King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:30 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:30 in the King James Version says “After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired M...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 3:30 · KJV

Context

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

32

And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants. going: or, corner chamber

Read Nehemiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 3:30 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 · 18 words
אַֽחֲרָ֣יו1 of 18

“After”

H310

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

הֶֽחֱזִ֗יק2 of 18

“him repaired”

H2388

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

חֲנַנְיָ֣ה3 of 18

“Hananiah”

H2608

chananjah, the name of thirteen israelites

בֶּן4 of 18

“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

שֶֽׁלֶמְיָ֗ה5 of 18

“of Shelemiah”

H8018

shelemjah, the name of nine israelites

וְחָנ֧וּן6 of 18

“and Hanun”

H2586

chanun, the name of an ammonite and of two israelites

בֶּן7 of 18

“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

צָלָ֛ף8 of 18

“of Zalaph”

H6764

tsalaph, an israelite

הַשִּׁשִּׁ֖י9 of 18

“the sixth”

H8345

sixth, ordinal or (feminine) fractional

מִדָּ֣ה10 of 18

“piece”

H4060

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

שֵׁנִ֑י11 of 18

“another”

H8145

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

אַֽחֲרָ֣יו12 of 18

“After”

H310

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

הֶֽחֱזִ֗יק13 of 18

“him repaired”

H2388

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

מְשֻׁלָּם֙14 of 18

“Meshullam”

H4918

meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites

בֶּן15 of 18

“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

בֶּ֣רֶכְיָ֔ה16 of 18

“of Berechiah”

H1296

berekjah, the name of six israelites

נֶ֖גֶד17 of 18
H5048

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

נִשְׁכָּתֽוֹ׃18 of 18

“over against his chamber”

H5393

a cell

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 3:30 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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