Nehemiah 3 31

Nehemiah 3:31 kjv

After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.

Nehemiah 3:31 nkjv

After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the Nethinim and of the merchants, in front of the Miphkad Gate, and as far as the upper room at the corner.

Nehemiah 3:31 niv

Next to him, Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, opposite the Inspection Gate, and as far as the room above the corner;

Nehemiah 3:31 esv

After him Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired as far as the house of the temple servants and of the merchants, opposite the Muster Gate, and to the upper chamber of the corner.

Nehemiah 3:31 nlt

Malkijah, one of the goldsmiths, repaired the wall as far as the housing for the Temple servants and merchants, across from the Inspection Gate. Then he continued as far as the upper room at the corner.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 31 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:31 details a specific section of the wall of Jerusalem rebuilt by Malchijah, one of the goldsmiths. It highlights the collaborative effort of various community members, including skilled artisans like goldsmiths, and mentions locations pertinent to the returning exiles' daily life, such as the area near the Nethinim and merchants' dwellings and a significant point like the Gate of Miphkad. This verse underscores the meticulous and comprehensive nature of the reconstruction project, showing how individual contributions, no matter their societal role, were vital to restoring the city's physical and spiritual boundaries.

Nehemiah 3 31 Context

Nehemiah chapter 3 provides a meticulously detailed record of the reconstruction of Jerusalem's city wall, section by section. Following Nehemiah's initial assessment of the broken-down wall (Neh 2), this chapter lists the specific individuals and groups responsible for each segment, showcasing a remarkable unity and collaborative effort. Each name represents a willing heart dedicated to restoring God's city and the security of His people. The repairs proceeded methodically around the entire wall, with various individuals, families, guilds, and district officials working "next to" or "opposite" one another, emphasizing community-wide participation. Nehemiah 3:31 fits within this systematic catalog, specifically noting a segment repaired by a skilled artisan near areas of administrative, commercial, and religious significance. The work of rebuilding the physical wall was symbolic of restoring the community's identity, security, and worship, under divine guidance.

Nehemiah 3 31 Word analysis

• After him (אַֽחֲרָ֣יו / ’acharăw): Indicates the precise, sequential nature of the wall repair assignments, showing that the work progressed from one designated section to the next without gaps. This phrase highlights the organized, contiguous effort around the city.
• Malchijah (מַלְכִּיָּה֙ / malkiyyâ): Hebrew for "My King is Yah" (Yahweh). This personal name signifies faith and loyalty to God, which is fitting for someone involved in the sacred task of rebuilding Jerusalem. The specific naming of individuals throughout Neh 3 emphasizes personal accountability and divine recognition of each contributor.
• one of the goldsmiths (מִן־הַצּ֣וֹרְפִ֔ים / min-haṣṣôrp̄îm): "Goldsmiths" (צֹרֵף / tsoreph) means "refiner" or "smelter," implying highly skilled artisans who work with precious metals. Their inclusion highlights that diverse skilled professionals contributed to the wall-building. This profession typically involved a meticulous attention to detail and handling valuable materials, suggesting quality work for the wall. It also indicates that financial stability was returning to the city to support such crafts, or perhaps that their skills in fine construction were transferable.
• repaired (הֶחֱזִ֖יק / ḥeḥĕzîq): The verb "chazaq" means "to strengthen," "to hold firm," "to seize," or "to repair." In this context, it emphasizes not just fixing but making the wall strong, stable, and secure. It implies an active, intentional, and vigorous effort in the construction.
• as far as (עַד־ / ‘ad-): This preposition indicates the extent or boundary of the specific section of wall repaired by Malchijah and his team. It signifies a clear delineation of responsibility and a comprehensive completion of their assigned portion.
• the house of the Nethinim (בֵית־הַנְּתִינִ֖ים / bêṯ-hannedînîm): The "Nethinim" (נְתִינִים / netînîm) means "the given ones," referring to temple servants, often non-Israelite in origin (like the Gibeonites, Josh 9), who were dedicated to menial service in the Tabernacle and Temple (Ezra 8:20, Neh 7:60). Their proximity to the wall signifies their residency within Jerusalem and highlights that even those in less prominent roles lived securely within the rebuilt city.
• and of the merchants (וְהָרֹכְלִ֑ים / wəhārōḵəlîm): "Merchants" (רֹכֵל / rochel) denotes "traders" or "peddlers." This shows that commercial activity and an economic sector were returning to Jerusalem. Their houses being near the wall segment indicates that this area likely had both residential and commercial importance, or that their particular trade involved goods requiring secure storage near the gates for transaction.
• opposite the Gate of Miphkad (נֶ֚גֶד שַׁ֣עַר הַמִּפְקָ֔ד / neḡeḏ ša‘ar hammippqāḏ):
  • Opposite (נֶגֶד / neghed): Implies direct alignment or across from, indicating the precise location of their work in relation to a key city entrance.
  • Gate of Miphkad (שַׁ֣עַר הַמִּפְקָ֔ד / Sha'ar haMiphqad): "Miphkad" (מִפְקָד / miphqāḏ) literally means "mustering," "appointing," "visiting," or "inspection." This gate was likely used for military reviews, a census, or judicial proceedings, indicating a place of authority, oversight, or accountability within the city. Its importance suggests this section of the wall was highly critical to the city's defense and administration.
• and as far as the upper chamber of the corner (וְעַד־עֲלִיַּ֖ת הַפִּנָּֽה / wə‘aḏ-‘ăliyyaṯ happinnâ):
  • Upper chamber (עֲלִיָּה / ‘aliyya): Refers to a room or structure at a higher elevation, possibly part of a fortified tower or lookout point.
  • of the corner (הַפִּנָּה / happinnâ): "Corner" signifies a significant turning point in the wall, often a fortified or strategically important part of the city's defenses. Reaching this point implies completion of a distinct and important section, potentially a junction with another repaired segment, indicating the wall was securely joined and reinforced at critical angles.

Nehemiah 3 31 Bonus section

• Goldsmiths as examples: The fact that skilled artisans like goldsmiths participated, even leading sections of the wall building (compare to Malchijah the goldsmith also being involved in Neh 3:12), speaks to a dedication beyond their primary craft. It shows a commitment to the communal good, valuing the security of Jerusalem above purely personal profit or comfort. Such professionals may have brought expertise in precision work or access to resources helpful for the construction.
• The Significance of Gates: Gates in biblical cities were not merely entrances; they were vital centers of economic, judicial, and social activity (e.g., Ruth 4:1-11, Job 29:7, Amos 5:10). Repairing a section opposite the "Gate of Miphkad" emphasizes securing not just physical access but also the heart of the city's public life and governmental functions.
• God's Sovereignty in Labor: The entire list in Nehemiah 3 demonstrates God's providential orchestration, moving the hearts of various people from all walks of life—priests, rulers, perfumers, goldsmiths, women, even distant villagers—to contribute to His restoration work, emphasizing that no task for His kingdom is insignificant.

Nehemiah 3 31 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:31, though brief, provides profound insight into the meticulous and communal nature of the post-exilic wall rebuilding project. Malchijah, identified as a goldsmith, epitomizes the contribution of skilled laborers. The specific mention of goldsmiths is significant: it suggests not only a dedication of their valuable trade skills but also their leadership capacity within the reconstruction, perhaps because their workshops were well-established or because they represented a guild contributing financially and physically. The extent of their repair, reaching the "house of the Nethinim and of the merchants" and opposite the "Gate of Miphkad," reveals the comprehensive approach to the city's security. This meant securing the dwellings of diverse inhabitants—from the temple servants (Nethinim), traditionally considered foreign but vital to sacred service, to the merchants who facilitated the city's economy—and strengthening points of administrative or judicial importance like the Gate of Miphkad. The repair extending "as far as the upper chamber of the corner" highlights that fortifications were not only horizontal but included critical elevated points and structural turns. This verse, like the rest of chapter 3, is a testament to the fact that God uses every person, from high priests to craftsmen and even non-Israelite temple servants, in the restoration of His people and purposes. It reflects diligence, organization, and a unified vision in bringing security and order to Jerusalem.