King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:6 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:6 in the King James Version says “Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams there...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 3:6 · King James Version

Context

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.

8

Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall. fortified: or, left Jerusalem unto the broad wall

Read Nehemiah 3 full chapter

Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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 3:6 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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 16 words
וְאֵת֩1 of 16
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שַׁ֨עַר2 of 16

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַיְשָׁנָ֜ה3 of 16

“Moreover the old”

H3465

old

הֶֽחֱזִ֗יקוּ4 of 16

“repaired”

H2388

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

יֽוֹיָדָע֙5 of 16

“Jehoiada”

H3111

jojada, the name of two israelites

בֶּן6 of 16

“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

פָּסֵ֔חַ7 of 16

“of Paseah”

H6454

paseach, the name of two israelites

וּמְשֻׁלָּ֖ם8 of 16

“and Meshullam”

H4918

meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites

בֶּן9 of 16

“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

בְּסֽוֹדְיָ֑ה10 of 16

“of Besodeiah”

H1152

besodejah, an israelite

הֵ֣מָּה11 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

קֵר֔וּהוּ12 of 16

“they laid the beams”

H7136

to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)

וַֽיַּעֲמִ֙ידוּ֙13 of 16

“thereof and set up”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

דַּלְתֹתָ֔יו14 of 16

“the doors”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

וּמַנְעֻלָ֖יו15 of 16

“thereof and the locks”

H4514

a bolt

וּבְרִיחָֽיו׃16 of 16

“thereof and the bars”

H1280

a bolt

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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 12:39

Places in This Verse

Gate of YeshanahGate · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E2 verses across 1 book
View all places in Nehemiah 3 →

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