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:

NEHEMIAH 12:31KJV
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Nehemiah 12:31 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 12:31 mean?

Nehemiah 12:31 describes how Nehemiah brought the leaders of Judah up onto the city wall and organized two large groups to give thanks, with one group proceeding along the wall toward the Dung Gate. This verse shows a moment of organized celebration and gratitude as part of the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt wall.

Nehemiah is speaking as the leader overseeing the dedication ceremony for Jerusalem’s wall after its reconstruction. He arranges a procession involving the “princes of Judah,” or the leading officials, and divides the people into two great choirs to walk on top of the wall in opposite directions. This public act of thanksgiving highlights both the restored security of the city and the people’s gratitude to God.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 12:31

  • The word for “princes” (שָׂרֵי, saré) refers to the chief leaders or officials of Judah, showing that this was a significant, high-profile event involving the top leadership.
  • The word for “thanks” (תוֹדָה, todah) means a public expression of gratitude, often in the form of songs or praise, emphasizing that this was not just a parade but a spiritual act of worship.
  • The word for “wall” (חוֹמָה, choma) is repeated, underlining the importance of the wall itself as both a physical and symbolic marker of Jerusalem’s restoration and protection.
  • The “Dung Gate” (שַׁעַר הַאַשְׁפֹּת, sha‘ar ha-ashpot) was a specific gate in Jerusalem, showing the detailed planning and the real, historical setting of the event.

Why Nehemiah 12:31 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the dedication of Jerusalem’s wall was a carefully organized public event, not just a private or symbolic gesture.
  • The involvement of the leaders of Judah and the detailed route along the wall show the unity and participation of the whole community in giving thanks.
  • The verse sets the stage for the rest of the chapter, which describes the joyful celebration and the importance of gratitude and worship in the life of the restored city.

Where else these words appear

“dung” Hebrew H830 · used in 7 verses

  • 1 Samuel 2:8 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.
  • 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.
  • Psalms 113:7 He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth the needy out of the dunghill;

“thanks” Hebrew H8426 · used in 30 verses

  • Leviticus 7:12 If he offer it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer with the sacrifice of thanksgiving unleavened cakes mingled with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and cakes mingled with oil, of fine flour, fried.
  • Nehemiah 12:38 And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;
  • Psalms 100:4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

“wall” Hebrew H2346 · used in 123 verses

  • Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
  • 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.
  • Isaiah 36:11 Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.

“hand” Hebrew H3225 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 13:9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.
  • 1 Kings 2:19 Bathsheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king's mother; and she sat on his right hand.
  • Psalms 109:6 Set thou a wicked man over him: and let Satan stand at his right hand.