Nehemiah 3:2

KJV

And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

KJV (with Strong's)

And next unto him {H3027} builded {H1129} the men {H582} of Jericho {H3405}. And next to them builded {H1129} Zaccur {H2139} the son {H1121} of Imri {H566}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next to him the men from Yericho built. Next to him Zakur the son of Imri built.

Berean Standard Bible

The men of Jericho built next to Eliashib, and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them.

American Standard Version

And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:2 meticulously continues the detailed account of Jerusalem's wall reconstruction after the Babylonian exile, specifically identifying the "men of Jericho" and Zaccur the son of Imri as contributors. This verse, part of a comprehensive roster of builders, underscores the collective and individual commitment to this monumental task, highlighting the widespread participation of various groups and individuals from across the territory in restoring the city's defenses and identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3:2 is an integral part of a unique chapter that functions as a detailed "building report" or "labor roster." Following Nehemiah's arrival in Jerusalem, his secret inspection of the broken walls, and his inspiring call to rebuild (see [Nehemiah 2:11-18](/nehemiah/2-11 "Nehemiah 2:11-18 - Nehemiah's Arrival and Inspection of Jerusalem's Walls")), Chapter 3 immediately demonstrates the people's organized and enthusiastic response. The chapter systematically lists who built which section of the wall, moving counter-clockwise around the city from the Sheep Gate. Verse 2 specifically follows the high priest Eliashib and his fellow priests, who initiated the work at the Sheep Gate, illustrating the contiguous nature of the construction and the immediate succession of work teams. The repetitive "next to him" or "next to them" phrase throughout the chapter emphasizes the coordinated, section-by-section progress.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls occurred in the mid-5th century BC, during the Persian Empire's dominion. After decades of desolation following the Babylonian destruction in 586 BC, the Jewish exiles had been allowed to return to their homeland under decrees from Persian kings like Cyrus and Artaxerxes. However, Jerusalem remained vulnerable and disgraced without its protective walls. The project was not merely a physical construction; it was a profound act of national and spiritual restoration for the post-exilic community. The participation of "the men of Jericho" is significant, as Jericho was an ancient city with deep historical roots (e.g., [Joshua 6](/joshua/6 "Joshua 6 - The Fall of Jericho")) located approximately 15 miles northeast of Jerusalem. Their involvement signifies that the effort was not confined to Jerusalem's immediate residents but was a broader national undertaking, drawing resources and labor from other towns and regions within Judah. This communal labor, often voluntary, was a common method for large-scale public works in the ancient Near East.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 3:2, within the broader context of the chapter, powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, **Unity and Shared Responsibility** is paramount, demonstrating how a monumental task is accomplished when diverse groups—priests, guilds, families, and residents from various towns—work side-by-side with a common purpose. This echoes the New Testament concept of the church as a body with many parts, each contributing to the whole (e.g., [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ, Many Members, One Body")). Second, the chapter emphasizes **Diligent Labor in Response to Divine Call**. While Nehemiah's leadership was divinely inspired, the actual rebuilding required immense human effort, organization, and perseverance, underscoring the principle that God's work is accomplished through human hands, as seen in passages like [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Working Heartily for the Lord"). Finally, the rebuilding signifies the **Restoration of Community and Identity**. The wall was not just for defense; it was a symbol of Jerusalem's renewed status, security, and the re-establishment of the Jewish people's communal life and distinct identity in their homeland, a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant promises (e.g., [Jeremiah 31:3-5](/jeremiah/31-3 "Jeremiah 31:3-5 - God's Enduring Love and Restoration")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **builded (Hebrew, בָּנָה, _banah_):** This verb, used repeatedly throughout Nehemiah 3, signifies the physical act of construction and erection. More broadly, _banah_ can also mean to establish, restore, or rebuild, carrying connotations of bringing something into existence or repairing what was broken. In this context, it highlights the active, physical labor involved in the restoration project, emphasizing progress and the tangible output of collective effort.
* **next unto him / next to them (Hebrew, עַל יָדוֹ / עַל יָדָם, _'al yado / 'al yadam_):** Literally meaning "by his hand" or "beside him/them," this phrase is crucial for understanding the chapter's structure and the nature of the work. It denotes contiguity and proximity, indicating that each group or individual worked on a section immediately adjacent to the previous one. This repetition underscores the seamless, coordinated, and continuous nature of the building effort, symbolizing the interconnectedness and mutual reliance within the community.
* **Jericho (Hebrew, יְרִיחוֹ, _Yericho_):** The inclusion of "the men of Jericho" is significant. Jericho was a prominent city in ancient Israel, located in the Jordan Valley. Its mention here indicates that the rebuilding effort was a national endeavor, not confined solely to the residents of Jerusalem. It demonstrates a broader commitment and mobilization of resources from various parts of Judah, highlighting the widespread unity and shared purpose among the returned exiles.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And next unto him builded the men of Jericho":** This clause immediately follows the mention of the high priest Eliashib and the priests who built the Sheep Gate. The phrase "next unto him" establishes the spatial continuity of the work, indicating that the men of Jericho took on the section directly adjacent to that completed by the priests. Their involvement signifies the participation of people from outside Jerusalem proper, demonstrating a broader communal effort that transcended local boundaries.
* **"And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri":** This second clause continues the chain of builders, specifying that Zaccur, an individual identified by his patronymic, worked on the section immediately next to the men of Jericho. This shift from a collective group ("men of Jericho") to a named individual highlights the dual nature of the contribution: both organized groups and specific individuals (perhaps heads of families or guilds) took personal responsibility for distinct portions of the wall. This emphasizes that every contribution, whether from a large contingent or a single person, was vital and recognized.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:2, as part of the larger chapter, primarily employs **Cataloging** or **Listing**, a literary device where a detailed inventory of individuals and groups, along with their specific contributions, is presented. This meticulous listing (e.g., "the men of Jericho," "Zaccur the son of Imri") serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the rebuilding effort, highlighting that virtually everyone participated and that no contribution was overlooked. The **Repetition** of the phrase "next unto him" or "next to them" throughout the chapter is another key device. This anaphoric repetition not only provides a clear, sequential description of the work's progress around the wall but also powerfully reinforces the theme of unity, cooperation, and the contiguous, collaborative nature of the project. It visually (through text) portrays the seamless connection between each section of the wall and, by extension, between each contributing group or individual.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:2, in its specific mention of diverse contributors, powerfully illustrates the theological principle that God's great works are often accomplished through the collective, organized, and diligent efforts of His people. The physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall serves as an enduring metaphor for the spiritual rebuilding and establishment of God's kingdom and community. Just as each group and individual had a specific section to build, so too does every believer have a unique role and gift within the body of Christ, essential for the overall health and progress of the church. This verse reminds us that God calls us not only to individual faithfulness but also to collaborative service, where unity of purpose and shared responsibility are paramount for overcoming obstacles and achieving God-ordained goals. The success of the wall project was a testament to God's enabling grace working through the obedient hands of His people.

* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Believers as a Holy Temple")
* [1 Corinthians 3:9](/1_corinthians/3-9 "1 Corinthians 3:9 - God's Fellow Workers")
* [Philippians 1:6](/philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God Completes His Work")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:2 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's kingdom work, whether in our local churches, communities, or global missions, is a collective endeavor that requires the active participation of every member. Just as the men of Jericho and Zaccur the son of Imri contributed their labor to a specific section of the wall, so too are we called to identify our unique gifts, skills, and resources and faithfully apply them to the "building" tasks God has placed before us. This verse challenges any notion that only prominent leaders or certain individuals are responsible for God's work; rather, it underscores that every hand, every effort, and every "section" built contributes to the larger, overarching purpose. It encourages us to embrace unity, overcome divisions, and diligently work alongside one another, knowing that our individual contributions, when combined with the efforts of others, form something truly significant for God's glory and the flourishing of His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wall" or area of need is God calling you to contribute to in your church, family, or community today?**
* **How does the example of the "men of Jericho" and Zaccur challenge your perspective on who is responsible for God's work?**
* **In what ways can you better collaborate with others in your sphere of influence to achieve a shared spiritual goal?**
* **What specific "section" of God's work are you uniquely gifted or called to build, and how faithfully are you tending to it?**

### FAQ

**Why does Nehemiah 3 list so many names and groups, including those from outside Jerusalem?**

Answer: Nehemiah 3 provides a meticulous list of builders for several reasons. Historically, it serves as a detailed record, acknowledging the specific contributions of various families, guilds, and towns, thus fostering accountability and celebrating their collective achievement. Theologically, it underscores the comprehensive nature of the rebuilding effort, demonstrating that the entire community, not just a select few, responded to God's call. The inclusion of groups like "the men of Jericho" (Nehemiah 3:2) highlights the national scope of the project, signifying that the restoration of Jerusalem was a concern for all of Judah, not just its immediate residents. This broad participation was crucial for the success of such a massive undertaking, reflecting the unity and shared vision that Nehemiah had inspired (see [Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild")).

**Who was Zaccur the son of Imri, and what is the significance of his individual mention?**

Answer: Zaccur the son of Imri is an individual specifically named in Nehemiah 3:2 as having built a section of the wall "next to them" (the men of Jericho). While he is not a figure extensively detailed elsewhere in biblical narrative, his individual mention is highly significant within the context of Nehemiah 3. It illustrates that the rebuilding effort was not solely carried out by large, anonymous groups but also involved the personal commitment and labor of specific individuals, likely heads of households or representatives of particular families or guilds. This highlights the principle of individual responsibility within a collective endeavor, emphasizing that every person's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or localized, was vital and recognized by God. It underscores the idea that God uses both corporate bodies and faithful individuals to accomplish His purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls in Nehemiah foreshadows the ultimate spiritual rebuilding and establishment of God's eternal kingdom through Jesus Christ. Just as the scattered exiles returned to rebuild a physical city, Christ came to gather His scattered people and build a spiritual house, the Church. Jesus himself 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 - Jesus Builds His Church")). The diverse groups and individuals in Nehemiah 3, each contributing to a specific section, prefigure the body of Christ, where believers are "living stones" being built into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones in a Spiritual House")). Furthermore, Nehemiah's wall building was about breaking down barriers of vulnerability and shame; Christ, through His ultimate sacrifice, broke down the ultimate wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between Jew and Gentile, creating "one new humanity" in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Breaks Down Walls of Hostility")). The diligent, unified labor of the people in Nehemiah points to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to build up the body of Christ, equipping the saints for the work of ministry, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God ([Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Building Up the Body of Christ")). Ultimately, the earthly Jerusalem, with its rebuilt walls, points to the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city, which is not built by human hands but descends from God, a perfect and eternal dwelling where God Himself will dwell with His people ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends")).

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 7:36

The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

Ezra 2:34

The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.

Nehemiah 10:12

Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,