TRV
Translation
King James Version
After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.
Complete Jewish Bible
After him the L'vi'im made repairs: Rechum the son of Bani; next to him Hashavyah, leader of half the district of Ke'ilah, made repairs for his district.
Berean Standard Bible
Next to him, the Levites made repairs under Rehum son of Bani, and next to him, Hashabiah, ruler of a half-district of Keilah, made repairs for his district.
American Standard Version
After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, for his district.
World English Bible Messianic
After him, the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani made repairs. Next to him, Hashabiah, the ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district.
Geneva Bible (1599)
After him fortified the Leuites, Rehum the sonne of Bani, and next vnto him fortified Hashabiah the ruler of the halfe part of Keilah in his quarter.
Young's Literal Translation
After him have the Levites strengthened, and Rehum son of Bani: by his hand hath Hashabiah, head of the half of the district of Keilah, strengthened, for his district.
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 12,345 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Nehemiah 3 verses 1–32
1 ¶ Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
2 And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.
3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.
6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.
8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.
9 And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.
10 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.
11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.
12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.
13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.
14 But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.
16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.
17 After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.
18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.
19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.
20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
21 After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.
22 And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.
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.
24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.
25 Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.
26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
27 After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.
28 From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.
29 After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.
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.
31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.
32 And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.
The best way to know how to divide this chapter is to observe how the work was divided among the undertakers, that every one might know what he had to do, and mind it accordingly with a holy emulation, and desire to excel, yet without any contention, animosity, or separate interest. No strife appears among them but which should do most for the public good. Several things are observable in the account here given of the building of the wall about Jerusalem: -
I. That Eliashib the high priest, with his brethren the priests, led the van in this troop of builders, Neh 3:1. Ministers should be foremost in every good work; for their office obliges them to teach and quicken by their example, as well as by their doctrine. If there be labour in it, who so fit as they to work? if danger, who so fit as they to venture? The dignity of the high priest was very great, and obliged him to signalize himself in this service. The priests repaired the sheep-gate, so called because through it were brought the sheep that were to be sacrificed in the temple; and therefore the priests undertook the repair of it because the offerings of the Lord made by fire were their inheritance. And of this gate only it is said that they sanctified it with the word and prayer, and perhaps with sacrifices perhaps, 1. Because it led to the temple; or, 2. Because with this the building of the wall began, and it is probable (though they were at work in all parts of the wall at the same time) that this was first finished, and therefore at this gate they solemnly committed their city and the walls of it to the divine protection; or, 3. Because the priests were the builders of it; and it becomes ministers above others, being themselves in a peculiar manner sanctified to God, to sanctify to him all their performances, and to do even their common actions after a godly sort.
II. That the undertakers were very many, who each took his share, some more and some less, in this work, according as their ability was. Note, What is to be done for the public good every one should assist in, and further, to the utmost of his place and power. United force will conquer that which no individual dares venture on. Many hands will make light work.
III. That many were active in this work who were not themselves inhabitants of Jerusalem, and therefore consulted purely the public welfare and not any private interest or advantage of their own. Here are the men of Jericho with the first (Neh 3:2), the men of Gibeon and Mizpah (Neh 3:7), and Zanoah, Neh 3:13. Every Israelite should lend a hand towards the building up of Jerusalem.
IV. That several rulers, both of Jerusalem and of other cities, were active in this work, thinking themselves bound in honour to do the utmost that their wealth and power enabled them to do for the furtherance of this good work. But it is observable that they are called rulers of part, or the half part, of their respective cities. One was ruler of the half part of Jerusalem (Neh 3:12), another of part of Beth-haccerem (Neh 3:14), another of part of Mizpah (Neh 3:15), another of the half part of Beth-zur (Neh 3:16), one was ruler of one half part, and another of the other half part, of Keilah, Neh 3:17, Neh 3:18. Perhaps the Persian government would not entrust any one with a strong city, but appointed two to be a watch upon each other. Rome had two consuls.
V. Here is a just reproach fastened upon the nobles of Tekoa, that they put not their necks to the work of their Lord (Neh 3:5), that is, they would not come under the yoke of an obligation to this service; as if the dignity and liberty of their peerage were their discharge from serving God and doing good, which are indeed the highest honour and the truest freedom. Let not nobles think any thing below them by which they may advance the interests of their country; for what else is their nobility good for but that it puts them in a higher and larger sphere of usefulness than that in which inferior persons move?
VI. Two persons joined in repairing the old gate (Neh 3:6), and so were co-founders, and shared the honour of it between them. The good work which we cannot compass ourselves we must be thankful to those that will go partners with us in. Some think that this is called the old gate because it belonged to the ancient Salem, which was said to be first built by Melchizedek.
VII. Several good honest tradesmen, as well as priests and rulers, were active in this work - goldsmiths, apothecaries, merchants, Neh 3:8, Neh 3:32. They did not think their callings excused them, nor plead that they could not leave their shops to attend the public business, knowing that what they lost would certainly be made up to them by the blessing of God upon their callings.
VIII. Some ladies are spoken of as helping forward this work - Shallum and his daughters (Neh 3:12), who, though not capable of personal service, yet having their portions in their own hands, or being rich widows, contributed money for buying materials and paying workmen. St. Paul speaks of some good women that laboured with him in the gospel, Phi 4:3.
IX. Of some it is said that they repaired over against their houses (Neh 3:10, Neh 3:23, Neh 3:28, Neh 3:29), and of one (who, it is likely, was only a lodger) that he repaired over against his chamber, Neh 3:30. When a general good work is to be done each should apply himself to that part of it that falls nearest to him and is within his reach. If every one will sweep before his own door, the street will be clean; if every one will mend one, we shall be all mended. If he that has but a chamber will repair before that, he does his part.
X. Of one it is said that he earnestly repaired that which fell to his share (Neh 3:20) - he did it with an inflamed zeal; not that others were cold or indifferent, but he was the most vigorous of any of them and consequently made himself remarkable. It is good to be thus zealously affected in a good thin; and it is probable that this good man's zeal provoked very many to take the more pains and make the more haste.
XI. Of one of these builders it is observed that he was the sixth son of his father, Neh 3:30. His five elder brethren, it seems, laid not their hand to this work, but he did. In doing that which is good we need not stay to see our elders go before us; if they decline it, it does not therefore follow that we must. Thus the younger brother, if he be the better man, and does God and his generation better service, is indeed the better gentleman; those are most honourable that are most useful.
XII. Some of those that had first done helped their fellows, and undertook another share where they saw there was most need. Meremoth repaired, Neh 3:4. and again, Neh 3:21. And the Tekoites, besides the piece they repaired (Neh 3:5), undertook another piece (Neh 3:27), which is the more remarkable because their nobles set them a bad example by withdrawing from the service, which, instead of serving them for an excuse to sit still, perhaps made them the more forward to do double work, that by their zeal they might either shame or atone for the covetousness and carelessness of their nobles.
Lastly, Here is no mention of any particular share that Nehemiah himself had in this work. A name-sake of his is mentioned, Neh 3:16. But did he do nothing? Yes, though he undertook not any particular piece of the wall, yet he did more than any of them, for he had the oversight of them all; half of his servants worked where there was most need, and the other half stood sentinel, as we find afterwards (Neh 4:16), while he himself in his own person walked the rounds, directed and encouraged the builders, set his hand to the work where he saw occasion, and kept a watchful eye upon the motions of the enemy, as we shall find in the next chapter. The pilot needs not haul at a rope: it is enough for him to steer.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–32. Public domain.
Copy as
BedeAD 735
Commentary on Ezra and Nehemiah
After him, their brothers, the Levites, built, etc. Up to this point, the first wall of the city is constructed, from here the measure of the second, that is, the inner wall, which we mentioned above, begins. Hence, in this description, it is said that many of the builders built opposite their own house; for many houses of the city were either adjacent to or joined to the inner wall. Therefore, after the construction of the outer wall, the measure of the second wall follows also in our city, when, after the perfection of works and speech—which can appear to men—we strive more to please God in the inner parts of our mind, so that we may not presume to conceive anything in secret that would offend the eyes of the internal judge. And it is rightly said that the second measure is built against the ascent of the most solid corner; the most solid corner indeed is the Lord, who brought together the people of the Jews and the Gentiles in His faith and love; hence in the Psalm (Psalm 117) or Isaiah (Isaiah 28), He is called the cornerstone. Against the ascent of which corner the second measure is built, when through the purity of pious thought we strive to reach the vision of our Creator; even when held in this life, we frequently sigh with longing for His vision. From here follow many orders of builders who are said to have built the second measure, because the greatest structure of the holy Church is in the fortification of inner virtue, when we, of course, guard our heart with all vigilance, for from it springs life. To discuss these individually and to draw everything to spiritual understanding would be too lengthy.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Nehemiah 3:17 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:17 meticulously continues the detailed record of Jerusalem's wall reconstruction, specifically highlighting the dedicated efforts of the Levites, represented by Rehum son of Bani, and Hashabiah, a prominent ruler from Keilah. This verse powerfully illustrates the broad and unified commitment of post-exilic Jewish society—from those traditionally engaged in sacred temple service to local civic administrators—all diligently working together to restore the physical defenses of the holy city, thereby re-establishing its security, identity, and spiritual vitality.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:17, as an integral part of the larger chapter, predominantly employs Enumeration and Cataloging. The entire chapter functions as an exhaustive roster, meticulously listing names, family lineages, professional groups, and geographical origins of the individuals involved in the rebuilding. This detailed listing serves to emphasize the sheer scale of the undertaking and the widespread, inclusive participation, ensuring that every single contributor is acknowledged and their effort is not overlooked. The consistent repetition of the verb "repaired" (or its derivatives) throughout the chapter, a form of Anaphora, creates a rhythmic and persistent emphasis on the continuous, diligent, and unified work being accomplished. Furthermore, the mention of specific geographical locations like "Keilah" and the administrative division into "half parts" demonstrates Specificity and Precision, lending significant credibility to the historical account and highlighting the highly organized and systematic nature of the project. The wall itself serves as a powerful Symbol of security, identity, and the restoration of God's people, making the physical act of rebuilding a deeply spiritual, communal, and covenantal endeavor.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:17, embedded within the chapter's meticulous record, underscores profound theological truths about communal service and the nature of divine work. It demonstrates that God's great purposes are often achieved not through a single hero, but through the collective, diligent efforts of His diverse people, each contributing their unique "part" and gifting. The participation of Levites (religious functionaries) and rulers (civic leaders) alongside ordinary citizens powerfully illustrates that all callings and positions are valuable in the kingdom of God, and true service to Him transcends traditional vocational boundaries. This collaborative spirit, marked by shared responsibility, unity of purpose, and mutual encouragement, is absolutely essential for any significant spiritual "building" project, whether it be church growth, community outreach, global missions, or personal spiritual formation. It teaches us that every individual's contribution, however seemingly small or grand, is vital, seen, and recognized by God.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account in Nehemiah 3, including verse 17, offers timeless and profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to consider our own "part" in the ongoing work of God's kingdom. Just as the Levites and rulers worked shoulder-to-shoulder with common laborers, every member of the body of Christ is uniquely gifted and called to contribute their time, talents, and resources to the building up of the church and the advancement of the gospel in the world. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that unity in purpose, shared responsibility, and diligent, persistent effort are absolutely crucial for overcoming obstacles and achieving God-given visions. We are called to be active participants, not passive spectators, in the restoration and strengthening of spiritual "walls" in our communities, families, and personal lives. The unwavering perseverance of these ancient builders, despite the daunting task and formidable external opposition, inspires us to commit fully to the spiritual "rebuilding" work that God has called us to, trusting that He empowers and uses every faithful hand for His glory.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Nehemiah 3 so detailed with names and specific sections of the wall?
Answer: Nehemiah 3's meticulous detail serves several crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a historical and verifiable record, underscoring the authenticity and monumental scale of the rebuilding project. Secondly, it powerfully highlights the principle of accountability; each person or group was assigned responsibility for a specific "part," ensuring that the entire wall was covered and no section was neglected. Thirdly, and perhaps most importantly, it emphasizes the profound communal effort: the sheer number of names from diverse backgrounds (priests, Levites, rulers, guilds, families, and even women) demonstrates that the rebuilding was a collective endeavor, not the work of a few individuals. This level of detail also serves as a testament to God's ability to mobilize and unify His people for a common, God-ordained goal, recognizing and valuing every single contribution, from the most prominent leader to the humblest laborer. It is a divine record of human faithfulness.
What was the significance of the Levites participating in the physical labor of wall building, given their usual religious duties?
Answer: The participation of the Levites in the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, as seen in Nehemiah 3:17 and other verses, is highly significant and speaks to the holistic nature of God's work. Traditionally, Levites were consecrated to sacred service in the Temple, assisting the priests, maintaining the sanctuary, and teaching the Law of God. Their direct involvement in this arduous construction project demonstrates that the restoration of Jerusalem was a comprehensive endeavor, encompassing not only spiritual revival and temple worship but also physical security and the re-establishment of national identity. It powerfully illustrates a unified commitment from all segments of society, transcending traditional vocational boundaries. It underscores that in times of great need and for the advancement of God's kingdom, all of God's people are called to contribute their strength, skills, and resources, even if it means stepping outside their usual roles, for the common good and the glory of God. It highlights the total dedication of the entire community to the Lord's work.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls in Nehemiah, with its meticulous detail of diverse individuals contributing their unique "part," finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual building of God's eternal kingdom and the Church. While the wall provided temporal security and identity for the post-exilic community, Christ Himself is the ultimate foundation, security, and identity for His people. Just as the Levites and rulers worked alongside common laborers, the Church, as the body of Christ, is comprised of diverse members, each uniquely gifted and called to contribute their specific "part" to the spiritual edifice that Christ is building through His Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:12-27). The diligent, unified effort to restore Jerusalem's physical defenses foreshadows the greater work of Christ, who declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" (Matthew 16:18). The physical wall, a powerful symbol of protection and a restored covenant community, ultimately points to Christ as the cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual temple is built, a holy dwelling place for God by the Spirit (Ephesians 2:19-22). This earthly restoration anticipates the glorious reality of the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, where God dwells eternally with His people, a city whose walls are salvation and whose gates are praise, secured not by human hands but by the finished, perfect work of the Lamb of God (Revelation 21:1-4).