Nehemiah 3:25

KJV

Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning [of the wall], and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that [was] by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Palal {H6420} the son {H1121} of Uzai {H186}, over against the turning {H4740} of the wall, and the tower {H4026} which lieth out {H3318} from the king's {H4428} high {H5945} house {H1004}, that was by the court {H2691} of the prison {H4307}. After {H310} him Pedaiah {H6305} the son {H1121} of Parosh {H6551}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Palal the son of Uzai made repairs opposite the Angle and the tower that projects out from the upper part of the royal palace near the Courtyard of the Guard. After him P'dayah the son of Par'osh made repairs

Berean Standard Bible

and Palal son of Uzai made repairs opposite the angle and the tower that juts out from the upper palace of the king near the courtyard of the guard. Next to him, Pedaiah son of Parosh

American Standard Version

Palal the son of Uzai repaired over against the turning of the wall, and the tower that standeth out from the upper house of the king, which is by the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh repaired.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:25 meticulously details the contributions of Palal the son of Uzai and Pedaiah the son of Parosh to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This verse, characteristic of the entire chapter, precisely locates their assigned sections, specifically mentioning "the turning of the wall," a prominent tower extending from "the king's high house," and the adjacent "court of the prison." It underscores the highly organized, collaborative, and communal effort undertaken by the returning exiles to restore their city's defenses and identity under Nehemiah's leadership.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3 is a unique and highly detailed catalogue, a "roll call of builders," that meticulously lists the individuals, families, and groups responsible for reconstructing specific sections of Jerusalem's wall. Each verse, including [Nehemiah 3:25](/nehemiah/3-25 "Nehemiah 3:25 - Builders of the Wall"), acts as a report on a particular segment, often noting who built "next to" or "over against" whom, creating a continuous chain of effort around the city. This chapter follows Nehemiah's initial assessment of the broken walls ([Nehemiah 2](/nehemiah/2 "Nehemiah 2 - Nehemiah's Commission and Inspection")) and precedes the accounts of opposition and the people's perseverance in building despite threats ([Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition to the Rebuilding")). The specificity of names and locations in [Nehemiah 3](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - The Builders of the Wall") serves to validate the historical account and emphasize the widespread participation in this monumental task.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the Babylonian exile, the Jewish community had returned to a desolate Jerusalem. The city walls, destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, symbolized their vulnerability and lack of national identity. The rebuilding project, initiated by Nehemiah under the patronage of King Artaxerxes I, was not merely an architectural endeavor but a profound act of national and spiritual restoration. The organization into familial and professional groups, often working on sections "over against" their own homes or areas, reflects a practical and communal approach to large-scale public works in ancient Israel. The mention of specific landmarks like "the king's high house" and "the court of the prison" provides geographical anchors, indicating the strategic importance of these sections and the comprehensive nature of the repair, encompassing even areas associated with royal authority and state functions. The involvement of diverse segments of society, from priests and nobles to common citizens and even temple servants (Nethinims, mentioned in [Nehemiah 3:26](/nehemiah/3-26 "Nehemiah 3:26 - The Nethinims and Ophel")), highlights the unity and shared commitment of the post-exilic community.

* **Key Themes:** [Nehemiah 3](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - The Builders of the Wall"), and [Nehemiah 3:25](/nehemiah/3-25 "Nehemiah 3:25 - Palal and Pedaiah's Section") within it, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it champions **Shared Responsibility and Unity**, demonstrating that a monumental task requires every member of the community to contribute their part, fostering a sense of collective ownership and purpose, as seen in the people's resolve to work with a "mind to work" ([Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Mind to Work")). Secondly, it highlights **Meticulous Planning and Execution**, with the detailed listing of names and sections underscoring the organized and systematic approach necessary for successful completion. Every piece mattered, and every worker was recognized. Thirdly, the rebuilding of the wall represents **Restoration and Security**, providing not only physical protection for Jerusalem but also a renewed sense of identity and permanence for the Jewish people in their homeland, crucial for their spiritual and national revival after the trauma of exile. This physical restoration paved the way for spiritual renewal and adherence to God's law, which Nehemiah later champions in [Nehemiah 8](/nehemiah/8 "Nehemiah 8 - Reading of the Law").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Palal (Hebrew, _palal'_):** This name, meaning "to intercede" or "to judge," is significant in a book focused on restoration and divine intervention. While the verse simply identifies Palal as a builder, his name subtly reminds the reader of the spiritual dimension underlying the physical work. The act of rebuilding was itself a form of intercession, a plea for God's favor and protection over His people and city.
* **Pedaiah (Hebrew, _pedayah'_):** Meaning "Yahweh has ransomed" or "Yahweh has delivered," this name carries profound theological weight. It serves as a constant reminder of God's faithfulness in bringing His people back from exile and enabling them to rebuild. The very names of the builders testify to the redemptive work of God, emphasizing that the physical reconstruction was a tangible expression of divine deliverance.
* **Turning (Hebrew, _miqṣoʿa'_):** This term refers to a "corner," "angle," or "turning point" of the wall. Architecturally, corners are critical structural points, often requiring specialized attention and strength. The mention of this specific feature highlights the precision and thoroughness of the builders. The "turning of the wall" could also symbolically represent a pivotal moment in Jerusalem's history—a turning point from desolation to restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning [of the wall],"**: This clause introduces Palal, identifying him by his father's name, a common practice for identification in ancient Israel. His assigned section is precisely located "over against the turning of the wall," indicating a specific and likely structurally important corner or angle of the city's perimeter. This detail emphasizes the meticulous division of labor and the comprehensive nature of the repairs.
* **"and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that [was] by the court of the prison."**: This segment describes a significant architectural feature connected to Palal's section: a prominent tower. Its location is further specified as extending from "the king's high house" and situated "by the court of the prison." These landmarks were likely well-known administrative or royal areas within Jerusalem, signifying that even politically sensitive or strategically vital sections of the wall were being rebuilt, contributing to the city's overall security and governmental functionality.
* **"After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh."**: This concluding phrase indicates the next builder in sequence along the wall. Pedaiah, identified by his father Parosh, took responsibility for the section immediately following Palal's. The phrase "After him" reinforces the continuous, collaborative nature of the project, where each group's work seamlessly connected to the next, ensuring the entire circuit of the wall was completed.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:25, as part of the larger chapter, primarily employs **Catalogue** or **List** as a literary device, meticulously detailing individuals and their specific contributions to the wall's reconstruction. This creates a highly factual and historical record, emphasizing the collective effort. The **Precision** and **Detail** in naming individuals, their lineage, and the exact locations of their work (e.g., "the turning of the wall," "the king's high house," "the court of the prison") lend authenticity and a sense of tangible accomplishment to the narrative. The repeated phrase "After him" (or similar constructions throughout the chapter) creates a sense of **Continuity** and **Rhythm**, underscoring the sequential and collaborative nature of the work. Furthermore, the entire act of rebuilding the wall functions as **Symbolism**, representing not just physical restoration but the spiritual and national renewal of the post-exilic community, their re-establishment of identity, and their renewed covenant with God.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:25, situated within the broader narrative of the wall's reconstruction, powerfully illustrates the theological principle of corporate responsibility and the divine enablement of collective action. God's work is often accomplished through the unified efforts of His people, each contributing their unique gifts and labor to a common, divinely ordained purpose. The meticulous detail in this verse, far from being mundane, highlights the divine value placed on every individual's contribution, no matter how seemingly small or specific. It teaches that faithfulness in specific, assigned tasks contributes to the grander vision of God's kingdom. The physical rebuilding of the wall was a tangible expression of faith and obedience, demonstrating that spiritual renewal often accompanies diligent, practical engagement with the world.

* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Growing in Love")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - One Body, Many Members")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - Gifts for Service")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:25, though seemingly just a list of names and places, offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's great purposes are often achieved not by a few heroic figures, but by the diligent, collaborative efforts of many ordinary people, each faithfully carrying out their assigned task. In our churches, communities, and even our families, there are "walls" that need rebuilding—areas of brokenness, disunity, or neglect. This verse calls us to identify our specific "section" of the wall, the unique contribution we can make, whether it's through our skills, resources, time, or prayers. It encourages us to work in unity with others, recognizing that every contribution, no matter how specialized or seemingly insignificant, is vital for the whole. Just as the builders in Nehemiah were recognized for their specific sections, so too does God value and remember every act of service done in His name, reminding us that diligence and attention to detail in our work for the Lord are not overlooked.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "section of the wall" has God called me to help rebuild in my community or church?**
* **How can I better recognize and affirm the specific contributions of others in collective efforts, mirroring the detailed recognition in Nehemiah 3?**
* **In what ways might my "diligent attention to detail" in my daily tasks contribute to God's larger purposes?**

### FAQ

**Why does Nehemiah 3 list so many names and specific locations?**

Answer: Nehemiah 3 provides a detailed roster of individuals and groups involved in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls to serve several purposes. Firstly, it authenticates the historical account, demonstrating the meticulous organization and widespread participation in this monumental project. Secondly, it highlights the principle of shared responsibility; no single person rebuilt the wall, but rather it was a collective effort where "the people had a mind to work" ([Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Mind to Work")). Each group was assigned a specific section, often "over against" their own homes, fostering ownership and efficiency. Thirdly, it serves as a testament to God's faithfulness in enabling His people to accomplish such a daunting task, as the very names of the builders often carry meanings related to God's deliverance and provision. The specificity underscores the reality and tangible nature of the restoration.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 3:25 describes the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, its deeper significance finds profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as the ancient wall provided security and identity for God's people, Christ is the ultimate "cornerstone" upon whom God's spiritual temple, the Church, is built ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ the Cornerstone")). He is the one who truly builds up His people, transforming them into a holy dwelling place for God's Spirit ([1 Peter 2:5](/1_peter/2-5 "1 Peter 2:5 - Living Stones")). The meticulous, collaborative effort of the builders in Nehemiah foreshadows the diverse body of Christ, where each member, gifted by the Holy Spirit, contributes their unique part to the growth and strengthening of the church ([1 Corinthians 12:27](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You Are the Body of Christ")). The "turning of the wall" could symbolically point to a pivotal moment or a new direction, which is definitively found in Christ, who inaugurated a new covenant and turned humanity's destiny towards redemption. Furthermore, the mention of the "court of the prison" subtly anticipates Christ's ministry of liberation, where He came to "proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to those who are bound" ([Isaiah 61:1](/isaiah/61-1 "Isaiah 61:1 - The Spirit of the Lord is Upon Me"), quoted by Jesus in [Luke 4:18](/luke/4-18 "Luke 4:18 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). Thus, the physical restoration under Nehemiah points to the far greater spiritual restoration and security found in Christ, the true Builder and Liberator of His people.

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

Jeremiah 32:2

For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which [was] in the king of Judah's house.

Jeremiah 37:21

Then Zedekiah the king commanded that they should commit Jeremiah into the court of the prison, and that they should give him daily a piece of bread out of the bakers' street, until all the bread in the city were spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the court of the prison.

Ezra 2:3

The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.

Jeremiah 33:1

¶ Moreover the word of the LORD came unto Jeremiah the second time, while he was yet shut up in the court of the prison, saying,

Nehemiah 12:39

And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

Jeremiah 39:8

And the Chaldeans burned the king's house, and the houses of the people, with fire, and brake down the walls of Jerusalem.

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.