Nehemiah 12:39
New International Version
over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. At the Gate of the Guard they stopped.

New Living Translation
then past the Ephraim Gate to the Old City Gate, past the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel, and on to the Tower of the Hundred. Then we continued on to the Sheep Gate and stopped at the Guard Gate.

English Standard Version
and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Gate of Yeshanah, and by the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate; and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard.

Berean Standard Bible
over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. And they stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

King James Bible
And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

New King James Version
and above the Gate of Ephraim, above the Old Gate, above the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stopped by the Gate of the Prison.

New American Standard Bible
and above the Gate of Ephraim, by the Ancient Gate, by the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

NASB 1995
and above the Gate of Ephraim, by the Old Gate, by the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

NASB 1977
and above the Gate of Ephraim, by the Old Gate, by the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate, and they stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

Legacy Standard Bible
and above the Gate of Ephraim, by the Old Gate, by the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stood at the Gate of the Guard.

Amplified Bible
and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Old Gate, by the Fish Gate, by the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

Christian Standard Bible
above the Ephraim Gate, and by the Old Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate. They stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Old Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate. They stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

American Standard Version
and above the gate of Ephraim, and by the old gate, and by the fish gate, and the tower of Hananel, and the tower of Hammeah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the gate of the guard.

Contemporary English Version
Ephraim Gate, Old Gate, Fish Gate, Hananel Tower, Hundred Tower, and on to Sheep Gate. Finally, we stopped at Gate of the Guard,

English Revised Version
and above the gate of Ephraim, and by the old gate, and by the fish gate, and the tower of Hananel, and the tower of Hammeah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the gate of the guard.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
then past Ephraim Gate, over Old Gate and Fish Gate, and by the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as Sheep Gate. The choir stopped at Guard's Gate.

Good News Translation
and from there we went past Ephraim Gate, Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate. We ended our march near the gate to the Temple.

International Standard Version
and from above the Ephraim Gate, above the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. They stopped at the Guard Gate.

Majority Standard Bible
over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. And they stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

NET Bible
over the Ephraim Gate, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate. They stopped at the Gate of the Guard.

New Heart English Bible
and above the Ephraim Gate, and by the Jeshanah Gate, and by the Fish Gate, and the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, and as far as the Sheep Gate. And they stood still in the Gate of the Guard.

Webster's Bible Translation
And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish-gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even to the sheep-gate: and they stood still in the prison-gate.

World English Bible
and above the gate of Ephraim, and by the old gate, and by the fish gate, the tower of Hananel, and the tower of Hammeah, even to the sheep gate; and they stood still in the gate of the guard.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and from beyond the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Old Gate, and by the Fish Gate, and the Tower of Hananeel, and the Tower of Meah, and to the Sheep Gate—and they have stood at the Prison Gate.

Young's Literal Translation
and from beyond the gate of Ephraim, and by the old-gate, and by the fish-gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, and unto the sheep-gate -- and they have stood at the prison-gate.

Smith's Literal Translation
And from above to the gate of Ephraim, and over the old gate, and over the gate of fishes, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, and even to the sheep gate: and, they stood in the gate of the prison.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Emath, and even to the flock gate: and they stood still in the watch gate.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and above the gate of Ephraim, and above the ancient gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananel, and the tower of Hamath, and as far as the flock gate. And they stood still at the watch gate.

New American Bible
then past the Ephraim Gate to the Mishneh Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Hundred Tower, as far as the Sheep Gate. They came to a halt at the Prison Gate.

New Revised Standard Version
and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Old Gate, and by the Fish Gate and the Tower of Hananel and the Tower of the Hundred, to the Sheep Gate; and they came to a halt at the Gate of the Guard.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And from above the gate of Ephraim, as far as the old gate to the fish gate; and from the tower of Hananeel, as far as the great tower, even to the sheep gate; and they stood still in the great gate.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And higher than the Gate of Aphreim, unto the Ancient Gate and unto the Fish Gate, and from the tower of Khananeil unto the high tower and unto the Gate of the Garden, and they stood in the Great Gate.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and above the gate of Ephraim, and by the gate of the old city and by the fish gate, and the tower of Hananel, and the tower of Hammeah, even unto the sheep gate; and they stood still in the gate of the guard.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
of Ephraim, and to the fish-gate, and by the tower of Anameel, and as far as the sheep-gate.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Dedication of the Wall
38The second thanksgiving choir proceeded to the left, and I followed it with half the people along the top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall, 39over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. And they stopped at the Gate of the Guard. 40The two thanksgiving choirs then stood in the house of God, as did I, along with the half of the officials accompanying me,…

Cross References
Nehemiah 3:1-32
At the Sheep Gate, Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests began rebuilding. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated the wall. / The men of Jericho built next to Eliashib, and Zaccur son of Imri built next to them. / The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. ...

Nehemiah 2:13-15
So I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Well of the Serpent and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and the gates that had been destroyed by fire. / Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was no room for the animal under me to get through; / so I went up the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate.

Nehemiah 4:1-3
Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews / before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” / Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”

Nehemiah 6:15-16
So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul. / When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.

Ezra 3:10-13
When the builders had laid the foundation of the temple of the LORD, the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites (the sons of Asaph) with cymbals, took their positions to praise the LORD, as David king of Israel had prescribed. / And they sang responsively with praise and thanksgiving to the LORD: “For He is good; for His loving devotion to Israel endures forever.” Then all the people gave a great shout of praise to the LORD, because the foundation of the house of the LORD had been laid. / But many of the older priests, Levites, and family heads who had seen the first temple wept loudly when they saw the foundation of this temple. Still, many others shouted joyfully. ...

Ezra 6:15-16
And this temple was completed on the third day of the month of Adar, in the sixth year of the reign of King Darius. / Then the people of Israel—the priests, the Levites, and the rest of the exiles—celebrated the dedication of the house of God with joy.

1 Kings 8:1-11
At that time Solomon assembled before him in Jerusalem the elders of Israel—all the tribal heads and family leaders of the Israelites—to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Zion, the City of David. / And all the men of Israel came together to King Solomon at the feast in the seventh month, the month of Ethanim. / When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the priests took up the ark, ...

2 Chronicles 5:2-14
At that time Solomon assembled in Jerusalem the elders of Israel—all the tribal heads and family leaders of the Israelites—to bring up the ark of the covenant of the LORD from Zion, the City of David. / So all the men of Israel came together to the king at the feast in the seventh month. / When all the elders of Israel had arrived, the Levites took up the ark, ...

Psalm 48:12-13
March around Zion, encircle her, count her towers, / consider her ramparts, tour her citadels, that you may tell the next generation.

Isaiah 62:6-7
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, / nor give Him any rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth.

Jeremiah 31:38-40
“The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when this city will be rebuilt for Me, from the tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. / The measuring line will once again stretch out straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn toward Goah. / The whole valley of the dead bodies and ashes, and all the fields as far as the Kidron Valley, to the corner of the Horse Gate to the east, will be holy to the LORD. It will never again be uprooted or demolished.”

Zechariah 2:1-5
Then I lifted up my eyes and saw a man with a measuring line in his hand. / “Where are you going?” I asked. “To measure Jerusalem,” he replied, “and to determine its width and length.” / Then the angel who was speaking with me went forth, and another angel came forward to meet him ...

Matthew 21:12-13
Then Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer.’ But you are making it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Mark 11:15-17
When they arrived in Jerusalem, Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those selling doves. / And He would not allow anyone to carry merchandise through the temple courts. / Then Jesus began to teach them, and He declared, “Is it not written: ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”

Luke 19:45-46
Then Jesus entered the temple courts and began to drive out those who were selling there. / He declared to them, “It is written: ‘My house will be a house of prayer.’ But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.’”


Treasury of Scripture

And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even to the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

the gate of Ephraim.

Nehemiah 8:16
So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.

2 Kings 14:13
And Jehoash king of Israel took Amaziah king of Judah, the son of Jehoash the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh, and came to Jerusalem, and brake down the wall of Jerusalem from the gate of Ephraim unto the corner gate, four hundred cubits.

the old.

Nehemiah 3:6
Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

the fish gate.

Nehemiah 3:3
But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

Zephaniah 1:10
And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that there shall be the noise of a cry from the fish gate, and an howling from the second, and a great crashing from the hills.

the tower.

Nehemiah 3:1
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

Jeremiah 31:38
Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the city shall be built to the LORD from the tower of Hananeel unto the gate of the corner.

the sheep.

Nehemiah 3:32
And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.

John 5:2
Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches.

the prison.

Nehemiah 3:25,31
Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king's high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh…

Jeremiah 32:2
For then the king of Babylon's army besieged Jerusalem: and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the king of Judah's house.

Jump to Previous
Doorway Ephraim E'phraim Far Fish Fish-Gate Gate Guard Halt Hammeah Hananeel Hananel Hanan'el Hundred Meah Prison Sheep Sheep-Gate Stood Stopped Tower Wall Watchmen
Jump to Next
Doorway Ephraim E'phraim Far Fish Fish-Gate Gate Guard Halt Hammeah Hananeel Hananel Hanan'el Hundred Meah Prison Sheep Sheep-Gate Stood Stopped Tower Wall Watchmen
Nehemiah 12
1. The priests and the Levites which came up with Zerubbabel.
10. The succession of high priests.
22. Certain chief Levites.
27. The solemnity of the dedication of the walls.
44. The offices of priests and Levites appointed in the temple.














over the Gate of Ephraim
The Gate of Ephraim was one of the main gates of Jerusalem, named after the tribe of Ephraim, which was one of the leading tribes of the northern kingdom of Israel. This gate likely faced toward the territory of Ephraim, symbolizing the connection and unity between the northern and southern tribes. Historically, this gate was significant for trade and communication. It is mentioned in other parts of the Bible, such as 2 Kings 14:13, where King Joash of Israel broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate.

the Jeshanah Gate
The Jeshanah Gate, also known as the Old Gate, is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:6. It is believed to be one of the older gates of the city, possibly located in the northwest part of Jerusalem. The name "Jeshanah" means "old," indicating its historical significance. This gate's mention highlights the restoration efforts of Nehemiah, emphasizing the importance of preserving historical and spiritual heritage.

the Fish Gate
The Fish Gate was located on the northern wall of Jerusalem and was named for its proximity to the fish market, where fish from the Mediterranean Sea were brought in. This gate is mentioned in 2 Chronicles 33:14 and Zephaniah 1:10, indicating its importance in the city's economy and daily life. The Fish Gate's restoration symbolizes the renewal of economic prosperity and community life in Jerusalem.

the Tower of Hananel
The Tower of Hananel was a significant defensive structure on the northern wall of Jerusalem. It is mentioned in Jeremiah 31:38 and Zechariah 14:10, symbolizing strength and protection. The tower's name, meaning "God is gracious," reflects the divine protection over Jerusalem. Its inclusion in Nehemiah's procession underscores the theme of God's faithfulness in restoring and safeguarding His people.

and the Tower of the Hundred
The Tower of the Hundred, also known as the Tower of Meah, was another important fortification on the northern wall. Its name may refer to a military unit or a measurement, indicating its strategic importance. The presence of such towers highlights the need for vigilance and defense, both physically and spiritually, as the people of Jerusalem sought to rebuild their city and their faith.

as far as the Sheep Gate
The Sheep Gate was located near the temple and was used for bringing in sheep for sacrifices. It is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:1, where the high priest and fellow priests are noted for rebuilding it. This gate's significance lies in its connection to temple worship and sacrificial practices, foreshadowing Jesus Christ as the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29).

And they stopped at the Gate of the Guard
The Gate of the Guard, also known as the Inspection Gate, was likely used for military and security purposes. It symbolizes the need for spiritual vigilance and accountability. The procession stopping here may represent a moment of reflection and dedication, as the people of Jerusalem commit to guarding their renewed city and faith. This gate's mention emphasizes the importance of watchfulness in the life of believers, as echoed in 1 Peter 5:8.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Gate of Ephraim
This gate was likely named after the tribe of Ephraim, one of the tribes of Israel. It was a significant entry point into Jerusalem.

2. Jeshanah Gate
Also known as the Old Gate, it was one of the gates of Jerusalem, possibly indicating an ancient or original entrance.

3. Fish Gate
This gate was named for its proximity to the fish market or because fish were brought through it from the Mediterranean Sea.

4. Tower of Hananel
A significant tower in the northern wall of Jerusalem, often associated with the defense and fortification of the city.

5. Tower of the Hundred
Another defensive structure, possibly named for a military unit stationed there or its height.

6. Sheep Gate
This gate was used for bringing sheep into the city, particularly for sacrifices at the temple.

7. Gate of the Guard
A gate associated with the security and protection of the city, possibly where guards were stationed.
Teaching Points
Restoration and Renewal
Just as Nehemiah led the people in rebuilding the physical walls of Jerusalem, God calls us to participate in spiritual restoration and renewal in our lives and communities.

Community and Cooperation
The rebuilding of the walls required the cooperation of many people. In the same way, the body of Christ is called to work together in unity for the kingdom of God.

Dedication to God
The dedication of the walls signifies the importance of dedicating our work and achievements to God, recognizing His sovereignty and provision.

Spiritual Defense
The gates and towers symbolize the need for spiritual defenses in our lives, such as prayer, scripture, and fellowship, to guard against spiritual attacks.

Historical and Spiritual Legacy
Understanding the historical context of these gates and towers can deepen our appreciation for the spiritual legacy we inherit and are called to pass on.(39) The gate of Ephraim.--Not mentioned in the process of repairing, as having remained comparatively intact with part of the "broad wall."



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
over
וּמֵעַ֣ל (ū·mê·‘al)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the Gate
לְשַֽׁעַר־ (lə·ša·‘ar-)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

of Ephraim,
אֶ֠פְרַיִם (’ep̄·ra·yim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 669: Ephraim -- a son of Joseph, also his descendants and their territory

the Jeshanah Gate,
הַיְשָׁנָ֜ה (hay·šā·nāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 3466: Jeshanah -- a city near Bethel

the Fish
הַדָּגִ֗ים (had·dā·ḡîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1709: A fish

Gate,
שַׁ֨עַר (ša·‘ar)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

the Tower
וּמִגְדַּ֤ל (ū·miḡ·dal)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers

of Hananel,
חֲנַנְאֵל֙ (ḥă·nan·’êl)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2606: God is gracious', a tower in Jerusalem

and the Tower
וּמִגְדַּ֣ל (ū·miḡ·dal)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4026: A tower, a rostrum, a, bed of flowers

of the Hundred,
הַמֵּאָ֔ה (ham·mê·’āh)
Article | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3968: A tower on the northern wall of Jerusalem

as far
וְעַ֖ד (wə·‘aḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

as the Sheep
הַצֹּ֑אן‪‬‪‬ (haṣ·ṣōn)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock

Gate.
שַׁ֣עַר (ša·‘ar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

And they stopped
וְעָ֣מְד֔וּ (wə·‘ā·mə·ḏū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

at the Gate
שַׁ֣עַר (ša·‘ar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

of the Guard.
הַמַּטָּרָֽה׃ (ham·maṭ·ṭā·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4307: A guard, ward, prison, target, mark


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OT History: Nehemiah 12:39 And above the gate of Ephraim (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 12:38
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