Nehemiah 3:6

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the old {H3465} gate {H8179} repaired {H2388} Jehoiada {H3111} the son {H1121} of Paseah {H6454}, and Meshullam {H4918} the son {H1121} of Besodeiah {H1152}; they laid the beams {H7136} thereof, and set up {H5975} the doors {H1817} thereof, and the locks {H4514} thereof, and the bars {H1280} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

Yoyada the son of Paseach and Meshulam the son of B'sodyah made repairs to the Old City Gate; they installed its timber framework and set up its doors, along with its bolts and bars.

Berean Standard Bible

The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.

American Standard Version

And the old gate repaired Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the bolts thereof, and the bars thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:6 meticulously details the reconstruction of the "Old Gate" of Jerusalem, assigning this crucial task to Jehoiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah. The verse highlights their comprehensive diligence, noting that they not only repaired the gate but also meticulously laid its beams, set up its doors, and installed its locks and bars, ensuring its full functionality and security within the newly rebuilt city walls. This specific account underscores the collaborative and thorough nature of the post-exilic restoration effort, where every section of the wall and its gates received dedicated attention from various individuals and groups.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah chapter 3 is a unique and remarkable literary device within the historical narrative of Jerusalem's rebuilding. It functions as a meticulous catalog, systematically listing the various sections of the city wall and the specific individuals, families, and guilds responsible for repairing each segment. This chapter begins with the Sheep Gate and moves counter-clockwise around the city, detailing the names of the builders and their contributions. Nehemiah 3:6, focusing on the "Old Gate," is an integral part of this comprehensive roster, demonstrating the organized, collaborative, and exhaustive nature of the reconstruction project. Its inclusion emphasizes that no part of the vital city defenses was overlooked, and responsibility was clearly delegated, fostering accountability and unity among the diverse workforce.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates occurred during the post-exilic period, roughly a century after the city's destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BC. The returning exiles faced immense challenges, including a devastated city, economic hardship, and significant opposition from surrounding peoples like Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab (cf. [Nehemiah 2:10](/nehemiah/2-10 "Nehemiah 2:10 - Opposition to Rebuilding")). In ancient Near Eastern cities, walls and gates were not merely defensive structures; they were fundamental to a city's identity, security, commerce, and judicial functions. Gates served as marketplaces, courts, and gathering places. The "Old Gate" (Hebrew: _Sha'ar HaYeshanah_), likely named for its antiquity or its connection to an older part of the city, was a critical access point. Its restoration was paramount for re-establishing Jerusalem's sovereignty, protecting its inhabitants, and facilitating the resumption of normal civic and religious life, signaling a return to order and divine favor after decades of desolation.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 3:6, along with the entire chapter, powerfully illustrates several key themes. Firstly, it highlights **shared responsibility and corporate effort**. The monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's defenses was not the work of one leader, Nehemiah, but a collective endeavor involving priests, Levites, goldsmiths, perfumers, merchants, and various families, each contributing to a specific section. This underscores the principle that great undertakings, especially those for God's kingdom, require the unified and diverse contributions of many, as seen in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12 "1 Corinthians 12 - The Body of Christ"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **diligence and thoroughness**. Jehoiada and Meshullam did not merely patch the gate; they "laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof," demonstrating a commitment to complete and lasting restoration. This meticulousness reflects a dedication to excellence in God's work, ensuring the structure was robust and secure. Finally, the rebuilding of the gates symbolizes **restoration and security**. The gates were vital arteries of the city, and their full restoration, including their protective mechanisms, represented the return of order, strength, and divine protection to Jerusalem, allowing the community to thrive and worship without constant threat, a theme echoed in the vision of the New Jerusalem in [Revelation 21:25](/revelation/21-25 "Revelation 21:25 - Gates Always Open").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **repaired (Hebrew, חָזַק _chazaq_):** This verb means "to be strong, to strengthen, to seize, to prevail." In the context of rebuilding, it implies more than a superficial fix; it denotes making something firm, robust, and durable. It suggests a comprehensive and vigorous restoration, ensuring structural integrity and longevity. This aligns perfectly with the subsequent detailed description of the work performed on the Old Gate, indicating a thorough and lasting repair rather than a temporary patch. The term is used throughout Nehemiah 3 to describe the active and forceful work of rebuilding.
* **Old Gate (Hebrew, שַׁעַר הַיְשָׁנָה _Sha'ar HaYeshanah_):** Literally meaning "Gate of the Old" or "Old Gate," this designation likely refers to its ancient origin or its location leading to an older quarter of the city. The name itself suggests a connection to Jerusalem's past, and its repair signifies the restoration of continuity and heritage. Its prominence in the list implies its strategic importance as an entry point, potentially leading to the northern or northwestern part of the city, and its full restoration was crucial for the city's renewed functionality and defense.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah;":** This opening clause identifies the specific section of the wall being repaired—the Old Gate—and names the two primary individuals responsible for this particular segment. The use of "Moreover" (וְאֶת, _wə’et_) connects this section to the preceding descriptions, maintaining the systematic cataloging of the builders. The naming of individuals and their fathers (Jehoiada the son of Paseah, Meshullam the son of Besodeiah) provides specific accountability and highlights the personal investment of these men in the communal project. Their leadership ensured the completion of this vital part of the city's defenses.
* **"they laid the beams thereof,":** This phrase details the foundational structural work involved in repairing the gate. "Beams" (קֹרֹתֶיהָ, _qoroteyha_) refers to the horizontal timbers that would have formed the framework for the gate's superstructure, providing stability and support for the gatehouse and its heavy doors. This indicates a deep, structural repair, not just a surface-level renovation, ensuring the gate's long-term integrity.
* **"and set up the doors thereof,":** Following the laying of the beams, the next critical step was the installation of the actual gate doors (דַּלְתֹתֶיהָ, _daltoṯeha_). These would have been massive, heavy wooden structures, essential for controlling access and providing the primary physical barrier against intruders. Their proper installation was crucial for the gate's function as a point of entry and defense.
* **"and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.":** This final phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the security measures implemented. "Locks" (מַנְעֻלֶיהָ, _man‘uleyha_) refer to the locking mechanisms, while "bars" (בְּרִיחֶיהָ, _bəriḥeyha_) denote the heavy wooden or metal crossbars used to secure the doors from the inside, especially at night or during times of threat. The inclusion of these details underscores the thoroughness of Jehoiada and Meshullam's work, ensuring the gate was not only structurally sound but also fully secure, capable of fulfilling its defensive purpose.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:6, as part of the larger chapter, prominently employs **Cataloging** or **Anaphora**, where a consistent structure is repeated to list the various builders and their assigned sections of the wall. This creates a sense of comprehensive coverage and shared responsibility. The verse also utilizes **Merism** by listing the components of the gate's security: "beams," "doors," "locks," and "bars." This detailed enumeration represents the totality of the gate's construction and security features, emphasizing the complete and thorough nature of the repair work. Furthermore, the "Old Gate" itself serves as **Symbolism**, representing not just a physical entry point but also the restoration of Jerusalem's ancient identity, its continuity with the past, and its renewed capacity for self-governance and defense. The act of rebuilding these vital components symbolizes the re-establishment of order, security, and communal life for the post-exilic Jewish community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The meticulous rebuilding of the Old Gate by Jehoiada and Meshullam serves as a powerful theological illustration of God's work being accomplished through human diligence and corporate effort. It highlights that no task, however specific or seemingly mundane, is insignificant when undertaken for God's purposes. The thoroughness in laying beams, setting doors, and installing locks and bars speaks to the divine expectation of excellence and completeness in our service. This commitment to robust restoration reflects God's desire for His people to be secure and well-ordered, both physically and spiritually. The collective nature of the work across the entire chapter emphasizes the interdependence of believers and the necessity of unity in achieving God's grand objectives, reminding us that we are all called to contribute our unique gifts to the building of His kingdom.

* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19-22 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone")
* [1 Corinthians 3:9](/1_corinthians/3-9 "1 Corinthians 3:9 - God's Fellow Workers")
* [Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1-4 "Philippians 2:1-4 - Humility and Unity")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:6 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers. Just as Jehoiada and Meshullam dedicated themselves to the comprehensive repair of a specific, vital section of Jerusalem's defenses, we are called to approach our own responsibilities with diligence, thoroughness, and a commitment to excellence. Whether in our personal lives, families, churches, or communities, God's work often requires meticulous attention to detail and a refusal to settle for superficial fixes. The "gates" of our lives—our minds, hearts, and actions—require constant vigilance and spiritual strengthening to guard against negative influences and ensure our spiritual security. Moreover, this verse reminds us that significant achievements for God's kingdom are rarely accomplished in isolation. It calls us to embrace shared responsibility, valuing every contribution and working in unity with others, recognizing that the collective effort of the body of Christ is essential for spiritual growth and the advancement of God's purposes in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gates" in your life (e.g., habits, relationships, spiritual disciplines) require diligent and thorough repair, not just superficial patching?**
* **How does the detailed work of Jehoiada and Meshullam inspire you to approach your own responsibilities, both spiritual and practical, with greater thoroughness and excellence?**
* **In what ways can you better collaborate with others in your community or church to achieve common goals, recognizing the value of every individual's contribution?**
* **What does the emphasis on "locks and bars" teach you about the importance of spiritual security and guarding your heart and mind in today's world?**

### FAQ
**Why does Nehemiah 3 provide such specific details about who rebuilt which section of the wall?**

Answer: Nehemiah 3's meticulous cataloging serves several crucial purposes. First, it underscores the **corporate nature** of the rebuilding effort, demonstrating that the monumental task was accomplished through the unified contributions of diverse individuals, families, and guilds, from priests to merchants. This highlights the principle of shared responsibility and collaboration in God's work. Second, it provides a record of **accountability and recognition**, giving credit to those who diligently participated. This specific detail would have encouraged participation and fostered a sense of ownership among the builders. Third, it illustrates the **systematic and organized approach** taken by Nehemiah, ensuring that every part of the wall was addressed. This level of detail emphasizes the thoroughness required for such a vital undertaking, ensuring no section was neglected and that the entire city's defenses were restored. It shows that God values not only the grand vision but also the diligent execution of every small part.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Nehemiah 3:6 describes the physical rebuilding of an ancient city gate, its themes resonate deeply with the redemptive work of Christ and the spiritual construction of His kingdom. The diligent and comprehensive repair of the Old Gate, including its beams, doors, locks, and bars, foreshadows the ultimate and perfect restoration accomplished by Jesus Christ. He is the true builder, not of physical walls, but of the spiritual temple—His Church ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20-22 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Christ as the Cornerstone of the Church")). Just as the Old Gate provided security and access, Christ is the "door" through whom we enter into salvation and eternal life ([John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Door")). He not only opens the way but also provides ultimate security for His people, guarding them with His power against all spiritual adversaries ([John 10:28-29](/john/10-28-29 "John 10:28-29 - No One Can Snatch Them")). The collaborative effort seen in Nehemiah 3 finds its ultimate fulfillment in the body of Christ, where every believer, empowered by the Holy Spirit, contributes to the building up of the Church, working in unity under the headship of Christ ([Ephesians 4:15-16](/ephesians/4-15-16 "Ephesians 4:15-16 - Growing Up into Christ")). Thus, the meticulous work on the Old Gate points to the finished work of Christ, who perfectly secures our spiritual dwelling and invites us into a restored relationship with God, establishing a kingdom that is eternal and impregnable ([Hebrews 12:28](/hebrews/12-28 "Hebrews 12:28 - An Unshakable Kingdom")).

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 12:39

And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.