Nehemiah 3:30

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {H310} him repaired {H2388} Hananiah {H2608} the son {H1121} of Shelemiah {H8018}, and Hanun {H2586} the sixth {H8345} son {H1121} of Zalaph {H6764}, another {H8145} piece {H4060}. After {H310} him repaired {H2388} Meshullam {H4918} the son {H1121} of Berechiah {H1296} over against his chamber {H5393}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After him Hananyah the son of Shelemyah and Hanun the sixth son of Tzalaf made repairs on another section. After him Meshulam the son of Berekhyah made repairs opposite his own room.

Berean Standard Bible

Next to him, Hananiah son of Shelemiah, as well as Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. Next to them, Meshullam son of Berechiah made repairs opposite his own quarters.

American Standard Version

After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another portion. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:30 continues the meticulous record of individuals contributing to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, specifically naming Hananiah, Hanun, and Meshullam. This verse highlights their participation in restoring "another piece" of the wall, with a significant detail that Meshullam repaired the section "over against his chamber," underscoring the personal ownership and localized effort that characterized the monumental collective endeavor to restore the city's defenses after the Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3 is a meticulously detailed register, functioning as a "who's who" of the wall-building project. It systematically lists the various families, guilds, and individuals who participated, often specifying the gates or sections of the wall they repaired. This chapter follows Nehemiah's initial assessment of the ruined walls in [Nehemiah 2](/nehemiah/2 "Nehemiah 2 - Nehemiah's Arrival and Assessment") and his successful rallying of the people to the task. Verse [Nehemiah 3:30](/nehemiah/3-30 "Nehemiah 3:30 - Hananiah, Hanun, and Meshullam's Contributions") continues this detailed account, specifically naming Hananiah, Hanun, and Meshullam, and providing a crucial detail about Meshullam's work that reinforces the chapter's overarching theme of localized, personal responsibility. The verse's placement towards the end of the chapter indicates the near completion of the circuit, showcasing the comprehensive nature of the reconstruction.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Following the decree of King Artaxerxes I, Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem around 445 BC, tasked with rebuilding the city's walls—a critical step for the security, identity, and autonomy of the post-exilic Jewish community. The city had been in ruins for decades since the Babylonian destruction in 586 BC. Rebuilding the walls was not merely a construction project; it was an act of national and spiritual restoration, signifying God's faithfulness to His covenant people. The phrase "over against his chamber" (נֶגֶד לִשְׁכָּתוֹ, _neged lishkato_) is highly significant. It implies that individuals were often assigned or chose to repair the section of the wall directly adjacent to their own homes, businesses, or properties. This practice would have fostered an immense sense of personal investment, quality control, and motivation, as the security of their own dwelling was directly tied to the integrity of their section of the wall. This pragmatic approach was a key factor in the rapid completion of the wall in just 52 days, as recorded in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Wall Completed in 52 Days").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the entire chapter, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, **Community Collaboration** is paramount; the sheer scale of the project necessitated the combined efforts of diverse groups—priests, Levites, goldsmiths, perfumers, and ordinary citizens—each contributing their "piece" to the whole, demonstrating that monumental tasks are achieved through collective action rather than individual heroism. Secondly, **Personal Responsibility and Ownership** is highlighted by the detail of Meshullam repairing "over against his chamber." This principle suggests that genuine transformation, whether physical or spiritual, often begins with diligent stewardship of one's immediate sphere of influence or personal resources. This echoes the broader call to individual faithfulness found throughout Scripture, such as in the parable of the talents in [Matthew 25:14-30](/matthew/25-14 "Matthew 25:14-30 - Parable of the Talents"). Thirdly, **Organized Diligence and Effective Leadership** are evident in Nehemiah's meticulous record-keeping and the structured approach to the work, which allowed for efficient progress and accountability, reflecting the people's "heart to work" as mentioned in [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Heart to Work").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hananiah (Hebrew, _Ḥănanyāh'_):** Meaning "Yahweh has been gracious" or "Yahweh has shown favor." This name, common in the post-exilic period, reflects the prevailing sentiment of gratitude and hope among the returnees, who saw their restoration as a direct act of divine grace after years of exile. It underscores the theological backdrop of the rebuilding effort, viewing it not merely as a human endeavor but as a divinely enabled work.
* **Meshullam (Hebrew, _Məšullām'_):** Meaning "repaid," "requited," or "at peace." This name suggests a sense of completion or restoration, fitting for an individual involved in the rebuilding project. The fact that he repaired "over against his chamber" further emphasizes a personal stake and a sense of having a direct, tangible contribution to the restoration, perhaps even a repayment of a spiritual or communal debt.
* **Chamber (Hebrew, _liškāh'_):** Refers to a room, dwelling place, or even a cell within a building. In this context, "his chamber" (לִשְׁכָּתוֹ, _lishkato_) signifies his personal residence or property. This detail is crucial for understanding the motivation and methodology of the wall-building. It highlights a principle of localized responsibility, where individuals were tasked with or chose to repair the section of the wall directly adjacent to their own home, thereby ensuring a vested interest in the quality and speed of the work.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece."**: This clause continues the detailed enumeration of the builders, demonstrating the continuous, collaborative nature of the work. It emphasizes that the rebuilding was a collective effort, with individuals and families taking turns or working in succession on different sections. The phrase "another piece" indicates a distinct segment of the wall, highlighting the division of labor that characterized the entire project.
* **"After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber."**: This second clause introduces Meshullam and provides a significant detail about his specific contribution. The phrase "over against his chamber" is key, indicating that Meshullam's assigned or chosen section of the wall was directly opposite or adjacent to his own dwelling. This detail underscores the principle of personal ownership and vested interest, suggesting that many participants were motivated by the direct impact the wall's security would have on their own homes and families. It also speaks to the practical logistics of the project, where proximity to one's work area would have facilitated efficiency and accountability.

#### Literary Devices
The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 3:30, and indeed throughout the entire chapter, is **Cataloging** or **Registering**. This meticulous listing of names, family relationships, and specific work assignments creates a comprehensive record of participation, emphasizing the collective nature of the rebuilding effort. The repetitive structure, often beginning with "After him repaired..." or "Next to him...", reinforces the sequential and collaborative progress of the work. Furthermore, the detail "over against his chamber" serves as a powerful instance of **Synecdoche**, where a part (Meshullam's chamber) stands in for the whole (his personal investment and the broader principle of localized responsibility). This specific detail also functions as a form of **Realism**, grounding the narrative in tangible, relatable actions and motivations, making the ancient account feel immediate and practical. The chapter as a whole is an extended **Metonymy** for the restoration of Jerusalem, where the physical rebuilding of the wall symbolizes the spiritual and communal re-establishment of the Jewish people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:30 powerfully illustrates the biblical principle that God's great works are often accomplished through the faithful, diligent contributions of many individuals, each playing their specific part. The meticulous record of names underscores the value God places on every person's contribution to His kingdom, no matter how seemingly small or localized. The detail of Meshullam working "over against his chamber" provides a profound theological insight: genuine commitment to God's work often begins with faithful stewardship of one's immediate sphere of influence, resources, or gifts. This localized responsibility, when multiplied across a community, leads to monumental collective achievement. It teaches that personal investment in the common good is a spiritual discipline, reflecting a heart aligned with God's purposes for community and order.

* [Exodus 35:20-29](/exodus/35-20 "Exodus 35:20-29 - Willing Contributions for the Tabernacle")
* [Romans 12:4-8](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-8 - Many Members, One Body")
* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:30 offers a timeless blueprint for how significant endeavors, whether in the church, community, or even family, are brought to fruition. It challenges us to move beyond passive observation to active participation. Just as the ancient Israelites were called to rebuild physical walls, believers today are called to participate in the spiritual rebuilding and strengthening of God's kingdom. This involves identifying our "piece"—our unique gifts, resources, sphere of influence, or specific calling—and diligently applying ourselves to it. The principle of working "over against his chamber" encourages us to take personal ownership of the areas God has entrusted to us, understanding that our faithfulness in our immediate context contributes directly to the larger, collective good. It reminds us that every contribution, no matter how humble, is vital and valued in God's grand design. Our commitment to our "piece" not only strengthens the whole but also cultivates a deeper sense of purpose and belonging within the body of Christ, reflecting God's call for order, diligence, and unity in His people.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "piece" of God's work has God placed "over against your chamber" – in your immediate family, church, workplace, or community?**
* **How does the principle of personal ownership and localized responsibility motivate your service and contributions?**
* **In what ways can your individual diligence contribute to the collective flourishing of your spiritual community?**

### FAQ

**Why is Nehemiah 3 so detailed with names and locations?**

Answer: Nehemiah 3 is meticulously detailed to serve several purposes. Firstly, it provides a comprehensive historical record, authenticating the immense undertaking of rebuilding the walls. Secondly, it highlights the principle of collective effort, showing that the monumental task was accomplished not by one hero, but by the combined, organized labor of many individuals, families, and guilds. Each name listed represents a real person who contributed their time and skill, emphasizing the value of every individual's participation. Thirdly, the geographical specificity, such as "over against his chamber" or mentions of specific gates and sections, underscores the practical, systematic approach to the work, demonstrating effective leadership and coordination. It also serves as a testament to the people's unity and "heart to work" as described in [Nehemiah 4:6](/nehemiah/4-6 "Nehemiah 4:6 - The People Had a Heart to Work"), showing how diverse groups worked together for a common goal, restoring not just a physical wall but also the community's identity and security.

**What is the significance of "over against his chamber"?**

Answer: The phrase "over against his chamber" (or "his house" in some translations) is highly significant. It indicates that Meshullam, and likely many others, repaired the section of the wall that was directly adjacent to or opposite their own dwelling or property. This detail is not merely geographical; it carries profound implications for motivation and ownership. When individuals worked on the section of the wall that directly protected their own homes, they had a strong personal incentive to work diligently, efficiently, and with high quality. It fostered a deep sense of personal investment and accountability. This principle suggests that genuine, impactful service often begins with taking responsibility for one's immediate sphere of influence, resources, or gifts. It connects personal well-being with communal security, illustrating how individual faithfulness contributes directly to the strength and integrity of the whole, a concept seen throughout biblical teachings on stewardship and community, such as in [1 Peter 4:10](/1_peter/4-10 "1 Peter 4:10 - Use Your Gifts to Serve Others").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 3:30 describes a physical rebuilding project, it powerfully foreshadows the spiritual rebuilding and restoration accomplished through Jesus Christ. The collective effort of diverse individuals, each contributing their "piece" to the wall, points to the New Testament concept of the church as the body of Christ, where every member, empowered by the Holy Spirit, contributes unique gifts for the common good and the building up of the spiritual temple ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). Just as the wall provided security and identity for Jerusalem, Christ is the ultimate foundation and security for His people, the cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual edifice rests ([1 Peter 2:4-6](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-6 - Living Stones Built on Christ")). The detail of Meshullam repairing "over against his chamber" finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ's personal investment in humanity, taking on flesh and dwelling among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), thereby personally identifying with our brokenness and working to restore us from within. He did not merely build from afar; He entered our "chamber" of existence to secure our salvation. The diligent, unified work of the builders in Nehemiah reflects the perfect, complete work of Christ on the cross, which fully accomplished our redemption and built an unshakeable spiritual wall of salvation around us, a work that we are now called to participate in by building up one another in love ([Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - Building Up the Body in Love")) until the glorious completion of God's eternal city, the New Jerusalem, where Christ Himself is its wall and light ([Revelation 21:23-27](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23-27 - The Glory of the New Jerusalem")).

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.