King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:11 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:11 in the King James Version says “Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces. o...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces. other: Heb. second measure”

Nehemiah 3:11 · KJV

Context

9

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

10

And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.

11

Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces. other: Heb. second measure

12

And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.

13

The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.

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. 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 3:11 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
מִדָּ֣ה1 of 13

“piece”

H4060

properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)

שֵׁנִ֗ית2 of 13

“the other”

H8145

properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again

הֶֽחֱזִיק֙3 of 13

“repaired”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

מַלְכִּיָּ֣ה4 of 13

“Malchijah”

H4441

malkijah, the name of ten israelites

בֶּן5 of 13

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

חָרִ֔ם6 of 13

“of Harim”

H2766

charim, an israelite

וְחַשּׁ֖וּב7 of 13

“and Hashub”

H2815

chashshub, the name of two or three israelites

בֶּן8 of 13

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

פַּחַ֣ת9 of 13
H0
מוֹאָ֑ב10 of 13

“of Pahathmoab”

H6355

pachath-moab, an israelite

וְאֵ֖ת11 of 13
H853

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

מִגְדַּ֥ל12 of 13

“and the tower”

H4026

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

הַתַּנּוּרִֽים׃13 of 13

“of the furnaces”

H8574

a fire-pot

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 3:11 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 3:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 12:38Ezra 2:6Nehemiah 10:5Nehemiah 7:11Nehemiah 10:14Ezra 8:4

Places in This Verse

HarimSpecial Place · Modern: Al Haram · 32.19°N, 34.81°E7 verses across 2 books
Tower of the OvensStructure · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Nehemiah 3 →

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