TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
After them Tzadok the son of Immer made repairs opposite his house. After him Sh'ma'yah the son of Sh'khanyah, the keeper of the East Gate, made repairs.
Berean Standard Bible
Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house, and next to him, Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, the guard of the East Gate, made repairs.
American Standard Version
After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his own house. And after him repaired Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate.
World English Bible Messianic
After them, Zadok the son of Immer made repairs across from his own house. After him, Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the east gate made repairs.
Geneva Bible (1599)
After them fortified Zadok the sonne of Immer ouer against his house: and after him fortified Shemaiah, the sonne of Shechadiah the keeper of the East gate.
Young's Literal Translation
After them hath Zadok son of Immer strengthened, over against his house; and after him hath Shemaiah son of Shechaniah, keeper of the east gate, strengthened.
See on the biblical-era map
In the KJVVerse 12,357 of 31,102
Study This Verse
Commentary on Nehemiah 3 verses 1–32
1 ¶ Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
2 And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.
3 But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
4 And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.
6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
7 And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.
8 Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.
9 And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.
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.
11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.
12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.
13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.
14 But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.
16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.
17 After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.
18 After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.
19 And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.
20 After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
21 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.
22 And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.
23 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.
24 After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.
25 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.
26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
27 After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.
28 From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.
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.
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.
31 After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.
32 And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.
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.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–32. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Nehemiah 3:29 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 3:29 meticulously records the contributions of Zadok, son of Immer, who diligently repaired a section of Jerusalem's wall "over against his house," and Shemaiah, son of Shechaniah, distinguished as "the keeper of the east gate." This verse, embedded within the comprehensive roll call of Nehemiah 3, powerfully illustrates the widespread, unified, and personally invested effort of the returned exiles to restore their beloved city's vital defenses, securing its identity and future.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:29, as an integral part of its broader chapter, skillfully employs several key literary devices. The most prominent is Cataloging or Listing, as the entire chapter functions as a meticulous enumeration of individuals, families, and their precise contributions to the rebuilding effort. This exhaustive list not only emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the community's participation but also highlights the systematic and organized approach to the project, ensuring that every participant's contribution is acknowledged and underscoring the collective effort. The repeated phrase "after them" or "after him" functions as a form of Anaphora and Repetition, creating a rhythmic and cumulative effect that underscores the continuous, sequential, and collaborative nature of the work. This repetition powerfully reinforces the idea that the task was a relay race, with each group seamlessly taking over from the last, demonstrating unity and sustained effort. Furthermore, the physical rebuilding of the walls serves as a profound Symbolism and Metaphor for the spiritual restoration and renewal of the community. The secure walls represent not only physical protection but also the re-establishment of Jerusalem's sacred identity as the holy city, the re-institution of proper worship, and the restoration of the covenant relationship between God and His people. The specific mention of the "east gate" carries additional symbolic weight, often associated with divine presence, future messianic hope, and the entry of God's glory.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:29, as an integral part of the grand narrative of the wall's reconstruction, profoundly illustrates God's method of working through His people. It reveals that God's great purposes are often achieved not through a single heroic figure alone, but through the unified, diligent, and often seemingly mundane efforts of many individuals, each contributing faithfully within their unique sphere of influence. The theological implication is that every believer is called to participate in God's kingdom work, and every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or localized ("over against his house"), is vital, recognized, and valued by God. The meticulous record in Nehemiah 3 suggests that God values human labor, organization, and personal commitment when it is directed towards His glory and the good of His people. The restoration of the physical walls was a tangible expression of spiritual renewal and a necessary step for the community to live out its covenant identity and worship God securely. This communal effort powerfully foreshadows the New Testament concept of the church as a spiritual building, constructed by many hands, yet divinely empowered and unified in purpose.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:29 offers timeless lessons for believers today, encouraging us to consider our indispensable role in God's ongoing work in the world. Just as Zadok repaired "over against his house," we are profoundly called to embrace personal ownership and diligent stewardship within our immediate spheres of influence—our families, workplaces, neighborhoods, and local churches. This verse powerfully reminds us that significant collective achievements are invariably built upon countless individual acts of faithfulness and obedience. No contribution is too small or insignificant in God's economy; whether we are in a visible leadership role or serving diligently behind the scenes like a gatekeeper, our efforts are valuable, necessary, and recognized for the flourishing of the community and the advancement of God's kingdom. The remarkable unity demonstrated by the diverse groups in Nehemiah 3 challenges us to lay aside personal agendas and work collaboratively, leveraging our unique gifts, talents, and positions for a shared, God-given vision, recognizing that "many hands make light work" and that a united front is an unassailable one against spiritual opposition.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why is Nehemiah 3 so detailed in listing names and specific sections of the wall?
Answer: The meticulous detail in Nehemiah 3 serves several important purposes. First, it highlights the comprehensive and inclusive nature of the rebuilding effort, demonstrating that virtually the entire community participated, from priests and nobles to common laborers, women, and even specialized craftsmen like perfumers and goldsmiths. This level of detail underscores the profound unity and shared responsibility that characterized the project. Second, it serves as an invaluable historical record, giving specific credit and recognition to each individual and family for their distinct contribution, thereby emphasizing accountability and honoring the dignity of their labor. Third, it illustrates the highly organized and systematic approach taken by Nehemiah, assigning specific segments of the wall to different groups, which was absolutely crucial for managing such a massive undertaking efficiently and effectively. Finally, from a theological perspective, it powerfully demonstrates God's meticulous attention to His people's efforts and His valuing of every contribution made in obedience to His call, reinforcing the profound idea that no act of service for His kingdom is overlooked or forgotten. The comprehensive nature of the list emphasizes that the restoration was a community-wide endeavor, not merely the work of a few leaders, mirroring the New Testament principle found in 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 that every part of the body is essential and contributes to the whole.
What was the particular significance of the "east gate" mentioned in Nehemiah 3:29?
Answer: The East Gate held immense historical, religious, and prophetic importance for Jerusalem, making its restoration and the appointment of a "keeper" particularly significant. Historically, it was a prominent and frequently used entrance to the city, especially in relation to the sacred Temple Mount. Religiously, it was deeply associated with the glory and presence of God. In Ezekiel's prophetic visions, the glory of the Lord departs the Temple through the East Gate (see Ezekiel 10:19) and later returns through the very same gate to fill the new Temple (see Ezekiel 43:1-4). This profound connection made its restoration profoundly symbolic of God's renewed presence, blessing, and covenant faithfulness upon His people. Prophetically, some Jewish and Christian traditions link the East Gate to the future coming of the Messiah. The fact that Shemaiah was the "keeper" of this gate highlights the critical role of maintaining security, controlling access, and ensuring the sanctity of such a vital and symbolically rich entrance, emphasizing the importance of spiritual vigilance and guarding the sacred spaces of God's presence and activity.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls in Nehemiah, culminating in verses like Nehemiah 3:29, serves as a powerful Old Testament type and shadow pointing to the ultimate redemptive work of Christ. Just as Nehemiah led the returned exiles in restoring the physical security and identity of Jerusalem, Jesus Christ came to build His spiritual temple, the Church, which is infinitely more enduring, glorious, and expansive. The diverse and collective contributions of Zadok, Shemaiah, and countless others in Nehemiah 3 prefigure the profound unity and shared purpose of believers in the body of Christ, where every member, endowed with unique spiritual gifts and callings, contributes to the building up of the spiritual house of God (see Ephesians 2:19-22 and 1 Peter 2:5). While the gatekeepers of Nehemiah's day secured the physical city, Jesus declares Himself to be "the door" or "the gate" through whom salvation, eternal life, and abundant pasture are found (see John 10:9). He is the ultimate "keeper" who grants righteous access to the Father and guards His flock (see John 10:28). The security and peace that the rebuilt walls brought to ancient Jerusalem find their ultimate fulfillment in the spiritual security and eternal peace offered by Christ to all who are "in Him." He is the unshakable foundation upon which His church is built, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it (see Matthew 16:18). The completed wall pointed to a restored community and a secure dwelling place for God's people, foreshadowing the heavenly Jerusalem, the eternal city, where God dwells in perfect communion with His people, and there is no longer any need for a physical temple or literal gates, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple and its radiant light (see Hebrews 12:22 and Revelation 21:23-27).