King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:1 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:1 in the King James Version says “Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

Nehemiah 3:1 · KJV


Context

1

Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

2

And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri. next unto: Heb. at his hand

3

But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

This verse within Nehemiah 3 addresses themes of community, cooperation, diligence, stewardship. The detailed listing of builders demonstrates organized community effort where each person contributes according to ability and opportunity. The construction work (banah, בָּנָה) symbolizes restoring what sin and judgment destroyed. City gates were strategic both defensively and administratively, controlling access and serving as centers of commerce and justice. 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.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The 52-day wall completion represents remarkable achievement given opposition and limited resources. Excavations have confirmed portions of Nehemiah's wall and various gates mentioned in the text. 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 Nehemiah 3:1 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific contribution can you make to building up Christ's church in your local community?
  3. How does understanding your work as part of God's larger purposes transform your approach to daily responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וַיָּ֡קָם1 of 21

rose up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

אֶלְיָשִׁיב֩2 of 21

Then Eliashib

H475

eljashib, the name of six israelites

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֗ים3 of 21

priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַגָּד֜וֹל4 of 21

the high

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְאֶחָ֣יו5 of 21

with his brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֗ים6 of 21

priest

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

וַיִּבְנוּ֙7 of 21

and they builded

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת8 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שַׁ֣עַר9 of 21

gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַצֹּ֔אן10 of 21

the sheep

H6629

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

הֵ֣מָּה11 of 21
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

קִדְּשׁ֔וּהוּ12 of 21

they sanctified

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

וַֽיַּעֲמִ֖ידוּ13 of 21

it and set up

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

דַּלְתֹתָ֑יו14 of 21

the doors

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

וְעַד15 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מִגְדַּ֥ל16 of 21

it unto the tower

H4026

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

הַמֵּאָה֙17 of 21

of Meah

H3968

meah, a tower in jerusalem

קִדְּשׁ֔וּהוּ18 of 21

they sanctified

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

עַ֖ד19 of 21
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מִגְדַּ֥ל20 of 21

it unto the tower

H4026

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

חֲנַנְאֵֽל׃21 of 21

of Hananeel

H2606

chananel, probably an israelite, from whom a tower of jerusalem was named


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 3:1 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 3:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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