Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Beyond him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth Zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Heroes. New Living Translation Next to him was Nehemiah son of Azbuk, the leader of half the district of Beth-zur. He rebuilt the wall from a place across from the tombs of David’s family as far as the water reservoir and the House of the Warriors. English Standard Version After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men. Berean Standard Bible Beyond him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Mighty. Berean Literal Bible After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, leader of half of the district of Beth-zur, strengthened it, as far as in front of the tombs of David, and to the fashioned pool, as far as the House of the Mighty. King James Bible After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty. New King James Version After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, leader of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs as far as the place in front of the tombs of David, to the man-made pool, and as far as the House of the Mighty. New American Standard Bible After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, official of half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs as far as a point opposite the tombs of David, and as far as the artificial pool and the house of the mighty men. NASB 1995 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, official of half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs as far as a point opposite the tombs of David, and as far as the artificial pool and the house of the mighty men. NASB 1977 After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, official of half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs as far as a point opposite the tombs of David, and as far as the artificial pool and the house of the mighty men. Legacy Standard Bible After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, official of half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs as far as a point opposite the tombs of David, and as far as the artificial pool and the house of the mighty men. Amplified Bible After him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, official of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired [the wall] as far as [a point] in front of the tombs of David, and as far as the artificial pool and the house of the guards. Berean Annotated Bible Beyond him, Nehemiah (YHWH comforts) son of Azbuk (strong devastation), ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur (house of the rock), made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David (beloved), as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Mighty. Christian Standard Bible After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Warriors. Holman Christian Standard Bible After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler over half the district of Beth-zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Warriors. American Standard Version After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and unto the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty men. Contemporary English Version Nehemiah son of Azbuk ruled half of the district of Beth-Zur, and he rebuilt the next section of the wall. It went as far as the royal cemetery, the artificial pool, and the army barracks. English Revised Version After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and unto the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty men. GOD'S WORD® Translation After him Nehemiah, Azbuk's son, the official in charge of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs all the way to a point across from the tombs of David as far as the pool and the soldiers' barracks. Good News Translation Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of half of the Bethzur District, built the next section, as far as David's tomb, the pool, and the barracks. International Standard Version Next to him Azbuk's son Nehemiah, ruling official of half of the Beth-zur district, carried on repairs as far as the tombs of David, then to the artificial pool that had been installed there, and then as far as the military barracks. NET Bible Nehemiah son of Azbuk, head of a half-district of Beth Zur, worked after him as far as the tombs of David and the artificial pool and the House of the Warriors. New Heart English Bible After him, Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs to the place opposite the tombs of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty men. Webster's Bible Translation After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Beth-zur, to the place over against the sepulchers of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBeyond him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Mighty. World English Bible After him, Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth Zur, made repairs to the place opposite the tombs of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty men. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAfter him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, head of the half of the district of Beth-Zur, has strengthened to opposite the graves of David, and to the pool that is made, and to the house of the mighty ones. Berean Literal Bible After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, leader of half of the district of Beth-zur, strengthened it, as far as in front of the tombs of David, and to the fashioned pool, as far as the House of the Mighty. Young's Literal Translation After him hath Nehemiah son of Azbuk, head of the half of the district of Beth-Zur, strengthened, unto over-against the graves of David, and unto the pool that is made, and unto the house of the mighty ones. Smith's Literal Translation After him held fast Nehemiah son of Azbuk, chief of half the circuit of the house of the rock, even to the front of the sepulchres of David, and even to the pool being made, and even to the house of the strong ones. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAfter him built Nehemias the son of Azboc, lord of half the street of Bethsur, as far as over against the sepulchre of David, and to the pool, that was built with great labour, and to the house of the mighty. Catholic Public Domain Version After him, Nehemiah, the son of Azbuk, the leader of one half part of the street of Bethzur, built, as far as opposite the sepulcher of David, and even to the pool, which was constructed with great labor, and even to the house of the strong. New American Bible After him, the work of repair was carried out by Nehemiah, son of Azbuk, administrator of half the district of Beth-zur, to a place opposite the tombs of David, as far as the Artificial Pool and the barracks. New Revised Standard Version After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, repaired from a point opposite the graves of David, as far as the artificial pool and the house of the warriors. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAfter him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of Bethzur, repaired, as far as the path which goes to the sepulchre of David and to the pool that was made and to the house of the mighty. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated After him, Nekhemiah, son of Khazbuq, Ruler of Bayth Tsur, repaired unto the street of the tomb of David, and unto the fish pool that was made, and unto the house of Giants. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of half the district of Beth-zur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and unto the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty men. Brenton Septuagint Translation After him repaired Neemias son of Azabuch, ruler of half the district round about Bethsur, as far as the garden of David's sepulchre, and as far as the artificial pool, and as far as the house of the mighty men. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Builders of the Walls…15The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David. 16Beyond him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur, made repairs up to a point opposite the tombs of David, as far as the artificial pool and the House of the Mighty. 17Next to him, the Levites made repairs under Rehum son of Bani, and next to him, Hashabiah, ruler of a half-district of Keilah, made repairs for his district.… Cross References Beyond him, Nehemiah 2:18 I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work. Haggai 1:14 So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God, 1 Chronicles 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished. Nehemiah son of Azbuk, Nehemiah 1:1 These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Ezra 2:2 accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel: Nehemiah 7:7 accompanied by Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This is the count of the men of Israel: ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur, 2 Chronicles 11:7 Beth-zur, Soco, Adullam, Joshua 15:58 Halhul, Beth-zur, Gedor, 1 Chronicles 2:45 The son of Shammai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth-zur. made repairs 2 Kings 12:5-7 Let every priest receive it from his constituency, and let it be used to repair any damage found in the temple.” / By the twenty-third year of the reign of Joash, however, the priests had not yet repaired the damage to the temple. / So King Joash called Jehoiada and the other priests and said, “Why have you not repaired the damage to the temple? Now, therefore, take no more money from your constituency, but hand it over for the repair of the temple.” 2 Chronicles 24:12-13 Then the king and Jehoiada would give the money to those who supervised the labor on the house of the LORD to hire stonecutters and carpenters to restore the house of the LORD, as well as workers in iron and bronze to repair the house of the LORD. / So the workmen labored, and in their hands the repair work progressed. They restored the house of God according to its specifications, and they reinforced it. 2 Kings 22:5-6 And let them deliver it into the hands of the supervisors of those doing the work on the house of the LORD, who in turn are to give it to the workmen repairing the damages to the house of the LORD— / to the carpenters, builders, and masons—to buy timber and dressed stone to repair the temple. up to a point opposite the tombs of David, 2 Chronicles 32:33 And Hezekiah rested with his fathers and was buried in the upper tombs of David’s descendants. All Judah and the people of Jerusalem paid him honor at his death. And his son Manasseh reigned in his place. 1 Kings 2:10 Then David rested with his fathers and was buried in the City of David. Acts 2:29 Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. as far as the artificial pool 2 Kings 20:20 As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he constructed the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? Treasury of Scripture After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, to the place over against the sepulchers of David, and to the pool that was made, and to the house of the mighty. the ruler Nehemiah 3:9,12,14 And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem… Beth-zur Joshua 15:58 Halhul, Bethzur, and Gedor, 1 Chronicles 2:45 And the son of Shammai was Maon: and Maon was the father of Bethzur. 2 Chronicles 11:7 And Bethzur, and Shoco, and Adullam, the sepulchres 2 Chronicles 16:14 And they buried him in his own sepulchres, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed which was filled with sweet odours and divers kinds of spices prepared by the apothecaries' art: and they made a very great burning for him. Acts 2:29 Men and brethren, let me freely speak unto you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us unto this day. the pool 2 Kings 20:20 And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool, and a conduit, and brought water into the city, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Isaiah 7:3 Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field; Isaiah 22:11 Ye made also a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool: but ye have not looked unto the maker thereof, neither had respect unto him that fashioned it long ago. the house 1 Kings 14:27,28 And king Rehoboam made in their stead brasen shields, and committed them unto the hands of the chief of the guard, which kept the door of the king's house… 2 Chronicles 12:10,11 Instead of which king Rehoboam made shields of brass, and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, that kept the entrance of the king's house… Song of Solomon 3:7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon's; threescore valiant men are about it, of the valiant of Israel. Jump to Previous Beth Bethzur Beth-Zur David District Far Half House Mighty Nehemiah Official Opposite Part Point Pool Repaired Repairs Ruler Sepulchers Sepulchres Tombs ZurJump to Next Beth Bethzur Beth-Zur David District Far Half House Mighty Nehemiah Official Opposite Part Point Pool Repaired Repairs Ruler Sepulchers Sepulchres Tombs ZurNehemiah 3 1. The names and order of those who built the wallBeyond him This phrase indicates the continuation of the work on the wall, emphasizing the collaborative effort among the Israelites. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall was a communal task, reflecting the unity and shared purpose among the people of God. This cooperation is a recurring theme in Nehemiah, highlighting the importance of working together for a common goal. Nehemiah son of Azbuk Ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur Made repairs Up to a point opposite the tombs of David As far as the artificial pool And the House of the Mighty Persons / Places / Events 1. Nehemiah son of AzbukA leader responsible for rebuilding efforts, specifically mentioned as the ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur. 2. Beth-zur A town in the territory of Judah, significant for its strategic location and historical importance. 3. Tombs of David A reference to the burial place of King David, symbolizing the heritage and legacy of Israel. 4. Artificial Pool Likely a man-made reservoir or water source, essential for the city's sustenance and defense. 5. House of the Mighty Possibly a barracks or a place associated with David's mighty men, indicating a place of strength and valor. Teaching Points Leadership and ResponsibilityNehemiah son of Azbuk exemplifies leadership by taking responsibility for a specific section of the wall. Leaders today are called to take ownership of their roles and contribute to the community's well-being. Heritage and Legacy The mention of the tombs of David reminds us of the importance of honoring our spiritual heritage and the legacy of faith passed down through generations. Strategic Planning The reference to the artificial pool underscores the need for careful planning and resource management in our personal and communal lives. Unity in Purpose The collective effort in rebuilding the wall demonstrates the power of unity and collaboration in achieving a common goal. Strength and Valor The House of the Mighty symbolizes strength and valor, encouraging believers to stand firm in their faith and be courageous in their spiritual battles. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 3:16?2. How does Nehemiah 3:16 demonstrate the importance of organized community efforts in faith? 3. What role does "Nehemiah son of Azbuk" play in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls? 4. How can we apply Nehemiah's leadership in our church community today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Nehemiah 3:16 and other biblical restoration efforts? 6. How does Nehemiah 3:16 encourage us to contribute to God's work today? 7. What historical significance does Nehemiah 3:16 hold in the context of Jerusalem's reconstruction? 8. How does Nehemiah 3:16 reflect the leadership qualities of Nehemiah? 9. What archaeological evidence supports the events described in Nehemiah 3:16? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 3? 11. Should churches incorporate media into worship services? 12. If Nehemiah 3 aligns with Nehemiah 6:15 about completing the wall in just 52 days, is this timeline even possible with ancient technology and labor constraints? 13. In Nehemiah 5:3, how could a widespread famine have occurred without more historical or archaeological evidence supporting such socio-economic turmoil in Jerusalem at that time? 14. Who wrote the books of the Bible? What Does Nehemiah 3:16 Mean Beyond him• These two opening words tie Nehemiah son of Azbuk’s work to the labor of the people listed immediately before him, emphasizing the seamless cooperation that ran all along the wall (see Nehemiah 3:15). • The phrase spotlights teamwork—every segment depended on the one “beyond.” Paul uses the same picture when he says, “So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who makes things grow” (1 Corinthians 3:7). • No believer serves in isolation; each task advances the larger mission (Ephesians 4:16). Nehemiah son of Azbuk • This is a different Nehemiah from the governor who wrote the book. Scripture treats him as a real historical person, reinforcing the literal accuracy of the record. • His name appears only here, yet his brief mention shows God values even the least-known servant (compare Hebrews 6:10). • The shared name with the governor reminds us that leadership is not limited to a single personality; God raises many Nehemiahs for His purposes (Numbers 11:29). ruler of a half-district of Beth-zur • He held civic authority over half the territory of Beth-zur, a strategic hill town south of Jerusalem (Joshua 15:58). • Earthly leadership did not exempt him from manual labor. Likewise, King Hezekiah personally led in repairing the temple (2 Chronicles 29:3-11), and Jesus Himself washed feet (John 13:14-15). • His participation models servant leadership—authority used to serve, not to be served (Mark 10:43-45). made repairs • The verb underlines action, not mere planning. Faith expresses itself through work (James 2:18). • Every stone set in place testified that God’s promises were being fulfilled in real time (Nehemiah 2:20). • The people’s diligent hands echo the call in 1 Corinthians 15:58: “be steadfast, immovable, always excelling in the work of the Lord.” opposite the tombs of David • This segment lay near the royal burial site (1 Kings 2:10), a visible reminder of God’s covenant with David that his line would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:12-16). • Rebuilding here proclaimed that, though Jerusalem had been ruined, the Lord had not forsaken His promises (Isaiah 55:3). • Peter later referenced these same tombs when preaching Christ’s resurrection (Acts 2:29-31), linking past hope to its ultimate fulfillment. as far as the artificial pool • An engineered reservoir supplied water to the city (compare Nehemiah 2:14). Its mention highlights practical infrastructure alongside spiritual concerns. • God cares for both the soul and the body—Hezekiah’s workers also “made a pool and a tunnel to bring water into the city” (Isaiah 22:11). • The wall protected the source of life-giving water, foreshadowing Christ, the “spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14). and the House of the Mighty • Likely a barracks or armory where David’s elite warriors once trained (2 Samuel 23:8). • Securing this spot symbolized guarding strength. Believers are likewise exhorted: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10). • Repaired walls around the “House of the Mighty” picture spiritual fortification—standing firm against attacks (1 Peter 5:8-9). summary Nehemiah 3:16 records a local leader who stepped beyond title to labor on Jerusalem’s wall from the royal tombs to strategic waterworks and an ancient stronghold. Each phrase underscores cooperative service, servant leadership, covenant faithfulness, practical provision, and spiritual defense. The verse invites us to take our place “beyond” the worker beside us, building God’s kingdom with willing hands and steadfast hearts, confident that every stone set in faith fulfills His unbreakable promises. (16) The sepulchres of David.--Excavated on the western side of the Temple, and never yet traced.The pool that was made.--This may have been the reservoir of Hezekiah (Isaiah 22:11); and "the house of the mighty" may have been the barracks of David's elect troops (1Chronicles 11:10). Verse 16. - Nehemiah the son of Azbuk. Not the writer, who was "the son of Hachaliah" (Nehemiah 1:1), but another person of the same name. It was the frequent bearing of the same name by two or more contemporaries which made it necessary to designate men generally by their own names and the names of their fathers. Bethzur ("House of the Rock") is now Beit-Sur, and lies on the ordinary route from Jerusalem to Hebron, about fifteen miles south of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in Joshua 15:58 among the cities of Judah, and appears to have become a place of considerable importance under the Maccabees (1 Maccabees 4:29 1 Maccabees 6:31-50 1 Maccabees 14:7; etc.). The sepulchres of David and the kings, his descendants, to the time of Hezekiah, were excavated in the rock upon which the temple stood (Ezekiel 43:7-9), apparently on its western side. They have not hitherto been discovered. Here too was the pool that was made by Hezekiah when he was about to be besieged by Sennacherib (2 Chronicles 32:30; Isaiah 22:9-11). The house of the mighty - the Gibborim, or "mighty men of David (2 Samuel 23:8; 1 Chronicles 11:10) - is not elsewhere mentioned. It was no doubt the barrack where, according to tradition, David had quartered his best troops.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Beyond him,אַחֲרָ֤יו (’a·ḥă·rāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 310: The hind or following part Nehemiah נְחֶמְיָ֣ה (nə·ḥem·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5166: Nehemiah -- 'Yah comforts', three Israelites son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Azbuk, עַזְבּ֔וּק (‘az·būq) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5802: Azbuk -- an Israelite ruler שַׂ֕ר (śar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of a half-district חֲצִ֖י (ḥă·ṣî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2677: The half, middle of פֶּ֣לֶךְ (pe·leḵ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6418: A circuit, a spindle, a crutch Beth-zur, צ֑וּר (ṣūr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1049: Beth-zur -- 'house of a rock', a place in Judah made repairs הֶחֱזִיק֙ (he·ḥĕ·zîq) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer up to עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while a point opposite נֶ֙גֶד֙ (ne·ḡeḏ) Preposition Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before the tombs קִבְרֵ֣י (qiḇ·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 6913: A grave, sepulcher of David, דָוִ֔יד (ḏā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse as וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while far as the artificial הָעֲשׂוּיָ֔ה (hā·‘ă·śū·yāh) Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make pool הַבְּרֵכָה֙ (hab·bə·rê·ḵāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1295: A pool, pond and the House בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of the Mighty. הַגִּבֹּרִֽים׃ (hag·gib·bō·rîm) Article | Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 1368: Powerful, warrior, tyrant Links Nehemiah 3:16 NIVNehemiah 3:16 NLT Nehemiah 3:16 ESV Nehemiah 3:16 NASB Nehemiah 3:16 KJV Nehemiah 3:16 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 3:16 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 3:16 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 3:16 French Bible Nehemiah 3:16 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 3:16 After him repaired Nehemiah the son (Neh Ne) |
    |