King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 12:38 Mean?

And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;”

Nehemiah 12:38 · King James Version

Context

36

And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

37

And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.

38

And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;

39

And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

40

So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:

Read Nehemiah 12 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;

This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. Jerusalem's wall (chomah, חוֹמָה) provided security, dignity, and testimony to God's faithfulness. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. Nehemiah's final reforms address recurring covenant violations, demonstrating the ongoing challenge of maintaining spiritual commitment across generations. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
  2. What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְהַתּוֹדָ֧ה
1 of 16

“company of them that gave thanks”

H8426
properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers
הַשֵּׁנִ֛ית
2 of 16

“And the other”

H8145
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
הַֽהוֹלֶ֥כֶת
3 of 16

“went”

H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
לְמ֖וֹאל
4 of 16

“over against”

H4136
properly, abrupt, i.e., a precipice; by implication, the front; used only adverbially (with prepositional prefix) opposite
וַֽאֲנִ֣י
5 of 16
H589
i
אַֽחֲרֶ֑יהָ
6 of 16

“them and I after”

H310
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
וַֽחֲצִ֨י
7 of 16

“them and the half”

H2677
the half or middle
הָעָ֜ם
8 of 16

“of the people”

H5971
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
מֵעַ֣ל
9 of 16
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הַֽחוֹמָ֥ה
10 of 16

“upon the wall”

H2346
a wall of protection
מֵעַל֙
11 of 16
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
לְמִגְדַּ֣ל
12 of 16

“from beyond the tower”

H4026
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
הַתַּנּוּרִ֔ים
13 of 16

“of the furnaces”

H8574
a fire-pot
וְעַ֖ד
14 of 16
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
הַֽחוֹמָ֥ה
15 of 16

“upon the wall”

H2346
a wall of protection
הָֽרְחָבָֽה׃
16 of 16

“even unto the broad”

H7342
roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 12:38 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 12:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 3:8Nehemiah 3:11Nehemiah 12:31

Places in This Verse

Broad WallStructure · Modern: Broad Wall · 31.78°N, 35.23°E2 verses across 1 book
Tower of the OvensStructure · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Nehemiah 12 →

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