Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. New Living Translation with the Temple servants living on the hill of Ophel, who repaired the wall as far as a point across from the Water Gate to the east and the projecting tower. English Standard Version and the temple servants living on Ophel repaired to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And the Nethinim have been dwelling in Ophel, as far as in front of the Water Gate toward the east, and the tower that goes out. King James Bible Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out. New King James Version Moreover the Nethinim who dwelt in Ophel made repairs as far as the place in front of the Water Gate toward the east, and on the projecting tower. New American Standard Bible Now the temple servants living in Ophel made repairs as far as the front of the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. NASB 1995 The temple servants living in Ophel made repairs as far as the front of the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. NASB 1977 And the temple servants living in Ophel made repairs as far as the front of the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. Legacy Standard Bible The temple servants living in Ophel made repairs as far as the front of the Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. Amplified Bible The temple servants were living in Ophel [the hill south of the temple], and they made repairs as far as the front of the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower. Berean Annotated Bible and the temple servants \the Nethinim/ living on the hill of Ophel (hill) made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out. Christian Standard Bible and the temple servants living on Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out. Holman Christian Standard Bible and the temple servants living on Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out. American Standard Version (Now the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that standeth out.) Contemporary English Version He stopped at a place near the Water Gate on the east and the tower guarding the temple. This was close to a section in the city called Ophel, where the temple workers lived. English Revised Version (Now the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that standeth out.) GOD'S WORD® Translation and the temple servants who were living on the Ophel made repairs on the wall as far as a point across from Water Gate toward the east and the projecting tower. International Standard Version (Now the Temple Servants were living on the Ophel as far as the Water Gate that faces eastward with its prominent tower.) NET Bible and the temple servants who were living on Ophel worked up to the area opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the protruding tower. New Heart English Bible (Now the Nethinim lived in Ophel, to the place over against the Water Gate toward the east, and the tower that stands out.) Webster's Bible Translation Moreover, the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, to the place over against the water-gate towards the east, and the projecting tower. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out. World English Bible (Now the temple servants lived in Ophel, to the place opposite the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stands out.) Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the Nethinim have been dwelling in Ophel, to opposite the Water Gate at the east, and the tower that goes out. Berean Literal Bible And the Nethinim have been dwelling in Ophel, as far as in front of the Water Gate toward the east, and the tower that goes out. Young's Literal Translation And the Nethinim have been dwelling in Ophel, unto over-against the water-gate at the east, and the tower that goeth out. Smith's Literal Translation And the Nethinims were dwelling in Ophel even to the front of the gate of waters to the sunrising, and the tower coming forth. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the Nathinites dwelt in Ophel, as far as over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that stood out. Catholic Public Domain Version And the temple servants, who were living in Ophel, built to a point opposite the water gate, toward the east, and the tower that is prominent. New American Bible to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east, and the projecting tower. New Revised Standard Version and the temple servants living on Ophel made repairs up to a point opposite the Water Gate on the east and the projecting tower. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMoreover the Nethanites who dwelt in Phaal repaired as far as the water gate toward the east and the tower that lies at the end. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Nethanites who were dwelling in Phaal unto the Water Gate to the East and the tower of the Exodus. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now the Nethinim dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that standeth out.-- Brenton Septuagint Translation And the Nathinim dwelt in Ophal, as far as the garden of the water-gate eastward, and there is the projecting tower. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Builders of the Walls…25and Palal son of Uzai made repairs opposite the angle and the tower that juts out from the upper palace of the king near the courtyard of the guard. Next to him, Pedaiah son of Parosh 26and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out. 27And next to them, the Tekoites repaired another section, from a point opposite the great tower that juts out to the wall of Ophel.… Cross References the temple servants Ezra 8:20 They also brought 220 of the temple servants, all designated by name. David and the officials had appointed them to assist the Levites. Nehemiah 7:46 The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, 1 Chronicles 9:2 Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. living on the hill of Ophel Nehemiah 11:21 The temple servants lived on the hill of Ophel, with Ziha and Gishpa over them. 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. 2 Chronicles 27:3 Jotham rebuilt the Upper Gate of the house of the LORD, and he worked extensively on the wall at the hill of Ophel. made repairs opposite the Water Gate 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. 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. Nehemiah 12:37 At the Fountain Gate they went directly up 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. toward the east Ezekiel 43:2-4 and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the east. His voice was like the roar of many waters, and the earth shone with His glory. / The vision I saw was like the vision I had seen when He came to destroy the city and like the visions I had seen by the River Kebar. I fell facedown, / and the glory of the LORD entered the temple through the gate facing east. Ezekiel 47:1-2 Then the man brought me back to the entrance of the temple, and I saw water flowing from under the threshold of the temple toward the east (for the temple faced east). The water was coming down from under the south side of the temple, south of the altar. / Next he brought me out through the north gate and led me around the outside to the outer gate facing east, and there I saw the water trickling out from the south side. Zechariah 14:4 On that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, east of Jerusalem, and the Mount of Olives will be split in two from east to west, forming a great valley, with half the mountain moving to the north and half to the south. and the tower that juts out 2 Chronicles 32:5 Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields. 2 Chronicles 26:9 Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate, the Valley Gate, and the angle in the wall, and he fortified them. Jeremiah 31:38 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when this city will be rebuilt for Me, from the tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. Ezra 2:43-54 The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hasupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth, / the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Siaha, the descendants of Padon, / the descendants of Lebanah, the descendants of Hagabah, the descendants of Akkub, … Treasury of Scripture Moreover the Nethinims dwelled in Ophel, to the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lies out. Nethinims Nehemiah 7:46-56 The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth, … Nehemiah 10:28 And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding; 1 Chronicles 9:2 Now the first inhabitants that dwelt in their possessions in their cities were, the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinims. dwelt, etc. Nehemiah 3:27 After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel. Nehemiah 11:21 But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims. 2 Chronicles 27:3 He built the high gate of the house of the LORD, and on the wall of Ophel he built much. Nehemiah 8:1,3 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel… Nehemiah 12:37 And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward. Jump to Previous Doorway Dwelling Dwelt East Facing Far Front Gate Lieth Moreover Nethinim Nethinims Ophel Opposite Over-Against Point Projecting Repaired Repairs Servants Standeth Stands Temple Towards Tower Water Water-GateJump to Next Doorway Dwelling Dwelt East Facing Far Front Gate Lieth Moreover Nethinim Nethinims Ophel Opposite Over-Against Point Projecting Repaired Repairs Servants Standeth Stands Temple Towards Tower Water Water-GateNehemiah 3 1. The names and order of those who built the walland the temple servants The temple servants, also known as the Nethinim, were a group assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. Their origins trace back to the Gibeonites, who were made servants to the Israelites (Joshua 9:27). They played a crucial role in maintaining the daily operations of the temple, highlighting the importance of service and dedication in worship. living on the hill of Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out Persons / Places / Events 1. Temple Servants (Nethinim)These were individuals assigned to assist the Levites in the service of the temple. Their role was crucial in maintaining the daily operations and rituals of the temple. 2. Ophel A fortified hill in Jerusalem, located between the City of David and the Temple Mount. It was an area of significant strategic and religious importance. 3. Water Gate One of the gates of Jerusalem, likely named for its proximity to a water source. It was a critical point for the city's water supply and symbolized life and sustenance. 4. Projecting Tower A defensive structure that provided a strategic advantage in the city's defense. It was part of the fortifications that protected Jerusalem. 5. Rebuilding Effort This event is part of the larger account of Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, a task that involved the cooperation of various groups and individuals. Teaching Points The Importance of Every RoleEvery person, regardless of their position, has a vital role in God's work. The temple servants, though not as prominent as priests, were essential to the rebuilding effort. Unity in Purpose The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls required cooperation and unity among diverse groups. This teaches us the importance of working together in the body of Christ. Strategic Planning The focus on specific locations like the Water Gate and the projecting tower highlights the need for strategic planning in ministry and personal life. Spiritual Fortification Just as the physical walls of Jerusalem needed repair, we must also attend to our spiritual defenses through prayer, scripture, and community. Faithfulness in Service The dedication of the temple servants serves as a reminder to be faithful in whatever task God has given us, no matter how small it may seem. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 3:26?2. How does Nehemiah 3:26 demonstrate the importance of community in God's work? 3. What role did the temple servants play in rebuilding, according to Nehemiah 3:26? 4. How can we apply the teamwork seen in Nehemiah 3:26 to our church? 5. What does Nehemiah 3:26 teach about serving God in humble positions? 6. How does Nehemiah 3:26 connect to 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 on unity? 7. What is the significance of the temple servants in Nehemiah 3:26? 8. How does Nehemiah 3:26 reflect the community's dedication to rebuilding Jerusalem? 9. What role did the temple servants play in Nehemiah's rebuilding efforts? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 3? 11. What are the names of Jerusalem's gates? 12. How do we reconcile Nehemiah 3:8, which mentions goldsmiths and perfumers constructing the wall, with the specialized skills required for such large-scale building? 13. How could the entire community realistically gather and hear the Law for hours, as stated in Nehemiah 8:1-3? 14. In Nehemiah 3:1, where is the archaeological evidence for Eliashib and the Sheep Gate he supposedly rebuilt? What Does Nehemiah 3:26 Mean And the temple servants- “The temple servants” (often called the Nethinim) were a distinct group set apart for practical support of worship (Ezra 2:43–58; 8:20). - They modeled humble, hands-on service, reminding us that every role in God’s work matters (1 Corinthians 12:18–22). - Their inclusion in the wall-building list shows that spiritual service and physical labor are not opposed but complementary (Colossians 3:23–24). Living on the hill of Ophel - Ophel was a spur of elevated ground just south of the Temple Mount (2 Chronicles 27:3). - Those who lived nearest the broken section took responsibility for the repair, illustrating the principle of caring for what lies “at our door” (Proverbs 27:8; 1 Timothy 5:8). - Their residence near the temple underscores proximity to God’s presence as motivation for faithful work (Psalm 84:10). Made repairs - The phrase repeats throughout Nehemiah 3, emphasizing unified action (Nehemiah 3:4, 5, 7…). - It signals restoration rather than innovation; God’s people were returning things to the order He intended (Isaiah 58:12). - The servants did not merely point out problems; they picked up tools—an antidote to complacency (James 1:22). Opposite the Water Gate toward the east - The Water Gate, likely near the Gihon spring, supplied life-sustaining water (2 Samuel 5:8). - Throughout Scripture, water pictures God’s Word (Ephesians 5:26) and the Spirit (John 7:37-39). - Facing east evokes hope and expectation; the glory of the Lord enters from the east (Ezekiel 43:2). - Their work near this gate hints that preserving access to “living water” remains a vital ministry today (Revelation 22:17). And the tower that juts out - Towers provided oversight and protection (2 Chronicles 26:9). - This particular tower protruded beyond the wall, a strategic vantage point to spot threats early (Psalm 61:3). - The pairing of the Water Gate (life) with the tower (watchfulness) balances nourishment and vigilance (Matthew 26:41; 1 Peter 5:8). - By strengthening both, the servants served the community’s safety and spiritual well-being. Application for today • Serve where God has placed you, even if the task seems menial. • Guard access to God’s Word and remain alert against compromise. • Work in unity; no part of the wall is unimportant. • Remember that physical acts of service can be deeply spiritual when offered to the Lord (Romans 12:1). summary Nehemiah 3:26 spotlights a humble group—temple servants on Ophel—who repaired a strategic stretch from the Water Gate eastward to a projecting tower. Their story teaches that everyone has a role, service and worship intertwine, and safeguarding both life-giving truth and vigilant protection belongs to all God’s people. (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.Verse 26. - The Nethinims dwelt in Ophel. Ophel was "the long, narrowish, rounded spur or promontory which intervenes between the central valley of Jerusalem (the Tyropoeon) and the Kidron, or Valley of Jehoshaphat" (Grove). The Nethinims, who had their dwellings on this spur, were set to fortify a portion of the eastern circuit, but apparently restored not so much their own wall as that which lay north of it, at the edge of the present Haram area. Here must have been the water gate, which carried off the superfluous water from the temple reservoirs; and here was the great tower that lieth out, whose foundations have been recently discovered. It stood at the southeastern angle of the great platform on which the temple was built.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew and the temple servantsוְהַ֨נְּתִינִ֔ים (wə·han·nə·ṯî·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5411: The Nethinim, Temple-servants living יֹשְׁבִ֖ים (yō·šə·ḇîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry on [the hill of] Ophel בָּעֹ֑פֶל (bā·‘ō·p̄el) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6077: Ophel -- a fortified mound or hill in Jerusalem made repairs opposite נֶ֜גֶד (ne·ḡeḏ) Preposition Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before the Water הַמַּ֙יִם֙ (ham·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen Gate שַׁ֤עַר (ša·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate toward the east לַמִּזְרָ֔ח (lam·miz·rāḥ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4217: Place of sunrise, the east and the tower וְהַמִּגְדָּ֖ל (wə·ham·miḡ·dāl) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers that juts out. הַיּוֹצֵֽא׃ (hay·yō·w·ṣê) Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim Links Nehemiah 3:26 NIVNehemiah 3:26 NLT Nehemiah 3:26 ESV Nehemiah 3:26 NASB Nehemiah 3:26 KJV Nehemiah 3:26 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 3:26 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 3:26 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 3:26 French Bible Nehemiah 3:26 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 3:26 Now the Nethinim lived in Ophel (Neh Ne) |
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