King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:21 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:21 in the King James Version says “After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even ...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 3:21 · KJV

Context

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.

23

After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.

Read Nehemiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 3:21 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
אַֽחֲרָ֣יו1 of 16

“After”

H310

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

הֶֽחֱזִ֗יק2 of 16

“him repaired”

H2388

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

מְרֵמ֧וֹת3 of 16

“Meremoth”

H4822

meremoth, the name of two israelites

בֶּן4 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

אֽוּרִיָּ֛ה5 of 16

“of Urijah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

בֶּן6 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

הַקּ֖וֹץ7 of 16

“of Koz”

H6976

kots, the name of two israelites

מִדָּ֣ה8 of 16

“piece”

H4060

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

שֵׁנִ֑ית9 of 16

“another”

H8145

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

מִפֶּ֙תַח֙10 of 16

“from the door”

H6607

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

בֵּ֥ית11 of 16

“of the house”

H1004

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

אֶלְיָשִֽׁיב׃12 of 16

“of Eliashib”

H475

eljashib, the name of six israelites

וְעַד13 of 16
H5704

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

תַּכְלִ֖ית14 of 16

“even to the end”

H8503

completion; by implication, an extremity

בֵּ֥ית15 of 16

“of the house”

H1004

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

אֶלְיָשִֽׁיב׃16 of 16

“of Eliashib”

H475

eljashib, the name of six israelites

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 3:21 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 3:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:61Nehemiah 7:63

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