Nehemiah 1:3

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559} unto me, The remnant {H7604} that are left {H7604} of the captivity {H7628} there in the province {H4082} are in great {H1419} affliction {H7451} and reproach {H2781}: the wall {H2346} of Jerusalem {H3389} also is broken down {H6555}, and the gates {H8179} thereof are burned {H3341} with fire {H784}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They answered me, "The remnant of the exile left there in the province are in great distress and are held in contempt, the wall of Yerushalayim is in ruins, and its gates have been completely burned up."

Berean Standard Bible

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 are burned with fire.”

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 1:3 presents the devastating report received by Nehemiah, a cupbearer in the Persian court, concerning the dire state of Jerusalem and its inhabitants. This verse vividly describes the profound "affliction and reproach" endured by the Jewish remnant who had returned from exile, highlighting the physical ruin of Jerusalem's walls and the destruction of its gates by fire. This distressing news serves as the immediate catalyst for Nehemiah's deep sorrow, fervent prayer, and ultimately, his divinely appointed mission to rebuild the holy city.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 1:3 immediately follows the introductory verses of the book, which establish Nehemiah's identity, location (Susa, the capital of Persia), and the timing of the events (the 20th year of King Artaxerxes I). The verse introduces Hanani, Nehemiah's brother, and other men who have arrived from Judah, bringing with them a firsthand account of the conditions in Jerusalem. This report is not merely informational; it is presented as a shocking revelation that profoundly impacts Nehemiah, setting the stage for his subsequent lament, prayer, and courageous petition to the king. It acts as the narrative's inciting incident, explaining the deep personal burden that drives the entire book's central plot: the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah take place in the post-exilic period, roughly a century after the initial return of Jews from Babylonian captivity under Zerubbabel (c. 538 BC), who oversaw the rebuilding of the Temple ([Ezra 1-6](/ezra/1 "Ezra 1 - Cyrus's Decree") and [Ezra 6](/ezra/6 "Ezra 6 - Completion of the Temple")). Ezra had led another wave of returnees to Jerusalem about 13 years prior to Nehemiah's arrival (c. 458 BC), focusing on spiritual restoration and the law ([Ezra 7-10](/ezra/7 "Ezra 7 - Ezra's Journey to Jerusalem")). Despite these earlier returns and efforts, Jerusalem remained vulnerable and dishonored. In ancient Near Eastern culture, city walls were not merely defensive structures; they were paramount symbols of a city's strength, identity, and prestige. A city without walls was exposed to enemies, its inhabitants were without security, and its reputation was severely diminished. The mention of "burned gates" likely refers to the destruction inflicted by Nebuchadnezzar's forces in 586 BC ([2 Kings 25:9-10](/2_kings/25-9 "2 Kings 25:9-10 - Destruction of Jerusalem")), indicating that decades later, these crucial fortifications had still not been restored, leaving the city in a perpetual state of shame and danger.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 1:3 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the book. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **despair and vulnerability** among God's people, who, despite having returned to their land, faced immense physical and social hardship. The "affliction and reproach" signify not only external oppression but also a deep sense of shame and spiritual discouragement. Secondly, the verse underscores the **importance of Jerusalem's physical and symbolic integrity**. The broken walls and burned gates are not just architectural deficiencies; they symbolize the city's lack of defense, its dishonor before surrounding nations, and the broader spiritual and communal disarray of the Jewish remnant. This physical brokenness reflects a spiritual brokenness. Thirdly, the verse serves as a powerful **catalyst for divine action through human intercession and leadership**. The report immediately provokes Nehemiah's profound grief and prayer, demonstrating how God uses the awareness of His people's suffering to stir up faithful individuals to lead efforts of restoration and renewal, echoing the pattern seen in figures like Moses and the prophets who interceded for Israel ([Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession") or [Isaiah 62:6-7](/isaiah/62-6 "Isaiah 62:6-7 - Watchmen on the Walls")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Affliction (Hebrew, _ra'ah'_):** This word carries a broad semantic range, encompassing concepts of evil, misery, distress, calamity, and adversity. In this context, it describes the severe suffering and hardship experienced by the Jewish remnant. It implies not just physical discomfort or economic struggle, but a pervasive sense of misfortune and distress that weighed heavily upon the community, likely stemming from external opposition, internal disorganization, and a general lack of security.
* **Reproach (Hebrew, _cherpah'_):** This term denotes shame, disgrace, insult, or humiliation. For the people of God, especially in their holy city, being in "reproach" meant a profound loss of honor and dignity. It was a public humiliation, both in the eyes of the surrounding pagan nations who might mock their God and their perceived weakness, and potentially within their own estimation, feeling abandoned or judged by God. This "reproach" was a direct consequence of Jerusalem's vulnerable state, symbolizing their collective dishonor.
* **Broken down (Hebrew, _parats'_):** This word signifies a breach, a breaking through, or a bursting forth. Applied to the walls, it suggests that they were not merely damaged but had significant, gaping holes or sections completely demolished. This rendered them entirely useless for defense, exposing the city and its inhabitants to constant danger and making them easy targets for attack or plunder. The active state of "broken down" emphasizes the lasting and severe nature of the destruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they said unto me":** This phrase introduces the direct report delivered to Nehemiah. "They" refers to Hanani, Nehemiah's brother, and other men who had recently arrived from Judah, establishing the credibility and immediacy of the distressing news. It highlights the personal nature of the communication that profoundly impacts Nehemiah.
* **"The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province [are] in great affliction and reproach":** This clause describes the condition of the Jewish people who had returned from Babylonian exile and were living in the province of Judah. "Remnant" emphasizes the small number who survived and returned. Their state is characterized by "great affliction" (suffering, distress) and "reproach" (shame, humiliation), indicating both physical hardship and social/spiritual dishonor in the eyes of their neighbors and perhaps even themselves.
* **"the wall of Jerusalem also [is] broken down":** This part of the report specifies the physical state of Jerusalem. The city's primary defensive structure, its wall, is described as "broken down," meaning it had large breaches and was in ruins. This was a critical vulnerability, leaving the city exposed and its inhabitants unprotected.
* **"and the gates thereof are burned with fire":** This final clause further details the destruction. The gates, essential for controlling access and providing security, had been destroyed by fire. This likely refers to the destruction wrought by the Babylonians in 586 BC, indicating that decades later, these crucial entry points and defensive elements remained in ruins, symbolizing the city's utter defenselessness and enduring shame.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 1:3 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Imagery** is central, painting a vivid picture of desolation through phrases like "broken down" walls and "gates... burned with fire." This creates a strong visual of ruin and vulnerability. **Symbolism** is also prominent, as the physical state of Jerusalem's walls and gates serves as a powerful symbol for the spiritual and communal condition of the Jewish remnant. The broken walls symbolize not only physical insecurity but also the shattered pride, identity, and covenant relationship with God that had been compromised by sin and exile. The "affliction and reproach" are not just descriptive terms but also function as a **Metonymy**, where the effects (suffering and shame) stand in for the underlying cause (the city's defenselessness and the people's spiritual state). The verse also uses **Foreshadowing**, as this dire report immediately sets the stage for Nehemiah's subsequent actions, hinting at the immense task of restoration and the spiritual battle that lies ahead.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 1:3 is deeply significant for understanding the theological landscape of the post-exilic period. It underscores the enduring consequences of disobedience to God's covenant, as the physical desolation of Jerusalem reflects the spiritual brokenness and vulnerability of His people. Yet, it also subtly points to God's enduring faithfulness, as He preserves a "remnant" and, through their suffering, stirs up a leader like Nehemiah to initiate restoration. The state of Jerusalem's walls and gates, central to the city's identity as God's chosen dwelling place, highlights the divine concern for the physical and spiritual well-being of His people and His holy city. This verse sets the stage for God's redemptive work, demonstrating that even in the midst of profound despair and reproach, His purposes for His people and His kingdom will ultimately prevail.

* [Psalm 137:1-6](/psalm/137-1 "Lament by the Rivers of Babylon")
* [Lamentations 5:1-5](/lamentations/5-1 "A Prayer for Restoration")
* [Isaiah 60:18](/isaiah/60-18 "Walls of Salvation and Praise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 1:3 serves as a poignant reminder that the brokenness of our world, our communities, and even our own spiritual lives can be a profound catalyst for divine action. Just as the physical state of Jerusalem's walls reflected the spiritual and social "reproach" of its inhabitants, so too can the visible signs of decay—moral, social, or spiritual—in our contemporary contexts point to deeper issues. This verse calls us to cultivate a Nehemiah-like awareness and compassion: to not merely observe suffering or injustice from a distance, but to allow it to pierce our hearts, leading us to lament and intercede. It challenges us to recognize that true spiritual health often requires confronting uncomfortable truths about our own "broken walls" of faith, community, or integrity. Furthermore, Nehemiah's response—moving from lament to prayer, and then to strategic action—provides a powerful model for how we, as believers, should respond to perceived brokenness, whether it's in our families, churches, cities, or the wider world. It encourages us to seek God's will for restoration and to be willing instruments in His hands, actively participating in the rebuilding of what has been torn down, both physically and spiritually.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "broken walls" or areas of "reproach" do you observe in your community or in the church today?**
* **How does the news of suffering or injustice typically affect you, and how might you cultivate a more Nehemiah-like response of lament and intercession?**
* **What specific actions, inspired by Nehemiah's example, might God be calling you to take to address a perceived area of brokenness?**

### FAQ
**Why were the walls of Jerusalem so important, and what did their destruction signify?**

Answer: In ancient times, city walls were absolutely vital for survival and identity. They provided the primary defense against enemies, protecting inhabitants from invasion, plunder, and violence. Beyond physical security, walls symbolized a city's strength, independence, and prestige. For Jerusalem, the holy city, its walls held even deeper significance. They represented God's protection over His chosen people and His dwelling place. Their destruction, particularly the gates being "burned with fire" as described in [Nehemiah 1:3](/nehemiah/1-3 "Nehemiah 1:3 - Jerusalem's Desolation"), signified not only a lack of physical defense but also a profound national humiliation and spiritual "reproach." It was a visible sign of their vulnerability, their diminished glory, and the consequences of their disobedience to God, leaving them exposed to the scorn of surrounding nations as seen in [Lamentations 2:8-9](/lamentations/2-8 "Lamentations 2:8-9 - Jerusalem's Gates and Walls").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 1:3, with its vivid portrayal of Jerusalem's brokenness and the people's "affliction and reproach," finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus. Just as Nehemiah was moved by the physical desolation of the city and the spiritual state of its inhabitants, so too was Jesus deeply moved by the spiritual brokenness of humanity and the "reproach" of sin that separated people from God. He came not to rebuild physical walls, but to establish a new spiritual city, the Church, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Jesus is the ultimate restorer, the one who takes away the "reproach" of sin and shame through His atoning sacrifice on the cross, becoming "a curse for us" ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeems Us from the Curse")). He is the true Lamb of God who "takes away the sin of the world!" ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby rebuilding the broken relationship between God and humanity. Ultimately, the longing for a secure and glorious Jerusalem, expressed in Nehemiah, is fulfilled in the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city where God dwells with His people, a city with no need for physical walls or gates because "the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23](/revelation/21-23 "Revelation 21:23 - The New Jerusalem's Light")). In Christ, the spiritual walls of salvation and righteousness are eternally established ([Isaiah 26:1](/isaiah/26-1 "Isaiah 26:1 - Walls of Salvation")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Nehemiah 2:17

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we [are] in, how Jerusalem [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

2 Kings 25:10

And all the army of the Chaldees, that [were with] the captain of the guard, brake down the walls of Jerusalem round about.

Ezra 5:8

Be it known unto the king, that we went into the province of Judea, to the house of the great God, which is builded with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls, and this work goeth fast on, and prospereth in their hands.

Nehemiah 2:3

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 7:6

These [are] the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;

Nehemiah 2:13

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.

Nehemiah 9:36

Behold, we [are] servants this day, and [for] the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we [are] servants in it: