Nehemiah 3 11

Nehemiah 3:11 kjv

Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.

Nehemiah 3:11 nkjv

Malchijah the son of Harim and Hashub the son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Ovens.

Nehemiah 3:11 niv

Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-Moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens.

Nehemiah 3:11 esv

Malchijah the son of Harim and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens.

Nehemiah 3:11 nlt

Then came Malkijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab, who repaired another section of the wall and the Tower of the Ovens.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 11 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:11 describes the continued work of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall. In this verse, two individuals, Malchijah the son of Harim and Hashub the son of Pahath-Moab, are credited with repairing a specific segment of the wall, particularly "another section and the Tower of the Ovens." This highlights the organized, segment-by-segment approach to the vast reconstruction effort, where different families and individuals were assigned responsibility for distinct portions. The "Tower of the Ovens" was a significant landmark, likely an integral defensive structure associated with a commercial or domestic area of the city.

Nehemiah 3 11 Context

Nehemiah 3 provides a meticulous, block-by-block account of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. It details the various groups, families, and individuals—including priests, craftsmen, officials, and common people from various towns—who collaborated on different sections of the wall. The purpose of this detailed list is not merely historical but theological: it emphasizes that the momentous task was accomplished through collective effort, with each part contributing to the whole, signifying God's empowerment of His people. The reconstruction of the wall was crucial for the security, identity, and worship life of the returning Jewish community, as it established a distinct and defensible city for God's people in a hostile environment. Verse 11 specifically names two families contributing to a strategic portion of this western side of the wall, illustrating the systematic progress. The "Tower of the Ovens" was an identifiable landmark on the city's western perimeter, implying the continuous and methodical nature of the construction.

Nehemiah 3 11 Word analysis

• Malchijah (מַלְכִּיָּה - Malkiyyāh): Literally means "My king is Yahweh" or "Yahweh is king." This name carries a theological significance, common in biblical names, testifying to God's sovereignty. It points to a member of a prominent family or an individual associated with a priestly line (mentioned elsewhere in Nehemiah, though not explicitly as the priest here).
• the son of Harim (בֶּן־חָרִם - ben-Ḥārim): Harim was a leading priestly family among those who returned from Babylonian exile (Ezra 2:39, Neh 7:42, 10:5). This connection underscores the involvement of priestly or leading families in the physical labor of rebuilding, highlighting that no one, regardless of status, was exempt from contributing to God's work.
• and Hashub (וְחַשּׁוּב - ve-Ḥaššûḇ): A name meaning "accounted" or "thought." Also a relatively common name among the returnees (e.g., Neh 10:23, 11:15). Its inclusion emphasizes the diversity of contributors from various backgrounds who rallied together for this crucial work.
• the son of Pahath-Moab (בֶּן־פַּחַת מוֹאָב - ben-Paḥaṯ Môʾāḇ): Pahath-Moab ("governor of Moab" or "pit of Moab") was another very significant and large family group that returned from exile (Ezra 2:6, Neh 7:11). The involvement of such a large and influential clan leader highlights widespread commitment across the community's leading families.
• repaired (הֶחֱזִיקוּ - heḥězîqû): From the Hebrew root חזק (ḥāzaq), meaning "to strengthen," "to grasp," "to hold fast," or "to reinforce." It conveys more than mere fixing; it implies making sturdy, durable, and resilient. This word frequently appears in Nehemiah 3 and signifies dedicated, strong efforts to make the wall defensible again.
• another section (מִדָּה שֵׁנִית - middāh šēnît): This phrase can be literally translated "second measurement" or "another portion/measure." It signifies either that they were responsible for an additional part of the wall (perhaps having already worked on a previous section not detailed for them explicitly in this immediate context, or serving in different capacities across multiple segments) or, more likely, simply denotes their specific assigned portion as the next or another section in the overall sequence of wall repair being listed. It suggests a methodical and segmented approach to the project.
• and the Tower of the Ovens (וּמִגְדַּל הַתַּנּוּרִים - u-Migda Ha-Tannûrîm): This was a distinctive landmark on the western side of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. Its name implies it was located in an area where ovens for baking bread were prominent, suggesting a commercial or densely populated district critical for daily life and supplies. As a "tower," it served as a significant defensive structure, indicating its strategic importance as a point on the wall that required robust reconstruction and protection. Its repair points to fortifying a vital part of the city.

Words-group analysis:

• "Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath-Moab": This pairing demonstrates the collaborative nature of the project. Individuals from different significant families and lineages—including priestly-affiliated (Harim) and large leading clans (Pahath-Moab)—worked side-by-side. This highlights unity and shared responsibility among various societal strata towards a common, God-ordained goal.
• "repaired another section and the Tower of the Ovens": This phrase emphasizes specific and measurable contributions. It shows that the work was precisely divided and executed. "Repaired" points to active, deliberate, and strengthening work. "Another section" denotes progression along the wall. The explicit mention of the "Tower of the Ovens" underlines the importance of reinforcing key strategic points, linking the physical building project to the city's practical and defensive needs. This wasn't haphazard; it was organized, targeted labor.

Nehemiah 3 11 Bonus section

• The detailed list of builders in Nehemiah 3, including Malchijah and Hashub, provides insight into ancient Jewish administrative practices and the deep sense of corporate identity and responsibility among the post-exilic community.
• The meticulous cataloging of individuals and sections demonstrates that every contribution, regardless of societal standing, was acknowledged and vital in God's eyes. It suggests that diligent, localized effort builds toward a magnificent, shared achievement.
• The "Tower of the Ovens" could have been a defensive strong point where access to food production (ovens) was essential for city survival, particularly during a siege. Its repair reflects attention to both security and the sustaining infrastructure of the city.

Nehemiah 3 11 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:11, like the surrounding verses, paints a vivid picture of a community wholly dedicated to the task of rebuilding. Malchijah and Hashub, representing key families, exemplify the "all hands on deck" ethos. Their focus on "another section" and specifically the "Tower of the Ovens" signifies that the work was systematic, with clear divisions of labor, ensuring every vital part of the wall was addressed. The verb "repaired" (heḥězîqû) underscores the diligence and strength applied, transforming weakened structures into fortifications. This verse, therefore, illustrates not just physical reconstruction but also spiritual renewal through unified effort, where every specific contribution, no matter how seemingly small, was integral to the whole. It teaches that God's work is accomplished when diverse individuals commit to specific tasks with perseverance and shared purpose, transforming challenges into tangible results for His glory and their collective good.