Nehemiah 3 28

Nehemiah 3:28 kjv

From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.

Nehemiah 3:28 nkjv

Beyond the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house.

Nehemiah 3:28 niv

Above the Horse Gate, the priests made repairs, each in front of his own house.

Nehemiah 3:28 esv

Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired, each one opposite his own house.

Nehemiah 3:28 nlt

Above the Horse Gate, the priests repaired the wall. Each one repaired the section immediately across from his own house.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 28 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:28 details a specific segment of the wall repair: "Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired, each one opposite his own house." This verse illustrates diligent individual and collective effort, where spiritual leaders actively participate in the physical rebuilding of Jerusalem. It highlights a principle of responsibility, with each person contributing to the greater work by tending to the section closest to their own immediate dwelling.

Nehemiah 3 28 Context

Nehemiah Chapter 3 systematically details the reconstruction of Jerusalem's wall, describing each section and the groups, families, or individuals responsible for its repair. The chapter highlights a remarkable unified effort, organized counter-clockwise around the city. Nehemiah 3:28 falls within the section describing the wall east of the Temple, specifically above the Horse Gate. Historically, the Horse Gate (Sha'ar Ha-Susim) was likely situated on the east side of the city, possibly near the Ophel or southeast corner, connecting the Temple area or royal district with the Kidron Valley. Its name suggests its use for leading horses, perhaps from the king's stables or for cavalry, making it a point of access related to royal or military affairs. The involvement of "the priests" in this specific section is notable, indicating their personal commitment and diligence in the arduous task of rebuilding, particularly in a location vital for the restored city.

Nehemiah 3 28 Word analysis

• Word by word analysis

  • Above (מִמַּעַל - mimma'al): A preposition indicating elevated position or proximity from an upward perspective. It signifies a specific, assigned section directly situated "up from" or "over" the Horse Gate, demonstrating the precision in dividing labor.
  • Horse Gate (שַׁעַר הַסּוּסִים - Sha'ar Ha-Sûsîm): This specific gate, mentioned only here and in Jeremiah 31:40, denotes a key point of access and defense. The term "horses" (sûsîm) suggests its connection to equine traffic, possibly royal stables, military operations, or commerce related to horses. Its repair was vital for the city's infrastructure and defense.
  • the priests (הַכֹּהֲנִים - hak-kôhănîm): These were the spiritual leaders, Levites set apart for divine service, performing sacrificial rituals and teaching God's law. Their direct physical involvement in wall-building shatters any notion of spiritual duty being exclusively separated from practical labor. It underscores a holistic devotion to God's work, leading by example.
  • repaired (חִזְּקּוּ - ḥizzᵉqū): From the root ḥāzaq, meaning "to be strong, firm, hard; to strengthen, confirm, heal, make bold." This is the predominant verb throughout Nehemiah 3, signifying a dedicated effort not just to patch but to fortify, make secure, and rebuild effectively.
  • each one (אִישׁ אֶחָד - ʾîš ʾeḥāḏ): Literally "man, one" or "each man individually." This phrase emphasizes the singular responsibility and individual contribution of every priest involved, highlighting accountability within the collective effort.
  • opposite his own house (נֶגֶד בֵּיתוֹ - neḡeḏ bêtô): This phrase holds profound significance. Neḡeḏ means "in front of, opposite to, over against." This practical arrangement meant workers attended to the wall sections most directly affecting them. It speaks to diligence, self-interest aligning with communal benefit, and starting a grand task with personal, manageable increments. Priests often resided near the Temple precincts for ease of duty.

• Words-group by words-group analysis

  • "Above the Horse Gate the priests repaired": This highlights a precise geographical location and identifies the specific workforce. It conveys that even high-ranking spiritual officials engaged in tangible, physical labor on a strategically important segment of the city's defenses, signifying their total commitment to Jerusalem's restoration.
  • "each one opposite his own house": This key phrase embodies a core principle of efficient and dedicated labor. It demonstrates that the reconstruction effort was structured to leverage personal proximity and immediate self-interest for the common good. Individuals had direct motivation and oversight for the quality of their assigned portion, ensuring thoroughness and reducing the need for external supervision. It applies the concept of caring for one's sphere of influence to the wider community project.

Nehemiah 3 28 Bonus section

The specific assignment of the "priests" to the section "above the Horse Gate" is telling. Their residential quarters were often located near the Temple complex, and the Horse Gate was very close to this area. Therefore, repairing the wall opposite their own homes would have been a matter of both practical logistics and personal protection. This arrangement fostered immediate ownership and motivation, as their own security and the sanctity of their dwelling place were directly tied to the integrity of that particular wall segment. It underlines the concept of being "doers of the word" not only in spiritual matters but also in the tangible requirements of building God's city and people. This verse reflects the New Testament concept that all believers, as a "royal priesthood," have a role in building up the Body of Christ by exercising their gifts diligently within their spheres of influence.

Nehemiah 3 28 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:28 provides a concise yet powerful snapshot of communal devotion to a sacred task. The priests, typically associated with Temple service, are seen here laboring alongside others on the wall "above the Horse Gate," a crucial area near the Temple and potentially their homes. This illustrates several principles: the unity of the spiritual and practical, with sacred calling extending to civic responsibility; leadership by example, as those often viewed as exclusively devoted to religious rites also engaged in physical toil; and the effectiveness of distributed labor based on the "opposite his own house" model. This latter point teaches us to focus our efforts where we have the most direct influence and stake, knowing that the collective result of individual faithfulness leads to comprehensive restoration. It is a timeless message: significant work for the Kingdom is often accomplished not just through grand plans, but through diligent, focused efforts applied to one's immediate sphere.