Nehemiah 3:26
What does Nehemiah 3:26 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 3:26 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 3:26 means
A parenthetical note locates the Nethinim—temple servants—dwelling in Ophel, extending to the area opposite the water gate toward the east and a projecting tower. This situates a community closely tied to temple service along a critical ridge and near vital water access. Their presence explains why these areas receive coordinated attention, linking residence, vocation, and responsibility. The water gate’s mention underscores the city’s dependence on reliable supply and guarded access. The projecting tower, like others, would need reinforcement to prevent breaches where the wall extended outward and might be more susceptible to attack.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000(Now the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that standeth out.)
KJV
King James Version · 1611Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901(Now the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that standeth out.)
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949(Now the Nethinim were living in the Ophel, as far as the place facing the water doorway to the east, and the tower which comes out.)
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the Nethinim have been dwelling in Ophel, unto over-against the water-gate at the east, and the tower that goeth out.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the Nathinites dwelt in Ophel, as far as over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stood out.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890(Now the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel, even over against the water-gate toward the east, and the tower which lies out.)
Context
This aside gives geographical and social context for the following work, anchoring the narrative on the city’s southeastern flank. By identifying where the Nethinim lived, it clarifies why certain teams focus on Ophel and the water systems. The next verse returns to the sequence of laborers, highlighting the Tekoites again as they repair another portion near a great projecting tower and the wall of Ophel, balancing earlier criticism of their nobles with continued commendation of their people.
v.25Palal the son of Uzai repaired over against the turning of the wall, and the tower that standeth out from the upper house of the king, which is by the court of the guard. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh repaired.
v.26This passage
v.27After him the Tekoites repaired another portion, over against the great tower that standeth out, and unto the wall of Ophel.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Chronicles 9:2
Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were Israel, the priests, the Levites, and the Nethinim.
- Nehemiah 11:21
But the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim.
- Nehemiah 3:27
After him the Tekoites repaired another portion, over against the great tower that standeth out, and unto the wall of Ophel.
- Nehemiah 12:37
And by the fountain gate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.
- Nehemiah 7:46
The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
- Nehemiah 10:28
And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinim, and all they that had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one that had knowledge, and understanding;
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