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 3:6KJVWhat 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.