King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:16 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:16 in the King James Version says “After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sep...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.”

Nehemiah 3:16 · KJV

Context

14

But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

15

But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.

16

After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.

17

After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.

18

After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.

Read Nehemiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Beth-zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.

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 3:16 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 · 20 words
אַֽחֲרָ֤יו1 of 20

“After”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הֶֽחֱזִיק֙2 of 20

“him repaired”

H2388

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

נְחֶמְיָ֣ה3 of 20

“Nehemiah”

H5166

nechemjah, the name of three israelites

בֶן4 of 20

“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

עַזְבּ֔וּק5 of 20

“of Azbuk”

H5802

azbuk, an israelite

שַׂ֕ר6 of 20

“the ruler”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

חֲצִ֖י7 of 20

“of the half”

H2677

the half or middle

פֶּ֣לֶךְ8 of 20

“part”

H6418

a circuit (i.e., district); also a spindle (as whirled); hence, a crutch

בֵּֽית9 of 20
H0
צ֑וּר10 of 20

“of Bethzur”

H1049

beth-tsur, a place in palestine

עַד11 of 20
H5704

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

נֶ֙גֶד֙12 of 20
H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

קִבְרֵ֣י13 of 20

“unto the place over against the sepulchres”

H6913

a sepulcher

דָוִ֔יד14 of 20

“of David”

H1732

david, the youngest son of jesse

וְעַד15 of 20
H5704

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

הַבְּרֵכָה֙16 of 20

“and to the pool”

H1295

a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place)

הָֽעֲשׂוּיָ֔ה17 of 20

“that was made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

וְעַ֖ד18 of 20
H5704

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

בֵּ֥ית19 of 20

“and unto the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הַגִּבֹּרִֽים׃20 of 20

“of the mighty”

H1368

powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant

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 3:16 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 3:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Acts 2:29Nehemiah 3:122 Kings 20:20Nehemiah 3:9Nehemiah 3:14Isaiah 22:11

Places in This Verse

Beth-zurSettlement · Modern: Khirbet et Tubeiqa · 31.59°N, 35.09°E4 verses across 4 books
View all places in Nehemiah 3 →

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