King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:8 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:8 in the King James Version says “Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of on...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Nehemiah 3:8 · KJV

Context

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

9

And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.

10

And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.

Read Nehemiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. Jerusalem's wall (chomah, חוֹמָה) provided security, dignity, and testimony to God's faithfulness. 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 3:8 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
עַל1 of 18
H5921

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

יָד֣וֹ2 of 18

“Next unto him”

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 18

“also repaired”

H2388

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

עֻזִּיאֵ֤ל4 of 18

“Uzziel”

H5816

uzziel, the name of six israelites

בֶּן5 of 18

“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

חַרְהֲיָה֙6 of 18

“of Harhaiah”

H2736

charhajah, an israelite

צֽוֹרְפִ֔ים7 of 18

“of the goldsmiths”

H6884

to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)

וְעַל8 of 18
H5921

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

יָד֣וֹ9 of 18

“Next unto him”

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

הֶֽחֱזִ֔יק10 of 18

“also repaired”

H2388

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

חֲנַנְיָ֖ה11 of 18

“Hananiah”

H2608

chananjah, the name of thirteen israelites

בֶּן12 of 18

“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

הָֽרַקָּחִ֑ים13 of 18

“of one of the apothecaries”

H7546

a male perfumer

וַיַּֽעַזְבוּ֙14 of 18

“and they fortified”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם15 of 18

“Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

עַ֖ד16 of 18
H5704

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

הַֽחוֹמָ֥ה17 of 18

“wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

הָֽרְחָבָֽה׃18 of 18

“unto the broad”

H7342

roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

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 3:8 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 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 12:38Nehemiah 3:31-32Genesis 50:2Ecclesiastes 10:1Exodus 30:25Isaiah 46:6

Places in This Verse

Broad WallStructure · Modern: Broad Wall · 31.78°N, 35.23°E2 verses across 1 book
JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Nehemiah 3 →

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