Nehemiah 2:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאֵֽצְאָ֨ה

H3318

And I went out

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

וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ

H8179

and the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַגַּ֜יא

H1516

of the valley

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

לַ֗יְלָה

H3915

by night

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

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

פְּנֵי֙

H6440

even before

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

עֵ֣ין

H5869

well

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

הַתַּנִּ֔ין

H8577

the dragon

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

וְאֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#10

וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ

H8179

and the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#11

הָֽאַשְׁפֹּ֑ת

H830

and to the dung

a heap of rubbish or filth

#12

וָֽאֱהִ֨י

H1961

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

#13

שֹׂבֵ֜ר

H7663

and viewed

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

#14

בְּחוֹמֹ֤ת

H2346

the walls

a wall of protection

#15

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#16

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#17

הֵ֣מ׀

#18

פְּרוּצִ֔ים

H6555

which were broken down

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

#19

וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ

H8179

and the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#20

אֻכְּל֥וּ

H398

thereof were consumed

to eat (literally or figuratively)

#21

בָאֵֽשׁ׃

H784

with fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Nehemiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How does this verse's literary context within Nehemiah chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?