Nehemiah 3 32

Nehemiah 3:32 kjv

And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

Nehemiah 3:32 nkjv

And between the upper room at the corner, as far as the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.

Nehemiah 3:32 niv

and between the room above the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and merchants made repairs.

Nehemiah 3:32 esv

And between the upper chamber of the corner and the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired.

Nehemiah 3:32 nlt

The other goldsmiths and merchants repaired the wall from that corner to the Sheep Gate.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 32 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:32 concludes the meticulous list of those who rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem. It details the final segment of repair, from "the upper chamber of the corner" to the "Sheep Gate," emphasizing the complete encirclement of the city wall. The repair was carried out by "the goldsmiths and the merchants," highlighting that the entire community, irrespective of their primary occupation or social standing, participated in the crucial work of restoration. This verse underscores the successful completion of a formidable communal undertaking, returning to the very starting point of the description in Nehemiah 3:1.

Nehemiah 3 32 Context

Nehemiah chapter 3 provides a detailed account of the massive rebuilding effort of Jerusalem's city walls. Each verse describes specific sections of the wall and identifies the various groups, families, and individuals responsible for repairing them. The chapter highlights a communal and organized effort, beginning at the Sheep Gate (Neh 3:1), which was also the point of entry for sacrificial animals into the Temple area, emphasizing both the spiritual and physical restoration of Jerusalem. The work proceeded section by section around the entire perimeter of the city, moving through various gates and towers, listing specific names of leaders, priests, artisans, and ordinary citizens, and even residents from distant towns who came to help. Nehemiah 3:32 brings the narrative to a complete circle, returning to the proximity of the Sheep Gate. Historically, this effort took place during the post-exilic period, under Persian rule, a time when the returned Jewish exiles were struggling to re-establish their identity and security in their homeland. The completion of the wall symbolized their renewed commitment to God, their unity as a people, and a measure of self-defense against surrounding adversaries who had opposed their return and rebuilding efforts.

Nehemiah 3 32 Word analysis

• And between (וּבֵין - uveyin): This Hebrew preposition signifies "between" or "among," denoting a spatial segment. Its placement at the beginning connects this final section of repair directly to the preceding descriptions, indicating a seamless completion of the circuit.
• the upper chamber of the corner (עֲלִיַּת הַפִּנָּה - aliyath happinnah):
  • upper chamber (עֲלִיַּת - aliyath): Refers to a roof chamber or upper room. In this architectural context, it likely refers to a defensive tower or a elevated watch post at a strategic corner of the wall. Such structures were vital for the city's defense, offering commanding views and enhanced protection.
  • of the corner (הַפִּנָּה - happinnah): Indicates a prominent angle or turning point in the city wall, often a fortified location. A corner implies stability and strategic importance for the entire structure. Symbolically, a cornerstone is a vital foundational piece, a concept found in various scriptures referring to Christ (Eph 2:20).
• and the Sheep Gate (וְעַד שַׁעַר הַצֹּאן - ve'ad sha'ar hatzôn):
  • and (וְעַד - ve'ad): Means "and until," showing the end point of the repaired segment.
  • the Sheep Gate (שַׁעַר הַצֹּאן - sha'ar hatzôn): This specific gate, mentioned first in Neh 3:1, was significant as the likely entrance for sheep destined for sacrifice at the Temple. Its appearance at the beginning and end of chapter 3 emphasizes that the entire wall, representing the perimeter of the city and its sacred space, was fully repaired. It links the physical security to the spiritual function of Jerusalem. The symbolic "Sheep Gate" can also evoke themes related to Christ as the good shepherd and the "door" for the sheep (John 10:7, 9).
• the goldsmiths (הַצָּרְפִים - hatzsorĕphim): These were skilled artisans who worked with precious metals. Their involvement underscores the communal nature of the rebuilding effort; not only were professional builders, priests, and city officials engaged, but also those with specialized, non-construction related crafts. Their presence signifies that all levels and skills of society were dedicated to this task, potentially bringing a high degree of precision to their work.
• and the merchants (וְהַסֹּחְרִים - vehassokhriim): Those involved in trade and commerce. Like the goldsmiths, their participation highlights the broad unity among different economic sectors of society. This shows a deep civic and spiritual commitment where commercial pursuits were set aside for the common good and God's glory, demonstrating a collective dedication that transcended personal or professional boundaries.
• did the repair (הֶחֱזִיקוּ - hekhezîqu): From the Hebrew root חָזַק (chazaq), meaning "to be strong," "to seize," "to reinforce," or "to repair" (as used repeatedly in this chapter). It implies not just superficial mending but a robust, steadfast effort to strengthen and restore the wall. This verb communicates diligence, commitment, and effective work.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And between the upper chamber of the corner and the Sheep Gate": This phrase precisely delineates the final stretch of the wall to be repaired, effectively completing the circuit described in the entire chapter. The architectural points — a strategic corner/tower and the Sheep Gate — frame the accomplishment. The "Sheep Gate" serving as both the initial and final reference point emphasizes the totality and thoroughness of the rebuilding project.
• "the goldsmiths and the merchants": This grouping illustrates the diverse social and professional strata united in the restoration. It communicates that the effort was not limited to particular classes or specialists but was a broad community undertaking. This reflects a significant commitment from individuals who would not typically be engaged in heavy construction, signaling a unified purpose for God's glory.
• "did the repair": This verb phrase indicates action, completion, and reinforcement. It reiterates that the various individuals and groups took concrete, strong steps to restore the wall. The repetitive use of this verb throughout Nehemiah 3 emphasizes the active and dedicated participation of the people in the arduous task set before them by Nehemiah under God's inspiration.

Nehemiah 3 32 Bonus section

The concluding nature of Nehemiah 3:32 serves as an architectural and narrative 'Amen' to the entire wall project. The specific mention of the "Sheep Gate" bookending the chapter underscores both a physical and spiritual full-circle completion, reflecting the totality of God's restoration and the community's dedication to re-establishing sacred boundaries around the Temple. The involvement of such diverse trades, like goldsmiths known for their precision and handling of valuables, or merchants familiar with negotiation and logistics, further illustrates the comprehensive and integrated nature of the effort. It also subtly counters any perception that divine work is only for certain 'anointed' individuals; rather, it highlights God's ability to use the ordinary and the specific talents of all His people. This communal engagement created a powerful shared memory and legacy, reinforcing their identity as a distinct people under God's covenant, rebuilding their literal and figurative fences in the face of persistent external and internal challenges.

Nehemiah 3 32 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:32 stands as the capstone of the chapter, a testimony to a colossal collective achievement. The verse signals the triumphant conclusion of the wall's reconstruction, tracing the final segment that completes the full circuit around Jerusalem. This detail, spanning from the "upper chamber of the corner" back to the "Sheep Gate"—the starting point of the chapter's descriptive journey (Neh 3:1)—emphatically confirms that every portion of the city wall has been diligently repaired.

The true brilliance of this verse, and the chapter as a whole, lies in the enumeration of the workforce. Here, the "goldsmiths" and the "merchants" are singled out, representing trades not traditionally associated with manual labor on such a scale. This highlights the widespread commitment among the Jewish community. It was not merely the priests, Levites, or professional builders, but every segment of society – from nobility to the common laborer, from diverse cities to those of various specialized professions like goldsmiths and merchants – who lent their hands to the task. This serves as a powerful illustration of unity, shared responsibility, and fervent devotion to a God-ordained purpose.

The diligent "repair" of the wall signified more than physical reconstruction; it was a visible manifestation of renewed hope, security, and the re-establishment of the Jewish identity in the promised land. It was an act of faith and perseverance against opposition, demonstrating that with God's hand upon them, and with every person contributing their part, a monumental and seemingly impossible task could be brought to completion. This communal effort embodies a core biblical principle: when God's people unite their diverse gifts and callings for His Kingdom, great things are accomplished, bringing glory to God and strength to the community.