Nehemiah 3:4

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And next unto them {H3027} repaired {H2388} Meremoth {H4822} the son {H1121} of Urijah {H223}, the son {H1121} of Koz {H6976}. And next unto them {H3027} repaired {H2388} Meshullam {H4918} the son {H1121} of Berechiah {H1296}, the son {H1121} of Meshezabeel {H4898}. And next unto them {H3027} repaired {H2388} Zadok {H6659} the son {H1121} of Baana {H1195}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Next to them M'remot the son of Uriyah, the son of Hakotz, made repairs. Next to them Meshulam the son of Berekhyah, the son of Mesheizav'el, made repairs. Next to them Tzadok the son of Ba'ana made repairs.

Berean Standard Bible

Next to them, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, made repairs. Next to him, Meshullam son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs; and next to him, Zadok son of Baana made repairs as well.

American Standard Version

And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:4 continues the meticulous enumeration of individuals and families who participated in the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. This verse specifically highlights the contributions of Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz; Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel; and Zadok the son of Baana, each responsible for repairing a specific section of the wall adjacent to the previously mentioned workers, underscoring the communal effort and systematic organization of this vital restoration project.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3 serves as a detailed register, a "who's who" of the wall-builders, systematically listing the various groups and individuals who took responsibility for specific sections of Jerusalem's fortifications. The chapter begins with the high priest Eliashib and his fellow priests repairing the Sheep Gate, then moves counter-clockwise around the city, detailing the work on various gates and wall sections. Nehemiah 3:4 fits seamlessly into this narrative flow, continuing the enumeration of those working on adjacent sections of the wall, specifically following the mention of the Old Gate and its repairers in [Nehemiah 3:6](/nehemiah/3-6 "Nehemiah 3:6 - The Old Gate Repairers"). The repetitive structure throughout the chapter, including this verse, emphasizes the collaborative and continuous nature of the rebuilding effort, showing how each segment of the wall was addressed by specific individuals or groups, moving from one section to the next.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, approximately 90 years after the initial return from Babylonian exile, was a critical undertaking for the post-exilic Jewish community. Without walls, Jerusalem was vulnerable to attack, lacked a clear identity as a distinct city, and its inhabitants lived in shame and insecurity, as described in [Nehemiah 1:3](/nehemiah/1-3 "Nehemiah 1:3 - The State of Jerusalem"). The project was not merely an engineering feat but a profound act of national and spiritual restoration, symbolizing the re-establishment of Judah's security, dignity, and religious life. In ancient Near Eastern culture, city walls were paramount for defense, trade, and establishing a city's sovereignty. The meticulous cataloging of names in Nehemiah 3 reflects a cultural emphasis on lineage and community contribution, highlighting that this was a collective endeavor involving diverse segments of society, from priests and nobles to merchants and common laborers, all working under the inspired leadership of [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/2 "Nehemiah 2 - Nehemiah's Mission to Jerusalem").
* **Key Themes:** This verse, like the entire chapter, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, **Communal Effort and Collaboration** is paramount, as the repetitive "next unto them repaired" highlights the continuous, interconnected nature of the work, demonstrating that the immense task was achieved through the combined efforts of many individuals working in unity. Secondly, **Individual Responsibility** is emphasized, as each person or group was assigned a specific section, underscoring the importance of personal accountability and diligence within the larger collective. Thirdly, the theme of **Restoration and Renewal** is central, with the physical rebuilding of the walls symbolizing the spiritual and national restoration of Judah, a testament to God's faithfulness to His covenant people and their renewed commitment to Him. Finally, **Leadership and Organization** are evident through Nehemiah's brilliant strategy, which systematically assigned tasks to ensure comprehensive coverage of the wall, fostering a spirit of cooperation and purpose among the people, as seen in their unified response to [Nehemiah's call to action](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - The People's Resolve to Build").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **repaired (Hebrew, _ḥāzaq_):** This verb signifies "to be strong," "to strengthen," "to grasp," or "to repair." In the context of Nehemiah 3, it denotes not merely new construction but the restoration and reinforcement of existing, dilapidated structures. It implies a vigorous, diligent effort to make something firm and secure again, reflecting the urgency and commitment of the builders.
* **son of (Hebrew, _ben_):** A fundamental genealogical identifier, "son of" (or "descendant of") establishes lineage and family identity. Its repeated use throughout Nehemiah 3 emphasizes the communal and familial nature of the rebuilding effort, indicating that contributions often came from established families or clans, highlighting their heritage and collective responsibility in the restoration of Jerusalem.
* **next unto them (Hebrew, _ʿal yādām_):** Literally meaning "at their hand" or "by their side," this phrase denotes adjacency and continuity. It is a crucial organizational marker in Nehemiah 3, systematically indicating the progression of work along the wall. It underscores the coordinated effort, where each group's section was immediately adjacent to another's, ensuring no gaps were left and the entire circuit was completed through a seamless, collaborative chain of labor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz."**: This clause introduces the first of three distinct individuals or family units contributing to this specific section of the wall. The phrase "next unto them" explicitly links their work to the preceding group mentioned in the chapter, demonstrating the continuous and systematic nature of the rebuilding. Meremoth, identified by his father and grandfather, highlights the genealogical precision of the record, emphasizing family involvement.
* **"And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel."**: This clause introduces the second individual, Meshullam, also identified by his paternal lineage. The repetition of "next unto them repaired" reinforces the methodical progression of the work along the wall, showing how each group took responsibility for an adjacent segment, contributing to the overall completion of the massive project.
* **"And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana."**: The final clause in this verse names Zadok, identified by his father. This completes the enumeration for this particular stretch of the wall, further illustrating the comprehensive and detailed nature of Nehemiah's organizational strategy. The consistent use of "next unto them" throughout the chapter underscores the unity and coordinated effort of the diverse groups involved.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:4, like the entire chapter, predominantly employs **Catalog** or **List** as its primary literary device, meticulously enumerating individuals and groups involved in the rebuilding. This detailed listing serves to underscore the comprehensive nature of the project and the broad participation across various segments of society. The most prominent device is **Anaphora**, the repetition of the phrase "And next unto them repaired." This serves multiple purposes: it creates a rhythmic, almost litany-like effect, emphasizing the continuous and sequential nature of the work; it highlights the systematic organization of the project, showing how each section of the wall was addressed in an orderly fashion; and it subtly reinforces the theme of communal effort, as each group's contribution was directly linked to the one before it. The inclusion of **Genealogical Detail** ("son of Urijah, the son of Koz") provides historical specificity and grounds the narrative in concrete reality, while also subtly honoring the families who contributed to this vital national undertaking.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:4, though a seemingly dry list of names, is rich in theological implications. It powerfully illustrates God's method of accomplishing His purposes through the collective, diligent efforts of His people. The meticulous record-keeping suggests that God takes notice of every individual contribution, no matter how seemingly small or mundane. The "next unto them" motif highlights the divine principle of unity and interdependence within the community of faith; no one works in isolation, but rather in concert with others, each fulfilling their specific role to achieve a common, God-given objective. This communal labor for the restoration of Jerusalem's physical walls foreshadows the spiritual building of God's kingdom, where diverse gifts and callings converge for the glory of God and the edification of His people. It reminds us that our individual acts of faithfulness, when combined with the efforts of others, contribute to a larger, divine tapestry.

* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12-27 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ")
* [Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing into Christ")
* [Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1-4 "Philippians 2:1-4 - Humility and Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:4, despite being a simple list of names and their work assignments, offers profound lessons for believers today. It challenges us to consider our own role in God's ongoing work of restoration and kingdom-building. Just as Meremoth, Meshullam, and Zadok faithfully repaired their assigned sections, we are called to diligent and faithful service in the specific spheres God has placed us, whether in our homes, workplaces, churches, or communities. This verse reminds us that every contribution, no matter how seemingly small or unseen by human eyes, is vital and recognized by God. The success of the wall's rebuilding was not due to one heroic figure alone, but to the coordinated effort of many. This encourages us to embrace unity and collaboration within the body of Christ, working "next unto" one another, supporting and complementing each other's gifts and efforts. Our individual acts of obedience and service, when woven together with those of our brothers and sisters, contribute to a powerful collective witness and the advancement of God's purposes on earth.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the detailed listing of individuals in Nehemiah 3:4 encourage me about the value of my own specific contributions to God's kingdom, even if they seem small?**
* **In what areas of my life or ministry am I called to work "next unto" others, fostering unity and collaboration for a shared spiritual goal?**
* **What does the diligence of these historical figures, like Meremoth, Meshullam, and Zadok, teach me about faithfulness in the tasks God has given me?**

### FAQ
**Why are these specific names listed in Nehemiah 3:4 and throughout the chapter?**

Answer: The listing of specific names like Meremoth, Meshullam, and Zadok in Nehemiah 3 serves multiple crucial purposes. Firstly, it provides a meticulous historical record, authenticating the narrative and demonstrating the widespread participation in the rebuilding effort. It highlights that the restoration of Jerusalem was not merely Nehemiah's work but a collective endeavor involving diverse individuals and families, each taking specific responsibility for a section of the wall. Secondly, it likely served to honor those who contributed significantly, ensuring their faithfulness was remembered. In a culture that valued lineage and communal identity, listing names and their familial connections underscored their heritage and the continuity of commitment across generations. Finally, it emphasizes the divine principle that God uses ordinary people, often identified by their family and community ties, to accomplish extraordinary tasks. This detailed record-keeping underscores that God notices and values every individual's contribution to His work, as seen in the broader narrative of [Nehemiah 3](/nehemiah/3 "Nehemiah 3 - The Wall Builders").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 3:4 details the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, it finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual building of God's eternal kingdom and the Church. The meticulous, collaborative effort to restore a broken physical structure foreshadows the work of Christ, who came not to build with bricks and mortar, but to build His Church, a spiritual temple composed of living stones. Just as the wall provided protection and identity for God's people in Nehemiah's day, Jesus Christ is the ultimate foundation and cornerstone upon whom the entire spiritual edifice of the Church is built, offering eternal security and identity to all who believe. He declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church")). Believers, like the varied workers in Nehemiah 3, are called to be "living stones" ([1_peter/2-4-5](/1-peter/2-4-5 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones")) built together into a spiritual house, with Christ as the chief cornerstone, making up the dwelling place of God by the Spirit ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")). The unity and diverse contributions seen in Nehemiah 3 prefigure the harmonious functioning of the body of Christ, where each member plays a vital role in building up the whole, ultimately pointing to the glorious, perfected city of God, the New Jerusalem, where God will dwell with His people forever ([Revelation 21:2-3](/revelation/21-2-3 "Revelation 21:2-3 - The New Jerusalem Descends")).

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

Ezra 8:33

Now on the fourth day was the silver and the gold and the vessels weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest; and with him [was] Eleazar the son of Phinehas; and with them [was] Jozabad the son of Jeshua, and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites;

Nehemiah 3:21

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.

Nehemiah 10:15

Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,

Nehemiah 10:7

Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,