TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
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.
World English Bible Messianic
After him, Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another portion. After him, Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs across from his room.
Geneva Bible (1599)
After him fortified Hananiah, the sonne of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sonne of Zalaph, the sixt, another portion after him fortified Meshullam, the sonne of Berechiah, ouer against his chamber.
Young's Literal Translation
After him hath Hananiah son of Shelemiah strengthened, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, a second measure; after him hath Meshullam son of Berechiah strengthened, over-against his chamber.
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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.
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SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:30 meticulously records the contributions of Hananiah, Hanun, and Meshullam to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This verse highlights their participation in restoring "another piece" of the wall, with the significant detail that Meshullam repaired the section "over against his chamber," underscoring the profound 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 serves as 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 and his successful rallying of the people to the task. This verse continues the 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.
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. 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.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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.
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
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, 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.
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). 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). 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), 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) until the glorious completion of God's eternal city, the New Jerusalem, where Christ Himself is its wall and light (Revelation 21:23-27).