Nehemiah 3 9

Nehemiah 3:9 kjv

And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.

Nehemiah 3:9 nkjv

And next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, leader of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs.

Nehemiah 3:9 niv

Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of a half-district of Jerusalem, repaired the next section.

Nehemiah 3:9 esv

Next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, repaired.

Nehemiah 3:9 nlt

Rephaiah son of Hur, the leader of half the district of Jerusalem, was next to them on the wall.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 9 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:9 details that Rephaiah, the son of Hur, who was the ruler over half of the administrative district of Jerusalem, undertook his portion of the repair work on the city's wall. This verse highlights a significant leader contributing actively to the communal rebuilding effort, demonstrating widespread participation and distributed responsibility among various societal segments for Jerusalem's restoration.

Nehemiah 3 9 Context

Nehemiah chapter 3 provides a detailed roster of all the individuals and groups who participated in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The verse stands as part of a lengthy, precise record of communal effort. Each named individual or group was responsible for repairing a specific section of the wall, working "next to" or "opposite" another segment. This systematic cataloging demonstrates the collaborative nature of the immense task. Historically, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall was not merely an architectural project; it was an act of national and spiritual restoration. It aimed to provide security, establish a distinct identity for the returning exiles, and symbolically reclaim God's promise for His people in their homeland, affirming their covenant relationship and challenging the despair and opposition from surrounding adversaries.

Nehemiah 3 9 Word analysis

• Next to them (עַל יָדָם - al yadam):
  • Literally "upon their hand" or "by their side."
  • Signifies physical proximity and continuity of work.
  • Emphasizes the interlocking nature of the segments repaired by various groups, ensuring no gaps in the restoration.
  • Highlights collaborative and coordinated effort.
• Rephaiah (רְפָיָה - Rephayah):
  • Meaning "The Lord has healed" or "Jehovah heals."
  • Theological significance in a book about restoring what was broken and bringing health back to the city.
  • His name itself subtly echoes God's overarching purpose in the rebuilding: divine restoration and healing for Jerusalem.
• son of Hur (בֶּן חוּר - ben Chuur):
  • A common patronymic used for identification in ancient Near Eastern societies.
  • This provides specific lineage, possibly linking him to a well-known family, though no direct biblical link confirms his relationship to Moses' companion, Hur (Exod 17:10).
  • Indicates his family standing and societal position.
• ruler (שַׂר - sar):
  • Translates to a "chief," "prince," "commander," or "official."
  • Denotes a high-ranking position of authority and administration.
  • Highlights that even those with significant secular leadership roles were actively involved in the manual and supervisory work, setting an example for all.
• of half the district of Jerusalem (חֵצִי פֶלֶךְ יְרוּשָׁלָ‍ִם - chetzi pelekh Yerushalayim):
  • "Pelekh" can mean a district, circuit, or portion. It signifies a specific administrative subdivision or region.
  • Indicates that Jerusalem's territory was divided, and Rephaiah held authority over a specific segment of it.
  • His responsibility for that section of the wall was directly tied to his jurisdiction over its populace or physical territory, demonstrating accountability within the organized restoration.
• repaired (הֶחֱזִיק - hechezik):
  • Derived from the verb "חזק" (chazaq), meaning "to strengthen," "to hold fast," "to repair," "to prevail."
  • Used frequently throughout Nehemiah 3, it emphasizes making strong and durable, not just patching up.
  • Conveys active, determined, and enduring construction work.

Nehemiah 3 9 Bonus section

The meticulous recording of names and their specific contributions in Nehemiah 3, including rulers like Rephaiah, provides more than a mere historical record. It serves as an honor roll, commemorating those who sacrificed time, effort, and resources for a communal, God-ordained purpose. This emphasis on individual accountability within a collective task underscores a divine principle: every member of God's people has a part to play in His Kingdom work, and their diligent labor is noticed and valued. The administrative title "ruler of half the district" further highlights the highly organized nature of the project under Nehemiah's leadership, suggesting a pattern of local governance and responsibility applied to a large-scale national endeavor. This precise documentation would also serve as a blueprint for future generations, inspiring them to rise to challenges with similar dedication and shared purpose, acknowledging that unity in service often leads to remarkable accomplishments for God's glory.

Nehemiah 3 9 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:9 exemplifies the broad participation and shared commitment to rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. Rephaiah, a governmental "ruler" (sar), contributing alongside priests, common citizens, and even women (v.12), showcases that leadership in God's work is often characterized by hands-on involvement rather than mere delegation. His position over "half the district of Jerusalem" reinforces the organized and divided responsibility that ensured efficient progress, with each segment accountable for their part. The repeated use of "repaired" throughout chapter 3 underscores the determination to make the walls not just fixed but robust, signaling the nation's spiritual and physical resolve. The very act of the leader laboring demonstrates a servant heart, promoting unity and dispelling notions of hierarchy hindering collective effort. This concerted effort stands as a powerful testament to divine enablement working through human diligence, transforming what was desolate into a secured city.