Nehemiah 3 26

Nehemiah 3:26 kjv

Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.

Nehemiah 3:26 nkjv

Moreover the Nethinim who dwelt in Ophel made repairs as far as the place in front of the Water Gate toward the east, and on the projecting tower.

Nehemiah 3:26 niv

and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower.

Nehemiah 3:26 esv

and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower.

Nehemiah 3:26 nlt

with the Temple servants living on the hill of Ophel, who repaired the wall as far as a point across from the Water Gate to the east and the projecting tower.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 26 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:26 identifies the specific section of the wall rebuilt by the Nethinims, who were temple servants. They restored the portion extending from Ophel, a fortified part of Jerusalem, to the area opposite the Water Gate on the east, which included the prominent projecting tower. This verse details their assigned segment in the collective effort of reconstructing Jerusalem's defensive walls, highlighting the participation of even those in humble service to the temple.

Nehemiah 3 26 Context

Nehemiah chapter 3 systematically documents the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, section by section, listing the individuals and groups responsible for each portion. This meticulous record underscores the communal effort and divinely ordained work. Verse 26 falls within the description of the eastern and southern wall sections, following a sequence of workers and gate references. The historical context is post-exilic Jerusalem, a city in ruins, struggling to re-establish itself and its covenant identity. The returnees, led by figures like Nehemiah, were tasked with literal and spiritual restoration. The mention of the Nethinims rebuilding a specific and strategic section highlights that everyone, from priests to specialized workers and even servants, had a vital role in the holistic reconstruction of God's city, demonstrating a collective commitment under God's hand.

Nehemiah 3 26 Word analysis

• Moreover: This connective adverb ties the current group to the ongoing enumeration of wall-builders, indicating continuity and adding another significant participant.
• the Nethinims:
  • Hebrew: הַנְּתִינִים (ha-Nethinim).
  • Meaning: "The given ones" or "the appointed ones." These were temple servants, initially likely foreigners (e.g., Gibeonites from Jos 9:27, others captured in war or dedicated to service like from Ezra 8:20) who were assigned to assist the Levites in the sanctuary's work (e.g., hauling water, cutting wood, cleaning). They occupied a unique status within the Israelite community, fulfilling necessary, albeit subordinate, roles. Their inclusion in the wall-building effort underscores Nehemiah's leadership in mobilizing all segments of the community.
  • Significance: Their participation emphasizes that God's work requires every part of His people, regardless of social standing or traditional Israelite lineage, fostering unity in purpose (cf. 1 Cor 12:12-27). It contrasts with potential exclusivity and affirms that serving God means contributing in various ways.
• dwelt:
  • Hebrew: יָשְׁבוּ (yashvu).
  • Meaning: "They resided," "they lived." This indicates a resident community rather than merely a transient group.
  • Significance: Their residence in Ophel gave them a vested interest in that specific section of the wall, enhancing their commitment to its construction and defense. It suggests a settled presence and integration into Jerusalem's post-exilic society.
• in Ophel:
  • Hebrew: בָעֹפֶל (va-'Ophel).
  • Meaning: "In the mound," "in the hill." Ophel was a prominent, fortified hill or ridge, south of the Temple Mount and the City of David. It was an strategically vital, elevated section of Jerusalem's defenses, often considered an extension of the temple precinct.
  • Significance: Building on Ophel demonstrates the re-fortification of a key strategic area of the city, essential for its overall defense. It implies their responsibility for a particularly important section.
• unto the place over against the water gate:
  • Hebrew: עַד נֶגֶד שַׁעַר הַמַּיִם (`ad neged sha'ar ha-Mayim).
  • Meaning: "As far as the front of the Water Gate." This defines the extent of the wall segment they built. The Water Gate was crucial for accessing the Gihon Spring, the city's primary water source, essential for survival and ritual purification.
  • Significance: This precise geographical marker highlights the meticulous planning of Nehemiah and the practical importance of the water supply. It links their section to a critical resource, underscoring its functional significance for the entire community.
• toward the east:
  • Hebrew: לַמִּזְרָח (lam-mizraḥ).
  • Meaning: "To the east." This further clarifies the location of the Water Gate and thus the wall section.
  • Significance: This directional detail is important for tracing the complete circuit of the wall described in the chapter, indicating the easterly flow from Ophel. The east often holds symbolic significance in the Bible (e.g., garden of Eden, presence of God).
• and the tower that lieth out:
  • Hebrew: וְהַמִּגְדָּל הַיּוֹצֵא (wəha-Migdal ha-Yotze).
  • Meaning: "And the projecting tower" or "the tower that extends out." This refers to a defensive tower, possibly jutting out from the main wall for better visibility and flanking fire.
  • Significance: Towers were integral for observation and defense. Their restoration, particularly a projecting one, points to a robust defense strategy for Jerusalem. Its prominent nature highlights the importance of the section restored by the Nethinims, showcasing their significant contribution.

Words-Group by words-Group analysis:

• The Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: This phrase establishes the Nethinims as an integrated, residential part of Jerusalem's community, having a vested interest in the city's restoration. Their dwelling in the fortified Ophel hill suggests their assigned contribution to a vital area of the city. This signifies that every group, even the humblest servants, was committed and contributing to the security of the holy city.
• unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out: This describes the precise architectural segment for which the Nethinims were responsible. It indicates a significant and specific section of the wall, from a crucial water source (Water Gate) to a vital defensive structure (projecting tower), emphasizing the detail and importance of their labor. The direction "toward the east" helps visualize the reconstruction along Jerusalem's defensive perimeter. This also underscores the holistic nature of the rebuilding, addressing critical infrastructure (water, defense).

Nehemiah 3 26 Bonus section

• The Nethinims were an identifiable group throughout the exile and return (listed in Ezra 2 and Neh 7), indicating continuity of service and integration despite their non-Israelite origins. Their consistent inclusion in these post-exilic lists reinforces their recognized role within the covenant community.
• Ophel was historically connected to royal and temple areas. By having the Nethinims rebuild there, it further suggests their direct association with central religious functions and physical security of sacred spaces. King Jotham also built much on the wall of Ophel (2 Chr 27:3).
• The Water Gate becomes a site of spiritual significance later in Nehemiah, where Ezra reads the Law to the people (Neh 8). The Nethinims rebuilding near this gate symbolically connect their physical labor with the subsequent spiritual revival facilitated through the very area they fortified.
• The projecting tower (migdal hayotzei) could indicate a particularly vulnerable or strategically important point requiring enhanced defense, underscoring the vital nature of the Nethinims' contribution.

Nehemiah 3 26 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:26, though a seemingly minor detail in a list of builders, provides rich insights into the post-exilic community's restoration efforts. It prominently features the Nethinims, the often-overlooked temple servants. Their assignment to a crucial section of the wall—encompassing Ophel, the Water Gate, and a projecting tower—demonstrates their integration into Jerusalem's renewed social and defensive fabric. This highlights the principle of communal responsibility: that all members, irrespective of their social standing or typical roles, were vital contributors to God's work. The "Water Gate" also subtly hints at both physical sustenance and the spiritual purification brought by the Mosaic law read there (Neh 8). The restoration of a "tower that lieth out" speaks to a strengthened defense and vision for security. The verse ultimately affirms that in God's kingdom, every person has a specific place and essential contribution to make, transforming ruins into a protected community, foreshadowing the body of Christ where all parts are necessary for holistic function (Rom 12, 1 Cor 12).