Nehemiah 3:2
What does Nehemiah 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 3:2 means
The men of Jericho and Zaccur the son of Imri take their place beside the priests’ work, showing how people from nearby towns joined the effort. Their proximity “next to” Eliashib’s section emphasizes collaboration without rivalry. Those who lived outside Jerusalem still counted the city’s welfare as their own and came to strengthen its defenses. Zaccur’s individual mention honors personal initiative within the larger team. This verse underlines how the wall was not rebuilt by one class or one neighborhood only; it advanced as each accepted a defined share, fitting their labor neatly against what others had already accomplished.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And by his side the men of Jericho were building. And after them, Zaccur, the son of Imri.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and by his hand have men of Jericho built; and by their hand hath Zaccur son of Imri built;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And next to him the men of Jericho built: and next to them built Zachur the son of Amri.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And next to them built the men of Jericho. And next to them built Zaccur the son of Imri.
Context
Following the priests’ consecrated beginning at the sheep gate, the record widens to include non-priestly laborers. The listing moves in sequence, highlighting neighborly participation and the linking of segments. By noting “next unto him” and “next to them,” the narrative shows the wall’s continuity and progressive completion. Soon the account will turn to named gates and specialized teams, but here the emphasis is on momentum building through adjacent, cooperative work that leaves no gaps.
v.1Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Hammeah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananel.
v.2This passage
v.3And the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the bolts thereof, and the bars thereof.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 10:12
Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
- Nehemiah 7:36
The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
- Ezra 2:34
The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
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