King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:4 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:4 in the King James Version says “And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.”

Nehemiah 3:4 · KJV

Context

2

And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri. next unto: Heb. at his hand

3

But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

4

And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

5

And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.

6

Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

Read Nehemiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.

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 3:4 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 · 22 words
וְעַל1 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָדָ֣ם2 of 22

“And next unto them”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הֶֽחֱזִ֔יק3 of 22

“repaired”

H2388

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

מְרֵמ֤וֹת4 of 22

“Meremoth”

H4822

meremoth, the name of two israelites

בֶּֽן5 of 22

“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

אֽוּרִיָּה֙6 of 22

“of Urijah”

H223

urijah, the name of one hittite and five israelites

בֶּֽן7 of 22

“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

הַקּ֔וֹץ8 of 22

“of Koz”

H6976

kots, the name of two israelites

וְעַל9 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָדָ֣ם10 of 22

“And next unto them”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הֶֽחֱזִ֔יק11 of 22

“repaired”

H2388

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

מְשֻׁלָּ֥ם12 of 22

“Meshullam”

H4918

meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites

בֶּֽן13 of 22

“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

בֶּֽרֶכְיָ֖ה14 of 22

“of Berechiah”

H1296

berekjah, the name of six israelites

בֶּֽן15 of 22

“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

מְשֵֽׁיזַבְאֵ֑ל16 of 22

“of Meshezabeel”

H4898

meshezabel, an israelite

וְעַל17 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

יָדָ֣ם18 of 22

“And next unto them”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הֶֽחֱזִ֔יק19 of 22

“repaired”

H2388

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

צָד֖וֹק20 of 22

“Zadok”

H6659

tsadok, the name of eight or nine israelites

בֶּֽן21 of 22

“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

בַּעֲנָֽא׃22 of 22

“of Baana”

H1195

banana, the name of four israelite

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 3:4 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 3:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 8:33Nehemiah 3:21Nehemiah 10:15Nehemiah 10:7

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