TRV
Translation
King James Version
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.
Complete Jewish Bible
After him Malkiyah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Mustering Gate and on to the upper room at the corner.
Berean Standard Bible
Next to him, Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the upper room above the corner.
American Standard Version
After him repaired Malchijah one of the goldsmiths unto the house of the Nethinim, and of the merchants, over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ascent of the corner.
World English Bible Messianic
After him, Malchijah one of the goldsmiths to the house of the Nethinim, and of the merchants, made repairs over against the gate of Hammiphkad, and to the ascent of the corner.
Geneva Bible (1599)
After him fortified Malchiah the goldesmiths sonne, vntil the house of the Nethinims, and of ye marchants ouer against the gate Miphkad, and to the chamber in the corner.
Young's Literal Translation
After him hath Malchijah son of the refiner strengthened, unto the house of the Nethinim, and of the merchants, over-against the gate of the Miphkad, and unto the ascent of the corner.
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In the KJVVerse 12,359 of 31,102
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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 3:31 meticulously records the contribution of Malchiah, the son of a goldsmith, to the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. His assigned section of repair was strategically located near the residential areas of the Nethinims and merchants, extending towards the significant Gate Miphkad and encompassing "the going up of the corner." This verse, like the entire chapter, serves as a detailed register, underscoring the comprehensive and unified effort of diverse individuals and groups, from varied professions and social standings, who collaborated under Nehemiah's leadership to restore the city's defenses, thereby facilitating the community's physical security and spiritual renewal.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:31, as an integral part of the larger chapter, effectively employs several literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is Cataloging or Listing, as the entire chapter functions as a meticulous and exhaustive roster of names, families, and professional groups, detailing their specific contributions to the wall's reconstruction. This systematic enumeration serves to profoundly emphasize the comprehensive nature of the project and the broad communal involvement required for its success. Furthermore, there is a powerful element of Symbolism at play; the physical rebuilding of the wall is deeply symbolic of the spiritual and national restoration of the Jewish people after their traumatic exile. The wall itself represents security, renewed identity, and the re-establishment of a distinct people set apart for God. The explicit mention of diverse professions like "goldsmith" highlights Inclusivity and Diversity within the community, underscoring the profound truth that every skill and every person, regardless of their social standing or typical occupation, had a vital and indispensable role to play in God's redemptive work.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:31, embedded within the larger narrative of Jerusalem's reconstruction, powerfully illustrates God's providential hand in orchestrating communal effort for the advancement of His purposes. It demonstrates that divine work is often accomplished not through the singular heroic efforts of one individual, but through the faithful, coordinated, and often unsung labor of many diverse individuals, each contributing their specific skills and resources to a common, God-given goal. The goldsmith, the Nethinims, and the merchants all had a vital part, signifying that every member of the community, regardless of their profession, social standing, or perceived importance, is called to participate actively in God's redemptive plan. This collective action, driven by a shared vision and a deep commitment to God's covenant, transforms a seemingly mundane construction project into a profound act of worship, obedience, and communal solidarity, ultimately leading to the restoration of God's people and their secure dwelling within the land.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account in Nehemiah 3:31 and the surrounding chapter offers profound and enduring lessons for contemporary communities, particularly the church as the body of Christ. Just as the ancient Israelites united with singular purpose to rebuild a physical wall for their security and identity, believers today are called to actively participate in the spiritual rebuilding and strengthening of God's kingdom. This verse powerfully reminds us that every individual possesses unique gifts, talents, and experiences, symbolized by the goldsmith's specialized skill, which are absolutely essential for the collective good and the flourishing of the community. Whether our contributions are highly visible or humbly behind the scenes, whether they align with our professional expertise or are acts of personal devotion, they are all vitally important for the advancement of God's work. We are encouraged to prayerfully identify our "section of the wall"—our specific calling, gifting, or area of responsibility within the broader mission—and to labor faithfully within it, knowing that our individual efforts, when combined with those of others, contribute to a greater, divinely ordained purpose. This fosters deep unity, mutual accountability, and a shared sense of ownership in the ongoing mission of Christ in the world.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who were the Nethinims, and why are they mentioned in connection with wall repair?
Answer: The Nethinims (Hebrew: Nâthîyn) were a distinct class of temple servants, primarily non-Israelites, who were "given" or "dedicated" to assist the Levites in performing the more menial and laborious tasks associated with the temple, such as cutting wood and drawing water (as alluded to in Joshua 9:27). They were among those who returned from Babylonian exile with the Jewish community, as noted in Ezra 8:20. Their mention in Nehemiah 3:31 is not necessarily because they were directly involved in the construction of the wall themselves, but because Malchiah repaired the section of the wall "unto the place of the Nethinims." This indicates that their living quarters or an area closely associated with them was located there, highlighting the precise geographical mapping of the repairs and the integration of various social groups within the newly rebuilt and secured city.
Why is it significant that a "goldsmith's son" was involved in rebuilding the wall?
Answer: The explicit mention of a "goldsmith's son" (Malchiah) is highly significant because it profoundly underscores the broad and inclusive nature of the rebuilding effort. Nehemiah 3 meticulously lists individuals from a wide array of professions and social strata—including priests, Levites, rulers, perfumers, and even goldsmiths. This demonstrates unequivocally that the restoration of Jerusalem was a truly communal endeavor that transcended traditional professional boundaries and social distinctions. A goldsmith, typically associated with fine craftsmanship, luxury items, and intricate artistry, might initially seem an unlikely candidate for the arduous labor of building rough stone walls. However, his active participation powerfully illustrates that every skill, no matter how specialized or seemingly unrelated to construction, was consecrated to God's purpose. It reinforces the vital theme that all members of the community, regardless of their background, usual occupation, or social standing, were called to contribute their time, effort, and unique abilities to this vital project, embodying the principle that "all hands on deck" were needed for God's redemptive work.
What was the "Gate Miphkad," and what was its function?
Answer: The "Gate Miphkad" (Hebrew: Miphqâd), often translated as the "Muster Gate" or "Inspection Gate," was a significant entrance or exit point within the wall of Jerusalem. Its name, derived from the Hebrew root paqad (meaning "to visit, inspect, count, appoint"), strongly suggests that its primary function was related to official mustering, census-taking, or military inspections. It may have served as a crucial location where troops were assembled, citizens were counted for administrative purposes, or goods were inspected for customs and taxation. Its strategic importance meant that the section of the wall "over against" or in the immediate vicinity of it, which was repaired by Malchiah, was critically important for the city's overall security, effective administration, and controlled movement of people and goods. This highlights the practical and defensive considerations that were paramount in the entire rebuilding project.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous rebuilding of Jerusalem's physical walls in Nehemiah, with its diverse cast of dedicated contributors, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound spiritual parallel in the redemptive work of Christ and the ongoing building of His church. Just as the wall provided essential security, identity, and a defined boundary for the post-exilic community, Christ is the ultimate foundation and unwavering security for the new covenant people of God. The "going up of the corner" that Malchiah diligently repaired powerfully foreshadows Christ as the chief cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of the church is perfectly built and held together. The diverse workers, ranging from skilled goldsmiths to humble Nethinims, beautifully prefigure the New Testament concept of the church as the body of Christ, where every single member, with their unique gifts, talents, and callings, is indispensable for the healthy functioning and building up of the whole (Ephesians 4:11-16). The physical restoration of Jerusalem's defenses points to the far greater spiritual restoration accomplished by Jesus, who through His perfect sacrifice and glorious resurrection, reconciled us to God and established a secure, eternal kingdom not made with human hands. He is the one who truly takes away the sin of the world and ultimately makes all things new, building a living, spiritual temple where God's glorious presence dwells among His people forevermore.