Nehemiah 3 5

Nehemiah 3:5 kjv

And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their LORD.

Nehemiah 3:5 nkjv

Next to them the Tekoites made repairs; but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work of their Lord.

Nehemiah 3:5 niv

The next section was repaired by the men of Tekoa, but their nobles would not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.

Nehemiah 3:5 esv

And next to them the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles would not stoop to serve their Lord.

Nehemiah 3:5 nlt

Next were the people from Tekoa, though their leaders refused to work with the construction supervisors.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 5 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:5 describes the contribution of the Tekoites to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall, highlighting a contrasting aspect: while the general populace from Tekoa diligently participated in the labor, their prominent leaders or nobles refused to "stoop" or submit to the task of serving the Lord in this rebuilding effort. This verse emphasizes both dedicated community participation and the unfortunate pride or disengagement of a privileged class.

Nehemiah 3 5 Context

Nehemiah 3 is a remarkable register detailing the organized and unified effort of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership. The chapter meticulously lists the various groups and individuals, including priests, goldsmiths, merchants, rulers, and even women, who took on specific sections of the wall and its gates. This comprehensive account underscores the collective will and determination of the post-exilic community to restore their city's defenses, viewing it as a divinely sanctioned task.

Within this framework, Nehemiah 3:5 stands out because it offers a significant contrast. While most of the chapter commends participants for their work, this verse alone singles out a specific group – the nobles of Tekoa – for their refusal to join the common labor. Tekoa, a town southeast of Jerusalem, was the home of the prophet Amos and known for its wise women, suggesting it had a significant, perhaps proud, identity. This refusal by their leaders provides a sobering counterpoint to the overarching theme of communal dedication, emphasizing that not everyone embraced the humility and effort required for God's work. It sets a powerful example of the dangers of elitism and spiritual pride even within a shared spiritual endeavor.

Nehemiah 3 5 Word analysis

• Next to them (עַל יָדָם - al yadam): Lit. "at their hand," indicating proximity and succession in the work. It links the Tekoites' repair efforts directly to the previous group mentioned (the sons of Hassenaah). It implies continuity and collective alignment in the rebuilding task.
• the Tekoites (הַתְּקֹעִים - haTko'im): People from Tekoa, a town south of Jerusalem. Their active participation shows broad community engagement, beyond just Jerusalem residents. The town's historical significance (e.g., Amos, 2 Sam 14) might suggest a certain independence or distinction among its populace.
• repaired (הֶחֱזִיקוּ - hecheziqu): Means "they strengthened," "repaired," "laid hold of," or "made strong." This active verb denotes effective and diligent work, signifying their tangible contribution to fortifying the wall. It highlights their positive engagement.
• but their nobles (וְאַדִּירֵיהֶם - v'addirayhem): The conjunction "but" (וְ - ve) creates a strong adversative contrast. "Nobles" (אַדִּיר - addir, plural addiraym) refers to the mighty, chief, or honorable ones; those of high social standing or influence. This term suggests a sense of superiority or an exalted position, setting them apart from the common people. Their status implies they were expected to lead by example, making their refusal even more significant.
• would not stoop (לֹא הֵבִיאוּ צַוָּארָם - lo hevi'u tzavarram): Lit. "they did not bring their neck," or "they did not put their necks." This is an idiom signifying refusal to submit, humble oneself, or put their neck under the yoke of labor or service. It's a vivid image of stiff-necked rebellion, reminiscent of an animal refusing the yoke. It conveys an active rejection, not merely a passive absence.
• to serve (לַעֲבֹד - la'avod): To work, labor, minister, or serve. Here, the service is clearly directed towards the physical work of rebuilding, but inherently, as "serving the Lord," it is a spiritual act. It signifies performing the required duty or task.
• the Lord (אֲדֹנֵיהֶם - Adoneihem): "Their Lord/Master." This phrase explicitly identifies the ultimate authority and recipient of the service. It frames the rebuilding effort not merely as a civic project, but as a direct commandment from God. The refusal to serve the Lord makes their inaction a spiritual rebellion, not just a labor dispute.

• "the Tekoites repaired, but their nobles": This phrase dramatically sets up the contrast. It juxtaposes the positive action of the general populace of Tekoa with the negative inaction of their leaders. It highlights a breakdown in leadership and a class divide in dedication to God's work.
• "would not stoop to serve the Lord": This phrase captures the essence of their refusal. It's not just a rejection of manual labor, but a defiant refusal to humble themselves for divine service. The phrase "stoop" implies an act of humility, putting oneself beneath the task, which their nobility prevented. Their refusal is framed as defiance against God himself.

Nehemiah 3 5 Bonus section

The refusal of the Tekoite nobles highlights a recurring biblical tension between worldly status and spiritual humility. Their position mirrors those throughout Scripture who, due to pride, fail to embrace God's calling or share in the burdens of the community. This particular failure might also subtly underscore Nehemiah's effective leadership, as he mobilized virtually all other segments of society, contrasting with the nobles' stubbornness. The inclusion of this negative detail in an otherwise laudatory list emphasizes the importance of a willing heart in God's service, regardless of social standing, and signals that even in times of revival and great unity, human pride remains a persistent obstacle. This detail not only adds realism to the narrative but also offers a prophetic critique of any leadership that places self-interest or perceived social dignity above humble service to the Lord and His people.

Nehemiah 3 5 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:5 presents a poignant moment of contrast within the narrative of Jerusalem's rebuilding. While the Tekoite community commendably contributed to the physically demanding task, their societal elite, the nobles, demonstrably held back. The powerful idiom "would not stoop to serve" signifies more than mere avoidance of manual labor; it indicates a refusal to humble themselves and submit to what they perceived as undignified or unworthy work. This was not a physical inability but a spiritual unwillingness rooted in pride and an unwillingness to put their elevated status aside for a communal, divinely commanded endeavor. Their resistance implicitly challenged the authority of God, as the service was "for the Lord." This incident serves as a vital lesson that true spiritual dedication often requires humility and willingness to engage in tasks that may seem menial, and that leadership comes with the responsibility of exemplary service. It warns against elitism hindering corporate obedience and reminds believers that all work done in service to God is honorable, regardless of one's earthly station. Leaders, in particular, are called to serve alongside, not above, those they lead in God's kingdom work.