King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:20 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:20 in the King James Version says “After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. Zabbai: or, Zaccai

Nehemiah 3:20 · KJV


Context

18

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

19

And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.

20

After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. Zabbai: or, Zaccai

21

After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.

22

And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.

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. 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.

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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 3:20 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 · 16 words
אַֽחֲרָ֨יו1 of 16

After

H310

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

הֶֽחֱרָ֧ה2 of 16

earnestly

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

הֶֽחֱזִ֛יק3 of 16

repaired

H2388

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

בָּר֥וּךְ4 of 16

him Baruch

H1263

baruk, the name of three israelites

בֶּן5 of 16

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

זַבַּ֖י6 of 16

of Zabbai

H2079

zabbai (or zaccai), an israelite

מִדָּ֣ה7 of 16

piece

H4060

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

שֵׁנִ֑ית8 of 16

the other

H8145

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

מִן9 of 16
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הַ֨מִּקְצ֔וֹעַ10 of 16

from the turning

H4740

an angle or recess

עַד11 of 16
H5704

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

פֶּ֙תַח֙12 of 16

of the wall unto the door

H6607

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

בֵּ֣ית13 of 16

of the house

H1004

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

אֶלְיָשִׁ֔יב14 of 16

of Eliashib

H475

eljashib, the name of six israelites

הַכֹּהֵ֖ן15 of 16

priest

H3548

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

הַגָּדֽוֹל׃16 of 16

the high

H1419

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


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 3:20 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 3:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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