TRV
See on the biblical-era map
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Nehemiah 3:1–32. His two-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
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.
Continue studying Nehemiah 3:24 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 3:24 meticulously records the contribution of Binnui the son of Henadad, who repaired a specific section of Jerusalem's wall "from the house of Azariah unto the turning [of the wall], even unto the corner." This verse, embedded within a comprehensive catalogue of builders, underscores the communal, organized, and precise nature of the post-exilic reconstruction effort, highlighting the vital role of individual faithfulness in achieving a monumental collective goal.
Context
Literary Context
Nehemiah 3 is a unique and highly detailed chapter, functioning as a comprehensive roster of all the individuals, families, guilds, and groups involved in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. It meticulously lists the sections of the wall repaired, often specifying the gates, towers, and even houses that served as landmarks for each assigned portion. The phrase "After him" in Nehemiah 3:24 indicates a continuation of the work described in the preceding verses, demonstrating a systematic, contiguous progression around the city's perimeter. This verse, like many others in the chapter, highlights the division of labor and the collective ownership of the daunting task, emphasizing that the entire community, from priests and Levites to merchants and goldsmiths, participated in this essential work, moving from one segment to the next in an organized fashion, as seen from the very beginning of the chapter in Nehemiah 3:1.
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 city had lain in ruins for over 140 years since its destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC. Nehemiah, a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I, was granted permission and resources to return to Jerusalem and lead this vital reconstruction. The walls were not merely a defensive necessity but a profound symbol of national identity, divine favor, and the restoration of God's covenant people. In a culture where city walls represented security, status, and sovereignty, their dilapidated state was a source of shame and vulnerability. The meticulous record of each builder in Nehemiah 3 reflects the deep commitment of the returnees to re-establish their homeland and worship, often facing significant opposition from surrounding peoples like Sanballat and Tobiah, as detailed in Nehemiah 4.
Key Themes
Nehemiah 3:24 contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates shared responsibility and unity in achieving a common, divinely appointed goal. No single individual, not even Nehemiah, could complete the task alone; it required the concerted effort of "everyone according to his task" (Nehemiah 4:15). Secondly, the verse's precise geographical markers underscore the theme of meticulousness and diligence in God's work. The detailed mapping of sections reflects careful planning and thorough execution, ensuring no part of the wall was neglected, even challenging sections like "the turning" or "the corner." Finally, the sheer volume of names and the specific nature of their tasks throughout Nehemiah 3 highlight the perseverance and dedication of the Jewish community, driven by a deep spiritual resolve to restore their heritage and honor God, knowing that "the God of heaven will give us success" (Nehemiah 2:20).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
Derived from the Hebrew root for "built up," this name is remarkably fitting for an individual actively engaged in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. While the name itself may not carry direct theological weight, its meaning resonates profoundly with the historical and narrative purpose of Nehemiah 3, underscoring the personal investment and identity tied to the reconstruction effort.
Meaning "favor of Hadad," where Hadad was a Syro-Canaanite storm god. While the name references a pagan deity, it was a common name among Israelites, indicating cultural assimilation of names without necessarily implying pagan worship. The mention of "son of Henadad" serves to precisely identify Binnui, linking him to a known family or lineage, which was crucial for accountability and historical record-keeping in ancient societies.
This term, meaning "an angle or recess," describes a specific architectural feature of the wall. Its use here, followed by "even unto the corner," strongly suggests a significant point where the wall changed direction, perhaps a salient angle, a bastion, or a complex structural junction. Such sections would have been particularly challenging to build or repair, requiring skilled labor and careful attention, thus highlighting the thoroughness of Binnui's work.
Verse Breakdown
"After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece"
This phrase establishes continuity with the preceding verses, indicating that Binnui's work immediately followed that of another builder (likely Meshullam, son of Berechiah, or Azariah, son of Ananiah, from Nehemiah 3:23). The mention of "another piece" emphasizes the segmented nature of the wall repair, where the entire perimeter was divided into manageable sections, each assigned to a specific individual or group. This highlights the practical and organized approach to the monumental task.
"from the house of Azariah unto the turning [of the wall]"
This clause provides the starting point and a significant landmark for Binnui's assigned section. The "house of Azariah" was a known reference point within the city, allowing for precise demarcation of responsibility. The "turning [of the wall]" indicates a crucial architectural feature, likely a bend, corner, or projection in the wall's path, signifying a complex or strategically important part of the structure.
"even unto the corner"
This phrase further clarifies and reinforces the nature of the "turning." It suggests that Binnui's section extended to and encompassed a specific corner or angle, possibly a difficult or structurally vital junction. The repetition emphasizes the precision and thoroughness of the work, ensuring that even the most intricate parts of the wall were diligently addressed.
Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 3 as a whole, and exemplified in Nehemiah 3:24, is Catalogue or Litany. The chapter presents a systematic, almost exhaustive, list of individuals and groups, detailing their specific contributions to the rebuilding effort. This meticulous listing serves several purposes: it provides a historical record, demonstrates accountability, and emphasizes the collective nature of the undertaking. Furthermore, the use of Precision and Detail in specifying geographical markers ("from the house of Azariah unto the turning... unto the corner") lends an air of authenticity and historical accuracy to the narrative, reinforcing the reality and tangibility of the work. The seemingly mundane details transform the chapter into a powerful testament to the coordinated human effort, divinely inspired, to restore Jerusalem.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Nehemiah 3:24, while seemingly a mere historical detail, carries profound theological weight, illustrating God's method of accomplishing His purposes through the faithful, collective efforts of His people. It underscores that every individual contribution, no matter how seemingly small or specific, is vital to the larger work of the kingdom. Just as Binnui repaired his "piece," God calls each believer to contribute their unique gifts, resources, and labor to the building up of His spiritual house. This verse reminds us that divine projects are often realized not through a single heroic figure, but through the coordinated, diligent work of many, each fulfilling their assigned part under God's sovereign hand. It speaks to the dignity of all labor done for God's glory and the power of unity in the face of daunting tasks.
Reflection and Application
Nehemiah 3:24 serves as a powerful reminder that significant achievements, especially in the context of God's kingdom, are often the result of countless individual acts of faithfulness. Binnui's "piece" of the wall, from a specific house to a challenging corner, represents the unique contribution each of us is called to make. In our families, churches, workplaces, and communities, there are "pieces" of God's work waiting for our hands. This verse challenges us to identify our specific sphere of influence and responsibility, to diligently apply our gifts and resources, and to complete our assigned tasks with excellence, knowing that our "piece" contributes to a larger, divine tapestry. It combats the temptation to dismiss seemingly small tasks as insignificant, affirming that every act of obedience and service, when done for God's glory, is valuable and necessary for the whole to be complete. The collective success of the wall builders, achieved in just 52 days (Nehemiah 6:15), stands as a testament to the power of united, faithful effort.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Nehemiah 3 so detailed about names and locations?
The meticulous detail in Nehemiah 3, including names like Binnui and specific landmarks like "the house of Azariah" and "the turning [of the wall]," serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides historical authenticity and accountability, documenting the real people and places involved in this monumental undertaking. This level of detail confirms the historical reality of the event. Secondly, it underscores the communal nature of the work, demonstrating that the rebuilding was not the effort of a few leaders but a widespread, organized mobilization of the entire community. Every individual's contribution was recognized and valued. Thirdly, it highlights the thoroughness and precision with which the work was carried out; no section of the wall was overlooked. Finally, from a theological perspective, it serves as a testament to divine enablement and the power of God working through His people. The detailed record ensures that the faithfulness and perseverance of these individuals are remembered, serving as an encouragement for future generations to participate diligently in God's ongoing work, just as the Lord's good hand was upon Nehemiah in Nehemiah 2:8.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
While Nehemiah 3:24 recounts the physical rebuilding of a wall in ancient Jerusalem, its deeper fulfillment is found in the spiritual building project initiated and completed by Jesus Christ. The meticulous, communal effort to restore the physical city foreshadows the ultimate restoration of humanity and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom through Christ. Jesus is the ultimate "builder" (Matthew 16:18), the chief cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual edifice rests (Ephesians 2:20). Believers, like Binnui and the other builders, are called to be "living stones" (1 Peter 2:5), each contributing their unique "piece" to the construction of the spiritual temple—the Church. The physical wall provided security and identity; Christ, through His atoning sacrifice, provides ultimate security and a new identity in Him, breaking down the spiritual "wall of hostility" between God and humanity, and between Jew and Gentile (Ephesians 2:14). The perseverance of the builders in Nehemiah points to the enduring work of the Holy Spirit, who continues to build up the body of Christ until its glorious completion in the New Jerusalem, a city with no need for physical walls, for the glory of God illuminates it, and the Lamb is its lamp (Revelation 21:23).