After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.

NEHEMIAH 3:16KJV
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Nehemiah 3:16 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 3:16 mean?

Nehemiah 3:16 describes how Nehemiah son of Azbuk, who was a leader over half the district of Bethzur, took responsibility for repairing a section of Jerusalem’s wall. His work stretched from the area near David’s tombs to a constructed pool and the house of the mighty men.

This verse is part of a detailed list showing who repaired different parts of Jerusalem’s wall after the exile. The book of Nehemiah records these assignments to show the organized effort and the involvement of local leaders, like Nehemiah son of Azbuk, in restoring the city’s defenses. The verse also mentions important landmarks, helping readers picture the specific area being repaired.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 3:16

  • "Repaired" (חָזַק, chazaq) means to strengthen or make firm. In this context, it emphasizes not just patching up but making the wall strong and secure again.
  • "Sepulchres" (קֶבֶר, qeber) refers to tombs, specifically those of David, highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of this area of the wall.
  • "Pool" (בְּרֵכָה, berekhah) points to a constructed water feature, showing the practical needs addressed in the repairs.
  • "House of the mighty" (בֵּית הַגִּבֹּרִים, beit ha-gibborim) refers to a building associated with warriors or notable men, suggesting this was a prominent or strategic location.

Why Nehemiah 3:16 matters

  • This verse shows that the rebuilding effort included not just ordinary citizens but also local rulers, emphasizing shared responsibility and leadership.
  • By naming specific landmarks, Nehemiah 3:16 helps readers understand the geography of ancient Jerusalem and the importance of each section of the wall.
  • The mention of the "house of the mighty" and the "sepulchres of David" connects the restoration work to Jerusalem’s royal and heroic past, underlining the city’s heritage and the significance of its renewal.

Where else these words appear

“Bethzur” Hebrew H1049 · used in 4 verses

“Nehemiah” Hebrew H5166 · used in 8 verses

  • Ezra 2:2 Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:
  • Nehemiah 7:7 Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;
  • Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,

“part” Hebrew H6418 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Samuel 3:29 Let it rest on the head of Joab, and on all his father's house; and let there not fail from the house of Joab one that hath an issue, or that is a leper, or that leaneth on a staff, or that falleth on the sword, or that lacketh bread.
  • Nehemiah 3:12 And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.
  • Nehemiah 3:17 After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.

“pool” Hebrew H1295 · used in 15 verses

  • 2 Samuel 2:13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah, and the servants of David, went out, and met together by the pool of Gibeon: and they sat down, the one on the one side of the pool, and the other on the other side of the pool.
  • 2 Kings 20:20 And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
  • Isaiah 7:3 Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;