Nehemiah 3:22

KJV

And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.

KJV (with Strong's)

And after {H310} him repaired {H2388} the priests {H3548}, the men {H582} of the plain {H3603}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After him the cohanim from the plain made repairs.

Berean Standard Bible

And next to him, the priests from the surrounding area made repairs.

American Standard Version

And after him repaired the priests, the men of the Plain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:22 is a concise yet significant verse within the meticulous catalog of builders in Nehemiah 3, highlighting the continued, sequential effort to reconstruct Jerusalem's walls. It specifically notes the participation of "the priests" and "the men of the plain," underscoring the broad, community-wide involvement that transcended traditional roles and geographical boundaries in this monumental post-exilic restoration project.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3 stands as a remarkable testament to organized, collaborative labor. This chapter meticulously details the various individuals, families, guilds, and communities that took responsibility for specific sections of the wall. The phrase "And after him" in verse 22 serves as a crucial connective tissue, linking the work of the priests and men of the plain to the preceding group (likely the family of Hakkoz from [Nehemiah 3:21](/nehemiah/3-21 "Nehemiah 3:21 - Meremoth's Second Section")). This continuous enumeration throughout the chapter, beginning with the high priest Eliashib and his brethren repairing the Sheep Gate in [Nehemiah 3:1](/nehemiah/3-1 "Nehemiah 3:1 - Eliashib and the Sheep Gate"), emphasizes the contiguous nature of the repair work around the city and the comprehensive, section-by-section approach to the reconstruction. The chapter's structure itself reflects the unity and shared purpose of the returned exiles, each contributing to the restoration of their city's defenses and dignity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls occurred in the mid-5th century BC, during the post-exilic period under Persian rule. The Jewish community, having returned from Babylonian captivity, faced significant challenges, including internal disorganization, external opposition, and a profound sense of vulnerability. A fortified wall was not merely a physical defense; it was a symbol of national identity, security, and renewed covenant faithfulness. In this context, the involvement of "the priests" is particularly noteworthy. Their primary duties were traditionally centered on spiritual and sacrificial service within the Temple, as outlined in the Mosaic Law. Their active participation in manual labor for the city's physical defense demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to the community's holistic well-being and a willingness to serve beyond their customary, sacred roles. "The men of the plain" refers to residents from the *Kikkar* (Jordan Valley) or *Shephelah* (lowlands west of Judah), indicating that the effort extended beyond those living immediately within Jerusalem, drawing resources and manpower from surrounding territories, thus signifying a broad, national commitment to the restoration project.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 3:22, nestled within its broader chapter, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Foremost among them is **Community-Wide Participation**, underscoring that the rebuilding of Jerusalem was not the work of a select few but a massive undertaking involving nearly every segment of society. Everyone had a role, from the most prominent leaders to ordinary citizens, embodying the principle of [each person contributing with a mind to work](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Mind to Work"). Another significant theme is **Sacrificial Service and Leadership by Example**, particularly highlighted by the inclusion of "the priests." Their willingness to engage in arduous physical labor, stepping outside their traditional spiritual duties, set a powerful precedent for civic and spiritual leadership. Finally, the mention of "the men of the plain" points to **Geographical Inclusivity and Unity**, demonstrating that the restoration effort transcended immediate geographical boundaries, drawing together people from various regions under a common, God-ordained purpose.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Repaired (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq'_):** This verb, frequently translated as "strengthened," "made firm," or "repaired," carries a sense of reinforcing or restoring something that was damaged or weak. In the context of the wall, it implies not merely constructing from scratch but also mending, rebuilding, and fortifying existing ruins. It speaks to the arduous, painstaking work of restoration rather than simple construction, emphasizing the dedication required to bring the broken walls back to a state of strength and integrity.
* **Priests (Hebrew, _kōhanīm'_):** These were the descendants of Aaron, consecrated by God for sacred service in the Tabernacle and later the Temple. Their duties included offering sacrifices, teaching the Law, and mediating between God and the people. Their appearance in a list of manual laborers is highly significant, indicating a profound commitment to the community's welfare that transcended their usual liturgical functions. It demonstrates a holistic understanding of their calling, where spiritual leadership extended to tangible, communal service.
* **Plain (Hebrew, _kikkār'_):** The Hebrew term _kikkār_ (כִּכָּר) literally means "circle" or "district," often referring to a well-watered, fertile plain, most notably the Jordan Valley (e.g., [Genesis 13:10](/genesis/13-10 "Genesis 13:10 - The Well-Watered Plain of Jordan")). In the context of Nehemiah, it likely refers to the inhabitants of the lowlands or fertile regions surrounding Jerusalem, perhaps the Jordan Valley or other agricultural districts. Their participation signifies that the rebuilding effort was not confined to the immediate residents of Jerusalem but was a broader, national undertaking drawing people from various parts of Judah.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And after him":** This phrase serves as a crucial transition in the meticulous catalog of builders in Nehemiah 3. It indicates a sequential and contiguous assignment of labor, linking the section of the wall repaired by the priests and men of the plain to the immediately preceding section mentioned in verse 21. This emphasizes the organized and collaborative nature of the entire rebuilding project, where each group worked alongside the next.
* **"repaired the priests":** This clause highlights the active and direct involvement of the priestly class in the physical labor of wall reconstruction. It is a striking detail, as their primary duties were spiritual and liturgical. Their participation underscores the idea that the rebuilding was a comprehensive community effort, where even those with sacred vocations contributed physically, setting a powerful example of unity and dedication beyond their traditional roles.
* **"the men of the plain":** This final clause identifies a specific geographical group participating in the work. "The plain" refers to a distinct region outside Jerusalem, likely the fertile lowlands. Their inclusion demonstrates that the rebuilding effort was not confined to the inhabitants of Jerusalem itself but was a widespread, national endeavor, drawing manpower and commitment from surrounding territories and diverse communities across Judah.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:22, like the entire chapter, is characterized by the literary device of **Catalog** or **List**, a precise and repetitive enumeration of individuals and groups, along with their specific contributions to the wall's reconstruction. This detailed listing serves to underscore the comprehensive nature of the communal effort and the meticulous organization behind it. The repeated "after him" (or similar sequential phrases throughout the chapter) functions as a form of **Anaphora** or **Repetition**, creating a rhythmic flow that emphasizes the continuous, contiguous, and collaborative nature of the work. Furthermore, the phrase "the men of the plain" employs **Synecdoche** (or perhaps **Metonymy**), where "the plain" (a geographical region) stands for the people residing in that region, effectively representing the broader population beyond Jerusalem's immediate vicinity. The implicit **Juxtaposition** of the priests' sacred duties with their engagement in manual labor also serves to highlight the extraordinary nature of their commitment and leadership by example.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:22 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle of shared responsibility and corporate action in the service of God's kingdom. The participation of the priests, traditionally set apart for sacred duties, alongside the "men of the plain," representing broader geographical inclusion, underscores that God's work requires the diverse gifts and dedicated efforts of all His people. The rebuilding of the physical wall was not merely an act of civic engineering but a profound spiritual undertaking, symbolizing the restoration of God's people, their identity, and their covenant relationship with Him. This collective commitment to a common, God-ordained purpose serves as a timeless model for the church and any community striving to fulfill a divine mandate, emphasizing that every individual's contribution, regardless of their background or usual role, is vital and valued in the grand tapestry of God's redemptive plan.

* [Nehemiah 2:17-18](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17-18 - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild")
* [Philippians 2:3-4](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3-4 - Humility and Looking Out for Others")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:22, within the grand narrative of the wall's reconstruction, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It calls us to consider our own roles in the "rebuilding" work God has set before us, whether it's strengthening our families, fortifying our churches, or contributing to the well-being of our broader communities. The example of the priests, stepping beyond their traditional roles to engage in arduous physical labor, challenges us to serve where the need is greatest, even if it requires us to move beyond our comfort zones or perceived areas of expertise. Similarly, the "men of the plain" remind us that God's work is expansive, requiring the participation of diverse individuals from various backgrounds and geographical locations. True impact is often achieved not by a select few, but by a unified body, each member contributing their unique gifts and resources with a shared vision and a "mind to work." This verse encourages us to embrace shared responsibility, to lead by example (especially for those in spiritual leadership), and to value every contribution, recognizing that the strength of the whole depends on the faithful effort of each part.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life or community am I called to "repair" or contribute, even if it's outside my usual comfort zone or traditional role?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the diverse contributions of others in collective endeavors, fostering a greater sense of unity and shared purpose?**
* **What does Nehemiah 3:22 teach me about the nature of true leadership, especially spiritual leadership, and how can I apply this in my own spheres of influence?**

### FAQ

**Why is it important that "the priests" are mentioned specifically here?**

Answer: The specific mention of "the priests" is highly significant because their primary duties were spiritual and sacrificial within the Temple. Their active participation in the manual labor of rebuilding the city walls demonstrates a profound commitment to the holistic well-being of the community, transcending their traditional liturgical roles. It highlights that the rebuilding effort was a total community endeavor, with leaders setting an example of service and unity, emphasizing that no task for the common good was beneath anyone, regardless of their status or usual function.

**What does "the men of the plain" signify about the scope of the rebuilding effort?**

Answer: "The men of the plain" refers to residents from the fertile lowlands or valleys surrounding Jerusalem (the *Kikkar* region). Their involvement signifies that the rebuilding project was not limited to the immediate inhabitants of Jerusalem but drew participation and resources from surrounding territories. This indicates a broad, national commitment to the restoration of the capital and its defenses, demonstrating a widespread unity and shared purpose among the returned exiles across different geographical areas of Judah. It underscores the inclusivity and extensive reach of the communal effort.

**How does this verse fit into the overall narrative of Nehemiah 3?**

Answer: [Nehemiah 3](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem") is a meticulous and systematic record of the various groups and individuals who repaired specific sections of Jerusalem's wall. Verse 22 continues this detailed enumeration, linking the work of the priests and men of the plain to the preceding section, emphasizing the contiguous and organized nature of the reconstruction. It serves as another example of the diverse segments of society, from high priests to residents of outlying regions, each contributing their part to the monumental task, thereby reinforcing the chapter's overarching theme of unity, shared labor, and collective dedication to a common, God-ordained goal.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls in Nehemiah, exemplified by the collective effort in [Nehemiah 3:22](/nehemiah/3-22 "Nehemiah 3:22 - Priests and Men of the Plain Repair"), serves as a powerful Old Testament foreshadowing of the spiritual rebuilding and restoration accomplished through Jesus Christ. Just as the priests and men of the plain united to secure their physical city, Christ, our ultimate High Priest, came not merely to perform rituals but to actively build His spiritual temple, the Church ([Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built on the Foundation of Apostles and Prophets")). He is the foundation and cornerstone, the one who gathers diverse people—from every "plain" and background—into one unified body ([Galatians 3:28](/galatians/3-28 "Galatians 3:28 - No Jew or Gentile in Christ Jesus")). The sacrificial labor of the priests in Nehemiah points to Christ's ultimate sacrifice, where He, our great High Priest, laid down His life to secure our eternal salvation and spiritual dwelling place ([Hebrews 4:14-16](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14-16 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest")). The unified effort to build the wall for protection and identity reflects the Church's ongoing mission to build up the body of Christ and extend His kingdom, with each member contributing their unique gifts under His headship ([Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")). Ultimately, the security provided by the rebuilt wall pales in comparison to the eternal security and spiritual dwelling place Christ provides for all who believe in Him ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them Out of My Hand")).

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 12:28

And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi;

Nehemiah 6:2

That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in [some one of] the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.