Nehemiah 3:13

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵת֩
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
שַׁ֥עַר
gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#3
הַגַּ֜יְא
The valley
a gorge (from its lofty sides; hence, narrow, but not a gully or winter-torrent)
#4
הֶֽחֱזִ֣יק
repaired
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#5
חָנוּן֮
Hanun
chanun, the name of an ammonite and of two israelites
#6
וְיֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י
and the inhabitants
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#7
זָנוֹחַ֒
of Zanoah
zanoach, the name of two places in palestine
#8
הֵ֣מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#9
בָנ֔וּהוּ
they built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#10
וַֽיַּעֲמִ֙ידוּ֙
it and set up
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#11
דַּלְתֹתָ֔יו
the doors
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#12
מַנְעֻלָ֖יו
thereof the locks
a bolt
#13
וּבְרִיחָ֑יו
thereof and the bars
a bolt
#14
וְאֶ֤לֶף
thereof and a thousand
hence (the ox's head being the first letter of the alphabet, and this eventually used as a numeral) a thousand
#15
אַמָּה֙
cubits
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)
#16
בַּֽחוֹמָ֔ה
on the wall
a wall of protection
#17
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#18
שַׁ֥עַר
gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#19
הָשֲׁפֽוֹת׃
unto the dung
a heap of rubbish or filth

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Nehemiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection