Nehemiah 3:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

The valley {H1516} gate {H8179} repaired {H2388} Hanun {H2586}, and the inhabitants {H3427} of Zanoah {H2182}; they built {H1129} it, and set up {H5975} the doors {H1817} thereof, the locks {H4514} thereof, and the bars {H1280} thereof, and a thousand {H505} cubits {H520} on the wall {H2346} unto the dung {H830} gate {H8179}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Hanun and the people living in Zanoach repaired the Valley Gate; they rebuilt it and set up its doors, along with its bolts and bars; and they rebuilt 1,500 feet of the wall, as far as the Dung Gate.

Berean Standard Bible

The Valley Gate was repaired by Hanun and the residents of Zanoah. They rebuilt it, installed its doors, bolts, and bars, and repaired a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.

American Standard Version

The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the bolts thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits of the wall unto the dung gate.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 3:13 meticulously records the collaborative effort of Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah in repairing the Valley Gate and a significant section of Jerusalem's wall, extending a thousand cubits to the Dung Gate. This verse highlights the communal dedication, the meticulous attention to detail in securing the city's defenses with doors, locks, and bars, and the practical necessity of restoring all parts of the urban infrastructure, signifying a vital step in the post-exilic restoration of Jerusalem's security and identity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 3 serves as a remarkable, almost architectural, register of the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and gates. Far from a dry list, it is a testament to the organized, collaborative, and dedicated effort of the returned exiles under Nehemiah's visionary leadership. The chapter systematically moves around the city, detailing which families, guilds, and communities were responsible for specific sections of the wall and its ten gates. This meticulous accounting emphasizes the shared responsibility and the unified purpose that drove the monumental task of restoration. Verse 13, therefore, is not an isolated detail but a crucial segment within this comprehensive record, detailing the repair of two specific gates and the connecting wall section, demonstrating the systematic approach to the entire project. The preceding verses focus on other gate repairs and wall sections, while the subsequent verses continue this pattern around the city, culminating in the completion of the wall in [Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Completion of the Wall").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls occurred in the mid-5th century BCE, during the Persian Empire's dominion over Judea. After the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people had returned to a desolate city with broken walls, leaving them vulnerable to external threats and undermining their national and religious identity. Walls in the ancient Near East were not merely defensive structures; they symbolized a city's strength, sovereignty, and the security of its inhabitants. A city without walls was exposed, its people without protection, and its identity diminished. The Valley Gate, likely located on the western or southwestern side, provided access to the Hinnom Valley, a significant geographical feature. The Dung Gate (also known as the Potsherd Gate), probably on the southern side near the Kidron Valley, was crucial for the disposal of city waste, highlighting the practical aspects of urban sanitation and daily life. The project was undertaken amidst significant opposition from neighboring peoples, making the communal effort and the thoroughness of the repairs even more critical for the survival and re-establishment of the Jewish community in Jerusalem.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 3:13 powerfully illustrates several key themes central to the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical narratives. First, **Shared Responsibility and Collaboration** is paramount; the verse highlights how diverse groups, like Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah (a town southwest of Jerusalem), took ownership of a specific, substantial segment of the work. This exemplifies the principle that every individual and community has a vital role in God's work, echoing the concept of the body of Christ where all parts are essential, as seen in [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ"). Second, **Diligence and Thoroughness** are emphasized by the meticulous mention of "doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof." This indicates that the repair was not superficial but comprehensive, ensuring full security and lasting functionality, a commitment to excellence that reflects a deeper spiritual dedication. Third, **Practicality and Necessity** are underscored by the functions of the gates mentioned; even the less glamorous but essential tasks, like maintaining waste disposal routes, were given diligent attention, demonstrating that all aspects of community life are worthy of careful stewardship. Finally, the overarching theme of **Restoration and Security** is evident, as the rebuilding of these critical access points and defenses was fundamental to the physical and spiritual renewal of Jerusalem, symbolizing renewed strength, protection, and the re-establishment of a functioning society under God's watchful care, much like the promise of security found in [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - The Lord Builds the House").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Valley Gate (Hebrew, _Sha'ar HaGai'_):** This gate, likely located on the western or southwestern side of Jerusalem, opened into the Hinnom Valley (Gehenna), a significant topographical feature with historical and prophetic associations. Its repair was crucial for controlling access to the city from that direction, serving both defensive and practical purposes for residents moving in and out of the city from the valley.
* **Zanoah (Hebrew, _Zanoah'_):** A town located in the Shephelah, the low foothills of Judah, southwest of Jerusalem. The participation of its inhabitants in the rebuilding effort underscores the widespread communal involvement, demonstrating that the restoration of Jerusalem was a project that united people from various surrounding regions, not just those residing within the city itself. This highlights the collective ownership and commitment to the national and spiritual renewal.
* **Dung Gate (Hebrew, _Sha'ar HaAshpot'_):** Also known as the Potsherd Gate, this gate was probably situated on the southern side of the city, leading to the Kidron Valley. Its name explicitly indicates its function as the primary exit for the city's refuse and ashes. The repair of this gate, though seemingly mundane, was vital for urban hygiene and public health, demonstrating that the restoration efforts were comprehensive, addressing both the grand and the practical necessities of city life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah;":** This clause identifies the specific section of the wall and the primary individuals and community responsible for its reconstruction. Hanun is likely a prominent individual, possibly a leader or head of a family, who partnered with the collective effort of the people from Zanoah. This highlights the principle of shared leadership and collective action in accomplishing a large-scale, challenging task. Their assignment of the Valley Gate underscores its strategic importance.
* **"they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof,":** This phrase provides critical detail about the thoroughness and completeness of the repair work. "Built it" indicates the structural reconstruction of the gate. The subsequent mention of "doors," "locks," and "bars" signifies that the work was not merely cosmetic or superficial. They ensured the gate was fully functional and secure, equipped with all necessary mechanisms to control entry and provide robust defense against potential threats. This attention to detail reflects a commitment to lasting quality and security.
* **"and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.":** This final clause specifies the extensive length of the wall section that Hanun and the Zanoah inhabitants repaired, connecting the Valley Gate to the Dung Gate. A "cubit" was an ancient unit of length, approximately 18 inches (45 cm), meaning "a thousand cubits" was roughly 1,500 feet (450 meters). This substantial distance underscores the magnitude of their contribution and the significant portion of the city's perimeter for which they were responsible, demonstrating the scale of the overall rebuilding project and the substantial effort required from each contributing group.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 3:13, like the entire chapter, prominently employs **Enumeration** and **Detailing**. The precise listing of individuals, groups, and the specific sections of the wall and gates they repaired creates a comprehensive record, emphasizing the organized and collaborative nature of the project. The mention of "doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof" is a form of **Merism**, where two contrasting or complementary parts (the opening and securing mechanisms) represent the whole, signifying the complete and thorough restoration of the gate's functionality and security. The gates themselves, such as the Valley Gate and Dung Gate, function as **Metonymy**, where the part stands for the whole; their repair symbolizes the overall restoration and renewed strength of Jerusalem as a secure and functioning city. The specific measurement of "a thousand cubits" provides concrete **Imagery** and a sense of the tangible scale of the work, grounding the narrative in reality and highlighting the immense physical effort involved.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 3:13 offers profound theological insights into the nature of communal work, divine providence, and the importance of every contribution in God's kingdom. The physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual restoration and the construction of God's people. Just as each family and group was assigned a specific section, so too does God call every believer to contribute their unique gifts and efforts to the building up of His Church and the advancement of His purposes. The diligent and thorough work on even the "Dung Gate" reminds us that no task in God's service is insignificant; every act of obedience, however humble, contributes to the overall strength, purity, and security of the community. This commitment to detail, from the grand structures to the essential but less glamorous functions, reflects a holistic understanding of stewardship and dedication to God's glory.

* [1 Corinthians 12:12-27](/1_corinthians/12-12 "1 Corinthians 12:12-27 - The Body of Christ, Many Parts, One Body")
* [Ephesians 2:19-22](/ephesians/2-19 "Ephesians 2:19-22 - Built Together into a Holy Temple")
* [Philippians 2:1-4](/philippians/2-1 "Philippians 2:1-4 - Humility and Unity in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 3:13 challenges us to consider our role in the ongoing work of God's kingdom today. Just as Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah took ownership of their assigned section, we are called to identify and diligently engage with the specific tasks and responsibilities God has entrusted to us, whether in our families, churches, workplaces, or communities. The emphasis on "doors, locks, and bars" reminds us that our work for God should be characterized by thoroughness, excellence, and a commitment to security—not just superficial effort. This applies not only to physical tasks but also to spiritual disciplines, relational commitments, and the safeguarding of truth. We are to build and protect, ensuring that our spiritual lives and communal efforts are robust and resilient against the challenges of the world. Furthermore, the inclusion of the "Dung Gate" reminds us to value all contributions, even those that may seem less glamorous or visible. Every part of the body is essential, and every task, when done for God's glory, contributes to the flourishing and security of the whole.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "section of the wall" has God called me to repair or build in my life, family, or community?**
* **Am I approaching my responsibilities with the same diligence and thoroughness as Hanun and the people of Zanoah, ensuring "doors, locks, and bars" are in place?**
* **How do I view and value the "Dung Gate" tasks—the less glamorous but essential contributions—within my sphere of influence?**
* **In what ways can I better collaborate with others in my community or church to achieve shared goals, recognizing the unique contributions of each person?**

### FAQ
**What was the significance of the Valley Gate and Dung Gate in ancient Jerusalem?**

Answer: The Valley Gate, likely on the western or southwestern side, was a critical access point to the city, leading into the Hinnom Valley. Its repair was vital for controlling movement and providing defense from that direction. The Dung Gate, probably on the southern side near the Kidron Valley, was the city's primary outlet for waste disposal. While seemingly mundane, its function was essential for urban sanitation, public health, and the overall cleanliness of the city. The repair of both gates, regardless of their differing functions, underscored the comprehensive nature of the rebuilding project, addressing both strategic defense and practical daily needs, ensuring Jerusalem's full functionality and security as a city. The strategic importance of gates is highlighted throughout scripture, often serving as places of judgment, commerce, and public assembly, as seen in [Deuteronomy 21:19](/deuteronomy/21-19 "Deuteronomy 21:19 - Elders at the Gate").

**Why is the detail of "doors, locks, and bars" important in this verse?**

Answer: The specific mention of "doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof" emphasizes the thoroughness and completeness of the repair work. It signifies that the builders were not content with merely rebuilding the physical structure of the gate; they ensured it was fully functional and secure. Doors provided entry and exit control, while locks and bars offered robust protection against intruders and threats. This detail highlights a commitment to excellence, security, and lasting functionality, reflecting a profound dedication to the city's safety and well-being. It serves as a practical example of the principle found in [Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Working Heartily for the Lord"), to work with all your heart, as working for the Lord.

**What does "a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate" tell us about the work?**

Answer: This measurement provides a precise indication of the substantial length of the wall section that Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah were responsible for. A cubit was an ancient unit of length, typically ranging from 18 to 21 inches (approximately 45-53 cm). Therefore, a thousand cubits would be roughly 1,500 to 1,750 feet (450-530 meters). This significant distance demonstrates that their contribution was not a small, isolated task but a major undertaking, covering a considerable portion of the city's perimeter. It underscores the immense scale of the overall rebuilding project and the significant effort and resources contributed by each group, highlighting the collaborative and distributed nature of the work required to restore Jerusalem's defenses. The collective effort for such a large project is a testament to unity, as described in [Psalm 133:1](/psalm/133-1 "Psalm 133:1 - The Blessing of Unity").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The physical rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls in Nehemiah 3:13, with its emphasis on communal effort, diligent work, and securing the city, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Christ and the spiritual reality of His kingdom. Just as the ancient Israelites labored to restore the physical security of their city, Christ came to establish and secure the spiritual city of God, the Church. He is the ultimate "gate" through whom we enter into salvation and abundant life, as He declares in [John 10:9](/john/10-9 "John 10:9 - Jesus, the Gate"). The meticulous work on the "doors, locks, and bars" foreshadows the complete and perfect security offered in Christ; through His atoning sacrifice, He has secured our eternal dwelling, providing an unshakeable foundation and an impregnable defense against the forces of sin and death, a security that far surpasses any physical wall ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Superior Sacrifice")). Furthermore, the collaborative effort of diverse groups in Nehemiah 3 anticipates the New Testament Church, where believers from every tribe and nation are "built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit" ([Ephesians 2:20-22](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20-22 - Built Together for God's Dwelling")). In the New Jerusalem, the ultimate fulfillment of God's restoration, there will be no need for walls or gates to be shut, for the glory of God and the Lamb will be its light and security, and evil will have no access ([Revelation 21:22-27](/revelation/21-22 "Revelation 21:22-27 - The New Jerusalem, No Temple, Gates Always Open")). Christ's finished work is the ultimate restoration, providing eternal security and a perfected community that the diligent work in Nehemiah 3:13 could only point towards.

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 2:13

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.

Joshua 15:34

And Zanoah, and Engannim, Tappuah, and Enam,

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.

1 Chronicles 4:18

And his wife Jehudijah bare Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Socho, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these [are] the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, which Mered took.

Joshua 15:56

And Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah,

Nehemiah 11:30

Zanoah, Adullam, and [in] their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and [in] the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.