King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:29 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:29 in the King James Version says “After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechania... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

Nehemiah 3:29 · KJV


Context

27

After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.

28

From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.

29

After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

30

After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.

31

After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner. going: or, corner chamber


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.

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. 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 3:29 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 · 15 words
וְאַֽחֲרָ֤יו1 of 15

After

H310

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

הֶֽחֱזִיק֙2 of 15

him repaired

H2388

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

צָד֥וֹק3 of 15

Zadok

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

בֶן4 of 15

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

אִמֵּ֖ר5 of 15

of Immer

H564

immer, the name of five israelites

נֶ֣גֶד6 of 15
H5048

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

בֵּית֑וֹ7 of 15

over against his house

H1004

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

וְאַֽחֲרָ֤יו8 of 15

After

H310

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

הֶֽחֱזִיק֙9 of 15

him repaired

H2388

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

שְׁמַֽעְיָ֣ה10 of 15

also Shemaiah

H8098

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

בֶן11 of 15

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

שְׁכַנְיָ֔ה12 of 15

of Shechaniah

H7935

shekanjah, the name of nine israelites

שֹׁמֵ֖ר13 of 15

the keeper

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

שַׁ֥עַר14 of 15

gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַמִּזְרָֽח׃15 of 15

of the east

H4217

sunrise, i.e., the east


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 3:29 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 3:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Places in This Verse

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