Nehemiah 3 13

Nehemiah 3:13 kjv

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 nkjv

Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They built it, hung its doors with its bolts and bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the Refuse Gate.

Nehemiah 3:13 niv

The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it and put its doors with their bolts and bars in place. They also repaired a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.

Nehemiah 3:13 esv

Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.

Nehemiah 3:13 nlt

The Valley Gate was repaired by the people from Zanoah, led by Hanun. They set up its doors and installed its bolts and bars. They also repaired the 1,500 feet of wall to the Dung Gate.

Nehemiah 3 verses

Nehemiah 3 13 Meaning

Nehemiah 3:13 details the specific section of the Jerusalem wall repaired by Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah. They undertook the reconstruction of the Valley Gate, including its doors, bolts, and bars, and a considerable stretch of the wall – one thousand cubits – leading to the Refuse Gate. This verse highlights dedicated, collaborative labor and the measurable progress of the rebuilding effort.

Nehemiah 3 13 Context

Nehemiah chapter 3 provides a meticulous record of the various groups and individuals who participated in the arduous task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The chapter moves systematically around the city, detailing who was responsible for which section and what they repaired (gates, sections of wall). Each builder is noted, often along with their family, occupation, or place of origin, highlighting the widespread community effort. Nehemiah 3:13 specifically marks a significant western/southern section, linking two key gates. The historical context is post-exilic Judah, approximately 445 BC, when the returned exiles under Nehemiah faced external opposition and internal challenges while laboring to restore Jerusalem's defenses and spiritual identity. This verse is part of a "roll call" that validates the hard work and ownership of specific sections.

Nehemiah 3 13 Word analysis

• And Hanun: "Hanun" (Hebrew: חָנוּן, ḥānûn) literally means "gracious" or "favored." The naming of specific individuals underscores personal responsibility and accountability within the collective project. It acknowledges their contribution explicitly.
• and the inhabitants of Zanoah: "Zanoah" (Hebrew: זָנוֹחַ, zānôaḥ) was a town in the Shephelah (lowland) region of Judah. Their participation signifies that the rebuilding was not just an internal Jerusalemite effort but a widespread, national commitment involving people from outlying areas, bringing diverse skills and resources. It emphasizes communal ownership beyond the immediate city.
• repaired: The Hebrew word is ḥāzaq (חָזַק), which means "to strengthen, seize, prevail, grow strong." In this context, it implies a robust and active effort to mend, reinforce, and complete the reconstruction, not merely a light touch-up. It denotes vigor and thoroughness.
• the Valley Gate: (Hebrew: שַׁעַר הַגַּיְא, shaʿar haGay) This gate was likely situated in the southwestern part of the city, possibly leading to the Hinnom Valley or a valley on the west side. It suggests entry from lower, humble, or potentially more challenging terrain, symbolic of starting from a place of brokenness or humility. Rebuilding it was critical for practical access and defense.
• and the wall to the Refuse Gate: The section of the wall connecting the two gates, specifying the direction of repair. It highlights measurable linear progress.
• a thousand cubits: (Hebrew: אֶלֶף אַמָּה, ʾeleph ʾammāh) A "cubit" was an ancient unit of measurement, approximately 18 inches or 45 centimeters, based on the length of a forearm. One thousand cubits thus measures about 1,500 feet or 450 meters, a significant and substantial stretch of the wall for a single group to repair. This detail signifies the magnitude of their assigned task and their dedication to completing such a substantial portion. It shows specific, quantifiable progress.
• Refuse Gate: (Hebrew: שַׁעַר הָאַשְׁפּוֹת, shaʿar hāʾašpôṯ) Also known as the Dung Gate, this gate was typically on the southern side of the city, used for transporting waste out of Jerusalem. Symbolically, its repair points to the need for cleansing, removing spiritual and physical impurities, and establishing boundaries against what defiles or decays. It represents a process of separation and sanctification.
• their gates and their bolts and their bars: This phrase signifies a comprehensive repair job, ensuring not just the wall structure but also the secure mechanisms for closing and locking the gates. This indicates thoroughness, aiming for full security and functionality, and leaving nothing to chance in the city's defense.

Nehemiah 3 13 Bonus section

The consistent listing of builders in Nehemiah 3, often by their adjacent location, their occupation, or their community, not only serves as a historical record but also highlights a foundational principle of the early Judean community: shared ownership and decentralized leadership in specific tasks, all unified under Nehemiah's vision. The Valley Gate to Refuse Gate section might have been one of the lowest and perhaps less "glamorous" portions of the wall to work on, potentially symbolizing the dignity of all labor in God's service, even that perceived as lowly. The sheer length of 1,000 cubits for one group underscores an intense workload, demanding considerable endurance and teamwork, showcasing their steadfastness amidst adversity. This particular stretch emphasizes that the rebuilders were not merely putting up bricks but creating functional security points vital for daily life and the city's defense, moving waste out, and regulating traffic flow in, thereby directly impacting the community's spiritual and physical well-being.

Nehemiah 3 13 Commentary

Nehemiah 3:13 provides a microcosm of the larger rebuilding project, underscoring several profound truths. It showcases the communal nature of God's work, where diverse individuals from different locations (Hanun and Zanoah inhabitants) pool their efforts towards a common, divinely inspired goal. The detailed mention of their specific assignment – repairing the Valley Gate and a thousand cubits of wall to the Refuse Gate – emphasizes the importance of focused, measurable tasks within a grand vision. Each individual's and group's contribution, though distinct, was indispensable to the overall success. The repair of the Valley Gate, leading to lower parts of the city, can symbolize beginning work in humble places, while the Refuse Gate's restoration highlights the necessity of cleansing and removing defilement. This physical act of rebuilding serves as a metaphor for spiritual restoration, demanding diligent work, specific assignments, and an unyielding commitment to security and purity. The task was not just about building, but about securing, signifying protection from internal corruption and external threats.Examples:

• A church building a new facility, where various teams undertake specific aspects like electrical, plumbing, or landscaping, each critical to the whole.
• A mission project where different groups focus on different needs, like education, medical care, or evangelism, working interdependently.