaired..." creates a sense of continuous, interlocking effort, highlighting the seamless progression of the work.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls occurred in the mid-5th century BCE, during the post-exilic period under Persian rule. Jerusalem had lain in ruins for over a century since its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BCE. The absence of defensive walls left the city vulnerable to attacks from hostile neighbors like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who actively opposed the Jewish restoration efforts. For the returning exiles, the wall was not merely a physical barrier; it was a symbol of security, national identity, and the restoration of God's covenant people. The detailed record of individuals working "over against his house" reflects a common ancient practice where citizens were responsible for the public infrastructure adjacent to their property, fostering a sense of personal stake in communal projects. This also highlights the communal nature of ancient Near Eastern society, where individual identity was often intertwined with family and community, making the rebuilding a deeply personal and collective act of faith and patriotism.
* **Key Themes:** The meticulous account in Nehemiah 3, including [Nehemiah 3:10](/nehemiah/3-10 "Nehemiah 3:10 - Jedaiah and Hattush Repair"), powerfully articulates several core themes. Firstly, it champions **collective action and unity**, demonstrating that a monumental task can only be achieved when diverse individuals and groups work together in harmony, as seen in the entire chapter's "chain-gang" approach to rebuilding. Secondly, it emphasizes **personal responsibility and ownership**, particularly through Jedaiah's example of repairing "even over against his house," illustrating the importance of individuals taking initiative within their immediate sphere of influence. This resonates with the broader biblical principle of stewardship and diligent labor, as also seen in the wisdom literature. Thirdly, the chapter underscores **God's meticulous attention to detail and His valuing of every contribution**. The divine inspiration behind Nehemiah's vision ([Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild")) is matched by God's apparent remembrance of every person's specific effort, reinforcing the idea that no act of faithful service is forgotten by Him. This highlights divine oversight and the providential hand at work in the restoration of His people and their city.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Repaired (Hebrew, חָזַק, _chazaq'_):** The Hebrew verb חָזַק (_chazaq_) is used repeatedly throughout Nehemiah 3, appearing over twenty times. While often translated "repaired," its core meaning is "to be strong," "to strengthen," "to seize," or "to grasp firmly." In this context, it conveys more than mere mending; it signifies making the wall firm, robust, and enduring. The consistent use of _chazaq_ emphasizes the diligent, determined, and vigorous effort of the builders, who were not just patching but fundamentally fortifying the city's defenses against future threats, reflecting a deep commitment to the task and to the restoration of Jerusalem's security.
* **Over against his house (Hebrew, נֶגֶד בֵּיתוֹ, _neged beito'_):** The phrase נֶגֶד בֵּיתוֹ (_neged beito_) literally means "in front of his house" or "opposite his house." This specific detail highlights the principle of personal responsibility and local ownership. Jedaiah was not merely contributing generally to the project; he was working on the section of the wall that directly impacted his immediate living environment. This suggests a vested interest, a practical convenience, and a profound commitment to securing his own dwelling and, by extension, his community. It underscores the idea that effective communal progress often begins with individuals taking responsibility for their own "backyard," demonstrating a tangible connection between personal welfare and public good.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph":** This clause introduces Jedaiah, identifying him by his father's name, Harumaph, a common practice in biblical genealogies and records that provides specific identification within the community. The phrase "next unto them" connects his work to the preceding section of the wall, emphasizing the continuous and collaborative nature of the rebuilding effort. Jedaiah's specific contribution is highlighted as part of the larger, organized project, demonstrating that each individual's labor, though distinct, was integrated into the overall plan for the city's restoration.
* **"even over against his house.":** This crucial detail provides a specific geographical marker for Jedaiah's work, indicating that he was responsible for the section of the wall directly opposite or adjacent to his own dwelling. This detail not only aids in mapping the reconstruction but also carries significant thematic weight. It illustrates the principle of personal ownership and the practical benefit of individuals contributing to the welfare of their immediate surroundings, suggesting a deep personal investment and a sense of direct responsibility for the security of their home and community.
* **"And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.":** This clause introduces another individual, Hattush, also identified by his patronymic, Hashabniah. The phrase "next unto him" again reinforces the sequential and collaborative nature of the work, indicating that Hattush's contribution immediately followed Jedaiah's. This repetitive structure throughout the chapter highlights the seamless, interlocking efforts of the many individuals involved in the monumental task, emphasizing that the wall's completion was the result of numerous, interconnected acts of service.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:10, like the entire chapter, is characterized by several key literary devices. The most prominent is **Cataloging** or **Listing**, as the chapter meticulously enumerates individuals, families, and their specific contributions to the wall's reconstruction. This creates a detailed roster, emphasizing the widespread participation and the organized nature of the project, ensuring that no significant contributor is forgotten. **Repetition** is also a significant feature, particularly the recurring phrase "next unto him/them repaired," which creates a rhythmic flow and underscores the continuous, interlocking nature of the work around the city's perimeter. This repetition reinforces the theme of unity and collaborative effort, showing how a grand task is completed piece by piece. Furthermore, the verse employs **Specificity** and **Detail**, not only naming individuals and their fathers but also precisely locating their work ("even over against his house"). This attention to granular detail lends historical authenticity to the account and highlights God's meticulous awareness of every individual's contribution. The wall itself functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just physical security but also the restoration of Jerusalem's identity, the re-establishment of the covenant community, and the reassertion of God's protective presence among His people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:10, within the broader context of the wall's reconstruction, profoundly illustrates the theological principle that God accomplishes His grand purposes through the diligent, often unseen, efforts of ordinary people. It affirms that every act of faithful service, no matter how small or localized, contributes to the larger divine plan. The emphasis on individuals working "even over against his house" underscores the sacredness of personal responsibility and the idea that true community transformation often begins with individuals taking ownership of their immediate sphere of influence. This chapter is a testament to the power of unity in diversity, where disparate groups—priests, rulers, goldsmiths, perfume makers, and common citizens—collaborate under divine direction to achieve a common, God-ordained goal. It reminds us that God sees and values every sincere contribution, demonstrating His meticulous care for His people and His work, echoing the New Testament's teaching on the body of Christ.

* [1 Corinthians 12:12](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Builds Itself Up in Love")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Looking Out for Others")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:10 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It challenges us to identify our unique place within God's larger work and to embrace our specific contribution, no matter how seemingly small or mundane. Just as Jedaiah and Hattush faithfully repaired their assigned sections, we are called to be diligent in our vocations, families, and communities, recognizing that our individual faithfulness contributes to the collective flourishing of God's kingdom. The detail "even over against his house" particularly resonates, urging us to take proactive ownership of the needs and brokenness within our immediate spheres of influence—our homes, neighborhoods, workplaces, and churches—rather than waiting for others to initiate change. This passage reminds us that significant progress is often the cumulative result of countless acts of personal responsibility, unity, and humble service, all empowered by God's Spirit, and that God delights in the collaborative efforts of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "section of the wall" has God called me to repair or strengthen in my life, family, or community?**
* **In what ways can I take more personal ownership of the needs "even over against my house" rather than waiting for others to act?**
* **How does this passage encourage me about the value God places on my individual contributions, even if they seem insignificant?**
* **What practical steps can I take to foster greater unity and collaborative effort in my church or community, inspired by the example of Nehemiah 3?**

### FAQ
**Why does the Bible list so many names and seemingly mundane details like in Nehemiah 3:10?**

Answer: The meticulous listing of names and specific details in Nehemiah 3, including individuals like Jedaiah and Hattush, serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a historical record, authenticating the massive undertaking and demonstrating the widespread participation of the post-exilic community. This attention to detail underscores the reality and scope of the rebuilding project. Secondly, it highlights the theological principle that every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or obscure, is seen and valued by God. It communicates that God remembers and honors the faithfulness of His people, reinforcing the idea that no act of service done for Him is forgotten. Thirdly, it emphasizes the importance of collective action and unity; the wall was rebuilt not by a single hero, but by a coordinated effort of many, each contributing their part. This detailed account serves as an enduring testament to the power of communal endeavor under divine guidance, reminding us that God works through His people, valuing each one's unique role in His grand plan, as seen in passages like [1 Corinthians 12](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - Spiritual Gifts and the Body of Christ") which speaks of the body of Christ having many members.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 3:10 speaks directly to the physical restoration of Jerusalem's walls, its principles find profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the New Testament. Jesus Christ is the ultimate builder, not of a physical wall, but of a spiritual temple, His Church. Just as the wall secured the physical city, Christ's work establishes a spiritual dwelling place for God among humanity, a "spiritual house" built of "living stones" ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones for a Spiritual House")). He declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). In Christ, the fragmented community of humanity is brought together, "built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:22](/ephesians/2-22 "Ephesians 2:22 - Built Together into a Dwelling Place")). The individual contributions of Jedaiah and Hattush foreshadow the diverse gifts and ministries of believers in the body of Christ, where each member, empowered by the Holy Spirit, contributes to the building up of the whole ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for the Body of Christ")). Ultimately, the restored Jerusalem foreshadows the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, which is not built by human hands but by God Himself, a city whose "builder and designer is God" ([Hebrews 11:10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham's Faith and the Heavenly City")), and where Christ reigns supreme as the cornerstone and foundation ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")), ensuring eternal security and communion with God.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 3:28

From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.

Nehemiah 3:30

After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

Nehemiah 10:4

Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,

Nehemiah 3:23

After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.