Nehemiah 3 23

Nehemiah 3:23 kjv

After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.

Nehemiah 3:23 nkjv

After him Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs by his house.

Nehemiah 3:23 niv

Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs in front of their house; and next to them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house.

Nehemiah 3:23 esv

After them Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah repaired beside his own house.

Nehemiah 3:23 nlt

After them, Benjamin and Hasshub repaired the section across from their house, and Azariah son of Maaseiah and grandson of Ananiah repaired the section across from his house.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 23 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:23 details specific portions of the wall of Jerusalem rebuilt by different individuals. It notes that Benjamin and Hasshub repaired the section opposite their own dwelling, emphasizing personal investment and proximity. Following them, Azariah son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah, restored the wall beside his house, continuing the theme of individual responsibility for the immediate vicinity. This verse highlights the methodical division of labor and the widespread participation of the community in the immense task of reconstructing the city's defenses.

Nehemiah 3 23 Context

Nehemiah chapter 3 is a highly detailed, methodical account of the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem following the return from exile. Each verse specifies which individual or group repaired a particular section of the wall, often noting their family, profession, or place of residence, and the specific gates or towers they worked near. The overarching context is the concerted effort by the Jewish community, led by Nehemiah, to re-establish the physical defenses of their holy city, which was crucial for their security and identity. This verse, Nehemiah 3:23, fits into this meticulous inventory, demonstrating the distributed labor model where people often worked on the section closest to their own homes or neighborhoods. This pragmatic approach ensured greater diligence, personal investment, and efficient organization of the enormous task.

Nehemiah 3 23 Word analysis

• Next to them (אַחֲרֵיהֶם - `acharêhem`): Literally "after them" or "behind them." This phrase is used repeatedly throughout Nehemiah 3, signifying a continuous, organized succession of repair groups working along the wall. It highlights the structured, section-by-section approach to rebuilding, indicating orderly progress rather than random effort.
• Benjamin (בִּנְיָמִן - `Binyamin`): A personal name, likely an ordinary citizen. The inclusion of personal names validates the historical account and underscores that the burden of rebuilding was borne by various individuals, not just high officials or priests. Benjamin means "son of my right hand."
• and Hasshub (וְחַשּׁוּב - `vəChashshuv`): Another personal name, listed alongside Benjamin. Like Benjamin, Hasshub (meaning "regarded" or "considerate") points to the wide involvement of individuals. Their paired mention suggests they either worked together or were neighboring in their assigned section.
• repaired (הֶחֱזִיק - `hechezīq`): From the root `chazaq`, meaning "to strengthen," "to grasp," "to hold fast." It's more than just simple repair; it implies fortifying, reinforcing, and making durable. This verb highlights the quality of work required for the defensive wall, emphasizing strength and permanence. It speaks to establishing security.
• opposite their house (נֶגֶד בֵּיתָם - `neged bêytam`): `Neged` means "opposite," "in front of," or "before." `Bêtam` means "their house." This phrase specifies the location of their work directly across from, or adjacent to, their residences. This practical arrangement would have provided a strong motivation to build well, as their own safety and property were directly linked to the strength of that section of the wall. It shows personal stake and a localized sense of responsibility.
• Azariah (עֲזַרְיָה - `Azaryah`): Another personal name. Meaning "Yahweh has helped," a common and significant name in the Old Testament, suggesting divine assistance was recognized in their efforts.
• son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah (בֶּן מַעֲשֵׂיָה בֶּן עֲנַנְיָה - `ben Ma'aseyah ben 'Ananyah`): Providing a patronymic (father's and grandfather's names) further identifies Azariah specifically, reinforcing the historical authenticity and precise nature of the record. `Maaseiah` means "work of Yahweh," and `Ananiah` means "Yahweh has covered" or "cloud of Yahweh."
• beside his own house (נֶגֶד בֵּיתוֹ - `neged bêytô`): Again, `neged` with `bêtô` (his house). This reiterates the principle observed with Benjamin and Hasshub, showing it was a widespread practice to assign work according to residential proximity. This principle ensures greater commitment, vigilance, and quality control as people protected what was personally valuable.

Words-group analysis:

• "Next to them Benjamin and Hasshub repaired opposite their house." This grouping immediately establishes the methodical progress ("next to them") and highlights individual or small group responsibility coupled with a highly pragmatic and self-motivated work assignment ("opposite their house"). It paints a picture of communal effort fueled by personal stake.
• "Next to them Azariah son of Maaseiah, son of Ananiah, repaired beside his own house." This parallel structure emphasizes the continuation of the organized labor. The detailed lineage given for Azariah adds a layer of specificity and personal identity to the broader communal effort. The repetition of the principle "beside his own house" confirms this was a consistent strategy throughout the rebuilding, illustrating the careful planning and allocation of tasks to ensure maximum dedication. This entire phrase reinforces the theme of decentralized responsibility within a unified project.

Nehemiah 3 23 Bonus section

The repetitive listing of "next to them" throughout Nehemiah 3 serves not just as a record of progress but also subtly communicates the unity and solidarity of the people despite the division of labor. Each section, repaired by different hands, seamlessly joined the next, forming a cohesive defense. This reflects a significant triumph over internal dissent and external opposition (as detailed in later chapters). The specific naming of individuals like Benjamin, Hasshub, and Azariah also counters the common historical tendency to focus only on leaders; it underscores that God sees and values the contribution of every individual in His work. It illustrates a principle of divine providence: God's grand plans often come to fruition through the faithful, incremental efforts of ordinary people committed to their specific assignments.

Nehemiah 3 23 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:23 provides a snapshot of the meticulous organization behind Jerusalem's rebuilding. It showcases how personal ownership and communal effort coalesced to achieve a monumental task. The strategy of having individuals "repair opposite their house" was remarkably shrewd; it tapped into a powerful, inherent motivation for excellence and diligence because people were directly securing their own property and family. This detail underscores that God uses practical methods and motivated individuals to fulfill His purposes. It's a testament to the importance of every participant's specific contribution, no matter how seemingly small, within a larger, divinely-appointed mission. This systematic approach, leveraging local accountability, fostered deep commitment and efficiency, demonstrating how distributed leadership and ownership lead to successful outcomes.