Nehemiah 2:14

Nehemiah 2:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

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;

King James Version KJV

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.

American Standard Version ASV

Then I went on to the fountain gate and to the king’s pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then I went on to the door of the fountain and to the king's pool: but there was no room for my beast to get through.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then I continued on to the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but we couldn't get through as there wasn't enough room to pass.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then I went foorth vnto the gate of the fountaine, and to the Kings fishpoole, and there was no rowme for the beast that was vnder me to passe.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And I pass over unto the gate of the fountain, and unto the pool of the king, and there is no place for the beast under me to pass over,

World English Bible WEB

Then I went on to the spring gate and to the king’s pool, but there was no place for the animal that was under me to pass.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And I passed to the gate of the fountain, and to the king’s aqueduct, and there was no place for the beast on which I rode to pass.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then we went to the Fountain Gate and to the pool called the King’s Pool, but my donkey could not get through the narrow opening (OR, the rubble).

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 2:14

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Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 2:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וָ/אֶֽעֱבֹר֙ אֶל שַׁ֣עַר הָ/עַ֔יִן וְ/אֶל בְּרֵכַ֖ת הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ וְ/אֵין מָק֥וֹם לַ/בְּהֵמָ֖ה לַ/עֲבֹ֥ר תַּחְתָּֽ/י

וָ/אֶֽעֱבֹר֙ ʻâbar H5674 to pass Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

שַׁ֣עַר shaʻar H8179 gate N-ms

הָ/עַ֔יִן ʻayin H5869 eye Art | N-cs

וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep

בְּרֵכַ֖ת bᵉrêkâh H1295 pool N-fs

הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

וְ/אֵין ʼayin H369 nothing Conj | Part

מָק֥וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place N-ms

לַ/בְּהֵמָ֖ה bᵉhêmâh H929 animal Prep | N-fs

לַ/עֲבֹ֥ר ʻâbar H5674 to pass Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

תַּחְתָּֽ/י tachath H8478 underneath Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 2:14

וָ/אֶֽעֱבֹר֙ ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over

Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

שַׁ֣עַר shaʻar H8179 "gate" N-ms

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.

Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven

Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.

הָ/עַ֔יִן ʻayin H5869 "eye" Art | N-cs

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep

בְּרֵכַ֖ת bᵉrêkâh H1295 "pool" N-fs

A pool is a reservoir of water, like those where camels rest. In the Bible, it refers to a place where fish live, providing food for people.

Definition: pool, pond

Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: (fish-) pool. See also: 2 Samuel 2:13; Nehemiah 3:16; Isaiah 7:3.

הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

וְ/אֵין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Conj | Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

מָק֥וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

לַ/בְּהֵמָ֖ה bᵉhêmâh H929 "animal" Prep | N-fs

This word refers to animals, especially large quadruped mammals. It's used in the Bible to describe livestock, wild beasts, and other creatures. It appears in stories of creation, farming, and wildlife.

Definition: 1) beast, cattle, animal 1a) beasts (coll of all animals) 1b) cattle, livestock (of domestic animals) 1c) wild beasts

Usage: Occurs in 172 OT verses. KJV: beast, cattle. See also: Genesis 1:24; Deuteronomy 28:11; Psalms 8:8.

לַ/עֲבֹ֥ר ʻâbar H5674 "to pass" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.

תַּחְתָּֽ/י tachath H8478 "underneath" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.

Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath

Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 2:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 2:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:14
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:14
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:14
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:14
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 2:14
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:14
Sermons on Nehemiah 2:14

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;

15so I went up the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 16The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	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	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?
3	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.
4	2 Kings 18:17	Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field.

Nehemiah 2:14 Summary

In this verse, Nehemiah is inspecting the walls and gates of Jerusalem to see the damage and plan for the restoration. He rode an animal through the city, but there was a narrow passage where the animal could not get through, showing the extent of the damage. This verse reminds us that, just like Nehemiah, we need to carefully plan and prepare for the tasks and challenges in our lives, seeking God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can trust God to help us overcome any obstacles and achieve our goals, just like Nehemiah did in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, as seen in Nehemiah 6:15-16.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Nehemiah inspect the walls of Jerusalem at night?

Nehemiah inspected the walls at night to avoid detection by the officials, as stated in Nehemiah 2:16, and to get a true sense of the damage without interference or distraction, similar to how Jesus often taught in solitude, as seen in Matthew 14:23.

What is the significance of the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool in this verse?

The Fountain Gate and the King's Pool were likely important landmarks in Jerusalem, and Nehemiah's inspection of these areas shows his concern for the city's infrastructure and his desire to restore it, as seen in Nehemiah 3:15, where the Fountain Gate is also mentioned.

Why was it important for Nehemiah to ride an animal through the city gates?

Nehemiah rode an animal to inspect the city gates and walls, as stated in Nehemiah 2:12, which allowed him to get a closer look at the damage and plan for the restoration, similar to how Jesus rode a donkey into Jerusalem, as prophesied in Zechariah 9:9 and fulfilled in Matthew 21:5

How does this verse relate to Nehemiah's overall mission to rebuild Jerusalem?

This verse shows Nehemiah's careful planning and inspection of the city's walls and gates, which was essential for his mission to rebuild Jerusalem, as stated in Nehemiah 1:3, and to restore the city to its former glory, as seen in Isaiah 61:4

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I need to inspect and repair the 'walls' and 'gates' to ensure they are secure and functioning properly, just like Nehemiah did in Jerusalem?
How can I, like Nehemiah, take the time to carefully plan and prepare for a task or project, seeking God's guidance and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
What are some obstacles or challenges that I may face in my own life, similar to the narrow passage that Nehemiah's animal could not get through, and how can I trust God to help me overcome them, as seen in Psalm 23:4?
How can I, like Nehemiah, be diligent and thorough in my work, inspecting every detail to ensure that it is done to the best of my ability, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:14

Then I went on to the pool of the fountain, and to the king's pool..... That led to the fountain Siloah or Gihon, so called; it was the way to the potter's field, to Bethlehem, Hebron, Gaza, and Egypt.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 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. Then - i:e., after having passed through the gate of the Essenes.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:14

The gate of the fountain, i.e. which led to the fountain, to wit, of Siloah or Gibon. The king’ s pool; that which king Hezekiah had made: of which see ,30. There was no place for the beast to pass; the way being obstructed with heaps of rubbish.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:14

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.Ver. 14. Then I went to the gate of the fountain] Or well-gate; where was great plenty of water ponds, watering places, &c. Junius saith it was that whereby men went out to the pool of Siloah and Rogel. And to the king’ s pool] The water course made, or repaired, at least, by King Hezekiah, 2 Kings 20:20. But there was no place for the beast, &c.] There was so much rubbish, and such ruins. This was the fruit of sin, which makes of a city a heap, as the prophet speaks, and hurls such confusion over the world, that had not Christ, our true Nehemiah, undertaken the shattered condition thereof to uphold it, it had surely fallen about Adam’ s ears.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:14

(14) The gate of the fountain of Siloah (Nehemiah 3:15), called also “the king’s pool.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:14

Verse 14. The gate of the fountain] Of Siloah. The king's pool] Probably the aqueduct made by Hezekiah, to bring the waters of Gihon to the city of David. See 2 Chronicles 32:30.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:14

14. I went on] Literally ‘I crossed’ or ‘passed over.’ to the gate of the fountain] R.V. to the fountain gate. On the disputed identification of ‘the fountain gate,’ see Nehemiah 3:15, Nehemiah 12:37. It seems to have stood almost at the southernmost part of the city, at the mouth of the narrow valley of the Tyropoeon. It derived its name either from its proximity to the waters of ‘the only real well at Jerusalem,’ now known as Bîr Eyub, ‘the well of Job’ (probably En-Rogel) ‘a little below the junction of the Kidron and Hinnom valleys’ (Wilson’s Jerusalem, p. 104), or from its proximity to Siloam, called by Josephus ‘a fountain’ (ðçãÞ) in Bell. Jud. v. 4. 1. the king’s pool] Probably to be identified with the Pool of Siloam, and here called ‘the king’s pool’ because it adjoined ‘the king’s garden.’ It consisted of an upper and a lower reservoir (Isaiah 7:3; Isaiah 22:9; Isaiah 22:11; 2 Kings 18:17) fed by a subterranean conduit from the waters of Gihon (cf. 2 Kings 20:20). there was no place] Apparently owing to the ruins of the walls and the steepness of the slope Nehemiah could not continue his investigation, following the line of the wall.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 2:14

The gate of the fountain - A gate on the eastern side of the Tyropoeon valley, not far from the pool of Siloam (probably “the king’s pool.” (Compare Nehemiah 3:15).

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:14

14. Gate of the fountain — This was doubtless the gate situated at the mouth of the Tyropoeon, and near the fountain, or pool of Siloam.

Sermons on Nehemiah 2:14

	Sermon	Description
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.3 & 4 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against the enemy while remaining committed to God's work. The people in the story were wholeheartedly servi
	Satan Uses Subtle Devices by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson warns about the subtle devices of Satan, who uses powerful and seemingly successful figures to instill doubt in believers' commitment to trust God. He highlights ho

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