Nehemiah 3 6

Nehemiah 3:6 kjv

Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

Nehemiah 3:6 nkjv

Moreover Jehoiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate; they laid its beams and hung its doors, with its bolts and bars.

Nehemiah 3:6 niv

The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place.

Nehemiah 3:6 esv

Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Gate of Yeshanah. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.

Nehemiah 3:6 nlt

The Old City Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid the beams, set up its doors, and installed its bolts and bars.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 6 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:6 details the rebuilding and securing of the Old Gate of Jerusalem by Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah. Their work involved the meticulous reinstallation of the gate's fundamental components: its supportive beams, functional doors, and securing bolts and bars. This passage signifies a thorough and complete restoration of a crucial entry point, representing a return to foundational strength and security for the city.

Nehemiah 3 6 Context

Nehemiah 3 provides a detailed roster of those who participated in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, showcasing the remarkable coordination and communal effort under Nehemiah's leadership. After inspecting the damaged walls and garnering royal decree, Nehemiah rallied the returned exiles to begin the immense task. Each family, guild, or individual was assigned a specific section of the wall or a particular gate, working side-by-side. The account moves systematically around the city, detailing who rebuilt which segment, often noting their familial relationships or professions. Verse 6 focuses on the Old Gate, suggesting its historical significance and foundational role within the city's ancient layout. The rebuilding of the walls was crucial for Jerusalem's security, defense, and the restoration of its identity as the holy city after generations of devastation and exile. This detailed list highlights the practical commitment required from the entire community to accomplish a God-ordained task.

Nehemiah 3 6 Word analysis

• The Old Gate (שַׁעַר הַיְשָׁנָה, sha'ar hayyeshanah): Literally "Gate of the Old One" or "Old Gate." This was likely one of the most ancient entrances to Jerusalem, possibly predating the time of David or Solomon, or pointing to a historical path. Its repair signifies a commitment to restoring foundational structures and perhaps upholding ancient traditions or historical identity of Jerusalem. It could also refer to the 'old wall' that connected two parts of the city.
• was repaired (חָזַק, chazaq): The verb implies "strengthened," "repaired," "made strong." This is not just a cosmetic fix, but a thorough fortification, restoring integrity and defensive capability. The focus is on robust, enduring work.
• Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah:
  • Joiada (יֹויָדָע, Yoiyada'): Meaning "Yahweh knows" or "Yahweh has known." This name signifies divine awareness or understanding associated with the worker.
  • Paseah (פָּסֵחַ, Paseach): Meaning "lame" or "limping." This could refer to a family name or a guild. It is significant that someone possibly connected to a name denoting weakness is involved in strengthening the city's defenses. God uses various individuals for His purposes.
  • Meshullam (מְשֻׁלָּם, Meshullam): Meaning "repaid," "completed," or "devoted/at peace." This name suggests one who is dedicated or gives full measure, reflecting the thoroughness of the work.
  • Besodeiah (בְּסוֹדְיָה, Besodeyah): Meaning "in the secret/council of Yahweh." This name implies intimate knowledge of God's counsel or plan, suggesting a person guided by divine wisdom in their efforts.
• they laid its beams (וַיְקָרוּ, vayyiqaru - root קרֹה, qara'): Refers to the timber framing or ceiling joists. This denotes fundamental carpentry work, setting the structural foundation upon which the other components would rest. It emphasizes the foundational and essential nature of their work.
• and installed its doors (וַיַּעֲמִידוּ דַלְתֹתָיו, vayya'amidu daltotayv - root עמד, amad - "to stand, establish"): The doors are critical for function—allowing access, restricting entry, and providing a barrier. "Installed" (literally "made to stand") highlights their effort to correctly position and secure these heavy components.
• its bolts (מַבְרִיחָיו, mavriḥayv) and its bars (בְּרִיחָיו, beriḥayv): Both terms refer to mechanisms for securing the doors. Mavriḥayv often refers to inner bolts that "shoot" across, while beriḥayv (bars) could be the external, heavier crossbars used for maximum security, indicating comprehensive reinforcement for defense and closure.

Words-group analysis

• "The Old Gate was repaired by Joiada...and Meshullam...": This highlights specific responsibility and dedication within the larger communal project. The detailed naming emphasizes that every contributor, no matter how small their section might seem, played a vital role, and their work was individually recognized and accounted for by God. It signifies the principle that spiritual and physical building efforts thrive on individual commitment and accountability.
• "...they laid its beams and installed its doors, its bolts, and its bars.": This precise list of components underscores the comprehensive and meticulous nature of the repair. It was not a superficial mending but a full restoration of the gate's structural integrity and defensive capabilities. In a spiritual sense, this suggests that foundational work in the kingdom of God must be thorough, secure, and fully functional, addressing every detail.

Nehemiah 3 6 Bonus section

• The placement of the Old Gate in Nehemiah's reconstruction narrative often places it near central, ancient parts of the city. Its rebuilding early in the chapter's description may signify the re-establishment of historical continuity and Jerusalem's unique heritage as the ancient city of God.
• The fact that different groups, often from various professions or localities, took responsibility for different sections underscores the collective and specialized nature of the work. The "sons" or individuals like Joiada and Meshullam taking ownership over specific, critical sections reflects a system where each part was cared for thoroughly.
• The detail given to the bolts and bars (beyond just "doors") highlights the imperative of security. In spiritual terms, true restoration involves not just openness and access (doors) but also strong protection and boundaries against that which seeks to undermine faith or communal safety.
• The specific mention of the fathers' names (Paseah and Besodeiah) grounds the workers in their lineage, often reflecting family trades or responsibilities. This points to the continuity of generational dedication to the rebuilding project, passing on not just skills but also a legacy of service to God's kingdom.

Nehemiah 3 6 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:6 stands as a testament to the principles of restoration, unity, and diligent labor in God's service. The repair of the "Old Gate" speaks to the importance of re-establishing ancient, foundational truths and safeguards. Joiada and Meshullam, with their meticulous work on beams, doors, bolts, and bars, exemplify the necessary thoroughness and attention to detail required in any kingdom undertaking. Their individual naming amidst a communal project reinforces that every person's specific contribution matters. This verse is not merely an architectural record but a spiritual lesson on the painstaking work of rebuilding lives, communities, and faith on secure biblical foundations, fortifying against the spiritual attacks symbolized by a breach in the walls. It reflects a divine valuing of careful, dedicated craftsmanship in serving His purposes. For example, in Christian life, this can translate to painstakingly studying biblical doctrines (the "beams"), consistently practicing discipleship (the "doors" of access), and developing spiritual disciplines like prayer and fasting (the "bolts and bars" of security) to live a firm and fortified life in Christ.