Nehemiah 3:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {H310} him repaired {H2388} Benjamin {H1144} and Hashub {H2815} over against their house {H1004}. After {H310} him repaired {H2388} Azariah {H5838} the son {H1121} of Maaseiah {H4641} the son {H1121} of Ananiah {H6055} by {H681} his house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After them Binyamin and Hashuv made repairs opposite their house. After them 'Azaryah the son of Ma'aseiyah, the son of 'Ananyah, made repairs next to his house.

Berean Standard Bible

Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house, and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house.

American Standard Version

After them repaired Benjamin and Hasshub over against their house. After them repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah beside his own house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:23 provides a precise, yet profound, snapshot of the widespread and deeply personal involvement in the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. This verse meticulously records the contributions of Benjamin and Hashub, who repaired a section "over against their house," followed by Azariah, son of Maaseiah and Ananiah, who worked "by his house." Far from being a mere list, this entry underscores the communal spirit, diligent organization, and profound sense of personal ownership that characterized the restoration efforts, transforming a daunting national project into a series of intimately connected, individual acts of faith and labor.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3 is a unique and meticulously detailed register of the individuals, families, and guilds who participated in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's city walls. Following Nehemiah's initial survey of the broken-down fortifications in [Nehemiah 2](/nehemiah/2 "Nehemiah 2 - Nehemiah's Prayer and Journey to Jerusalem"), this chapter systematically outlines the repair work, moving section by section around the entire circuit of the wall. It begins with the Sheep Gate in [Nehemiah 3:1](/nehemiah/3-1 "Nehemiah 3:1 - Rebuilding the Sheep Gate") and proceeds clockwise, detailing who worked on each segment. Verse 23 falls within the latter part of this circuit, likely describing repairs on the eastern or southern side of the city, near the houses of the individuals named, emphasizing the localized and highly organized nature of the project. The repetitive "after him" or "next to him" structure throughout the chapter, including in this verse, highlights the continuous and collaborative flow of the work.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls occurred in the mid-5th century BCE, during the Persian Empire's reign, approximately 90 years after the first wave of exiles returned from Babylon. The city, though re-inhabited, remained vulnerable and disrespected due to its broken walls and gates, a symbol of its subjugation and lack of sovereignty. The cultural context emphasizes communal identity and responsibility; in ancient Near Eastern societies, the security and honor of the city were paramount, directly reflecting on its inhabitants. Nehemiah's arrival, sanctioned by King Artaxerxes, provided the necessary political authority and resources, but the actual labor depended on the collective will and physical effort of the returning Jewish community. The phrase "over against their house" reflects a practical and culturally relevant assignment strategy, where individuals were responsible for the defense of their immediate surroundings, fostering a deep personal stake in the project.

* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 3:23 vividly illustrates several key themes prevalent throughout the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. First, **Shared Responsibility** is paramount; the monumental task of rebuilding was not left to a select few but was a collective endeavor, with every individual and family contributing their part, as seen in the extensive list of names. This verse, like many others, underscores that great accomplishments are the fruit of combined efforts, echoing the principle found in [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Mind to Work"). Second, **Personal Ownership** is highlighted by the recurring motif of individuals repairing sections "over against their house" or "by his house" ([Nehemiah 3:10](/nehemiah/3-10 "Nehemiah 3:10 - Jedaiah's Work Opposite His House"), [Nehemiah 3:28](/nehemiah/3-28 "Nehemiah 3:28 - Priests Working Opposite Their House")). This proximity likely fueled greater diligence, pride, and a personal investment in the quality and speed of their work, as they were literally building for their own security and the protection of their families and property. Third, the **Systematic Restoration** is evident in the meticulous detailing of each builder and their assigned section, demonstrating Nehemiah's organized and efficient approach, transforming a chaotic ruin into a structured rebuilding project. Finally, the physical act of rebuilding was a profound expression of **Faith in Action**, a tangible demonstration of the exiles' commitment to God's promises and their identity as His people in the land He had given them, driven by a divine purpose that enabled them to "have a mind to work" ([Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Mind to Work")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Repaired (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq'_):** This verb means "to be strong," "to strengthen," "to repair," or "to grasp." In the context of Nehemiah, it consistently denotes the act of strengthening or restoring the damaged walls and gates. It implies not just superficial mending but a robust, enduring reconstruction, reflecting the dedication and effort put into making the city secure and functional once more. The use of this verb highlights the active, physical labor involved in the restoration.
* **Over against / By (Hebrew, _neged'_):** This preposition means "opposite," "in front of," "corresponding to," or "in the sight of." Its repeated use in Nehemiah 3, particularly in phrases like "over against their house" or "by his house," is crucial. It emphasizes the direct proximity and personal relevance of the assigned section to the builder's residence or property. This detail underscores the practicality and efficiency of the work assignment, leveraging individual self-interest and immediate concern for the common good and the security of the entire city.
* **House (Hebrew, _bayit'_):** While literally meaning a physical dwelling, "house" in biblical Hebrew can also signify a household, family, lineage, or even a dynasty. In Nehemiah 3:23, "their house" and "his house" refer primarily to the physical residences of Benjamin, Hashub, and Azariah. However, by extension, it also implies their family's security and well-being, reinforcing the deeply personal stake each individual had in the communal project. They were not just building a wall; they were securing their homes and their future.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub":** This clause indicates a continuation of the work from the previous section, highlighting the collaborative and sequential nature of the rebuilding effort. "Benjamin and Hashub" are presented as a pair, suggesting either a joint effort or perhaps two individuals working consecutively on the same segment. Their names, though not prominent elsewhere in biblical history, represent the ordinary people who formed the backbone of this monumental undertaking, emphasizing that the work was accomplished by many, not just a few leaders.
* **"over against their house":** This phrase is key to understanding the personal investment and practical organization of the work. It signifies that Benjamin and Hashub were responsible for the section of the wall directly adjacent to or opposite their own dwellings. This strategic assignment ensured that individuals had a vested interest in the quality and speed of their work, as their own safety and property were directly tied to the strength of that particular segment of the wall.
* **"After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah":** This clause introduces another individual, Azariah, whose lineage is specified down to his grandfather. The detailed genealogy, though seemingly minor, underscores the specific identity and accountability of each worker. Like Benjamin and Hashub, Azariah's contribution is noted as a continuation of the work, further illustrating the systematic progression around the wall. The specificity of his name and lineage lends historical authenticity and emphasizes the individual responsibility within the larger communal project.
* **"by his house":** This phrase mirrors the previous one, reiterating the principle of personal ownership and proximity-based assignment. Azariah, too, was responsible for the section of the wall closest to his own residence. The repetition of this motif throughout Nehemiah 3 highlights a deliberate and effective strategy employed by Nehemiah to motivate and organize the vast workforce, ensuring that each segment of the wall received dedicated attention from those with the most immediate stake in its integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:23, as part of the broader chapter, employs several significant literary devices. The most prominent is **Catalog** or **List**, as the entire chapter functions as a detailed register of individuals and their contributions, giving a comprehensive account of the rebuilding efforts. Within this larger list, **Repetition** is a key feature, particularly the recurring phrase "after him" or "next to him," which creates a sense of continuous, methodical progress around the wall's circuit. This anaphoric structure emphasizes the sequential nature of the work and the collective effort. Furthermore, the repeated phrase "over against their house" or "by his house" serves as a powerful **Emphasis**, highlighting the principle of personal ownership and localized responsibility. This emphasis transforms what could be a dry list of names into a vibrant testament to individual dedication. Finally, there's a subtle use of **Metonymy**, where "house" not only refers to the physical dwelling but also implicitly represents the family and the security of the household, linking the physical act of building to the deeper well-being of the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:23, with its emphasis on individual contribution "by his house," offers profound theological insights into the nature of God's work and the role of His people. It illustrates that God often accomplishes His grand purposes through the faithful, diligent efforts of ordinary individuals, each contributing in their specific sphere of influence. This communal yet personalized labor reflects the biblical principle of co-laboring with God and with one another, where every part is essential for the flourishing of the whole. The commitment to build "by his house" can be seen as a metaphor for stewardship—taking responsibility for the spiritual and physical well-being of one's immediate environment, family, and community. It teaches that true spiritual and communal strength is built not just by grand initiatives from leaders, but by the cumulative effect of countless small, faithful acts performed by individuals who take personal ownership of their part in God's kingdom work. This dedication ensures both the integrity of the individual's contribution and the overall success of the collective endeavor, mirroring how the Church, as the body of Christ, is built up.

* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body of Christ Building Itself Up")
* [1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:23 transcends its historical context to offer timeless lessons for contemporary believers and communities. It calls us to consider our own sphere of influence—our "house"—and how we are contributing to the building up of God's kingdom today. In an age where it's easy to delegate responsibility or feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of global needs, this verse reminds us that significant change often begins with faithful engagement in our immediate surroundings. Whether it's our family, our local church, our neighborhood, or our workplace, we are called to identify the "broken walls" and apply ourselves with diligence and personal ownership. This isn't about grand gestures, but about consistent, everyday faithfulness in the areas God has placed us. Just as each brick contributed to the restoration of Jerusalem, every individual effort, no matter how small it seems, builds towards a greater purpose. This collective effort, where each part supports the whole, is vital for any thriving endeavor, much like the body of Christ building itself up in love. Our personal commitment to our "section" directly impacts the strength and security of the entire spiritual edifice.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "broken walls" in my immediate "house" or sphere of influence (family, church, community, workplace) that God is calling me to help repair?**
* **How can I cultivate a greater sense of personal ownership and diligence in the spiritual and practical tasks God has entrusted to me?**
* **In what ways can my individual efforts, no matter how seemingly small, contribute to the larger collective good of God's kingdom and the flourishing of my community?**
* **How does the principle of "repairing by one's own house" challenge me to move beyond passive observation to active participation in communal endeavors?**

### FAQ

**Why is Nehemiah 3 so detailed with names and specific sections of the wall?**

Answer: Nehemiah 3 is meticulously detailed for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it serves as a historical record, authenticating the immense effort and collective participation involved in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. This level of detail validates the account and highlights the widespread nature of the project. Secondly, it underscores the principle of accountability and shared responsibility; by naming each individual or group and their assigned section, Nehemiah emphasizes that every person's contribution was vital and recognized. This detailed listing also likely served as a morale booster, demonstrating that everyone, from priests to goldsmiths to ordinary citizens, had a significant role. Finally, the systematic nature of the list illustrates Nehemiah's brilliant organizational strategy, ensuring that the entire wall circuit was covered efficiently and thoroughly, moving from one section to the next (e.g., [Nehemiah 3:1](/nehemiah/3-1 "Nehemiah 3:1 - Rebuilding the Sheep Gate") to [Nehemiah 3:32](/nehemiah/3-32 "Nehemiah 3:32 - The Goldsmiths and Merchants")).

**What is the significance of the phrase "over against their house" or "by his house" in this chapter?**

Answer: The recurring phrase "over against their house" or "by his house" (found in [Nehemiah 3:23](/nehemiah/3-23 "Nehemiah 3:23 - Benjamin, Hashub, and Azariah Repairing by Their Houses") and elsewhere in the chapter, like [Nehemiah 3:10](/nehemiah/3-10 "Nehemiah 3:10 - Jedaiah's Work Opposite His House")) carries significant meaning. Practically, it was an efficient way to assign work, leveraging the natural incentive of self-preservation; people would be most diligent in repairing the section of the wall that directly protected their own homes and families. Theologically and symbolically, it signifies personal ownership and investment. It illustrates that great communal tasks are accomplished when individuals take responsibility for their immediate sphere of influence. This principle fosters a deep sense of commitment, as their personal security and well-being were directly linked to the strength of the wall section they were building. It transforms a large, daunting project into manageable, personally relevant segments.

**Who were Benjamin, Hashub, and Azariah mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: Benjamin, Hashub, and Azariah (son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah) are individuals mentioned in Nehemiah 3:23 as participants in the wall rebuilding project. While their names appear in this detailed list, the Bible provides no further specific biographical information about them beyond their involvement here. They represent the vast majority of the Jewish community who, under Nehemiah's leadership, dedicated themselves to the physically demanding task of reconstruction. Their inclusion, despite their lack of broader historical prominence, emphasizes that the success of the project depended on the collective, faithful efforts of ordinary citizens, not just the famous or powerful. They are examples of the unsung heroes whose personal commitment, "by his house," contributed to the restoration of Jerusalem's security and identity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 3:23 speaks to the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls by dedicated individuals, its principles find profound spiritual fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the building of His Church. The broken walls of Jerusalem symbolized the vulnerability and disgrace of God's people, a condition that ultimately points to humanity's spiritual brokenness and separation from God due to sin. Jesus, the ultimate builder, did not come to repair physical walls but to restore humanity's relationship with God and establish a spiritual kingdom. He is the true [cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ Jesus Himself Being the Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of the Church is built, a "spiritual house" composed of "living stones" ([1_peter/2-4](/1-peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4 - Living Stones"))—believers united in Him.

Just as the individuals in Nehemiah repaired "by his house," believers in Christ are called to build up the Church, the body of Christ, each contributing their unique gifts and efforts within their sphere of influence. The security that the physical wall provided for Jerusalem foreshadows the ultimate security and eternal dwelling place that Christ prepares for His people ([john/14-2](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - Jesus Prepares a Place")). Through His atoning sacrifice, Jesus "tore down the dividing wall of hostility" ([ephesians/2-14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")) that separated humanity from God and from one another, creating one new humanity. Thus, the collaborative, personal, and diligent effort seen in Nehemiah 3:23 prefigures the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to build up the Church, the new Jerusalem, a spiritual city whose "builder and maker is God" ([hebrews/11-10](/hebrews/11-10 "Hebrews 11:10 - Abraham Looked for a City")).

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 10:2

Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,

Nehemiah 8:4

And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, [and] Meshullam.

Nehemiah 3:29

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.

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 8:7

Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people [stood] in their place.

Nehemiah 3:10

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.