Old Testament
Nehemiah 3:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After him, Nehemiah son of Azbuk, who governed half the district of Bethzur, made repairs as far as the area across from David's tombs, then on to the man-made pool and the house of the warriors.
Compare translations
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.
What Nehemiah 3:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 3:16, we see Nehemiah, the son of Azbuk, taking on a significant role in the rebuilding efforts of Jerusalem's walls. He was responsible for a section of the city known as Bethzur. His work extended from the area near David's tombs to a man-made pool and the house of the warriors. This verse highlights the collaborative effort of various leaders and individuals in restoring the city after its destruction. Nehemiah's leadership and dedication are evident as he oversees repairs in a crucial part of Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in rebuilding and restoration. The mention of specific landmarks, like David's tombs, connects the rebuilding to the city's rich history and heritage, reminding the people of their identity and purpose. Nehemiah's actions serve as an example of commitment to a common goal, showing that even leaders must roll up their sleeves and work alongside others to achieve success.
How to apply Nehemiah 3:16 to your life
This verse encourages us to take initiative in our communities, just as Nehemiah did. It reminds us that effective leadership involves active participation and collaboration with others. We should seek to contribute to the betterment of our surroundings and work together towards common goals.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther

Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Nehemiah 3:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Nehemiah 3:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
Who was Nehemiah in Nehemiah 3:16?
Nehemiah, the son of Azbuk, was a leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile. He governed half the district of Bethzur and was actively involved in the repair efforts, demonstrating strong leadership and commitment to restoring the city.
What does the mention of David's tombs signify in this verse?
The mention of David's tombs in Nehemiah 3:16 connects the rebuilding efforts to Jerusalem's rich history and heritage. It serves as a reminder of the city's identity and the legacy of its past leaders, emphasizing the importance of honoring that heritage while working towards restoration.
What can we learn about leadership from Nehemiah 3:16?
Nehemiah 3:16 teaches us that effective leadership involves active participation and collaboration. Nehemiah didn't just oversee the repairs; he worked alongside others, showing that leaders should engage with their communities and contribute to collective goals.
How does Nehemiah 3:16 relate to community involvement?
This verse highlights the importance of community involvement in achieving common goals. Nehemiah's collaborative efforts in the rebuilding process illustrate how working together can lead to successful restoration and improvement of our surroundings.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.