Nehemiah 3 29

Nehemiah 3:29 kjv

After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

Nehemiah 3:29 nkjv

After them Zadok the son of Immer made repairs in front of his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, made repairs.

Nehemiah 3:29 niv

Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house. Next to him, Shemaiah son of Shekaniah, the guard at the East Gate, made repairs.

Nehemiah 3:29 esv

After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired opposite his own house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, repaired.

Nehemiah 3:29 nlt

Next Zadok son of Immer also rebuilt the wall across from his own house, and beyond him was Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, the gatekeeper of the East Gate.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 29 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:29 details the work of Zadok son of Immer, a priest, who repaired a section of the Jerusalem wall opposite his own dwelling. Following him, Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, who was the gatekeeper of the vital East Gate, also contributed to the wall's restoration. This verse records specific contributions to the overall rebuilding effort.

Nehemiah 3 29 Context

Nehemiah Chapter 3 systematically documents the reconstruction of the walls of Jerusalem, listing each section and the individuals, families, or groups responsible for its repair. It details a communal and highly organized effort, starting from the Sheep Gate and moving counter-clockwise around the city. This precise record highlights that everyone, from priests to goldsmiths to women, contributed their specific skills and efforts to the massive project. Verse 29 specifically focuses on two more individuals who were responsible for repairing specific parts of the wall, emphasizing the continuity of work along the extensive perimeter and the involvement of those associated with sacred service near the temple area. The overall context is one of unified purpose, diligent labor, and divinely enabled restoration of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile.

Nehemiah 3 29 Word analysis

• Zadok (צדוק, Tsadowq): Meaning "righteous." This is a priestly name, likely referring to a descendant of the priestly line of Zadok who served King David. His involvement indicates that religious leaders were directly engaged in the physical, laborious task of rebuilding, not merely overseeing from a distance. It highlights hands-on commitment.
• Immer (אִמֶּר, Immer): A specific priestly family or division mentioned in biblical texts (e.g., 1 Chr 24:14). Identifying Zadok as "son of Immer" further solidifies his priestly identity and emphasizes the contribution of specific priestly families to the restoration work.
• repaired (הֶחֱזִיק, hechĕzîq): From the root חזק (chazaq), meaning "to be strong," "strengthen," "grasp," "repair," "make firm." This term suggests a vigorous, thorough restoration that not only fixes but fortifies the wall, making it structurally sound and secure. It implies more than superficial mending.
• opposite his own house (נֶגֶד בֵּיתוֹ, neged bêyto): This phrase signifies direct, localized responsibility. Individuals were often assigned the section of the wall closest to their homes, implying personal investment, immediate benefit (security for their own family), and the convenience of working near where they lived. It illustrates the principle of beginning reform or rebuilding right at one's doorstep. This personal proximity motivated greater diligence.
• Shemaiah (שְׁמַעְיָה, Shəma'yah): Meaning "Yahweh has heard." A common Hebrew name borne by many individuals in the Old Testament. Here, identified by his role, not necessarily his family lineage, underscoring the importance of functional contribution.
• Shecaniah (שְׁכַנְיָה, Shəkhanyah): Meaning "Yahweh has dwelt." This further identifies Shemaiah's family.
• keeper of the East Gate (שׁוֹמֵר שַׁעַר הַמִּזְרָח, shomer sha'ar ha-mizrach):
  • keeper (שׁוֹמֵר, shomer): Refers to a watchman, guard, or one entrusted with protection and oversight. In the context of the temple or gates, these were often Levitical positions (e.g., 1 Chr 9:17). This indicates his official, responsible role beyond simply being an inhabitant.
  • East Gate (שַׁעַר הַמִּזְרָח, sha'ar ha-mizrach): This was a strategically and spiritually significant gate. It was the gate of the Temple area facing eastward, traditionally associated with the rising sun. In Ezekiel's vision, the glory of the Lord entered the temple through the East Gate (Ezek 43:1-2), and it was later sealed, to be opened only for the coming prince (Ezek 44:1-3). Its repair by its "keeper" underscored its spiritual and eschatological importance and the diligence required for its maintenance and security.

Words-group analysis:

• "Zadok son of Immer repaired opposite his own house": This phrase exemplifies the comprehensive participation, even of priestly figures. It highlights a pragmatic and personal approach to the rebuilding; by repairing the section closest to one's home, it instilled a sense of direct ownership and immediate protective benefit. This wasn't merely civic duty, but personal stake.
• "Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, repaired": This indicates not only the involvement of various professionals but also the crucial significance of the East Gate. The keeper's direct involvement underscores the spiritual and administrative importance of the gate, especially its proximity and connection to the Temple precincts. This also signifies continuity of roles – those who kept watch also took part in strengthening their posts.

Nehemiah 3 29 Bonus section

• The precise, detailed record-keeping in Nehemiah 3, listing individual contributors and their specific sections, underscores the meticulous providence of God in overseeing the restoration work. No effort, however small or seemingly ordinary, went unnoticed or unrecorded in the divine plan.
• The emphasis on diverse social roles (priests, gatekeepers, common citizens, even women are mentioned elsewhere in the chapter) all contributing to the same goal is a powerful testament to the unity required for fulfilling God's collective purposes.
• The phrase "opposite his own house" spiritually encourages believers to focus on stewardship within their own immediate spheres of influence – their family, local church, or neighborhood – before attempting broader impact. Strengthening one's own "spiritual household" is foundational.

Nehemiah 3 29 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:29 is a meticulous detail within a grand narrative of corporate restoration. It showcases that God's work involves diverse people fulfilling specific tasks in harmony. Zadok's participation signifies that priestly duties extend beyond spiritual instruction to tangible service, even manual labor, for the community's well-being and God's glory. Working "opposite his own house" illustrates the principle of beginning "charity at home"—addressing one's immediate sphere of responsibility with diligence.

Shemaiah, as "keeper of the East Gate," highlights the involvement of those with specific vocational responsibilities related to the sacred precincts. The East Gate held deep spiritual significance as the portal for God's glory and a focal point of future Messianic hope. His act of repair ensures not only physical security but also reinforces spiritual vigilance and readiness for the Lord's future comings. Together, these two individuals represent the dedication from religious leadership and specialized temple functionaries. The verse reminds believers that every effort, regardless of perceived status or proximity, contributes meaningfully to God's kingdom, strengthening His house and preparing for His purposes.