Nehemiah 7:3
New International Version
I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot. While the gatekeepers are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some near their own houses.”

New Living Translation
I said to them, “Do not leave the gates open during the hottest part of the day. And even while the gatekeepers are on duty, have them shut and bar the doors. Appoint the residents of Jerusalem to act as guards, everyone on a regular watch. Some will serve at sentry posts and some in front of their own homes.”

English Standard Version
And I said to them, “Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their guard posts and some in front of their own homes.”

Berean Standard Bible
And I told them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the guards are on duty, keep the doors shut and securely fastened. And appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their own homes.”

King James Bible
And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

New King James Version
And I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut and bar the doors; and appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, one at his watch station and another in front of his own house.”

New American Standard Bible
Then I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot, and while they are standing guard, the gatekeepers are to keep the doors shut and bolted. Also appoint guards from the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each at his post, and each in front of his own house.”

NASB 1995
Then I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot, and while they are standing guard, let them shut and bolt the doors. Also appoint guards from the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each at his post, and each in front of his own house.”

NASB 1977
Then I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot, and while they are standing guard, let them shut and bolt the doors. Also appoint guards from the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each at his post, and each in front of his own house.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem must not be opened until the sun is hot; and until they are there standing guard, they must shut and bolt the doors. Also have guards from the inhabitants of Jerusalem stand, each at his post, and each in front of his own house.”

Amplified Bible
I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while the watchmen are still standing guard, have them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from the residents of Jerusalem, each at his post [on the wall], and each in front of his own house.”

Christian Standard Bible
I said to them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot, and let the doors be shut and securely fastened while the guards are on duty. Station the citizens of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their homes.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I said to them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot, and let the doors be shut and securely fastened while the guards are on duty. Station the citizens of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their homes.”

American Standard Version
And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand on guard, let them shut the doors, and bar ye them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

Contemporary English Version
I said to them, "Don't let the gates to the city be opened until the sun has been up for a while. And make sure that they are closed and barred before the guards go off duty at sunset. Choose people from Jerusalem to stand guard at different places around the wall and others to stand guard near their own houses."

English Revised Version
And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand on guard, let them shut the doors, and bar ye them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I told them, "The gates of Jerusalem should not be opened at the hottest time of the day. While the [gatekeepers] are still standing there, they should shut the doors and bar them. Order some of the men in Jerusalem to stand guard, some at their posts and others in front of their homes."

Good News Translation
I told them not to have the gates of Jerusalem opened in the morning until well after sunrise and to have them closed and barred before the guards went off duty at sunset. I also told them to appoint guards from among the people who lived in Jerusalem and to assign some of them to specific posts and others to patrol the area around their own houses.

International Standard Version
I charged them, "Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until mid-day. Until then, let everyone stand watch, keeping the gates shut and locked. Appoint security watches from those who live in Jerusalem. Everyone should maintain his own watch near his house."

Majority Standard Bible
And I told them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the guards are on duty, keep the doors shut and securely fastened. And appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their own homes.”

NET Bible
I said to them, "The gates of Jerusalem must not be opened in the early morning, until those who are standing guard close the doors and lock them. Position residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their guard stations and some near their homes."

New Heart English Bible
I said to them, "Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut the doors, and you bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in his watch, with everyone near his house."

Webster's Bible Translation
And I said to them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun shall be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

World English Bible
I said to them, “Don’t let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot; and while they stand guard, let them shut the doors, and you bar them; and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, everyone in his watch, with everyone near his house.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and I say to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the heat of the sun, and while they are standing by let them shut the doors, and fasten, and appoint guards of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each at his watch, and each in front of his house.”

Young's Literal Translation
and I say to them, 'Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened till the heat of the sun, and while they are standing by let them shut the doors, and fasten, and appoint guards of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each in his guard, and each over-against his house.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be said to them, The gates of Jerusalem shall not be opened till the sun being hot; and till they standing by shall shut the doors and fasten: and setting up watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, a man in his watch, and a man before his house.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I said to them: Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened till the sun be hot. And while they were yet standing by, the gates were shut, and barred: and I set watchmen of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one by their courses, and every man over against his house.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and I said to them: “Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot.” And while they were standing there, the gates were closed and barred. And I stationed guards from the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each one in his turn, and each one opposite his own house.

New American Bible
I said to them: “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot, and while the sun is still shining they shall shut and bar the doors. Appoint as sentinels the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their watch posts, and others in front of their own houses.”

New Revised Standard Version
And I said to them, “The gates of Jerusalem are not to be opened until the sun is hot; while the gatekeepers are still standing guard, let them shut and bar the doors. Appoint guards from among the inhabitants of Jerusalem, some at their watch posts, and others before their own houses.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And I said to them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is high; and while the sun is still shining, let them shut the doors and bar them and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every man in his watch, and every one to be opposite his own house.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I said to them: “The gates of Jerusalem shall not be opened until the day has risen high, and while the day remains the gates shall be fastened and they shall be secured, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall appoint a guard, a man for its guard, and each man next to his house.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And I said unto them: 'Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand on guard, let them shut the doors, and bar ye them; and let watches be appointed of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I said to them, The gates of Jerusalem shall not be opened till sunrise; and while they are still watching, let the doors be shut, and bolted; and set watches of them that dwell in Jerusalem, every man at his post, and every man over against his house.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Securing the City
2Then I put my brother Hanani in charge of Jerusalem, along with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, because he was a faithful man who feared God more than most. 3And I told them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the guards are on duty, keep the doors shut and securely fastened. And appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their own homes.”

Cross References
Nehemiah 4:13-23
So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. / After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” / When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall. ...

Nehemiah 6:1-9
When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates— / Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. / So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?” ...

Isaiah 62:6
On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves,

2 Chronicles 8:14
In keeping with the ordinances of his father David, Solomon appointed the divisions of the priests over their service, and the Levites for their duties to offer praise and to minister before the priests according to the daily requirement. He also appointed gatekeepers by their divisions at each gate, for this had been the command of David, the man of God.

2 Chronicles 23:19
He stationed gatekeepers at the gates of the house of the LORD, so that no one who was in any way unclean could enter.

Psalm 127:1
A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.

Ezekiel 3:17
“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from My mouth, give them a warning from Me.

Ezekiel 33:7
As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me.

1 Chronicles 9:17-27
These were the gatekeepers: Shallum, Akkub, Talmon, Ahiman, and their relatives. Shallum was their chief; / he was previously stationed at the King’s Gate on the east side. These were the gatekeepers from the camp of the Levites. / Shallum son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his relatives from the Korahites were assigned to guard the thresholds of the Tent, just as their fathers had been assigned to guard the entrance to the dwelling of the LORD. ...

1 Chronicles 26:12-19
These divisions of the gatekeepers, through their chief men, had duties for ministering in the house of the LORD, just as their relatives did. / They cast lots for each gate, according to their families, young and old alike. / The lot for the East Gate fell to Shelemiah. Then lots were cast for his son Zechariah, a wise counselor, and the lot for the North Gate fell to him. ...

2 Kings 11:5-9
and commanded them, “This is what you are to do: A third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall guard the royal palace, / a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guards. You are to take turns guarding the temple— / the two divisions that would go off duty on the Sabbath are to guard the house of the LORD for the king. ...

Matthew 24:42-44
Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day on which your Lord will come. / But understand this: If the homeowner had known in which watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have kept watch and would not have let his house be broken into. / For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect.

Mark 13:34-37
It is like a man going on a journey who left his house, put each servant in charge of his own task, and instructed the doorkeeper to keep watch. / Therefore keep watch, because you do not know when the master of the house will return—whether in the evening, at midnight, when the rooster crows, or in the morning. / Otherwise, he may arrive without notice and find you sleeping. ...

Luke 12:35-40
Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. / Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them. ...

Luke 21:36
So keep watch at all times, and pray that you may have the strength to escape all that is about to happen and to stand before the Son of Man.”


Treasury of Scripture

And I said to them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

Nehemiah 13:19
And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

Psalm 127:1
A Song of degrees for Solomon. Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it: except the LORD keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain.

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.

every one to be

Nehemiah 3:23,28-30
After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house…

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Nehemiah 7
1. Nehemiah commits the charge of Jerusalem to Hanani and Hananiah
5. A register of the genealogy of them which came at the first out of Babylon
9. of the people
39. of the priests
43. of the Levites
46. of the Nethinims
57. of Solomon's servants
63. and of the priests which could not find their pedigree
66. The whole number of them, with their substance
70. Their offerings














And I said to them
This phrase indicates Nehemiah's role as a leader and governor. The Hebrew root for "said" is "אָמַר" (amar), which often implies a command or authoritative instruction. Nehemiah's leadership is characterized by direct communication and decisive action, reflecting his commitment to the welfare of Jerusalem. His words are not merely suggestions but directives that carry the weight of his authority and responsibility.

Do not open the gates of Jerusalem
The gates of Jerusalem were crucial for the city's security. In ancient times, city gates were not only entry points but also places of commerce and legal transactions. The instruction to keep them closed until a specific time underscores the need for vigilance and protection against potential threats. The Hebrew word for "gates" is "שַׁעַר" (sha'ar), symbolizing both physical and spiritual entry points. Nehemiah's concern for the gates reflects his broader concern for the spiritual and physical integrity of the community.

until the sun is hot
This phrase suggests a time of day when the sun is fully risen, likely mid-morning. The timing is strategic, as it ensures that the city is fully awake and alert before opening the gates. The sun's heat is a natural marker of time, emphasizing the importance of aligning human activities with the natural order. In a spiritual sense, it can symbolize enlightenment and readiness, suggesting that vigilance is required until full clarity and awareness are achieved.

and while the guards are on duty
The presence of guards is a testament to the organized and disciplined approach Nehemiah takes towards security. The Hebrew word for "guards" is "שֹׁמֵר" (shomer), meaning watchman or protector. This highlights the importance of having dedicated individuals who are vigilant and responsible for the safety of the community. It also reflects the biblical principle of watchfulness, both physically and spiritually, as believers are called to be alert and prepared.

shut and bar the doors
The act of shutting and barring the doors is a proactive measure to ensure security. The Hebrew word for "shut" is "סָגַר" (sagar), which means to close or secure. This action signifies the importance of taking deliberate steps to protect what is valuable. In a spiritual context, it can be seen as a metaphor for guarding one's heart and mind against external influences that may lead one away from God's path.

Also appoint residents of Jerusalem as guards
Nehemiah's decision to appoint local residents as guards reflects a strategy of involving the community in its own protection. The Hebrew word for "appoint" is "פָּקַד" (paqad), which means to assign or entrust. This delegation of responsibility fosters a sense of ownership and accountability among the people. It also illustrates the biblical principle of stewardship, where individuals are called to take care of their community and resources.

some at their posts and some near their own houses
This phrase indicates a strategic distribution of guards, ensuring that every area is covered. The Hebrew word for "posts" is "מִשְׁמָר" (mishmar), meaning a place of duty or watch. By placing guards near their own homes, Nehemiah ensures that they have a personal stake in the security of the city. This approach not only maximizes efficiency but also reinforces the idea that protecting the community is a shared responsibility. It serves as a reminder that vigilance begins at home, and each person has a role to play in safeguarding their environment.

Verse 3. - Let not the gates be opened until the sun be hot. The gates of towns in the East are usually opened at sunrise; but this cannot be the intention here. Some extra precaution is signified - not, however, so much as Dathe supposes, who renders ante tempus meridianum, "before noon;" but rather something intermediate between this and the ordinary practice.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And
ויאמר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

I told
וָאֹמַ֣ר (wā·’ō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

them,
לָהֶ֗ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

“Do not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

open
יִפָּֽתְח֞וּ (yip·pā·ṯə·ḥū)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

the gates
שַׁעֲרֵ֤י (ša·‘ă·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

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

until
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the sun
הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ (haš·še·meš)
Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 8121: The sun, the east, a ray, a notched battlement

is hot.
חֹ֣ם (ḥōm)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2527: Heat

While
וְעַ֨ד (wə·‘aḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

the guards
הֵ֥ם (hêm)
Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

are on duty,
עֹמְדִ֛ים (‘ō·mə·ḏîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

keep the doors
הַדְּלָת֖וֹת (had·də·lā·ṯō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1817: Something swinging, the valve of a, door

shut
יָגִ֥יפוּ (yā·ḡî·p̄ū)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1479: To hollow, arch, close, to shut

and securely fastened.
וֶאֱחֹ֑זוּ (we·’ĕ·ḥō·zū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession

And appoint
וְהַעֲמֵ֗יד (wə·ha·‘ă·mêḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

the residents
יֹשְׁבֵ֣י (yō·šə·ḇê)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

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

as guards,
מִשְׁמְרוֹת֙ (miš·mə·rō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4931: A guard, watch, charge, function

some
אִ֚ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

at their posts
בְּמִשְׁמָר֔וֹ (bə·miš·mā·rōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4929: Place of confinement, jail, prison, guard, watch, observance

and some
וְאִ֖ישׁ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

at
נֶ֥גֶד (ne·ḡeḏ)
Preposition
Strong's 5048: A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before

their own homes.?
בֵּיתֽוֹ׃ (bê·ṯōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house


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OT History: Nehemiah 7:3 I said to them Don't let (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 7:2
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