Nehemiah 3:31

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

After {H310} him repaired {H2388} Malchiah {H4441} the goldsmith's {H6885} son {H1121} unto the place {H1004} of the Nethinims {H5411}, and of the merchants {H7402}, over against the gate {H8179} Miphkad {H4663}, and to the going up {H5944} of the corner {H6438}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:31 details the specific contribution of Malchiah, the son of a goldsmith, to the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. His section of repair was strategically located near the living quarters of the Nethinims and merchants, extending towards the significant Gate Miphkad and "the going up of the corner." This verse, like the entire chapter, meticulously records the diverse individuals and groups, from various professions and social standings, who united under Nehemiah's leadership to restore the city's defenses, underscoring the collective effort essential for the community's physical and spiritual renewal.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3 is a unique and highly structured chapter, serving as a meticulous register of the individuals, families, and professional groups who participated in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. It systematically moves around the city, detailing which section each group repaired, often specifying their starting and ending points, and sometimes even their proximity to their own homes or businesses. This verse, Nehemiah 3:31, is part of the final segment of the wall's description, moving towards the Sheep Gate (where the description began in [Nehemiah 3:1](/nehemiah/3-1 "Nehemiah 3:1 - The Sheep Gate and its Builders")), thus completing the circuit. The listing emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the project and the broad involvement of the entire community, from priests and Levites to goldsmiths and perfumers, highlighting the principle that every hand was needed for the success of the divine mission.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls occurred during the post-exilic period, specifically in the mid-5th century BCE, under the leadership of Nehemiah, who served as cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia. The return from Babylonian exile had been ongoing for decades, but the city of Jerusalem remained vulnerable and its walls in ruins, a source of shame and insecurity for the Jewish community (as lamented in [Nehemiah 1:3](/nehemiah/1-3 "Nehemiah 1:3 - The Ruined Walls of Jerusalem")). The wall's reconstruction was not merely a physical engineering feat but a crucial step in re-establishing Jewish identity, security, and the proper functioning of temple worship. The mention of "Nethinims" (temple servants, likely non-Israelites dedicated to temple service, as seen in [Ezra 8:20](/ezra/8-20 "Ezra 8:20 - The Nethinims in Ezra's Day")) and "merchants" indicates the diverse social fabric of the restored community and the strategic importance of the areas they inhabited, possibly near a market or a gate used for commerce.
* **Key Themes:** This verse, within the broader context of Nehemiah 3, powerfully illustrates several key themes. First, **Communal Effort and Unity** is paramount; the project's success depended on the collective contributions of diverse individuals, transcending social status or profession. The goldsmith working alongside priests and nobles underscores this unity of purpose. Second, **Specific Responsibility and Accountability** is evident in the meticulous assignment of sections; each group was responsible for their portion, ensuring no part of the wall was neglected. This highlights the importance of faithfulness in one's assigned task for the greater good, a principle echoed in the New Testament's teaching on spiritual gifts and the body of Christ (e.g., [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")). Third, **Restoration and Renewal** is the overarching theme. The physical rebuilding of the wall symbolized the spiritual and national restoration of Israel, providing not only security but also a renewed sense of identity and purpose under God's covenant. This act of rebuilding was a tangible expression of God's faithfulness to His people, enabling them to live and worship securely within their land.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Malchiah (Hebrew, _Malkiyyah'_):** Meaning "My King is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is King." The name itself carries theological weight, subtly reminding the reader of God's ultimate sovereignty even in the midst of human labor. While Malchiah is identified by his father's profession (goldsmith), his name points to the divine authority and purpose behind the rebuilding effort, suggesting that the work was not merely human endeavor but a divinely ordained task.
* **Nethinims (Hebrew, _Nethinim'_):** Derived from the Hebrew root _natan_, meaning "to give" or "to dedicate." These were temple servants, likely descendants of non-Israelites (perhaps Gibeonites or captives) who had been "given" or "dedicated" to assist the Levites in the menial tasks of the temple service (cf. [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Woodcutters and Water Carriers")). Their mention here indicates their residential area was near this section of the wall, highlighting their integration into the post-exilic community and their participation in its restoration, even if indirectly through their proximity.
* **Miphkad (Hebrew, _Miphqad'_):** Often translated as "Muster Gate" or "Inspection Gate." The root _paqad_ means "to visit, inspect, count, appoint." This gate likely served as a place for military mustering, census taking, or official inspections, signifying its strategic importance for the city's administration and defense. Its repair was crucial for the city's functionality and security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son":** This phrase positions Malchiah's work immediately following the section repaired by others (likely those mentioned in [Nehemiah 3:30](/nehemiah/3-30 "Nehemiah 3:30 - Hananiah and Meshullam's Repair")). The identification of Malchiah as "the goldsmith's son" is significant. It emphasizes the participation of skilled tradesmen, demonstrating that the rebuilding effort was not limited to specific social classes or religious leaders but involved all segments of society, each contributing their unique expertise.
* **"unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants":** This specifies the geographical area of Malchiah's repair. It indicates a section of the wall adjacent to or encompassing the living or working quarters of the Nethinims (temple servants) and the merchants. This suggests a bustling, perhaps commercial, district, underscoring the practical and economic importance of securing this part of the city.
* **"over against the gate Miphkad":** This further pinpoints the location, indicating that Malchiah's section was directly opposite or in the vicinity of the Miphkad Gate. This gate's strategic function (as an inspection or muster point) would have made its surrounding wall section particularly vital for the city's defense and administrative control.
* **"and to the going up of the corner":** This phrase describes the extent of Malchiah's repair, indicating that his section continued up to a significant corner of the wall. "The going up of the corner" likely refers to an elevated or prominent corner, possibly leading to a watchtower or a higher part of the wall, which would have been a critical defensive point.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:31, as part of the larger chapter, employs several literary devices. The most prominent is **Cataloging** or **Listing**, as the entire chapter is a detailed roster of names and their specific contributions to the wall's reconstruction. This meticulous enumeration serves to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the project and the broad communal involvement. Furthermore, there is an element of **Symbolism** at play; the physical rebuilding of the wall is symbolic of the spiritual and national restoration of the Jewish people after exile. The wall represents security, identity, and the re-establishment of a distinct people set apart for God. The mention of diverse professions like "goldsmith" highlights **Inclusivity** and **Diversity** within the community, underscoring that every skill and every person, regardless of social standing, had a vital role to play in God's work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:31, embedded within the larger narrative of the wall's reconstruction, powerfully illustrates God's providential hand in orchestrating communal effort for His purposes. It demonstrates that divine work is often accomplished not through a single heroic figure, but through the faithful, coordinated labor of many diverse individuals, each contributing their specific skills to a common goal. The goldsmith, the Nethinims, and the merchants all had a part, signifying that every member of the community, regardless of their profession or social standing, is called to participate in God's redemptive plan. This collective action, driven by a shared vision and a commitment to God's covenant, transforms a seemingly mundane construction project into a profound act of worship and obedience, leading to the restoration of God's people and their secure dwelling.

* [Exodus 35:30-35](/exodus/35-30 "Exodus 35:30-35 - Bezalel and Oholiab, Gifted Artisans")
* [Romans 12:4-5](/romans/12-4 "Romans 12:4-5 - Many Members, One Body")
* [Ephesians 4:16](/ephesians/4-16 "Ephesians 4:16 - The Body Built Up in Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account in Nehemiah 3:31 and the surrounding chapter offers profound lessons for contemporary communities, particularly the church. Just as the ancient Israelites united to rebuild a physical wall, believers today are called to participate in the spiritual rebuilding and strengthening of God's kingdom. This verse reminds us that every individual possesses unique gifts and talents, symbolized by the goldsmith's specialized skill, which are essential for the collective good. Whether our contributions are visible or behind the scenes, professional or personal, they are all vital for the flourishing of the community and the advancement of God's work. We are encouraged to identify our "section" of the wall—our specific calling, gifting, or area of responsibility—and to labor faithfully within it, knowing that our efforts, when combined with those of others, contribute to a greater, divinely ordained purpose. This fosters unity, accountability, and a shared sense of ownership in the mission of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "section of the wall" or area of service has God called you to contribute to within your community or church?**
* **How can we better recognize and affirm the diverse gifts and contributions of all members, including those whose roles might seem less prominent, as seen with the goldsmith and Nethinims?**
* **In what ways does a shared vision and collective effort, as demonstrated in Nehemiah 3, strengthen and unify a community today?**

### FAQ
**Who were the Nethinims, and why are they mentioned in connection with wall repair?**

Answer: The Nethinims (Hebrew: _Nethinim_) were a class of temple servants, likely non-Israelites, who were "given" or "dedicated" to assist the Levites in the more menial tasks associated with the temple, such as cutting wood and drawing water (cf. [Joshua 9:27](/joshua/9-27 "Joshua 9:27 - Gibeonites as Servants")). They returned from exile with the Jewish community (as noted in [Ezra 8:20](/ezra/8-20 "Ezra 8:20 - Nethinims with Ezra")). Their mention in Nehemiah 3:31 is not necessarily because they were directly involved in the construction, but because Malchiah repaired the section of the wall "unto the place of the Nethinims," indicating that their living quarters or an area associated with them was located there. This highlights the precise geographical mapping of the repairs and the integration of various social groups within the rebuilt city.

**Why is it significant that a "goldsmith's son" was involved in rebuilding the wall?**

Answer: The mention of a "goldsmith's son" (Malchiah) is highly significant because it underscores the broad and inclusive nature of the rebuilding effort. Nehemiah 3 meticulously lists individuals from various professions and social strata—priests, Levites, rulers, perfumers, and even goldsmiths. This demonstrates that the restoration of Jerusalem was a communal endeavor that transcended professional boundaries. A goldsmith, typically associated with fine craftsmanship and luxury items, might seem an unlikely builder of rough stone walls. However, his participation illustrates that every skill, no matter how specialized, was consecrated to God's purpose. It reinforces the theme that all members of the community, regardless of their background or usual occupation, were called to contribute their time and effort to this vital project, embodying the principle that "all hands on deck" were needed for God's work.

**What was the "Gate Miphkad," and what was its function?**

Answer: The "Gate Miphkad" (Hebrew: _Miphqad_), often translated as the "Muster Gate" or "Inspection Gate," was a significant entrance or exit point in the wall of Jerusalem. Its name, derived from the Hebrew root _paqad_ (meaning "to visit, inspect, count, appoint"), suggests its primary function was related to official mustering, census-taking, or military inspections. It may have been a place where troops were assembled, citizens were counted, or goods were inspected for customs purposes. Its strategic importance meant that the section of the wall "over against" or near it, repaired by Malchiah, was crucial for the city's security, administration, and control of movement, highlighting the practical and defensive considerations in the rebuilding project.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous rebuilding of Jerusalem's physical walls in Nehemiah, with its diverse cast of contributors, finds its ultimate fulfillment and spiritual parallel in the work of Christ and the building of His church. Just as the wall provided security and identity for the post-exilic community, Christ is the ultimate foundation and security for the new covenant people of God. The "going up of the corner" that Malchiah repaired foreshadows Christ as the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Chief Cornerstone") upon whom the entire spiritual edifice is built. The diverse workers, from goldsmiths to Nethinims, beautifully prefigure the New Testament concept of the church as the [body of Christ](/1_corinthians/12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:27 - You are the Body of Christ"), where every member, with their unique gifts and callings, is indispensable for the building up of the whole (cf. [Ephesians 4:11-16](/ephesians/4-11 "Ephesians 4:11-16 - Gifts for Building Up the Body")). The physical restoration of Jerusalem's defenses points to the far greater spiritual restoration accomplished by Jesus, who through His sacrifice and resurrection, [reconciled us to God](/2_corinthians/5-18 "2 Corinthians 5:18 - God Reconciled Us to Himself through Christ") 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 [makes all things new](/revelation/21-5 "Revelation 21:5 - Behold, I Am Making All Things New!"), building a spiritual temple where God's presence dwells among His people forever.

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

Nehemiah 3:32

And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

Nehemiah 3:8

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.