Nehemiah 2:13 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.

◄ 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;…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

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

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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

Berean Study Bible

So I went out at night
The phrase "went out at night" indicates Nehemiah's strategic and cautious approach. In the Hebrew context, night often symbolizes a time of vulnerability and secrecy. Nehemiah's decision to inspect the walls under the cover of darkness suggests wisdom and prudence, avoiding unnecessary attention from potential adversaries. This reflects a biblical principle of acting with discernment and seeking God's guidance in our endeavors, especially when facing opposition.

through the Valley Gate
The "Valley Gate" was one of the gates of ancient Jerusalem, likely located on the western side of the city. Historically, this gate opened to the Valley of Hinnom, a place with a somber reputation due to its association with idolatrous practices in Israel's past. Nehemiah's passage through this gate symbolizes a journey from past failures towards restoration and renewal, embodying the hope of redemption and God's ability to transform places of shame into testimonies of His grace.

toward the Well of the Serpents
The "Well of the Serpents," also known as the Dragon Well, is a location shrouded in mystery. The Hebrew term may refer to a natural spring or a place associated with serpents, which in biblical symbolism often represent danger or evil. Nehemiah's movement toward this well signifies confronting challenges head-on, trusting in God's protection and provision. It serves as a reminder that believers are called to face spiritual battles with courage, relying on God's strength.

and the Dung Gate
The "Dung Gate" was situated near the southern tip of the city, leading to the Valley of Hinnom. It was used for disposing of refuse, symbolizing purification and the removal of impurities. Nehemiah's inspection of this gate highlights the necessity of cleansing and sanctification in the process of rebuilding. Spiritually, it calls Christians to examine their lives, casting off sin and anything that hinders their walk with God, to be vessels of honor for His purposes.

and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem
The act of "inspected" in Hebrew conveys a thorough examination or assessment. Nehemiah's careful scrutiny of the walls reflects a commitment to understanding the full extent of the damage before initiating restoration. This mirrors the Christian call to self-examination and repentance, acknowledging areas of brokenness and seeking God's wisdom for rebuilding. It emphasizes the importance of a solid foundation in Christ for any spiritual endeavor.

that had been broken down
The phrase "broken down" describes the physical state of Jerusalem's walls, symbolizing vulnerability and exposure to enemy attacks. In a spiritual sense, it represents the consequences of sin and disobedience, leading to a loss of protection and peace. Nehemiah's mission to rebuild these walls is a powerful metaphor for God's redemptive work in restoring what sin has destroyed, offering hope and security to His people.

and its gates that had been destroyed by fire
The "gates" of a city were crucial for defense and commerce, and their destruction "by fire" signifies complete devastation. Fire, in biblical terms, often represents judgment or purification. Nehemiah's task of restoring the gates underscores the need for spiritual fortification and vigilance. For believers, it is a call to guard their hearts and minds, ensuring that their lives are aligned with God's will and protected against spiritual attacks.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(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.

Pulpit Commentary

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)