Nehemiah 3:27 kjv
After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.
Nehemiah 3:27 nkjv
After them the Tekoites repaired another section, next to the great projecting tower, and as far as the wall of Ophel.
Nehemiah 3:27 niv
Next to them, the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from the great projecting tower to the wall of Ophel.
Nehemiah 3:27 esv
After him the Tekoites repaired another section opposite the great projecting tower as far as the wall of Ophel.
Nehemiah 3:27 nlt
Then came the people of Tekoa, who repaired another section across from the great projecting tower and over to the wall of Ophel.
Nehemiah 3 27 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Neh 3:5 | ...but their nobles would not stoop their necks to the work of their Lord. | Contrasts with the dedication of the Tekoites' people |
| Neh 4:6 | So we built the wall, and all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. | Illustrates the unified and eager spirit of the builders |
| Neh 2:18 | And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work. | Shows the initial determination and collective resolve |
| Neh 6:16 | ...all our enemies heard of it...they perceived that this work had been done with the help of our God. | Acknowledges divine assistance in the physical labor |
| Isa 58:12 | Your ancient ruins shall be rebuilt; you shall raise up the foundations of many generations; you shall be called the repairer of the breach... | Prophecy of spiritual and physical restoration, fulfilling God's promise |
| Zech 8:3 | Thus says the Lord: I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem, and Jerusalem shall be called the faithful city... | Highlights the re-establishment of Jerusalem's sanctity and importance |
| Ps 127:1 | Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. | Emphasizes the necessity of God's blessing and enablement in all work |
| Hag 1:8 | Go up to the hills and bring wood and build the house, that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the Lord. | Divine command and purpose behind physical construction for God's glory |
| Rom 12:4-5 | For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ... | Demonstrates unity and diverse contributions in communal service |
| 1 Cor 12:7 | To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. | Spiritual gifts for collective benefit in building God's kingdom |
| Eph 4:16 | ...from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly... | Underscores interconnectedness and corporate contribution in Christ's body |
| Col 3:23-24 | Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance... | Promotes diligence and doing work as unto the Lord, with eternal perspective |
| Phil 1:6 | And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. | Encourages perseverance and confidence in God's faithfulness to complete His work |
| Gal 6:9 | And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. | Urges persistence in righteous deeds, a reflection of the Tekoites' example |
| 2 Pet 1:5-8 | For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue, and virtue with knowledge, and knowledge with self-control...diligence. | Encourages diligent growth in Christian character and effective service |
| Ps 51:18 | Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem. | A prayerful plea for the rebuilding and restoration of Jerusalem's defenses |
| Jer 31:4 | Again I will build you, and you shall be built, O virgin Israel! Again you shall adorn yourself with tambourines... | God's promise of national rebuilding and joyous restoration |
| Matt 25:14-30 | The Parable of the Talents (focus on the diligent servants). | Illustrates reward for productive, diligent service versus sloth |
| Heb 12:1-2 | ...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith... | Calls for perseverance and steadfastness in the Christian life, enduring difficulties |
| Ezra 5:1 | Now Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo, the prophet, prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem, in the name of the God of Israel. | Prophetic encouragement for previous building efforts, showing God's command to build |
| Neh 3:1-32 | The entire chapter listing the builders. | Demonstrates the systematic and communal nature of the rebuilding effort |
| 1 Pet 4:10-11 | As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace... | Emphasizes using God-given abilities for mutual benefit within the community |
| Isa 62:6-7 | On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have set watchmen; all the day and all the night they shall never be silent... | Reflects God's perpetual care and desire for Jerusalem's safety and well-being |
Nehemiah 3 verses
Nehemiah 3 27 Meaning
The people from Tekoa, having already contributed to the wall's rebuilding, took on and diligently completed a second, significant segment of Jerusalem's defenses, specifically from a prominent, projecting tower to the strategically vital wall of Ophel, demonstrating extraordinary commitment and sustained effort.
Nehemiah 3 27 Context
This verse is part of Nehemiah chapter 3, which meticulously catalogs the builders and their specific sections of the rebuilt wall of Jerusalem. It highlights the collaborative and organized nature of the monumental task. Each gate and segment of the wall was assigned to various groups – priests, Levites, merchants, common citizens, and people from surrounding towns – who worked shoulder to shoulder. Historically, this effort took place around 444 BC, approximately 90 years after the initial return from Babylonian exile, under the vigilant leadership of Nehemiah, appointed by King Artaxerxes. The rebuilding of the city walls was crucial for the physical security and civic identity of the returned Jewish community, symbolizing their re-establishment as a distinct people under God's covenant, safeguarding their spiritual practices and future. The communal effort demonstrated unity and determination amidst constant threats and opposition, transforming a desolate ruin into a secure habitation once again.
Nehemiah 3 27 Word analysis
- After them (אחריהם - 'achareihem): This temporal and sequential marker connects the Tekoites' continued work to the previous group mentioned (perhaps indicating those working on adjacent sections), illustrating the coordinated and continuous progression of the massive rebuilding project.
- the Tekoites (התקועים - HaT'qo'im): Refers to the people from Tekoa, a town south of Bethlehem, famous for its association with the prophet Amos. Their re-appearance in this verse signifies an exceptional dedication, especially contrasting with their own nobles who "would not stoop their necks to the work of their Lord" (Neh 3:5). The ordinary Tekoites distinguish themselves by contributing significantly more than one section.
- repaired (החזיקו - hachăzîqu): From the root meaning "to strengthen," "to grasp," or "to hold fast." It implies a robust and diligent repair, reinforcing the structure effectively. This term conveys not just fixing but solidifying the wall for defensive strength, reflecting earnest effort and commitment.
- another section (מידה אחרת - midâh 'achéreth): Literally "another portion" or "measure." This highlights the Tekoites' extraordinary commitment. Unlike most groups assigned a single segment, they voluntarily undertook a second distinct and significant part of the wall, showcasing unparalleled zeal and devotion to the common task.
- from the great projecting tower (ממגדל הגדול היוצא - miMigg'dal Hag'dôl HaYôtsê'): Denotes a significant and prominent architectural feature of the wall. A "projecting tower" would jut out from the wall line, providing an enhanced defensive position, allowing defenders to shoot along the face of the wall. "The great" implies its large size or strategic importance, making its repair a substantial and critical task for Jerusalem's defense. This area likely faced south towards potential attackers.
- to the wall of Ophel (ועד חומת העופל - wə
aḏ Chômaṯ hāÔphel): The "Ophel" refers to the fortified southern spur of the Temple Mount, part of the ancient City of David. It was a crucial, strategically high ground adjacent to the Temple and royal precincts. Rebuilding its wall was vital for the security of the holiest areas of Jerusalem, reflecting not only military defense but spiritual protection of sacred spaces.
Nehemiah 3 27 Bonus section
The exemplary action of the Tekoites offers a timeless spiritual lesson: genuine commitment to God's kingdom work often means going "the second mile," offering more than what is strictly required or expected. It illustrates that spiritual rebuilding and growth in one's life or community require not just initial enthusiasm but sustained perseverance and a willingness to take on additional burdens, especially for vital, vulnerable areas (represented by the "great projecting tower" and "Ophel"). This dedication becomes a powerful witness to others, silently rebuking apathy and motivating shared effort, ultimately glorifying God through concrete, self-sacrificial service.
Nehemiah 3 27 Commentary
Nehemiah 3:27 singles out the Tekoites for their outstanding contribution to Jerusalem's wall rebuilding. Having already completed an initial segment, their willingness to repair "another section" speaks volumes about their extraordinary dedication, zeal, and tireless work ethic. This acts as a striking example of diligence in God's work, especially when juxtaposed with the recalcitrant nobles of Tekoa who shirked their duty (Neh 3:5). The particular section they worked on, from a "great projecting tower" to the "wall of Ophel," indicates a challenging and strategically crucial part of the city's defenses, closely safeguarding the Temple area and the royal quarter. The Tekoites exemplify selflessness and commitment beyond the required minimum, demonstrating that the success of God's communal projects often hinges on the willingness of ordinary people to invest extra effort, faithfully stewarding their strength and skills for the greater good of the community and the glory of God. Their action illustrates the principle of exceeding expectations in service, building securely for both physical safety and spiritual integrity.