Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version At the Fountain Gate they continued directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the site of David’s palace to the Water Gate on the east. New Living Translation At the Fountain Gate they went straight up the steps on the ascent of the city wall toward the City of David. They passed the house of David and then proceeded to the Water Gate on the east. English Standard Version At the Fountain Gate they went up straight before them by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, to the Water Gate on the east. Berean Standard Bible At the Fountain Gate they went directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. Berean Literal Bible And at the Gate of the Fountain and in front of them they went up on the stairs of the City of David, on the ascent to the wall, up above the house of David, and up to the Gate of the Water eastward. King James Bible And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward. New King James Version By the Fountain Gate, in front of them, they went up the stairs of the City of David, on the stairway of the wall, beyond the house of David, as far as the Water Gate eastward. New American Standard Bible At the Fountain Gate they went directly up the steps of the city of David by the stairway of the wall, above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. NASB 1995 At the Fountain Gate they went directly up the steps of the city of David by the stairway of the wall above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. NASB 1977 And at the Fountain Gate they went directly up the steps of the city of David by the stairway of the wall above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. Legacy Standard Bible At the Spring Gate they went directly up the steps of the city of David by the stairway of the wall above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. Amplified Bible At the Fountain Gate they went directly up the steps of the City of David by the stairway of the wall above David’s house to the Water Gate on the east. Berean Annotated Bible At the Fountain Gate they went directly up the steps of the City of David (beloved) on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. Christian Standard Bible At the Fountain Gate they climbed the steps of the city of David on the ascent of the wall and went above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. Holman Christian Standard Bible At the Fountain Gate they climbed the steps of the city of David on the ascent of the wall and went above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. American Standard Version And by the fountain gate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward. Contemporary English Version When they reached Fountain Gate, they climbed the steps to David's City and went past his palace, before stopping at the Water Gate near the eastern wall of the city. English Revised Version And by the fountain gate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward. GOD'S WORD® Translation At Fountain Gate they went straight up the stairs of the City of David. There the wall rises past David's palace and reaches Water Gate on the east. Good News Translation At the Fountain Gate they went up the steps that led to David's City, past David's palace, and back to the wall at the Water Gate, on the east side of the city. International Standard Version At the Fountain Gate, which stood opposite them, they ascended the stairs of the City of David where the wall rose above the house of David east of the Water Gate. NET Bible They went over the Fountain Gate and continued directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall. They passed the house of David and continued on to the Water Gate toward the east. New Heart English Bible By the Fountain Gate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of the City of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, even to the Water Gate eastward. Webster's Bible Translation And at the fountain-gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, even to the water-gate eastward. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt the Fountain Gate they went directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. World English Bible By the spring gate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of David’s city, at the ascent of the wall, above David’s house, even to the water gate eastward. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand by the Fountain Gate and in front of them, they have gone up by the steps of the City of David, at the going up of the wall beyond the house of David, and to the Water Gate eastward. Berean Literal Bible And at the Gate of the Fountain and in front of them they went up on the stairs of the City of David, on the ascent to the wall, up above the house of David, and up to the Gate of the Water eastward. Young's Literal Translation and by the gate of the fountain and over-against them, they have gone up by the steps of the city of David, at the going up of the wall beyond the house of David, and unto the water-gate eastward. Smith's Literal Translation And at the gate of the fountain, and before them, they went up upon the steps of the city of David in the going up to the wall from above to the house: of David, and even to the gate of waters of the sunrising. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd they went up over against them by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall of the house of David, and to the water gate eastward: Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible At the Fountain Gate they went straight up by the steps of the City of David and continued along the top of the wall above the house of David until they came to the Water Gate on the east. New Revised Standard Version At the Fountain Gate, in front of them, they went straight up by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, to the Water Gate on the east. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd opposite them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, to the great gate eastward. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And next to them they came up from the ascent of the city of David at the ascent of the wall above the house of David, above the Great Eastern Gate. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917and by the fountain gate, and straight before them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward. Brenton Septuagint Translation at the gate, to praise before them, and they went up by the steps of the city of David, in the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, even to the water-gate Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Dedication of the Wall…36and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession. 37At the Fountain Gate they climbed the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east. 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,… Cross References At the Fountain Gate Nehemiah 3:15 The Fountain Gate was repaired by Shallun son of Col-hozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah. He rebuilt it, roofed it, and installed its doors, bolts, and bars. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Shelah near the king’s garden, as far as the stairs that descend from the City of David. 2 Chronicles 32:30 It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Spring of Gihon and channeled it down to the west side of the City of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all that he did. 2 Kings 20:20 As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he constructed the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? they went directly up the steps of the City of David 2 Samuel 5:7 Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion (that is, the City of David). 2 Kings 20:11 So Isaiah the prophet called out to the LORD, and He brought the shadow back the ten steps it had descended on the stairway of Ahaz. Isaiah 38:8 I will make the sun’s shadow that falls on the stairway of Ahaz go back ten steps.’” So the sunlight went back the ten steps it had descended. on the ascent to the wall 2 Chronicles 32:5 Then Hezekiah worked resolutely to rebuild all the broken sections of the wall and to raise up towers on it. He also built an outer wall and reinforced the supporting terraces of the City of David, and he produced an abundance of weapons and shields. 2 Chronicles 33:14 After this, Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall of the City of David from west of Gihon in the valley to the entrance of the Fish Gate, and he brought it around the hill of Ophel and heightened it considerably. He also stationed military commanders in all the fortified cities of Judah. Isaiah 22:10 You counted the houses of Jerusalem and tore them down to strengthen the wall. and passed above the house of David 1 Kings 9:24 As soon as Pharaoh’s daughter had come up from the City of David to the palace that Solomon had built for her, he built the supporting terraces. 2 Kings 11:19 He took with him the commanders of hundreds, the Carites, the guards, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the LORD and entered the royal palace by way of the Gate of the Guards. Then Joash took his seat on the royal throne, 2 Chronicles 23:20 And he took with him the commanders of hundreds, the nobles, the rulers of the people, and all the people of the land, and they brought the king down from the house of the LORD and entered the royal palace through the Upper Gate. They seated King Joash on the royal throne, to the Water Gate on the east Nehemiah 3:26 and the temple servants living on the hill of Ophel made repairs opposite the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out. Nehemiah 8:1 At that time all the people gathered together in the square before the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded for Israel. Nehemiah 8:16 And the people went out, brought back branches, and made booths on their own rooftops, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, and in the squares by the Water Gate and by the Gate of Ephraim. 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. Treasury of Scripture And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even to the water gate eastward. the fountain gate. Nehemiah 2:14 Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king's pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass. Nehemiah 3:15,16 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David… the stairs. Nehemiah 3:15 But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king's garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David. 2 Samuel 5:7-9 Nevertheless David took the strong hold of Zion: the same is the city of David… water gate. Nehemiah 3:26 Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out. Nehemiah 8:1,3,16 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel… Jump to Previous Ascent Ay City Continued David Directly Doorway Eastward Far Fountain Fountain-Gate Front Gate House Passed Slope Spring Stairs Stairway Steps Straight Wall Water Water-GateJump to Next Ascent Ay City Continued David Directly Doorway Eastward Far Fountain Fountain-Gate Front Gate House Passed Slope Spring Stairs Stairway Steps Straight Wall Water Water-GateNehemiah 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. At the Fountain Gate The Fountain Gate was located near the Pool of Siloam, a significant water source in Jerusalem. This gate's proximity to water symbolizes cleansing and renewal, themes prevalent throughout Nehemiah's narrative of restoration. The gate's location underscores the importance of water in both physical sustenance and spiritual purification, reminiscent of Jesus' offer of "living water" in John 4:10. they went directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east Persons / Places / Events 1. Fountain GateA significant gate in the wall of Jerusalem, symbolizing a place of cleansing and renewal. It is often associated with the spiritual renewal of the people. 2. City of David The ancient fortress and original settlement of Jerusalem, representing the historical and spiritual heritage of Israel. 3. House of David Refers to the lineage and legacy of King David, a central figure in Israel's history, symbolizing God's covenant and promises. 4. Water Gate Another important gate in Jerusalem, associated with the provision of life-giving water, symbolizing the sustenance and refreshment found in God's Word. 5. The Ascent to the Wall The physical act of climbing represents spiritual elevation and the journey towards God’s presence and protection. Teaching Points Spiritual RenewalJust as the Israelites passed through the Fountain Gate, believers are called to seek spiritual cleansing and renewal through repentance and faith in Christ. Heritage and Legacy The City of David and the House of David remind us of the importance of our spiritual heritage and the promises of God that are fulfilled in Jesus. Provision and Sustenance The Water Gate symbolizes the life-giving sustenance of God's Word. Believers are encouraged to regularly engage with Scripture for spiritual nourishment. Journey of Faith The ascent to the wall represents the believer's journey of faith, striving towards holiness and deeper communion with God. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 12:37?2. How does Nehemiah 12:37 demonstrate the importance of organized worship in our lives? 3. What role do the gates and walls play in Nehemiah 12:37's procession? 4. How can we incorporate Nehemiah's dedication into our church's worship practices today? 5. What connections exist between Nehemiah 12:37 and other biblical celebrations of God's faithfulness? 6. How does Nehemiah 12:37 inspire us to publicly express gratitude to God? 7. What is the significance of the gate mentioned in Nehemiah 12:37 for Jerusalem's history? 8. How does Nehemiah 12:37 reflect the importance of community in worship? 9. What role do the priests play in Nehemiah 12:37, and why is it significant? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 12? 11. What are the names of Jerusalem's gates? 12. Why has Jerusalem suffered such great devastation and sorrow? 13. What are examples of miracles in the Bible? 14. In Zephaniah 1:10-11, does the mention of the 'Fish Gate' and the 'Second Quarter' align with known archaeological sites, or might this indicate a later editorial insertion? What Does Nehemiah 12:37 Mean At the Fountain Gate“ At the Fountain Gate …” (Nehemiah 12:37a) • The Fountain Gate, restored earlier (Nehemiah 3:15), sat beside the Pool of Siloam—Jerusalem’s fresh-water source. • Beginning the thanksgiving procession here highlights cleansing and life. Just as Isaiah 12:3 promises, “With joy you will draw water from the springs of salvation,” the people start where God’s provision is most tangible. • Water imagery runs through Scripture—John 4:14; Revelation 22:17—reminding us that true life flows from the Lord who literally supplies and spiritually satisfies. They went directly up the steps of the City of David “… they went directly up the steps of the City of David …” (v. 37b) • These stone steps climb the ridge where David first established his stronghold (2 Samuel 5:7–9). • “Directly” underscores purpose—no detours, just a determined ascent toward worship, echoing Psalm 122:1: “I was glad when they said to me, ‘Let us go to the house of the LORD.’ ” • The route reminds every generation that God’s people literally walk in the footsteps of their heritage, a truth reaffirmed in Acts 2:30, where David’s city and promises frame the gospel. On the ascent to the wall “… on the ascent to the wall …” (v. 37c) • The elevation leads onto the newly finished wall (Nehemiah 6:15). What was once charred rubble now carries worshipers—tangible proof that “the God of heaven will give us success” (Nehemiah 2:20). • Psalm 48:12-13 urges, “Walk about Zion… count her towers,” turning the wall itself into a testimony of divine protection. • The word “ascent” recalls the Songs of Ascents (Psalm 120-134), pilgrim psalms sung while climbing toward Jerusalem. The procession literally enacts those melodies of trust. And passed above the house of David “… and passed above the house of David …” (v. 37d) • The walkway skirts the royal palace area. Passing “above” it shows that praise to God rises higher than even kingly authority. • Yet the location also evokes the covenant: “Your house and your kingdom will endure forever” (2 Samuel 7:16). The restored city stands as evidence that God’s promise to David still holds (Jeremiah 33:17). • In Luke 1:32-33 Gabriel ties Jesus to “the throne of His father David,” linking this Old Testament scene to the ultimate fulfillment in Christ. To the Water Gate on the east “… to the Water Gate on the east.” (v. 37e) • The procession ends at the Water Gate, where months earlier Ezra read the Law to a weeping crowd (Nehemiah 8:1-3). Word and worship meet in the same place—obedience flows from celebration. • Situated on the eastern side, the gate faces sunrise. Ezekiel 43:1-2 envisions God’s glory entering the future temple from the east, so the direction points to hope and new beginnings. • Water imagery bookends the journey: starting at the Fountain Gate, ending at the Water Gate. From first step to last, God supplies, cleanses, and sustains His people. summary Nehemiah 12:37 traces a literal route that doubles as a spiritual roadmap: from cleansing (Fountain Gate), through purposeful ascent (City of David steps), onto secure protection (the wall), past covenant memory (house of David), and into renewing obedience (Water Gate). Every landmark shouts that the Lord keeps His promises, restores what is broken, and invites His people to walk in joyful, public praise. Verse 37. - At the fountain gate. See above, Nehemiah 2:14 and Nehemiah 3:15. Which was over against them. There is no "which was" in the original; and it was clearly not the gate, but the steps, that were "over against them." They came to the fountain gate in the course of their perambulation of the wall, and there saw, "opposite to them," the steps that led up to the city of David. By these they ascended the eastern hill, and mounting upon the wall once more, followed its course until they reached the "water gate," which overlooked the Kidron valley (Nehemiah 3:26), where they stopped. Above the house of David. See the comment on Nehemiah 3:25.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Atוְעַל֩ (wə·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the Fountain הָעַ֜יִן (hā·‘a·yin) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain Gate שַׁ֨עַר (ša·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate they climbed עָלוּ֙ (‘ā·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 5927: To ascend, in, actively the steps מַעֲלוֹת֙ (ma·‘ă·lō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 4609: Elevation, the act, the condition, a climactic progression of the City עִ֣יר (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 5892: Excitement of David דָּוִ֔יד (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse on the ascent בַּֽמַּעֲלֶ֖ה (bam·ma·‘ă·leh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4608: An elevation, acclivity, platform, a rise, priority to the wall לַחוֹמָ֑ה (la·ḥō·w·māh) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2346: A wall of protection and passed above מֵעַל֙ (mê·‘al) Preposition-m Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the house לְבֵ֣ית (lə·ḇêṯ) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of David דָּוִ֔יד (dā·wîḏ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse to וְעַ֛ד (wə·‘aḏ) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while the Water הַמַּ֖יִם (ham·ma·yim) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 4325: Water, juice, urine, semen Gate שַׁ֥עַר (ša·‘ar) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate on the east. מִזְרָֽח׃ (miz·rāḥ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4217: Place of sunrise, the east Links Nehemiah 12:37 NIVNehemiah 12:37 NLT Nehemiah 12:37 ESV Nehemiah 12:37 NASB Nehemiah 12:37 KJV Nehemiah 12:37 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 12:37 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 12:37 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 12:37 French Bible Nehemiah 12:37 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 12:37 By the spring gate and straight before (Neh Ne) |
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