King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:5 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:5 in the King James Version says “And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord.” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Nehemiah 3:5 · KJV

Context

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.

7

And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.

Read Nehemiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

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

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.

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 3:5 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific contribution can you make to building up Christ's church in your local community?
  3. How does understanding your work as part of God's larger purposes transform your approach to daily responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וְעַל1 of 10
H5921

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

יָדָ֖ם2 of 10

“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

הֶֽחֱזִ֣יקוּ3 of 10

“repaired”

H2388

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

הַתְּקוֹעִ֑ים4 of 10

“the Tekoites”

H8621

a tekoite or inhabitant of tekoah

וְאַדִּֽירֵיהֶם֙5 of 10

“but their nobles”

H117

wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful

לֹֽא6 of 10
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֵבִ֣יאוּ7 of 10

“put”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

צַוָּרָ֔ם8 of 10

“not their necks”

H6677

the back of the neck (as that on which burdens are bound)

בַּֽעֲבֹדַ֖ת9 of 10

“to the work”

H5656

work of any kind

אֲדֹֽנֵיהֶֽם׃10 of 10

“of their Lord”

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

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 3:5 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 3:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 3:272 Samuel 14:2Jeremiah 5:4-5Judges 5:23Amos 1:11 Timothy 6:17-18

Places in This Verse

TekoaSettlement · Modern: Khirbet Teku’a · 31.63°N, 35.21°E14 verses across 6 books
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