Old Testament
Nehemiah 3:31
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
After him repaired Malchiah, the goldsmith's son, up to the place of the temple servants and the merchants, across from the Miphkad Gate and to the ascent of the corner.
Compare translations
After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith’s son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.
What Nehemiah 3:31 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 3:31, we see Malchiah, who is identified as the son of a goldsmith, taking part in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His work is significant as it extends to the area where the temple servants and merchants operated, indicating a strategic location near the Miphkad Gate. This gate was likely a point of entry and a place of gathering for various community members, including those who served in the temple and engaged in trade. The mention of the 'ascent of the corner' suggests that Malchiah was involved in a challenging part of the construction, emphasizing the effort required to restore the city's defenses. This verse highlights the collaborative spirit of the people in rebuilding their city, each contributing according to their abilities and roles, which was essential for the overall success of the project.
How to apply Nehemiah 3:31 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the value of every individual's contribution in community projects. Just as Malchiah played his part in rebuilding the wall, we too can use our unique skills and resources to support our communities and contribute to collective 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 3:31
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 3:31
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 does Nehemiah 3:31 mean?
Nehemiah 3:31 describes Malchiah, the son of a goldsmith, participating in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His work is significant as it takes place near the Miphkad Gate, an important area for temple servants and merchants, highlighting the collaborative effort of the community in restoring the city.
What is the significance of Malchiah in Nehemiah 3:31?
Malchiah is significant because he represents the contributions of various individuals in the rebuilding effort. As a goldsmith's son, his involvement emphasizes that everyone, regardless of their background, played a role in the restoration of Jerusalem.
What is the meaning of the Miphkad Gate in Nehemiah 3:31?
The Miphkad Gate mentioned in Nehemiah 3:31 likely served as a key entry point into the city and a gathering place for the community. Its location near the temple servants and merchants indicates its importance in daily life and trade in Jerusalem.
What does 'ascent of the corner' refer to in Nehemiah 3:31?
The 'ascent of the corner' in Nehemiah 3:31 refers to a challenging part of the wall that needed repair. This phrase highlights the effort and skill required to restore the city's defenses at a critical location.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.