Old Testament
Nehemiah 3:17
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After him, the Levites made repairs under Rehum son of Bani. Next to him, Hashabiah, who governed half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district.
Compare translations
After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.
What Nehemiah 3:17 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 3:17, we see the Levites, who were members of the priestly tribe of Levi, actively participating in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Rehum, the son of Bani, led this effort among the Levites. Following him, Hashabiah, who was in charge of half of the district of Keilah, also contributed to the repairs in his area. This verse highlights the collaborative spirit of the community as they worked together to restore their city. Each person had a role to play, and their contributions were essential for the overall success of the project. The involvement of leaders like Hashabiah shows that even those in positions of authority took part in the labor, emphasizing the importance of unity and shared responsibility in achieving a common goal. This passage serves as a reminder that rebuilding efforts, whether physical or spiritual, require the participation of everyone in the community, regardless of their status or role.
How to apply Nehemiah 3:17 to your life
This verse encourages us to engage in community projects and support one another in rebuilding efforts, whether in our neighborhoods or churches. It reminds us that everyone has a role to play, and collective action can lead to significant change. We should be willing to contribute our skills and resources for the greater good.
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 3:17
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 3:17
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
What is the significance of the Levites in Nehemiah 3:17?
In Nehemiah 3:17, the Levites play a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, highlighting their commitment to the community and their responsibilities as members of the priestly tribe. Their involvement signifies the importance of spiritual leaders actively participating in communal efforts, reinforcing the idea that everyone, regardless of their status, should contribute to the welfare of their community.
Who is Hashabiah in Nehemiah 3:17?
Hashabiah, mentioned in Nehemiah 3:17, is identified as the ruler of half the district of Keilah. His role in the repairs emphasizes the leadership involvement in the rebuilding process, showcasing that leaders are not just figureheads but are also active participants in community projects. This involvement fosters unity and encourages others to contribute to collective efforts.
What does Nehemiah 3:17 teach about community collaboration?
Nehemiah 3:17 illustrates the power of community collaboration, as various individuals and leaders come together to rebuild Jerusalem. This verse teaches that successful projects require the participation of all members, regardless of their roles. It emphasizes that when a community unites for a common goal, significant progress can be made, reinforcing the value of teamwork and shared responsibility.
How can we apply the lessons from Nehemiah 3:17 today?
The lessons from Nehemiah 3:17 can be applied today by encouraging active participation in community initiatives, whether in local neighborhoods or church activities. It reminds us that everyone has unique skills and resources to contribute, and collective action can lead to meaningful change. Engaging in collaborative efforts fosters a sense of unity and shared purpose, essential for rebuilding and improving our communities.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.