So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.

NEHEMIAH 6:15KJV
Know the Bible

Nehemiah 6:15 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 6:15 mean?

Nehemiah 6:15 records that the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall was completed on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, taking a total of fifty-two days. This verse marks the successful end of a major project that had faced strong opposition and many challenges.

Nehemiah, the governor of Judah, is the main figure behind this effort, and the verse is part of a historical account written for the returned Jewish exiles. The completion of the wall is significant because it shows that the people, under Nehemiah’s leadership, were able to overcome threats and discouragement. The mention of the exact date and time taken highlights both the speed and the importance of this achievement in the context of Jerusalem’s restoration.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 6:15

  • "Wall" (חֹמָה, ḥomah): This word refers specifically to a protective city wall, not just any barrier. Its use here emphasizes the restoration of Jerusalem’s defenses, which had been broken down for decades.
  • "Finished" (שָׁלַם, shalam): This word means to complete or bring to a state of wholeness. It suggests that the work was not only done but done thoroughly, restoring what had been lost.
  • "Elul" (אֱלוּל, Elul): This is the name of the sixth month in the Hebrew calendar, usually falling in August–September. Naming the month gives a precise historical marker, showing the event’s real-world timing.
  • "Fifty" (חֲמִשִּׁים, ḥamishim) and "two" (שְׁנַיִם, shenayim): These numbers together stress the short period—just fifty-two days—highlighting how quickly the work was accomplished despite obstacles.

Why Nehemiah 6:15 matters

  • Nehemiah 6:15 clears up any doubt about whether the wall was actually finished, showing that the project reached completion despite intense opposition.
  • The verse emphasizes the speed and efficiency of the work, which would have been seen as remarkable given the threats and difficulties described earlier in the book.
  • By recording the specific date, Nehemiah ties the event to real history, underlining the reliability and seriousness of the account for later generations.

Where else these words appear

“finished” Hebrew H7999 · used in 107 verses

  • Genesis 44:4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said unto his steward, Up, follow after the men; and when thou dost overtake them, say unto them, Wherefore have ye rewarded evil for good?
  • 1 Kings 9:25 And three times in a year did Solomon offer burnt offerings and peace offerings upon the altar which he built unto the LORD, and he burnt incense upon the altar that was before the LORD. So he finished the house.
  • Proverbs 7:14 I have peace offerings with me; this day have I payed my vows.

“wall” Hebrew H2346 · used in 123 verses

  • Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
  • Nehemiah 1:3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
  • Isaiah 36:11 Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.

“fifty” Hebrew H2572 · used in 141 verses

  • Genesis 6:15 And this is the fashion which thou shalt make it of: The length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, the breadth of it fifty cubits, and the height of it thirty cubits.
  • Numbers 4:30 From thirty years old and upward even unto fifty years old shalt thou number them, every one that entereth into the service, to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation.
  • 2 Kings 21:1 Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and reigned fifty and five years in Jerusalem. And his mother's name was Hephzibah.