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.

NEHEMIAH 12:37KJV
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Nehemiah 12:37 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 12:37 mean?

Nehemiah 12:37 describes a group of people moving along Jerusalem’s wall during a ceremonial procession, passing by the fountain gate, ascending the stairs near the city of David, and continuing above David’s house toward the water gate on the east. The verse gives a detailed route of this group as part of a larger celebration.

This verse is part of Nehemiah’s account of the dedication of Jerusalem’s rebuilt wall. Nehemiah is describing how one of the two choirs and their followers moved through specific landmarks in the city. The verse highlights the careful organization and importance of Jerusalem’s gates and historical sites during this joyful event.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 12:37

  • "fountain" (עַיִן, ʿayin): This word refers to a spring or fountain, pointing to a natural water source near the city, which was vital for Jerusalem’s survival and daily life.
  • "stairs" (מַעֲלוֹת, maʿalot): This term means steps or an ascent, indicating that the procession physically climbed stairs near the city of David, showing the elevation changes in Jerusalem’s landscape.
  • "city" (עִיר, ʿir) and "David" (דָּוִד, David): Together, these refer to the oldest settled part of Jerusalem, emphasizing the historical and spiritual significance of this area in the procession.
  • "water" (מַיִם, mayim) and "gate" (שַׁעַר, shaʿar): The water gate was an important entryway near a water source, underlining the practical needs and symbolic purity associated with water in biblical times.

Why Nehemiah 12:37 matters

  • Nehemiah 12:37 helps the reader visualize the actual geography and layout of ancient Jerusalem, making the dedication ceremony more vivid and grounded in real locations.
  • The verse shows the importance of Jerusalem’s gates and landmarks, connecting the celebration to the city’s history and the legacy of King David.
  • By describing the route in detail, Nehemiah emphasizes the careful planning and reverence given to this event, reflecting the community’s gratitude and unity after the wall’s restoration.

Where else these words appear

“up” Hebrew H4608 · used in 18 verses

  • Numbers 34:4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim, and pass on to Zin: and the going forth thereof shall be from the south to Kadeshbarnea, and shall go on to Hazaraddar, and pass on to Azmon:
  • Judges 8:13 And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up,
  • Nehemiah 9:4 Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.

“stairs” Hebrew H4609 · used in 39 verses

  • Exodus 20:26 Neither shalt thou go up by steps unto mine altar, that thy nakedness be not discovered thereon.
  • Psalms 120:1 A Song of degrees. In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and he heard me.
  • Psalms 133:1 A Song of degrees of David. Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!

“eastward” Hebrew H4217 · used in 71 verses

  • Exodus 27:13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits.
  • Joshua 16:5 And the border of the children of Ephraim according to their families was thus: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Atarothaddar, unto Bethhoron the upper;
  • 1 Chronicles 26:17 Eastward were six Levites, northward four a day, southward four a day, and toward Asuppim two and two.

“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.