King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 2:13 Mean?

Nehemiah 2:13 in the King James Version says “And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well , and to the dung port, and viewed the wa... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well , and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

Nehemiah 2:13 · KJV


Context

11

So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

12

And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.

13

And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well , and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

14

Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.

15

Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

This verse within Nehemiah 2 addresses themes of providence, courage, planning, vision. The narrative shows God's providence in moving the king's heart while honoring Nehemiah's faithful preparation through months of prayer. Jerusalem's wall (chomah, חוֹמָה) provided security, dignity, and testimony to God's faithfulness. City gates were strategic both defensively and administratively, controlling access and serving as centers of commerce and justice. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The post-exilic community had returned to Judah but remained politically subject to Persia, living under imperial administration while attempting to rebuild covenant identity. Archaeological evidence confirms Persian-period occupation of Jerusalem and the wall's route. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Nehemiah 2:13 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 21 words
וָאֵֽצְאָ֨ה1 of 21

And I went out

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ2 of 21

and the gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַגַּ֜יא3 of 21

of the valley

H1516

a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)

לַ֗יְלָה4 of 21

by night

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

וְאֶל5 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פְּנֵי֙6 of 21

even before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

עֵ֣ין7 of 21

well

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

הַתַּנִּ֔ין8 of 21

the dragon

H8577

a marine or land monster, i.e., sea-serpent or jackal

וְאֶל9 of 21
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ10 of 21

and the gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָֽאַשְׁפֹּ֑ת11 of 21

and to the dung

H830

a heap of rubbish or filth

וָֽאֱהִ֨י12 of 21
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

שֹׂבֵ֜ר13 of 21

and viewed

H7663

to scrutinize; by implication (of watching) to expect (with hope and patience)

בְּחוֹמֹ֤ת14 of 21

the walls

H2346

a wall of protection

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙15 of 21

of Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

אֲשֶׁר16 of 21
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הֵ֣מ׀17 of 21
H0
פְּרוּצִ֔ים18 of 21

which were broken down

H6555

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ19 of 21

and the gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

אֻכְּל֥וּ20 of 21

thereof were consumed

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

בָאֵֽשׁ׃21 of 21

with fire

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 2:13 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 2:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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