Nehemiah 3 2

Nehemiah 3:2 kjv

And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.

Nehemiah 3:2 nkjv

Next to Eliashib the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.

Nehemiah 3:2 niv

The men of Jericho built the adjoining section, and Zakkur son of Imri built next to them.

Nehemiah 3:2 esv

And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built.

Nehemiah 3:2 nlt

People from the town of Jericho worked next to them, and beyond them was Zaccur son of Imri.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 2 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:2 details the continuation of the wall-rebuilding project, specifying two distinct groups who worked on adjacent sections immediately following the Sheep Gate. This verse highlights the communal and organized nature of the restoration, as diverse groups and individuals, like the "men of Jericho" and "Zaccur the son of Imri," each took responsibility for their designated part of the colossal task under Nehemiah’s leadership. It underscores the shared burden and unified effort crucial for the successful reconstruction of Jerusalem's defenses.

Nehemiah 3 2 Context

Nehemiah 3 provides a detailed, meticulous account of the reconstruction of Jerusalem's city wall, section by section. The entire chapter lists numerous individuals, families, guilds, and groups responsible for specific portions, often noting their work was "next to him" (describing contiguity) or "opposite his house" (denoting personal stake). This precise listing demonstrates the immense, organized collaborative effort initiated by Nehemiah. Verse 2 specifically describes the second section of the wall to be repaired, following the rebuilding of the Sheep Gate mentioned in verse 1. It immediately sets the tone for the communal responsibility seen throughout the chapter, with even people from cities outside Jerusalem (like Jericho) contributing, underscoring the unity of purpose among the returning exiles.

Nehemiah 3 2 Word analysis

• Next to him (עַל־יָדוֹ – al-yadow):

  • Word: Hebrew phrase meaning "by his hand," "by his side," or "next to him/it."
  • Significance: Implies physical adjacency and continuation of the work from the previous section. It highlights a seamless and integrated construction effort, emphasizing the cooperative nature of the project. Each section built by one group immediately bordered the work of another, leaving no gaps.

• the men of Jericho (אַנְשֵׁי יְרִיחוֹ – anshei Yeriḥo, "men of Jericho" or "sons of Jericho"):

  • Word: Refers to a group of individuals from the city of Jericho.
  • Original Context & Literary Details: Jericho was historically a significant city, famed as the first city conquered by Israel in Canaan (Josh 6). Its citizens' involvement shows participation beyond Jerusalem’s immediate residents. It may signify a broader national commitment to the restoration or possibly reflect a community's growth and renewal, despite a curse Joshua placed on its rebuilding (Josh 6:26, 1 Kgs 16:34 records Hiel of Bethel rebuilding it and incurring the curse). Their participation in Jerusalem's reconstruction implies they are contributing to the security of all Israel. This emphasizes national solidarity in the face of post-exilic challenges.
  • Significance: Their inclusion signifies widespread participation from outside Jerusalem itself, reflecting a united Jewish effort. It highlights the reach of Nehemiah's appeal and the national resolve to secure the capital, embodying the idea that all of God's people contribute to the restoration.

• built (בָּנוּ – banu):

  • Word: The common Hebrew verb banah (בָּנָה), meaning "to build," "to erect," "to establish," or "to rebuild."
  • Significance: This verb is central to Nehemiah's mission. It denotes the physical construction but also symbolically the rebuilding of the community, its security, and its identity in God. The repeated use throughout chapter 3 underscores the tangible, laborious effort involved and the collective act of establishing a secure future for Jerusalem.

• and next to them (וְעַל־יָדוֹ – və-al-yadow):

  • Word: Another instance of "al-yadow," connecting the work of Zaccur immediately after the men of Jericho.
  • Significance: Reinforces the "assembly-line" approach of the construction. It shows a continuous line of responsibility and a meticulously planned project where groups worked sequentially along the wall's perimeter.

• Zaccur the son of Imri (זַכּוּר בֶּן־אִמְרִי – Zakur ben-Imri):

  • Word: A specific individual, identified by his father’s name.
  • Original Context & Literary Details: Naming specific individuals and their lineage (patronymics like "son of Imri") was a common practice in biblical lists. This precision gives authenticity and demonstrates personal accountability. Zaccur (meaning "remembered") might have been a family head or a guild leader. This personal detail shows that responsibility was assigned down to individual families or smaller groups, indicating organized, localized effort rather than mass, undifferentiated labor. It grounds the historical account in specific contributions.
  • Significance: The inclusion of an individual’s name, contrasted with a group name, indicates the diverse forms of leadership and contribution within the project. It highlights both individual accountability and specific leadership roles in the shared task, making the historical record tangible and personal.

Nehemiah 3 2 Bonus section

• The detail of listing builders "next to him" creates a vivid mental map of the progress of the wall, emphasizing the logistical precision and strategic planning inherent in Nehemiah's approach.
• This verse, like many others in Nehemiah 3, serves as a testament to the concept of "many hands make light work" (though the work was undoubtedly still arduous). It provides a concrete example of community resilience and rebuilding after catastrophe.
• The meticulous cataloging of individuals and groups contributes to the historical veracity of the book, presenting a detailed snapshot of the social and economic fabric of the post-exilic Jewish community engaged in this monumental task. It highlights the importance of individual contribution in collective spiritual and civic endeavors.

Nehemiah 3 2 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:2, though brief, is foundational to understanding the wall-rebuilding project. It showcases Nehemiah's leadership in orchestrating a highly organized effort where diverse groups—from nearby towns like Jericho to specific families under named individuals like Zaccur—worked side by side on adjacent wall sections. This methodical, contiguous approach minimized gaps and ensured the entire perimeter was addressed. The involvement of "men of Jericho," a city distant from Jerusalem, underscores the national, united front against the external threats and internal despair. It portrays a unified people driven by a common divine purpose, each contributing their part ("built," "next to him"), illustrating that significant community objectives are achieved through individual commitment and collaborative labor rather than by single heroic efforts. This verse implicitly contrasts with prior periods of apathy or disjointed effort, celebrating a renewed spirit of cooperation for Jerusalem's restoration.