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Nehemiah 3:26

Nehemiah 3:26 in Multiple Translations

and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out.

Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.

(Now the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that standeth out.)

(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.)

and the Temple servants that lived on the hill of Ophel who made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that extends.

And the Nethinims they dwelt in ye fortresse vnto the place ouer against the water gate, Eastwarde, and to the tower that lyeth out.

And the Nethinim have been dwelling in Ophel, unto over-against the water-gate at the east, and the tower that goeth out.

(Now the temple servants lived in Ophel, to the place opposite the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stands out.)

Moreover, the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, to the place over against the water-gate towards the east, and the projecting tower.

And the Nathinites dwelt in Ophel, as far as over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stood out.

Next to him, Pedaiah the son of Parosh repaired a section toward the east to a place near the Water Gate and near the tall tower. That part of the wall is near Ophel Hill, where the temple servants lived.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 3:26

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 3:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/הַ֨/נְּתִינִ֔ים הָי֥וּ יֹשְׁבִ֖ים בָּ/עֹ֑פֶל עַ֠ד נֶ֜גֶד שַׁ֤עַר הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙ לַ/מִּזְרָ֔ח וְ/הַ/מִּגְדָּ֖ל הַ/יּוֹצֵֽא
וְ/הַ֨/נְּתִינִ֔ים Nâthîyn H5411 temple servant Conj | Art | N-mp
הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3cp
יֹשְׁבִ֖ים yâshab H3427 to dwell V-Qal
בָּ/עֹ֑פֶל ʻÔphel H6077 Ophel Prep | N-ms
עַ֠ד ʻad H5704 till Prep
נֶ֜גֶד neged H5048 before Prep
שַׁ֤עַר shaʻar H8179 gate N-ms
הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙ mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Art | N-mp
לַ/מִּזְרָ֔ח mizrâch H4217 east Prep | N-ms
וְ/הַ/מִּגְדָּ֖ל migdâl H4026 tower Conj | Art | N-cs
הַ/יּוֹצֵֽא yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out Art | V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 3:26

וְ/הַ֨/נְּתִינִ֔ים Nâthîyn H5411 "temple servant" Conj | Art | N-mp
This term refers to temple servants, called Nethinim, who helped the Levites and priests in the sanctuary. They were assigned to serve in the temple, as seen in Ezra and Nehemiah. The Nethinim played a vital role in temple duties.
Definition: 1) Nethinims 1a) temple slaves assigned to the Levites and priests for service in the sanctuary Aramaic equivalent: ne.tin (נְתִין "temple servant" H5412)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Nethinims. See also: 1 Chronicles 9:2; Nehemiah 3:26; Nehemiah 11:21.
הָי֥וּ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
יֹשְׁבִ֖ים yâshab H3427 "to dwell" V-Qal
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
בָּ/עֹ֑פֶל ʻÔphel H6077 "Ophel" Prep | N-ms
Ophel refers to a fortified ridge in Jerusalem, used for the city's defense. It is mentioned as a specific location in the Bible. This ridge is a key part of Jerusalem's geography.
Definition: § Ophel = "hill" a ridge of hills in Jerusalem, fortified for defense of the city
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Ophel. See also: 2 Chronicles 27:3; Nehemiah 3:26; Nehemiah 11:21.
עַ֠ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
נֶ֜גֶד neged H5048 "before" Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
שַׁ֤עַר shaʻar H8179 "gate" N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
הַ/מַּ֨יִם֙ mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Art | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
לַ/מִּזְרָ֔ח mizrâch H4217 "east" Prep | N-ms
This word means the direction of the sunrise, or east. It is used in the Bible to describe the direction of the sun and the east side of something.
Definition: 1) place of sunrise, east 1a) sunrise, east (with 'sun') 1b) the east (without 'sun') 1b1) to or toward the place of sunrise 1b2) to the east, eastward
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: east (side, -ward), (sun-) rising (of the sun). See also: Exodus 27:13; 1 Kings 7:25; Psalms 50:1.
וְ/הַ/מִּגְדָּ֖ל migdâl H4026 "tower" Conj | Art | N-cs
Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.
Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.
הַ/יּוֹצֵֽא yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" Art | V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 3:26

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Nehemiah 8:1 At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel.
2 Nehemiah 11:21 The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them.
3 Nehemiah 12:37 At the Fountain Gate they climbed the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east.
4 Nehemiah 8:3 So Ezra read it aloud from daybreak until noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate, in front of the men and women and those who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.
5 2 Chronicles 33:14 After this, Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David from west of Gihon in the valley to the entrance of the Fish Gate, and he brought it around the hill of Ophel and heightened it considerably. He also stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah.
6 Nehemiah 7:46–56 The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Sia, the descendants of Padon, the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Shalmai, the descendants of Hanan, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar, the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda, the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah, the descendants of Besai, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephushesim, the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur, the descendants of Bazlith, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha, the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Temah, the descendants of Neziah, and the descendants of Hatipha.
7 Nehemiah 8:16 And the people went out, brought back branches, and made booths on their own rooftops, in their courtyards, in the court of the house of God, and in the squares by the Water Gate and by the Gate of Ephraim.
8 Nehemiah 3:27 And next to them, the Tekoites repaired another section, from a point opposite the great tower that juts out to the wall of Ophel.
9 Nehemiah 10:28 “The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand,
10 1 Chronicles 9:2 Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants.

Nehemiah 3:26 Summary

[The temple servants living on the hill of Ophel were a group of workers who helped the Levites and priests in the temple, and they worked together to make repairs to the wall of Jerusalem, as part of the larger effort to rebuild the city, as seen in Nehemiah 3:26. They fixed the part of the wall opposite the Water Gate, which was an important entrance point for people coming to worship at the temple. This work was part of a bigger project to restore the city's defenses and provide a safe place for people to live and worship, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:10-11 and Nehemiah 2:17-18. By working together, the temple servants and other groups were able to accomplish what God had called them to do, as seen in Nehemiah 6:15-16 and Psalm 127:1-2.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who were the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel?

The temple servants were likely a group of workers who assisted the Levites and priests in the temple, as seen in Ezra 8:20, and they lived on the hill of Ophel, which was near the temple area in Jerusalem, as mentioned in Nehemiah 3:26.

What was the significance of the Water Gate in Nehemiah 3:26?

The Water Gate was one of the gates in the wall of Jerusalem, and it was located near the temple area, as seen in Nehemiah 3:26 and Nehemiah 12:37, and it may have been an important entrance point for those coming to worship at the temple, similar to the Horse Gate mentioned in Nehemiah 3:28.

Why did the temple servants make repairs opposite the Water Gate?

The temple servants made repairs opposite the Water Gate as part of the larger effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, as commanded by God through the prophet Nehemiah, as seen in Nehemiah 2:17-18 and Nehemiah 4:6, to restore the city's defenses and provide a safe place for the people to live and worship, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:10-11.

How does this verse relate to the overall rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, as seen in Nehemiah chapters 3-4, where various groups and individuals worked together to repair and restore the walls, under the leadership of Nehemiah, as seen in Nehemiah 2:18 and Nehemiah 6:15-16, and with the help of God, as seen in Psalm 127:1-2.

Reflection Questions

  1. What role do I play in the larger story of God's people, and how can I work together with others to achieve God's purposes, as seen in Nehemiah 3:26 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27?
  2. How can I, like the temple servants, use my skills and resources to serve God and His people, as seen in Nehemiah 3:26 and Matthew 25:14-30?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I need to make repairs or restore what has been damaged, and how can I seek God's help and guidance in this process, as seen in Psalm 51:10-12 and 2 Corinthians 5:17?
  4. How can I, like Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem, trust in God's sovereignty and provision as I face challenges and obstacles in my life, as seen in Nehemiah 3:26 and Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 3:26

Moreover, the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel,.... An high tower upon the wait, in this part of it, see 2 Chronicles 27:3, these were servants to the Levites, and repaired here, where their dwellings were:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 3:26

Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out. The Nethinims - i:e., given to the sanctuary (cf.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:26

Dwelt in Ophel, or, who dwelt in Ophel; for this seems to be only a description of the persons, whose work follows. The water-gate; so called because by that gate water was brought in, either by the people for the use of that part of the city, or rather by these Nethinims, who were Gibeonites, for the uses of the temple, for which they were drawers of water, .

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:26

Nehemiah 3:26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto [the place] over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.Ver. 26. Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel] Of Nethinims see Ezra 2:43. Their work was to carry wood and water to the Temple; therefore they dwelt near the water gate, for their own convenience.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:26

(26) The Nethinims dwelt in Ophel.—It has been proposed to insert “who” before dwelt (following the Syriac); but this is not necessary. Ophel was the long rounded spur running out south of the Temple, on the sides of which the ancient “temple servants” still dwelt, separated from others, on a tract of land reaching from the “water-gate toward the east” to the outlying tower of the king’s citadel in the west. Nothing is said of their part in the general labour.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 3:26

26. Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel … lieth out] R.V. (Now the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel … standeth out). The parenthesis probably includes the whole verse. We prefer the R.V. translation to that of the margin of the R.V., which limits the parenthesis to the first clause, and connects the second clause with the previous verse. (1) The omission of the verb at the close of Neh 3:25 creates no real difficulty; for we have had a similar omission at the beginning of the verse. (2) We should not expect that a parenthetical clause relating to the dwellingplace of the Nethinim would, in the midst of so much detailed topography, describe it in such brief and general terms as ‘in Ophel.’ (In Nehemiah 11:21, where the same words occur, they are possibly based on this passage.) (3) The reference to ‘the tower that standeth out’ is an allusion to the same tower as that mentioned in the previous verse. The parenthesis seems to be introduced in order to connect the dwelling of the Nethinim with the tower just spoken of. (4) Nehemiah 3:27 opens with (R.V.) ‘After him:’ and although in view of Neh 3:2; Nehemiah 3:23; Nehemiah 3:29 this is not conclusive, it certainly favours the R.V. treatment of the parenthesis. in Ophel] This may possibly mean on the brow of the Ophel hill to the east of the Temple. The wall of ‘Ophel’ was built on by Jotham (2 Chronicles 27:3). And the ‘hill’ was surrounded by a wall in Manasseh’s reign, 2 Chronicles 33:14. ‘Ophel’ means ‘a mound,’ and was the name applied to the S. continuance of the Temple hill. over against the water gate toward the east] Between the Temple and the water gate there seems to have been a large open space in which the people could assemble (see Nehemiah 8:1; Nehemiah 8:3; Nehemiah 8:16, Nehemiah 12:37; Nehemiah 12:39; Ezra 10:9). The houses of the Nethinim approached or abutted on the city wall at this point. The ‘water gate’ was obviously so called because the path leading from the spring of Gihon, the Virgin’s Spring, entered the city here. Water-carriers passing in and out gave the gate its name. On Gihon, cf. 1 Kings 1:33; 1 Kings 1:38. It is “the one spring of Jerusalem, known as the Virgin’s Fountain to Christians, and as ‘the Mother of Steps’ to Moslems, because of the steps which lead down into the vault from the present surface of the valley” (Conder’s Palestine, p. 26). From here the wall led northward or north-eastward to ‘the corner’ (Nehemiah 3:31). the tower that lieth out] Probably the same as that mentioned in Nehemiah 3:25. Perhaps the tower was intended especially to protect ‘the water gate,’ in connexion with which it is here mentioned.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:26

26. Dwelt in Ophel — Ophel is the name of the sloping ridge that runs down, south of the temple area, between the mouth of the Tyropoeon and the valley of Kedron, and ends in a rocky bluff just above the pool of Siloam.

Sermons on Nehemiah 3:26

SermonDescription
David Legge Getting Back to the Bible by David Legge In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of getting back to the Bible. The sermon is based on Nehemiah chapter 8, where the people of Israel gather together to hear t
William MacDonald Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-04 Nehemiah 6 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of confessing our sins as a road to revival. He encourages the audience to approach their ministries with renewed zeal and de
Debbie Meroff Keeping Our Focus by Debbie Meroff In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of not being able to see spiritually and lacking the eyes of faith. He emphasizes the need to open the eyes of our hearts and see
Robin Wood Building for Revival by Robin Wood In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Ezra reading the book of the law to the people. He emphasizes the sudden and powerful way in which God visited his people during
Richard Sipley Fit or Misfit? (Part 7): The Motivational Gift of Teaching by Richard Sipley In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of studying and understanding the practical aspects of the Bible. He highlights the need for individuals with the gift of teac
Stephen Kaung Nehemiah #3: Chapter 7-12 by Stephen Kaung In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the unity of believers in Christ. He describes a gathering in a large tent where people from different backgrounds come together to worship a
Colin Peckham 1.1 the Word of God and Revival by Colin Peckham In this sermon, Reverend Colin Peckham discusses the theme of revival and its importance. He begins by describing the situation that Ezra found when he arrived, where the people we

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