Nehemiah 3 30

Nehemiah 3:30 kjv

After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

Nehemiah 3:30 nkjv

After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah made repairs in front of his dwelling.

Nehemiah 3:30 niv

Next to him, Hananiah son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. Next to them, Meshullam son of Berekiah made repairs opposite his living quarters.

Nehemiah 3:30 esv

After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber.

Nehemiah 3:30 nlt

Next Hananiah son of Shelemiah and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section, while Meshullam son of Berekiah rebuilt the wall across from where he lived.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 30 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:30 describes the continued, meticulous effort in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. It highlights Hananiah, son of Shelemiah, and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, who repaired an "another section" of the wall. Following them, Meshullam, the son of Berechiah, took responsibility for repairing the section "opposite his chamber." This verse emphasizes the communal commitment, the systematic division of labor, and the personal investment of individuals in the daunting task of restoration.

Nehemiah 3 30 Context

This verse is part of Nehemiah chapter 3, which is a meticulous record of the various individuals and groups responsible for rebuilding specific sections of Jerusalem's city wall. The entire chapter lists the order and participants in this monumental undertaking. Nehemiah 3:30 specifically details contributions from Hananiah and Hanun, followed by Meshullam. The mention of "another section" and "opposite his chamber" signifies a systematic and precise division of labor, ensuring every part of the wall was addressed.

Historically, this event occurs during the post-exilic period (mid-5th century BC) under the Persian King Artaxerxes I. The Jews, led by Nehemiah, had returned from Babylonian exile to a desolate Jerusalem with a breached wall. Rebuilding the wall was crucial for the city's defense, its identity as a covenant people, and for restoring a sense of order and dignity to the returned exiles. The detailed list of builders reflects Nehemiah's leadership in mobilizing the entire community for a common purpose, illustrating that a monumental task required collective effort and specific, localized responsibilities.

Nehemiah 3 30 Word analysis

• After him (אַחֲרָיו - 'acharayw): This phrase, repeated throughout Nehemiah 3, serves as a literary device to create a contiguous flow, marking the progress along the wall. It highlights a linear and organized succession of work sections, demonstrating strategic planning and coordination rather than chaotic individual efforts. It points to a systematic division of labor and efficient project management under Nehemiah's leadership.

• Hananiah (חֲנַנְיָה - Hananyah): Meaning "Yahweh is gracious" or "Grace of Yahweh." This name, common in the Old Testament, points to an individual whose very name echoed the divine grace that was evident in the entire restoration project. His participation reinforces that God used individuals who walked by His grace.

• Shelemiah (שֶׁלֶמְיָה - Shelemyah): Meaning "Yahweh has repaid" or "Yahweh is recompense." Like his son Hananiah, the name carries a theological overtone, implying divine faithfulness and completion, fitting the context of restoration.

• Hanun (חָנוּן - Hanun): Meaning "gracious" or "compassionate." He is further identified as "the sixth son of Zalaph," indicating precise record-keeping by Nehemiah's scribes, underscoring the authenticity and detail of the account. This specific lineage indicates a family contribution to the monumental work.

• repaired (הֶחֱזִיק - hechziq): This verb is in the Hiphil stem, which denotes causing something to be done, or performing an action intensively. It means "to strengthen, to take hold firmly, to repair, to make firm." It's not just passively rebuilding, but actively reinforcing and making the damaged structure secure, reflecting diligent and substantial work on their section. This emphasizes not just reconstruction but reinforcement of an existing broken structure.

• another section (מִדָּה שֵׁנִית - middah shenit): Literally "second measure" or "second portion." This implies that the section worked on by Hananiah and Hanun was a distinct, perhaps adjacent, part of the wall, possibly following their initial assignment or a subsequent work phase. It underscores the precision and segmentation of the project, with clearly defined responsibilities to avoid overlaps or neglected areas.

• Meshullam (מְשֻׁלָּם - Meshullam): Meaning "paid, complete, or friendly." This name appears frequently in post-exilic books and often identifies individuals in priestly or Levitical families (e.g., Ezra 8:16; Neh 10:20). His participation points to the involvement of various segments of society, including those with religious duties.

• Berechiah (בֶּרֶכְיָה - Berekhyah): Meaning "Yahweh blesses" or "blessed by Yahweh." The consistent recurrence of divine names within the builders' names highlights the providential hand of God throughout the restoration work and the faith of those involved.

• opposite his chamber (נֶגֶד לִשְׁכָּתוֹ - neged lishkato): This specific detail is profoundly significant. Lishkah (chamber) often refers to a room within a temple complex, a gatehouse, or even a private residence. Assigning individuals the task of repairing the section directly across from their living quarters or place of work provided a strong personal incentive and sense of ownership. It ensured diligence because they were protecting their immediate environment and property. If Meshullam was a Temple official, this further signifies the involvement of Temple personnel in the defense of the city, highlighting a practical union between the sacred and the civil.

• Words-group Analysis

  • "Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another section.": This group highlights the combination of identified individuals—one by lineage and another with precise family designation—undertaking a specific and measured portion of the work. It underscores communal contribution from named, distinct entities.
  • "After him, Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired opposite his chamber.": This segment emphasizes continuity and the unique, personalized responsibility of Meshullam. The phrase "opposite his chamber" reflects a pragmatic and highly effective method of task assignment, fostering maximum care and vigilance because the repaired section directly impacted the individual's safety and well-being. This arrangement likely motivated extra diligence and swift completion.

Nehemiah 3 30 Bonus section

• The thorough listing of names and sections in Nehemiah 3 underscores the principle that great achievements for God's kingdom are often the result of many individuals performing their specific, designated parts with faithfulness, rather than a few prominent figures doing everything.
• The fact that common citizens, and not just skilled craftsmen, were involved and named in the rebuilding highlights the democratic nature of participation and the unity of purpose among the post-exilic Jewish community. Everyone had a vital role.
• The repetitive phrase "after him" (or "next to him") suggests not just sequence, but physical contiguity of work sections, forming a complete circuit of repair around the city without gaps. This ensured comprehensive restoration and collective defense.
• The Wall project in Nehemiah is a powerful biblical narrative of corporate vision and collaborative execution in the face of significant external opposition (Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem) and internal challenges, exemplifying leadership that empowers and organizes a diverse community for a unified God-given purpose.

Nehemiah 3 30 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:30 serves as another stroke in the detailed mosaic of the wall's reconstruction, painting a picture of focused effort and organized communal labor. It underlines the principles of succession ("After him"), specific individual accountability, and task delegation ("another section," "opposite his chamber"). The names, each bearing a connection to "Yahweh," subtly affirm God's gracious presence and blessing upon the project, highlighting that the work was done by people whom God empowered.

The phrase "opposite his chamber" is particularly noteworthy. It illustrates a wise leadership strategy where personal vested interest converged with the common good. Builders were often responsible for the wall segment nearest their homes or workplaces. This maximized efficiency, as they had an immediate and personal stake in the quality and speed of their work, recognizing that securing their own chamber meant contributing to the security of the entire city. This pragmatic approach fostered a deep sense of ownership and collective responsibility. It speaks volumes about the detailed and personal involvement required for major endeavors in faith. This is applicable to Christians today, who are called to contribute to the spiritual building of God's kingdom and their local church community, starting with diligence in their "sphere of influence" – their homes, families, workplaces, and local outreach, understanding that their faithful contribution, however small it may seem, adds to the strength and integrity of the greater Body of Christ.