Nehemiah 3 1

Nehemiah 3:1 kjv

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.

Nehemiah 3:1 nkjv

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and hung its doors. They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it, then as far as the Tower of Hananel.

Nehemiah 3:1 niv

Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and rebuilt the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, building as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and as far as the Tower of Hananel.

Nehemiah 3:1 esv

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They consecrated it as far as the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Tower of Hananel.

Nehemiah 3:1 nlt

Then Eliashib the high priest and the other priests started to rebuild at the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set up its doors, building the wall as far as the Tower of the Hundred, which they dedicated, and the Tower of Hananel.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 1 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:1 describes the initiation of the monumental wall rebuilding project in Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. It highlights that the high priest Eliashib, along with his priestly brethren, took the leading role in constructing the Sheep Gate, consecrating both the gate and its setting, and extending their building and consecration efforts northwards to the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel. This verse emphasizes spiritual leadership, unity, and the sacred nature of the rebuilding effort.

Nehemiah 3 1 Context

Nehemiah 3:1 initiates the practical narrative of the wall's rebuilding, immediately following Nehemiah's passionate plea to God and his courageous vision casting to the Jewish people (Neh 1-2). Chapter 3 systematically details the work assigned to various families, guilds, and individuals, progressing around the city in a clockwise direction, starting from the northern part of the eastern wall, near the Sheep Gate. Historically, the exiles had returned to a dilapidated Jerusalem; though the temple was rebuilt, the city remained vulnerable without walls, signifying a lack of security and national identity. The rebuilding of the wall was therefore a crucial step in reestablishing the nation's integrity and its covenant relationship with God. The immediate involvement of the high priest and other priests at the start of the most essential gate signifies that this was not merely a secular construction project but a divinely ordained mission, necessitating spiritual leadership and dedication from its very inception.

Nehemiah 3 1 Word analysis

• Then: Az (אָז) in Hebrew, indicating a temporal sequence, signaling the immediate start of action after Nehemiah's leadership galvanizes the people.
• Eliashib: (אֶלְיָשִׁיב, Elyashiv) Meaning "God restores" or "God brings back." His name profoundly mirrors the purpose of Nehemiah's work – the restoration of Jerusalem. As the high priest, his involvement symbolizes divine approval and leadership, indicating the sacred nature of the endeavor.
• the high priest: (הַכֹּהֵן הַגָּדוֹל, ha-kohen ha-gadol) The highest spiritual authority in Israel, responsible for matters pertaining to the temple, atonement, and guiding the nation in God's law. His prominent role underlines that the rebuilding was a spiritual priority for the entire community.
• rose up: (וַיָּקָם, vayyāqām from qum) Means "to stand up," "to arise," or "to take initiative." It conveys determination, active leadership, and a readiness for arduous work.
• with his brothers the priests: (אֶחָיו הַכֹּהֲנִים, echāv ha-kohanim) Emphasizes unity and a collective, corporate effort among the spiritual leaders. It signifies that the priestly order, despite any prior failings, was unified in this crucial national undertaking.
• built: (בָּנוּ, banu from banah) Signifies the physical construction of the wall, but in the biblical context of restoration from ruin, banah often carries implications of rebuilding and reestablishing something, both physically and institutionally/spiritually.
• the Sheep Gate: (שַׁעַר הַצֹּאן, Sha'ar HaTzon) Located in the northern wall, near the Temple, it was likely the entrance through which sacrificial sheep were brought into Jerusalem. Its repair first signifies spiritual priority, as it was directly linked to the Temple sacrifices, which were central to Israel's worship and covenant relationship. It also bears spiritual resonance, as Jesus would later refer to Himself as "the door of the sheep" (John 10:7).
• they consecrated it: (וַיַּקְדִּשׁוּהוּ, vayyaqdishūhu from qadash) To set apart as holy, to dedicate to God. This was not just a pragmatic act of building; it was a sacred one, recognizing God's ownership and purpose for the city and its protective structure. It indicates the divine blessing and acceptance of their labor.
• and set its doors: (וַיַּעֲמִידוּ דַלְתֹתָיו, vayya'amīdū daltōtāw) A practical act completing the gate's functionality and providing security. It symbolizes closure against adversaries and openness to God's people.
• They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred: (עַד־מִגְדַּל הַמֵּאָה, ad-migdal hammē'â) Refers to a prominent tower on the northern wall, defining a specific segment of the wall they completed. The "Tower of the Hundred" might imply its height or a watchpost for a hundred guards.
• and consecrated it as far as the Tower of Hananel: (וְעַד מִגְדַּל חֲנַנְאֵל הִקְדִּישׁוּהוּ, wə'ad migdal Chanann’ēl hiqdishūhu) Hananel means "God has shown grace" or "God has graced." This second landmark further defines the extent of the high priest's section. The parallel act of building and consecrating over the entire specified length reinforces the thorough and holy nature of their work.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests": This phrase underscores active and exemplary spiritual leadership. The High Priest's initiation, rather than waiting for command, demonstrates obedience to God's promptings and serves as an inspiring example for the entire community to follow. The collective action ("with his brothers") further highlights the unity within the priestly class in pursuing a common, divinely appointed goal, countering any potential internal division or apathy.
• "and built the Sheep Gate; they consecrated it and set its doors": This sequence encapsulates the comprehensive nature of their work: physical construction ("built"), spiritual dedication ("consecrated it"), and functional completion ("set its doors"). The act of consecrating a physical structure demonstrates the theological understanding that all significant undertakings for God's people and His holy city are to be set apart for Him and operate under His divine sanction and blessing. Building without consecration would imply mere secular effort; consecration imbues it with sacred purpose.
• "They built as far as the Tower of the Hundred, and consecrated it as far as the Tower of Hananel": This details the specific segment of the wall undertaken by this group. The repeated emphasis on both building and consecrating over this entire segment reveals a complete commitment not just to the physical structure but to its holy purpose from one end to the other. The inclusion of landmark towers like the "Tower of Hananel" ("God has graced") points to the hand of God's favor being evident in and upon this critical section of the wall. This defined portion, on the vulnerable north side of Jerusalem, shows strategic importance.

Nehemiah 3 1 Bonus section

The emphasis on priestly involvement and the immediate consecration of the Sheep Gate right at the outset might be interpreted as a polemic against the temptation towards secularism or dependence solely on human strength. In a time when foreign influence (Persian rule) was prevalent, this act affirmed Israel's distinct identity as a people dedicated to YHWH, with sacred rituals defining their communal life. The repair and consecration of the Sheep Gate specifically, linked to Temple worship and sacrifice, served to re-sanctify a key point of entry for the Jerusalem community and implicitly for the worshipping nation. This section of the wall was not only strategic for defense but vital for religious pilgrimage and proper functioning of the sacrificial system. The account serves as an example for all generations, showing that rebuilding for God is not just about brick and mortar but about restoring divine order, holy living, and a right relationship with Him, enabled by His grace (Hananel).

Nehemiah 3 1 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:1 is a profound verse, not just as a starting point for a meticulous building account but as a foundational statement on spiritual leadership and the nature of God's work. It immediately establishes that the reconstruction of Jerusalem's wall was more than a civil engineering project; it was a spiritual endeavor, led by the highest spiritual authority. Eliashib's initiative as High Priest signifies that sacred work begins with spiritual dedication and exemplifies obedience and service. His and the other priests' active participation set the precedent for the rest of the chapter, where every segment of society participates. The Sheep Gate, the first to be rebuilt, has immense symbolic weight due to its connection with temple sacrifices and foreshadowing Christ as the gate for the flock (John 10). The meticulous consecration of the built sections ensures that the effort and its outcome are continually placed under God's blessing and purpose. It is a powerful reminder that any undertaking for God must begin with and be permeated by holiness, unity, and a clear understanding of its divine purpose.

Practical usage:

• Initiative in service: Just as Eliashib "rose up," believers are called to proactively engage in kingdom work.
• Spiritual priority: Our efforts, whether in church, family, or work, should first be consecrated to God.
• Unity in purpose: God's work thrives when His people, especially leaders, work together in harmony.