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 3:6KJV
Know the Bible

Nehemiah 3:6 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 3:6 mean?

Nehemiah 3:6 describes how Jehoiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate in Jerusalem, installing its beams, doors, locks, and bars. This verse highlights their specific contribution to rebuilding the city’s defenses during Nehemiah’s leadership after the Babylonian exile.

Nehemiah is narrating the organized effort to restore Jerusalem’s walls, assigning different groups and individuals to specific sections. The verse lists the names of those responsible for the Old Gate, showing the careful record-keeping and teamwork involved. This detail helps readers see the practical steps taken to secure the city and the shared responsibility among the people.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 3:6

  • The word for "old" (יָשָׁן, yashan) often means something aged or longstanding, so "Old Gate" likely refers to a well-known, historic entrance in Jerusalem.
  • The term "gate" (שַׁעַר, sha'ar) here points to a main city entrance, which was a critical point for both defense and daily life.
  • "Repaired" (חָזַק, chazaq) carries the sense of strengthening or making strong, not just fixing but reinforcing the gate’s structure.
  • "Beams" (קֹרוֹת, qorot) refers to the heavy wooden supports, showing that the work involved major carpentry, not just surface repairs.

Why Nehemiah 3:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the rebuilding was a coordinated community project, with named individuals taking responsibility for specific tasks.
  • By mentioning the details—beams, doors, locks, and bars—Nehemiah 3:6 emphasizes the thoroughness and seriousness of the repairs, not just cosmetic work.
  • The verse connects to the larger theme of Nehemiah 3, which is about restoring Jerusalem’s security and dignity after a period of vulnerability and shame.

Where else these words appear

“Paseah” Hebrew H6454 · used in 4 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 4:12 And Eshton begat Bethrapha, and Paseah, and Tehinnah the father of Irnahash. These are the men of Rechah.
  • Ezra 2:49 The children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the children of Besai,
  • Nehemiah 7:51 The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,

“Jehoiada” Hebrew H3111 · used in 5 verses

  • Nehemiah 12:10 And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,
  • Nehemiah 12:11 And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.
  • Nehemiah 12:22 The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

“old” Hebrew H3465 · used in 6 verses

  • Leviticus 25:22 And ye shall sow the eighth year, and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year; until her fruits come in ye shall eat of the old store.
  • Leviticus 26:10 And ye shall eat old store, and bring forth the old because of the new.
  • Song of Solomon 7:13 The mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved.

“locks” Hebrew H4514 · used in 6 verses

  • Nehemiah 3:3 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.
  • Nehemiah 3:13 The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.
  • Nehemiah 3:15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.