Nehemiah 3:6
Nehemiah 3:6 in Multiple Translations
The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.
Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
And the old gate repaired Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the bolts thereof, and the bars thereof.
Joiada, the son of Paseah, and Meshullam, the son of Besodeiah, made good the old doorway; they put its boards in place and put up its doors, with their locks and rods.
The Old Gate was repaired by Joiada, son of Paseah and Meshullam, son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and set up its doors, together with its bolts and bars.
And the gate of the olde fishpoole fortified Iehoiada the sonne of Paseah, and Meshullam the sonne of Besodaiah: they laid the beames thereof, and set on the doores thereof, and the lockes thereof, and the barres thereof.
And the old gate have Jehoiada son of Paseah, and Meshullam son of Besodeiah, strengthened; they have walled it, and set up its doors, and its locks, and its bars.
Joiada the son of Paseah and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the old gate. They laid its beams and set up its doors, its bolts, and its bars.
Moreover, the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid its beams, and set up its doors, and its locks, and its bars.
And Joiada the son of Phasea, and Mosollam the son of Besodia built the old gate: they covered it and set up the doors thereof, and the locks, and the bars.
Joiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah, repaired the Old Gate. They also put in their places the beams above the gate and put in the bolts and the bars for locking the gate.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 3:6
BAB
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 3:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אֵת֩
שַׁ֨עַר
הַיְשָׁנָ֜ה
הֶחֱזִ֗יקוּ
יֽוֹיָדָע֙
בֶּן
פָּסֵ֔חַ
וּ/מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם
בֶּן
בְּסֽוֹדְיָ֑ה
הֵ֣מָּה
קֵר֔וּ/הוּ
וַֽ/יַּעֲמִ֨ידוּ֙
דַּלְתֹתָ֔י/ו
וּ/מַנְעֻלָ֖י/ו
וּ/בְרִיחָֽי/ו
וְ/אֵת֩
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
שַׁ֨עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
הַיְשָׁנָ֜ה
yâshân
H3465
old
N-proper
הֶחֱזִ֗יקוּ
châzaq
H2388
to strengthen
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
יֽוֹיָדָע֙
Yôwyâdâʻ
H3111
Joiada
N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
פָּסֵ֔חַ
Pâçêach
H6454
Paseah
N-proper
וּ/מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם
Mᵉshullâm
H4918
Meshullam
Conj | N-proper
בֶּן
bên
H1121
son
N-ms
בְּסֽוֹדְיָ֑ה
Bᵉçôwdᵉyâh
H1152
Besodeiah
N-proper
הֵ֣מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
קֵר֔וּ/הוּ
qârâh
H7136
to meet
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
וַֽ/יַּעֲמִ֨ידוּ֙
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
דַּלְתֹתָ֔י/ו
deleth
H1817
door
N-fp | Suff
וּ/מַנְעֻלָ֖י/ו
manʻûwl
H4514
bolt
Conj | N-mp | Suff
וּ/בְרִיחָֽי/ו
bᵉrîyach
H1280
bar
Conj | N-mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 3:6
וְ/אֵת֩
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שַׁ֨עַר
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.
הַיְשָׁנָ֜ה
yâshân
H3465
"old"
N-proper
Means old or something that has been stored, like the old things in the temple in 2 Kings 12:9. It describes something that has been around for a long time.
Definition: old, store, storage
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: old. See also: Leviticus 25:22; Nehemiah 3:6; Isaiah 22:11.
הֶחֱזִ֗יקוּ
châzaq
H2388
"to strengthen"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
יֽוֹיָדָע֙
Yôwyâdâʻ
H3111
"Joiada"
N-proper
Joiada or Jehoiada means 'Jehovah knows' and was the name of two Israelites, including a son of Eliashib and father of Johanan.
Definition: A man of the tribe of Levi living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.12.10; son of: Eliashib (H0475N); father of: Johanan (H3110L) and son_of_Joiada (H3111I); also called Jehoiada at Neh.13.28; § Joiada or Jehoiada = "Jehovah knows" 1) son of Paseah, who assisted to repair the old gate of Jerusalem 2) son of the high priest Eliashib in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Jehoiada, Joiada. See also: Nehemiah 3:6; Nehemiah 12:11; Nehemiah 13:28.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
פָּסֵ֔חַ
Pâçêach
H6454
"Paseah"
N-proper
Paseah was the name of two Israelites, one of whom lived during the time of Nehemiah and helped repair the wall of Jerusalem. His name means limper.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.3.6; father of: Joiada (H3111) § Paseah or Phaseah = "limper" 1) son of Eshton of the tribe of Judah 2) ancestor of a family of temple slaves who returned from exile with Zerubbabel 3) father of Jehoiada, one who helped repair the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Paseah, Phaseah. See also: 1 Chronicles 4:12; Nehemiah 3:6; Nehemiah 7:51.
וּ/מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם
Mᵉshullâm
H4918
"Meshullam"
Conj | N-proper
Meshullam was a common name in the Bible, given to 17 different Israelites, including a grandfather of a scribe and a son of Zerubbabel. The name means friend and is mentioned in books like Nehemiah and Chronicles.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.12.25 § Meshullam = "friend" 1) grandfather of Shaphan, the scribe 2) son of Zerubbabel 3) a Benjamite of the sons of Elpaal 4) a Benjamite, father of Sallu 5) a Benjamite who lived at Jerusalem after the captivity 6) a Benjamite 6a) perhaps the same as 3 or 4 7) a Gadite in the reign of king Jotham of Judah 8) son of Berechiah who assisted in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem 9) son of Besodeiah who assisted Jehoiada the son of Paseah in restoring the old gate of Jerusalem 10) a chief of the people who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 11) father of Hilkiah and high priest probably in the reign of king Amon of Judah 11a) perhaps the same as 'Shallum' 12) a priest, son of Meshillemith or Meshillemoth, son of Immer, and ancestor of Maasiai or Amashai 13) a priest or family of priests who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah 14) a priest, head of the family of Ginnethon and representative of the house of Ezra in the days of Joiakim, the son of Jeshua 15) a priest, one of the princes of Judah at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem 16) a Kohathite or family of Kohathite Levites in the reign of Josiah 17) a Levite, one of the heads sent to Iddo to gather the Levites to join the caravan about to return to Jerusalem; a chief man who assisted Ezra in abolishing the marriages which some of the people had made with foreign wives 18) ancestor of a family of porters or Levites in days of Nehemiah 19) a descendant of Bani who had a foreign wife and put her away 20) one of the men who stood at the left hand of Ezra when he read the law to the people 20a) maybe the same as 17
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: Meshullam. See also: 2 Kings 22:3; Nehemiah 3:4; Nehemiah 12:33.
בֶּן
bên
H1121
"son"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
בְּסֽוֹדְיָ֑ה
Bᵉçôwdᵉyâh
H1152
"Besodeiah"
N-proper
Besodeiah was an Israelite who lived during the Exile and Return, and was the father of Meshullam, one of the repairers of Jerusalem's wall. His name means 'with the counsel of Jehovah'.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, only mentioned at Neh.3.6; father of: Meshullam (H4918S) § Besodeiah = "with the counsel of Jehovah" or "in the secret of the Lord" father of one of the repairers of the wall of Jerusalem in the time of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: Besodeiah. See also: Nehemiah 3:6.
הֵ֣מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
קֵר֔וּ/הוּ
qârâh
H7136
"to meet"
V-Piel-Perf-3cp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to lay beams, or to build with beams. It is used in the book of Exodus to describe the construction of the tabernacle. The word is used to describe a building process.
Definition: 1) to encounter, meet, befall, happen, come to meet 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to encounter, meet 1a2) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to encounter, meet (without pre-arrangement) 1b2) to chance to be present 1b3) to come to meet 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to meet, appoint
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: appoint, lay (make) beams, befall, bring, come (to pass unto), floor, (hap) was, happen (unto), meet, send good speed. See also: Genesis 24:12; 1 Samuel 28:10; Psalms 104:3.
וַֽ/יַּעֲמִ֨ידוּ֙
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
דַּלְתֹתָ֔י/ו
deleth
H1817
"door"
N-fp | Suff
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
וּ/מַנְעֻלָ֖י/ו
manʻûwl
H4514
"bolt"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A bolt, like a lock or a bar, is what this Hebrew word means. It is used in the Bible to describe a way to secure or fasten something, like a door or a gate.
Definition: bolt
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: lock. See also: Nehemiah 3:3; Nehemiah 3:14; Song of Solomon 5:5.
וּ/בְרִיחָֽי/ו
bᵉrîyach
H1280
"bar"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
A bar or bolt, often made of wood, used to secure city gates or as a symbol of tribulation. It represents a fortress or a prison.
Definition: 1) bar 1a) of wood 1b) of city gates 2) of tribulation, a fortress, of the earth as a prison (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: bar, fugitive. See also: Exodus 26:26; 2 Chronicles 14:6; Psalms 107:16.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 3:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 3:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 3:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 3:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:6
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 3:6
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 3:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:6
Context — The Builders of the Walls
4Next to them, Meremoth son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, made repairs. Next to him, Meshullam son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, made repairs; and next to him, Zadok son of Baana made repairs as well.
5Next to him, the Tekoites made repairs, but their nobles did not put their shoulders to the work under their supervisors.
6The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.
7Next to them, repairs were made by Melatiah the Gibeonite, Jadon the Meronothite, and the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, who were under the authority of the governor of the region west of the Euphrates. 8Next to them, Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. And next to him, Hananiah, one of the perfumers, made repairs. They fortified Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 12:39 | over the Gate of Ephraim, the Jeshanah Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of the Hundred, as far as the Sheep Gate. And they stopped at the Gate of the Guard. |
Nehemiah 3:6 Summary
[Nehemiah 3:6 tells us about two men, Joiada and Meshullam, who worked together to repair the Jeshanah Gate in Jerusalem, which is a great example of how we can accomplish more when we work together, just like in Ecclesiastes 4:9-12. They made sure the gate was strong and secure by laying beams and installing doors, bolts, and bars. This shows us the importance of attention to detail and working together to achieve a common goal, as seen in Romans 12:4-5. By working together, we can build something strong and lasting, just like the wall in Nehemiah 6:15-16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the individuals responsible for repairing the Jeshanah Gate?
According to Nehemiah 3:6, the Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah, as they worked together to restore this important part of Jerusalem's wall, much like the unity and cooperation seen in Ezra 4:1-3.
What specific work did Joiada and Meshullam do on the Jeshanah Gate?
As stated in Nehemiah 3:6, Joiada and Meshullam laid the beams, installed the doors, bolts, and bars of the Jeshanah Gate, demonstrating their attention to detail and commitment to the task, similar to the diligent work of the craftsmen in Exodus 35:30-35.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Nehemiah's wall repair project?
This verse is part of a larger narrative in Nehemiah 3, where various individuals and groups contribute to the repair of Jerusalem's wall, highlighting the importance of teamwork and cooperation in achieving a common goal, as seen in Nehemiah 4:6 and Psalm 127:1.
What spiritual significance can be derived from the repair of the Jeshanah Gate?
The repair of the Jeshanah Gate can be seen as a symbol of spiritual restoration, where God's people work together to rebuild and strengthen their community, much like the spiritual rebuilding described in Isaiah 61:4 and Amos 9:11.
Reflection Questions
- What role do I play in the 'repair' of my community, and how can I work with others to achieve a common goal?
- How can I demonstrate my commitment to a task, just like Joiada and Meshullam did with the Jeshanah Gate?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of teamwork and cooperation seen in Nehemiah 3 to my own life and relationships?
- What 'gates' or areas in my life need repair, and how can I seek God's guidance and wisdom to restore them?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 3:6
Moreover, the old gate repaired Jehoiada, the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah,.... Which some think was so called because it led to the old city Salem. Dr.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 3:6
But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:6
Nehemiah 3:6 Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.Ver. 6. Moreover the old gate] Famous only for its antiquity; like as many old books are monumenta adorandae robiginis, of more antiquity than authority; and as that image at Ephesus, that was said, but falsely, to have fallen down from Jupiter (Dιοπετες), so the covetous priests persuaded the credulous people, Acts 19:35. The Rabbis say, that this was a gate ever since the time that David took Zion from the Jebusites, Quis hoc credat, nisi sit pro teste vetustas? Who would believe this unless he winessed it?
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:6
(6) The old gate.—Not mentioned elsewhere: probably that of Damascus; but (by a conjectural addition to the text,) it has been translated the gate of the old wall, as if distinguished from “the broad wall.”
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 3:6
6. Moreover the old gate] R.V. And the old gate. Marg. ‘Or, the gate of the old city or, of the old wall.’ Literally rendered the words are ‘And the gate of the old,’ so that there is some uncertainty which word we should supply. From the mention of the same gate elsewhere (Nehemiah 12:39) we gather that it stood between the ‘fish gate’ and the ‘gate of Ephraim,’ and is possibly the same as the ‘corner gate’ (2 Kings 14:13) which Zechariah calls ‘the first gate’ (Zechariah 14:10). On the N. side the ground being more level the city would naturally extend itself in this direction. The gate possibly derived its name from being the entrance to the old city. Prof. Robertson Smith (Art. Jerusalem, Enc.
Brit.) says: ‘For obvious engineering reasons the eminence at the N.W. of the Haram area must always have been a principal point in the fortifications, and here the old gate may very well have been placed.’ The ‘gate of the old wall’ is a less likely appellation. In one sense every gate that was restored was a gate of the old wall. If ‘the old wall’ was a part of an ancient or disused rampart, it would not have been a portion included in this description. When the fortifications coincided with an earlier and thicker wall, it was called ‘the broad wall’ (Nehemiah 3:8). Jehoiada] R.V. Joiada.they laid the beams, &c.] See on Nehemiah 3:3.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 3:6
The old gate - Either the modern Damascus gate, the main entrance to the city on the north side; or a gate a little further eastward.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 3:6
6. The old gate — Its location can now be fixed only by conjecture. It seems to have been in the northern wall, and probably near the northeastern corner of the city. See plan.