King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:31 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:31 in the King James Version says “After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith's son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the ...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Nehemiah 3:31 · KJV

Context

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 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.

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 3:31 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
אַחֲרָ֣י1 of 15

“After”

H310

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

הֶֽחֱזִ֗יק2 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

מַלְכִּיָּה֙3 of 15

“Malchiah”

H4441

malkijah, the name of ten israelites

בֶּן4 of 15

“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

הַצֹּ֣רְפִ֔י5 of 15

“the goldsmith's”

H6885

tsorephi (with the article), an israelite

עַד6 of 15
H5704

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

בֵּ֥ית7 of 15

“unto the place”

H1004

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

הַנְּתִינִ֖ים8 of 15

“of the Nethinims”

H5411

the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)

וְהָרֹֽכְלִ֑ים9 of 15

“and of the merchants”

H7402

to travel for trading

נֶ֚גֶד10 of 15
H5048

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

שַׁ֣עַר11 of 15

“over against the gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַמִּפְקָ֔ד12 of 15

“Miphkad”

H4663

miphkad, the name of a gate in jerusalem

וְעַ֖ד13 of 15
H5704

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

עֲלִיַּ֥ת14 of 15

“and to the going up”

H5944

something lofty, i.e., a stair-way; also a second-story room (or even one on the roof); figuratively, the sky

הַפִּנָּֽה׃15 of 15

“of the corner”

H6438

an angle; by implication, a pinnacle; figuratively, a chieftain

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 3:31 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 3:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 3:8Nehemiah 3:32

Places in This Verse

Muster GateGate · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E1 verse across 1 book
View all places in Nehemiah 3 →

Test Your Knowledge

Nehemiah 3 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNehemiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nehemiah 3 with CommentaryAll Nehemiah ChaptersComplete Nehemiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes