King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 3:13 Mean?

Nehemiah 3:13 in the King James Version says “The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks th...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.”

Nehemiah 3:13 · KJV

Context

11

Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces. other: Heb. second measure

12

And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.

13

The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.

14

But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

15

But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.

Read Nehemiah 3 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.

This verse within Nehemiah 3 addresses themes of community, cooperation, diligence, stewardship. The detailed listing of builders demonstrates organized community effort where each person contributes according to ability and opportunity. The construction work (banah, בָּנָה) symbolizes restoring what sin and judgment destroyed. 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 52-day wall completion represents remarkable achievement given opposition and limited resources. Excavations have confirmed portions of Nehemiah's wall and various gates mentioned in the text. 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 3:13 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 · 19 words
אֵת֩1 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שַׁ֥עַר2 of 19

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַגַּ֜יְא3 of 19

“The valley”

H1516

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

הֶֽחֱזִ֣יק4 of 19

“repaired”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

חָנוּן֮5 of 19

“Hanun”

H2586

chanun, the name of an ammonite and of two israelites

וְיֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י6 of 19

“and the inhabitants”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

זָנוֹחַ֒7 of 19

“of Zanoah”

H2182

zanoach, the name of two places in palestine

הֵ֣מָּה8 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בָנ֔וּהוּ9 of 19

“they built”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

וַֽיַּעֲמִ֙ידוּ֙10 of 19

“it and set up”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

דַּלְתֹתָ֔יו11 of 19

“the doors”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

מַנְעֻלָ֖יו12 of 19

“thereof the locks”

H4514

a bolt

וּבְרִיחָ֑יו13 of 19

“thereof and the bars”

H1280

a bolt

וְאֶ֤לֶף14 of 19

“thereof and a thousand”

H505

hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand

אַמָּה֙15 of 19

“cubits”

H520

properly, a mother (i.e., unit of measure, or the fore-arm (below the elbow), i.e., a cubit; also a door-base (as a bond of the entrance)

בַּֽחוֹמָ֔ה16 of 19

“on the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

עַ֖ד17 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שַׁ֥עַר18 of 19

“gate”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הָשֲׁפֽוֹת׃19 of 19

“unto the dung”

H830

a heap of rubbish or filth

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 3:13 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 3:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 2:13Joshua 15:34Joshua 15:561 Chronicles 4:18Nehemiah 11:302 Chronicles 26:9

Places in This Verse

Dung GateGate · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E4 verses across 1 book
Valley GateGate · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E4 verses across 2 books
Zanoah 1Settlement · Modern: Khirbet Zanu · 31.72°N, 35.00°E3 verses across 2 books
View all places in Nehemiah 3 →

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