Nehemiah 3:21

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {H310} him repaired {H2388} Meremoth {H4822} the son {H1121} of Urijah {H223} the son {H1121} of Koz {H6976} another {H8145} piece {H4060}, from the door {H6607} of the house {H1004} of Eliashib {H475} even to the end {H8503} of the house {H1004} of Eliashib {H475}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After him M'remot the son of Uriyah made repairs on another section, from the door of the house of Elyashiv to the end of the house of Elyashiv.

Berean Standard Bible

Next to him, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired another section, from the doorway of the house of Eliashib to the end of the house.

American Standard Version

After him repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah the son of Hakkoz another portion, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:21 meticulously details the contribution of Meremoth, the son of Urijah and grandson of Koz, to the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This verse pinpoints his specific assignment: repairing "another piece" of the wall, precisely from the door of the high priest Eliashib's house to its very end. It underscores the highly organized, communal, and diligent effort required for the restoration, highlighting how individual, precise contributions were indispensable to the integrity and completion of the entire defensive structure.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3 provides an exhaustive and unique register of the individuals, families, and guilds involved in the rapid reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. Far from a dry list, it serves as a testament to the unified resolve and shared responsibility among the returning exiles. The chapter meticulously maps out the wall's circumference, gate by gate, section by section, often noting who repaired which segment and sometimes their proximity to their own homes or areas of influence. Meremoth's work in [Nehemiah 3:21](/nehemiah/3-21 "Nehemiah 3:21 - Meremoth's Contribution to the Wall") follows a series of other repairers, demonstrating the continuous, overlapping nature of the project. His section, adjacent to the prominent house of Eliashib, the high priest (who himself repaired the Sheep Gate in [Nehemiah 3:1](/nehemiah/3-1 "Nehemiah 3:1 - Eliashib and the Sheep Gate")), highlights the strategic importance of this particular segment and the involvement of individuals from various societal strata.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls occurred in the mid-5th century BC, during the post-exilic period under the Persian Empire. Following the decrees of Cyrus and Artaxerxes, Jewish exiles had returned to Judah, but Jerusalem remained vulnerable and disgraced without its protective walls, a symbol of its former glory and security. Walls in the ancient Near East were not merely defensive structures; they were vital for a city's identity, economic stability, and protection from marauders and hostile neighbors. The project, led by Nehemiah, faced significant opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, making the rapid and organized effort even more remarkable. The communal nature of the work, where families and guilds took responsibility for specific sections, was a common ancient practice for large-scale public works, fostering a sense of ownership and collective destiny.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader scope of [Nehemiah 3](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - The Rebuilding of Jerusalem's Walls"), powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it emphasizes **Diligent and Specific Work**, showcasing that the success of the massive undertaking depended on the meticulous repair of each "piece" of the wall. Meremoth's precise assignment underscores that no task, however seemingly small, was insignificant. Secondly, the chapter, and Meremoth's participation within it, highlights the theme of **Communal Effort and Shared Responsibility**. The wall was not built by one hero but by the collective dedication of many, demonstrating the power of unity and cooperation, as famously stated, "[the people had a mind to work](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People's Unified Effort")". Finally, Meremoth's focus on his assigned "piece" exemplifies **Faithfulness in Small Tasks**, teaching that integrity and dedication in one's specific duties are crucial for the overall success and integrity of any large-scale divine endeavor.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **repaired (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** This verb, often translated as "repaired" or "strengthened," carries a deeper meaning of becoming strong, firm, or courageous. In the context of rebuilding, it implies not merely mending but making robust and secure. It signifies a dedicated effort to restore integrity and resilience to the wall, reflecting the comprehensive nature of the work undertaken by Meremoth and others.
* **Meremoth (Hebrew, _Mᵉrêmôwth'_):** The name Meremoth means "heights" or "elevations." While not explicitly stated as symbolic, the name subtly resonates with the task of raising the wall to its proper height and restoring Jerusalem's elevated status. His inclusion in this meticulous record underscores the importance of individual identity and contribution within the larger communal effort.
* **Eliashib (Hebrew, _ʼElyâshîyb'_):** Meaning "God will restore" or "God brings back," Eliashib was the high priest during Nehemiah's time. His name itself is a theological statement, reflecting the hope of the post-exilic community. His prominence is noted earlier in the chapter, and the repeated mention of his "house" in Meremoth's section serves as a crucial geographical marker, indicating the strategic importance of this segment of the wall, likely due to its proximity to the high priest's residence and possibly the temple complex itself.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz":** This clause precisely identifies Meremoth by his lineage, a common biblical practice that roots individuals within their family and historical context. The phrase "after him" indicates the continuous, sequential nature of the repair work along the wall, highlighting the organized progression of the project from one section to the next, emphasizing the collaborative and coordinated effort.
* **"another piece":** This phrase emphasizes the segmented approach to the wall's reconstruction. Each individual or group was assigned a specific, manageable portion, underscoring the meticulous planning and division of labor that characterized the entire rebuilding effort. It highlights that Meremoth's contribution was distinct yet integral to the whole, contributing to the overall strength of the structure.
* **"from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib":** This precise geographical description delineates the exact boundaries of Meremoth's assigned section. The repetition of "the house of Eliashib" serves to clearly mark the beginning and end points of his work, indicating a specific and perhaps significant stretch of the wall. This precision underscores the thoroughness of the record and the importance of protecting the high priest's residence, which would have been a prominent and vulnerable target, signifying its strategic importance.

#### Literary Devices
The meticulous nature of [Nehemiah 3](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - The Rebuilding Effort"), including [Nehemiah 3:21](/nehemiah/3-21 "Nehemiah 3:21 - Meremoth's Specific Contribution"), is achieved through several literary techniques. **Cataloging** is the dominant device throughout the chapter, presenting a detailed list of individuals and their specific contributions, which serves to emphasize the comprehensive participation and organized effort of the entire community. The **Repetition** of "the house of Eliashib" within this single verse serves to underscore the precise boundaries of Meremoth's work and highlights the strategic importance of that particular section of the wall, drawing the reader's attention to its proximity to the high priest's residence. This detailed **Precision** in describing each segment not only lends authenticity to the historical account but also serves to honor every individual's specific, vital contribution to the collective endeavor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:21, though a seemingly minor detail in a long list, carries profound theological weight. It illustrates God's method of accomplishing great works through the collective, diligent efforts of His people. Meremoth's focused repair of "another piece" of the wall teaches that every individual contribution, no matter how specific or seemingly small, is indispensable to the integrity and completion of God's larger purposes. God values faithfulness in the details, and He orchestrates diverse gifts and efforts into a unified whole. The rebuilding of the physical wall serves as a powerful metaphor for the ongoing spiritual construction of God's kingdom and the church, where each member plays a vital, irreplaceable role, contributing to the strength and flourishing of the whole.

* [1 Corinthians 12:20-27](/1_corinthians/12-20 "1 Corinthians 12:20-27 - Many Parts, One Body"): Just as Meremoth contributed his "piece" to the wall, so too are believers distinct members of one body, each with a unique and essential function for the common good.
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - Building Up the Body in Love"): This verse speaks to how the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows as each part does its work, much like each builder contributed to the growing wall.
* [Matthew 25:21](/matthew/25-21 "Matthew 25:21 - Faithfulness in Little Things"): Meremoth's diligence in his specific, perhaps mundane, task exemplifies the principle of faithfulness in little things, which is highly valued by God and leads to greater responsibility and reward.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Meremoth's quiet diligence on his assigned "piece" of the wall offers timeless encouragement for believers today. In a world that often celebrates grand gestures and prominent roles, this verse reminds us that true impact often comes from consistent, faithful effort in our specific spheres of influence. Whether in our families, workplaces, communities, or within the church, God calls us to be diligent in the tasks He has set before us, recognizing that our individual contributions, however humble, are vital to the larger work of His kingdom. Like Meremoth, we are to focus on our "piece" with excellence and perseverance, trusting that our faithfulness contributes to the overall strength and well-being of the spiritual "wall" that God is building. This perspective fosters humility, interdependence, and a deep appreciation for the diverse gifts and efforts of others, recognizing that we are all co-laborers in God's grand design, building something far greater than ourselves.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Meremoth's specific task encourage me regarding my own contributions to God's kingdom or the local church?**
* **In what "piece" of God's work am I currently called to be diligent, even if it seems small or unnoticed?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the diverse contributions of others within my community or church, understanding that every part is essential?**

### FAQ
**Who was Meremoth, and why is his specific work highlighted?**

Answer: Meremoth, identified by his lineage as "the son of Urijah the son of Koz," was one of the many individuals who participated in the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership. His specific work is highlighted in [Nehemiah 3:21](/nehemiah/3-21 "Nehemiah 3:21 - Meremoth's Section of the Wall") as part of a meticulous record of who repaired which section of the wall. This detailed accounting emphasizes the organized and communal nature of the rebuilding project, ensuring that every contribution, no matter how specific, was acknowledged and understood to be vital for the completion of the entire defensive structure. His section was particularly significant as it was located "from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib," indicating its proximity to the high priest's prominent residence.

**What is the significance of the "house of Eliashib" being mentioned twice in this verse?**

Answer: The repetition of "the house of Eliashib" in [Nehemiah 3:21](/nehemiah/3-21 "Nehemiah 3:21 - Meremoth's Specific Assignment") serves as a precise geographical marker, clearly delineating the exact boundaries of Meremoth's assigned section of the wall. Eliashib was the high priest, a highly prominent figure in the community, and his residence would have been a well-known landmark. By using his house as both the starting and ending point, the text provides an unambiguous description of Meremoth's "piece." This precision underscores the meticulous planning and execution of the entire rebuilding project, and also highlights the strategic importance of this particular section, likely needing strong protection due to its proximity to the high priest and potentially the temple area, which was central to Israelite worship and identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's physical walls in Nehemiah, with each person contributing their "piece," beautifully foreshadows the spiritual rebuilding and the construction of God's eternal kingdom through Christ. Just as the wall provided security and identity for God's people in Nehemiah's day, Jesus Christ is the ultimate foundation and protector of His people, the Church. He is the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Foundation Stone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice is built, with believers themselves becoming "[living stones](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Believers as Spiritual Stones")" in this spiritual house. Meremoth's diligent work on his specific section reflects how every believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, is called to contribute their unique gifts and efforts to the ongoing construction of Christ's body. Jesus declared, "[I will build my church](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church"), and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it," signifying His active role as the master builder. Our individual contributions, like Meremoth's, are not merely human endeavors but are integrated into Christ's divine work, culminating in the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people eternally, a place Jesus has gone to [prepare for you](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Jesus Prepares a Place for Believers").

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 7:63

And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took [one] of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.

Ezra 2:61

And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai; which took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite, and was called after their name: