Nehemiah 2:13
New International Version
By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.

New Living Translation
After dark I went out through the Valley Gate, past the Jackal’s Well, and over to the Dung Gate to inspect the broken walls and burned gates.

English Standard Version
I went out by night by the Valley Gate to the Dragon Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
And I went out by night through the Valley Gate to the Serpent Well and the Refuse Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were burned with fire.

New American Standard Bible
So I went out at night by the Valley Gate in the direction of the Dragon’s Spring and on to the Dung Gate, and I was inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which had been consumed by fire.

NASB 1995
So I went out at night by the Valley Gate in the direction of the Dragon’s Well and on to the Refuse Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed by fire.

NASB 1977
So I went out at night by the Valley Gate in the direction of the Dragon’s Well and on to the Refuse Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed by fire.

Legacy Standard Bible
So I went out at night by the Valley Gate in the direction of the Dragon’s Spring and on to the Dung Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed by fire.

Amplified Bible
So I went out at night by the Valley Gate toward the Dragon’s Well and to the Refuse Gate and inspected the walls of Jerusalem which were broken down and its gates which were consumed by fire.

Christian Standard Bible
I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Serpent’s Well and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Serpent’s Well and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.

American Standard Version
And I went out by night by the valley gate, even toward the jackal's well, and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

Contemporary English Version
I went through Valley Gate on the west, then south past Dragon Spring, before coming to Garbage Gate. As I rode along, I took a good look at the crumbled walls of the city and the gates that had been torn down and burned.

English Revised Version
And I went out by night by the valley gate, even toward the dragon's well, and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I went through Valley Gate that night toward Snake Fountain and Dung Gate and examined the places where the walls of Jerusalem were broken down and where its gates had been burned.

Good News Translation
It was still night as I left the city through the Valley Gate on the west and went south past Dragon's Fountain to the Rubbish Gate. As I went, I inspected the broken walls of the city and the gates that had been destroyed by fire.

International Standard Version
So I went out during the night through the Valley Gate toward Dragon's Well, and from there to the Dung Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and burned by fire.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
I proceeded through the Valley Gate by night, in the direction of the Well of the Dragons and the Dung Gate, inspecting the walls of Jerusalem that had been breached and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.

New Heart English Bible
I went out by night by the Valley Gate, even toward the Serpent?s Well, and to the Dung Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 their gates were consumed with fire.

World English Bible
I went out by night by the valley gate toward the jackal’s well, then to the dung gate; and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I go out through the Valley Gate by night, and to the front of the Dragon Fountain, and to the Refuse Gate, and I am inspecting the walls of Jerusalem, that are broken down, and its gates consumed with fire.

Young's Literal Translation
And I go out through the gate of the valley by night, and unto the front of the fountain of the dragon, and unto the gate of the dunghill, and I am measuring about the walls of Jerusalem, that are broken down, and its gates consumed with fire.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall go forth by the gate of the valley by night, and before the second fountain, and to the gate of the dung-hill, and I shall be watching the walls of Jerusalem that they being broken, and its gates were consumed with fire.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, and before the dragon fountain, and to the dung gate, and I viewed the wall of Jerusalem which was broken down, and the gates thereof which were consumed with fire.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I departed in the night through the gate of the valley, and before the fountain of the dragon, and toward the dung gate. And I considered the wall of Jerusalem, which was broken apart, and its gates, which had been consumed by fire.

New American Bible
I rode out at night by the Valley Gate, passed by the Dragon Spring, and came to the Dung Gate, observing how the walls of Jerusalem were breached and its gates consumed by fire.

New Revised Standard Version
I went out by night by the Valley Gate past the Dragon’s Spring and to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, toward the dragon fountain and to the dung gate, and I viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates were consumed with fire.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I went out in the gate of the valley in the night before the face of the Fountain of the Dragon and to the Dung Gate, and I was closing up the walls of Jerusalem that were broken, and the gates were burned up in fire.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And I went out by night by the valley gate, even toward the dragon's well, and to the dung gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I went forth by the gate of the valley by night, and to the mouth of the well of fig trees, and to the dung-gate: and I mourned over the wall of Jerusalem which they were destroying, and her gates were devoured with fire.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Nehemiah Inspects the Walls
12I set out at night with a few men. I did not tell anyone what my God had laid on my heart to do for Jerusalem. The only animal with me was the one on which I was riding. 13So 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. 14Then 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;…

Cross References
Nehemiah 1:3
And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

Nehemiah 4:6
So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.

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 4:12
Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring its walls and repairing its foundations.

Isaiah 58:12
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.

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.”

Lamentations 2:8-9
The LORD determined to destroy the wall of the Daughter of Zion. He stretched out a measuring line and did not withdraw His hand from destroying. He made the ramparts and walls lament; together they waste away. / Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD.

2 Kings 25:10
And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem.

2 Chronicles 36:19
Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value.

Psalm 51:18
In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem.

Daniel 9:25
Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress.

Acts 15:16
‘After this I will return and rebuild the fallen tent of David. Its ruins I will rebuild, and I will restore it,

Revelation 21:12-14
The city had a great and high wall with twelve gates inscribed with the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, and twelve angels at the gates. / There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south, and three on the west. / The wall of the city had twelve foundations bearing the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Matthew 24:2
“Do you see all these things?” He replied. “Truly I tell you, not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”

Mark 13:2
“Do you see all these great buildings?” Jesus replied. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.”


Treasury of Scripture

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.

the gate

Nehemiah 2:15
Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.

Nehemiah 3:13
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.

2 Chronicles 26:9
Moreover Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the corner gate, and at the valley gate, and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them.

Nehemiah 3:13,14
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 12:31
Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:

the walls

Nehemiah 2:3,17
And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? …

Nehemiah 1:3
And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

Jeremiah 5:10
Go ye up upon her walls, and destroy; but make not a full end: take away her battlements; for they are not the LORD'S.

Jump to Previous
Broken Consumed Destroyed Direction Doorways Dragon Dung Dunghill Far Fire Fountain Front Gate Gates Inspected Inspecting Jackal Jerusalem Material Night Past Port Refuse Ruins Thereof Valley Viewed Walls Waste Water-Spring
Jump to Next
Broken Consumed Destroyed Direction Doorways Dragon Dung Dunghill Far Fire Fountain Front Gate Gates Inspected Inspecting Jackal Jerusalem Material Night Past Port Refuse Ruins Thereof Valley Viewed Walls Waste Water-Spring
Nehemiah 2
1. Artaxerxes, understanding the cause of Nehemiah's sadness,
6. sends him with letters and commission to Jerusalem
9. Nehemiah, to the grief of the enemies, comes to Jerusalem
12. He views secretly the ruins of the walls
17. He incites the Jews to build














So I went out at night
Nehemiah's decision to inspect the walls at night suggests a strategic and cautious approach. Nighttime provided cover from potential adversaries and allowed him to assess the situation without drawing attention. This reflects the wisdom and prudence often encouraged in Scripture, such as in Proverbs 22:3, which speaks of the prudent seeing danger and taking refuge.

through the Valley Gate
The Valley Gate was located on the western side of Jerusalem, leading to the Valley of Hinnom. This gate's mention highlights Nehemiah's methodical approach to inspecting the city's defenses. The Valley of Hinnom later became associated with Gehenna, a symbol of judgment, which underscores the spiritual significance of Nehemiah's mission to restore Jerusalem.

toward the Well of the Serpent
The Well of the Serpent, also known as the Dragon Spring, is a location that is not clearly identified today. Its mention may symbolize the lurking dangers and challenges Nehemiah faced. The serpent is often a biblical symbol of evil or opposition, as seen in Genesis 3, which may foreshadow the resistance Nehemiah would encounter.

and the Dung Gate
The Dung Gate was situated in the southern part of the city, leading to the Valley of Hinnom. It was used for disposing of refuse, symbolizing the cleansing and purification necessary for the city's restoration. This gate's mention emphasizes the need for removing impurities, akin to the spiritual cleansing found in passages like 1 John 1:9.

and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem
Nehemiah's inspection of the walls signifies a thorough assessment of the damage and the work required for restoration. This act of inspection is akin to self-examination encouraged in 2 Corinthians 13:5, where believers are urged to test themselves in faith. It also reflects the importance of understanding the full scope of a problem before addressing it.

that had been broken down
The broken walls symbolize vulnerability and disgrace, as a city's walls were its primary defense. This condition reflects the spiritual and moral decay of the people, paralleling the brokenness described in Isaiah 64:6. Nehemiah's mission to rebuild is a type of Christ's redemptive work to restore what is broken.

and the gates that had been destroyed by fire
The destruction by fire indicates a complete and devastating ruin, often associated with divine judgment, as seen in Lamentations 2:3. The gates' destruction underscores the severity of Jerusalem's plight and the urgent need for restoration. Nehemiah's role as a restorer prefigures Christ, who rebuilds and restores the spiritual gates of believers' lives.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, who is deeply concerned about the state of Jerusalem and its walls. He is a leader and a man of prayer, seeking God's guidance in his mission to rebuild the city.

2. Valley Gate
One of the gates of Jerusalem, located on the western side of the city. It was a strategic point for Nehemiah's inspection of the walls.

3. Well of the Serpents
A location near the Valley Gate, possibly a water source or landmark. Its exact historical significance is uncertain, but it serves as a point of reference in Nehemiah's journey.

4. Dung Gate
Another gate of Jerusalem, located in the southern part of the city. It was used for removing refuse from the city, symbolizing the need for cleansing and renewal.

5. Walls of Jerusalem
The protective barriers of the city, which had been broken down and burned, leaving Jerusalem vulnerable to attack and disgrace.
Teaching Points
Leadership and Initiative
Nehemiah's decision to inspect the walls at night demonstrates his proactive leadership and willingness to assess the situation personally before taking action. As believers, we are called to take initiative in addressing the needs around us.

Prayerful Dependence
Nehemiah's journey was undergirded by prayer, as seen throughout the book. We should seek God's guidance and strength in our endeavors, recognizing that true success comes from Him.

Facing Opposition
The broken walls symbolize the challenges and opposition we face in life. Like Nehemiah, we must be prepared to confront and overcome obstacles with faith and determination.

Restoration and Renewal
The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is a metaphor for spiritual renewal. We are called to participate in God's work of restoration in our lives and communities.

Strategic Planning
Nehemiah's careful inspection and planning highlight the importance of strategy in accomplishing God's purposes. We should seek wisdom and discernment in our planning processes.(13) The gate of the valley, opening on Hinnom, to the south of the city. Nehemiah passed by "the dragon well," nowhere else mentioned, and not now to be traced, and surveyed the ruins from the "dung port," whence offal was taken to the valley of Hinnom.

Verse 13. - The valley gate. A gate on the western or south-western side of Jerusalem, opening towards the valley of Hinnom. There are no means of fixing its exact position. It was one of those which Uzziah fortified (2 Chronicles 26:9). The dragon well. Dean Stanley suggests that "the dragon well" is the spring known generally as "the pool of Siloam," and that the legend, which describes the intermittent flow of the Siloam water as produced by the opening and closing of a dragon s mouth, had already sprung up ('Lectures on the Jewish Church,' Third Series, p. 125); but the Siloam spring seems to lie too far to the eastward to suit the present passage, and is most likely represented by the "king's pool" of ver. 14. The dung port. "The gate outside of which lay the piles of the sweepings and offscourings of the streets" ('Stanley,' 1. s.c.); situated towards the middle of the southern wall

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
So I went out
וָאֵצְאָ֨ה (wā·’ê·ṣə·’āh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

at night
לַ֗יְלָה (lay·lāh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3915: A twist, night, adversity

through the Valley
הַגַּ֜יא (hag·gay)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1516: A valley

Gate
בְשַֽׁעַר־ (ḇə·ša·‘ar-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

toward
וְאֶל־ (wə·’el-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the Well
עֵ֣ין (‘ên)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

of the Serpent
הַתַּנִּ֔ין (hat·tan·nîn)
Noun - common plural
Strong's 8577: A marine, land monster, sea-serpent, jackal

and the Dung
הָאַשְׁפֹּ֑ת (hā·’aš·pōṯ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 830: An ash heap, refuse heap, dunghill

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

and I inspected
שֹׂבֵ֜ר (śō·ḇêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7663: To scrutinize, to expect

the walls
בְּחוֹמֹ֤ת (bə·ḥō·w·mōṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

of Jerusalem
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙ (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

that
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

had been broken down
פְּרוּצִ֔ים (pə·rū·ṣîm)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 6555: To break through

and the gates
וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ (ū·šə·‘ā·re·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

that had been destroyed
אֻכְּל֥וּ (’uk·kə·lū)
Verb - QalPass - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 398: To eat

by fire.
בָאֵֽשׁ׃ (ḇā·’êš)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 784: A fire


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OT History: Nehemiah 2:13 I went out by night by (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 2:12
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