Nehemiah 3:26
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.

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.

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.)

Majority 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.

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.

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 Version
And the Nethinim have been dwelling in Ophel, to opposite the Water Gate at 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 Bible
And 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 Bible
Moreover 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 1917
Now 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
Nehemiah 8:1-3
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. / On the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly of men and women and all who could listen and understand. / 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 12:37-39
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. / The second thanksgiving choir proceeded to the left, and I followed it with half the people along the top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall, / over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. And they stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

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, ...

Ezra 7:6-10
this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him. / So in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, he went up to Jerusalem with some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants. / Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. ...

1 Chronicles 9:2-3
Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. / Some of the descendants of Judah, Benjamin, Ephraim, and Manasseh lived in Jerusalem:

1 Chronicles 23:4-5
“Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, / 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.”

2 Chronicles 8:14-15
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God. / They did not turn aside from the king’s command regarding the priests or the Levites in any matter, including that of the treasuries.

2 Chronicles 31:2-3
Hezekiah reestablished the divisions of the priests and Levites—each of them according to their duties as priests or Levites—for the burnt offerings and peace offerings, for ministry, for giving thanks, and for singing praises at the gates of the LORD’s dwelling. / The king contributed from his own possessions for the regular morning and evening burnt offerings and for the burnt offerings on the Sabbaths, New Moons, and appointed feasts, as written in the Law of the LORD.

Psalm 84:10
For better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.

Psalm 122:1-2
A song of ascents. Of David. I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the LORD.” / Our feet are standing in your gates, O Jerusalem.

Isaiah 56:5-7
I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. / And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— / I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.”

Jeremiah 35:2-4
“Go to the house of the Rechabites, speak to them, and bring them to one of the chambers of the house of the LORD to offer them a drink of wine.” / So I took Jaazaniah son of Jeremiah, the son of Habazziniah, and his brothers and all his sons—the entire house of the Rechabites— / and I brought them into the house of the LORD, to a chamber occupied by the sons of Hanan son of Igdaliah, a man of God. This room was near the chamber of the officials, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah son of Shallum the doorkeeper.

Ezekiel 40:45-46
Then the man said to me: “The chamber that faces south is for the priests who keep charge of the temple, / and the chamber that faces north is for the priests who keep charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok, the only Levites who may approach the LORD to minister before Him.”

Matthew 21:12-13
Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Mark 11:15-17
When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. / Then Jesus began to teach them, and He declared, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”


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-Gate
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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-Gate
Nehemiah 3
1. The names and order of those who built the wall














and the temple servants
The term "temple servants" refers to the Nethinim, a group of individuals dedicated to assisting the Levites in the service of the temple. The Hebrew root for "Nethinim" means "given" or "dedicated," indicating their consecration to God's work. Historically, these servants were likely descendants of the Gibeonites, who were assigned to serve the Israelites after their deceptive treaty with Joshua (Joshua 9). Their inclusion in the rebuilding effort underscores the unity and collective dedication of all God's people, regardless of their status, in the restoration of Jerusalem.

living on Ophel
"Ophel" refers to a specific area in Jerusalem, a fortified hill or ridge located between the City of David and the Temple Mount. The Hebrew word "Ophel" means "swelling" or "mound," indicating its elevated position. Archaeological findings suggest that Ophel was a significant area for administrative and residential purposes during Nehemiah's time. The mention of the temple servants living there highlights the strategic importance of this location and the close proximity of those dedicated to temple service to the heart of Jerusalem's spiritual life.

made repairs
The phrase "made repairs" is central to the narrative of Nehemiah, emphasizing the active participation and labor of the people in restoring the walls of Jerusalem. The Hebrew root "chazaq" implies strengthening, encouraging, and making firm. This not only refers to the physical act of rebuilding but also symbolizes the spiritual and communal renewal of the Jewish people. The act of repairing the walls is a testament to their faith, resilience, and commitment to God's covenant.

opposite the Water Gate
The "Water Gate" was one of the gates of Jerusalem, likely named for its proximity to a water source, possibly the Gihon Spring. In biblical symbolism, water often represents purification, life, and the Word of God. The strategic location of the Water Gate, used for bringing water into the city, underscores the necessity of spiritual sustenance and cleansing for the people. The repairs made here signify the restoration of access to life-giving resources, both physically and spiritually.

toward the east
The direction "toward the east" holds significant biblical symbolism. In Scripture, the east often represents the direction of God's glory and presence, as seen in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:8) and the entrance of the tabernacle and temple. The orientation of the repairs toward the east may symbolize a renewed focus on seeking God's presence and aligning with His divine order. It reflects a hopeful anticipation of God's continued guidance and blessing upon His people.

and the projecting tower
The "projecting tower" refers to a fortified structure that extended from the city wall, providing a vantage point for defense and surveillance. Towers in ancient cities were crucial for protection and security, symbolizing strength and vigilance. The inclusion of the projecting tower in the repair efforts highlights the importance of safeguarding the community and maintaining a watchful stance against potential threats. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder of the need for constant vigilance in one's faith journey, standing firm against adversarial forces.

(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 servants
וְהַ֨נְּתִינִ֔ים (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


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OT History: Nehemiah 3:26 Now the Nethinim lived in Ophel (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 3:25
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