Nehemiah 12:38
Nehemiah 12:38 in Multiple Translations
The second thanksgiving choir proceeded to the left, and I followed it with half the people along the top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall,
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;
And the other company of them that gave thanks went to meet them, and I after them, with the half of the people, upon the wall, above the tower of the furnaces, even unto the broad wall,
And the other band of those who gave praise went to the left, and I went after them with half the people, on the wall, over the tower of the ovens, as far as the wide wall;
The other choir group went in the opposite direction. I followed them, along with half the people, on the wall passing the Tower of the Ovens, on to the Broad Wall,
And the seconde companie of them that gaue thankes, went on the other side, and I after them, and the halfe of the people was vpon the wall, and vpon the towre of the furnaces euen vnto the broad wall.
And the second thanksgiving company that is going over-against, and I after it, and half of the people on the wall from beyond the tower of the furnaces and unto the broad wall,
The other company of those who gave thanks went to meet them, and I after them, with the half of the people on the wall above the tower of the furnaces, even to the wide wall,
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 to the broad wall;
And above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Emath, and even to the flock gate: and they stood still in the watch gate.
The other group of those who were thanking Yahweh marched to the left on top of the wall. I followed them with half of the people. We marched past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 12:38
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 12:38 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/הַ/תּוֹדָ֧ה
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֛ית
הַ/הוֹלֶ֥כֶת
לְ/מ֖וֹאל
וַ/אֲנִ֣י
אַחֲרֶ֑י/הָ
וַ/חֲצִ֨י
הָ/עָ֜ם
מֵ/עַ֣ל
לְ/הַ/חוֹמָ֗ה
מֵ/עַל֙
לְ/מִגְדַּ֣ל
הַ/תַּנּוּרִ֔ים
וְ/עַ֖ד
הַ/חוֹמָ֥ה
הָ/רְחָבָֽה
וְ/הַ/תּוֹדָ֧ה
tôwdâh
H8426
thanksgiving
Conj | Art | N-fs
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֛ית
shênîy
H8145
second
Art | Adj
הַ/הוֹלֶ֥כֶת
hâlak
H1980
to go
Art | V-Qal
לְ/מ֖וֹאל
mûwl
H4136
opposite
Prep | Prep
וַ/אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Conj | Pron
אַחֲרֶ֑י/הָ
ʼachar
H310
after
Prep | Suff
וַ/חֲצִ֨י
chêtsîy
H2677
half
Conj | N-ms
הָ/עָ֜ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
מֵ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
לְ/הַ/חוֹמָ֗ה
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
Prep | Art | N-fs
מֵ/עַל֙
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Prep
לְ/מִגְדַּ֣ל
migdâl
H4026
tower
Prep | N-cs
הַ/תַּנּוּרִ֔ים
tannûwr
H8574
oven
Art | N-mp
וְ/עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Conj | Prep
הַ/חוֹמָ֥ה
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
Art | N-fs
הָ/רְחָבָֽה
râchâb
H7342
broad
Art | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 12:38
וְ/הַ/תּוֹדָ֧ה
tôwdâh
H8426
"thanksgiving"
Conj | Art | N-fs
This Hebrew word means thanksgiving or praise, often in the form of worship or a song. It appears in Psalm 100:1, a call to worship God with thanksgiving. The Israelites used it to express gratitude to God.
Definition: 1) confession, praise, thanksgiving 1a) give praise to God 1b) thanksgiving in songs of liturgical worship, hymn of praise 1c) thanksgiving choir or procession or line or company 1d) thank-offering, sacrifice of thanksgiving 1e) confession
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: confession, (sacrifice of) praise, thanks(-giving, offering). See also: Leviticus 7:12; Psalms 50:23; Psalms 26:7.
הַ/שֵּׁנִ֛ית
shênîy
H8145
"second"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means second or again, like when Moses went up Mount Sinai a second time in Exodus 24:15-18. It can also mean another or something distinct.
Definition: 1) second 1a) second (the ordinal number) 1b) again (a second time) 1c) another, other (something as distinct from something else)
Usage: Occurs in 152 OT verses. KJV: again, either (of them), (an-) other, second (time). See also: Genesis 1:8; 1 Kings 6:1; Isaiah 11:11.
הַ/הוֹלֶ֥כֶת
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Art | V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
לְ/מ֖וֹאל
mûwl
H4136
"opposite"
Prep | Prep
This word means opposite or in front of, often used to describe location or direction. In Exodus 14:2, the Israelites camped in front of Pi-ha-hiroth, facing the sea. It provides a sense of spatial awareness and orientation in biblical contexts.
Definition: 1) front 1a) front 1b) in the opposite direction prep 2) in front of 2a) in front of 2b) (with prefix) 2b1) towards the front of, to the front of, on the front of 2b2) from the front of, off the front of, close in front of, on the forefront of
Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: (over) against, before, (fore-) front, from, (God-) ward, toward, with. See also: Exodus 18:19; Deuteronomy 11:30; Micah 2:8.
וַ/אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
אַחֲרֶ֑י/הָ
ʼachar
H310
"after"
Prep | Suff
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
וַ/חֲצִ֨י
chêtsîy
H2677
"half"
Conj | N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
הָ/עָ֜ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
מֵ/עַ֣ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לְ/הַ/חוֹמָ֗ה
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
Prep | Art | N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
מֵ/עַל֙
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
לְ/מִגְדַּ֣ל
migdâl
H4026
"tower"
Prep | N-cs
Migdal means tower, referring to a tall structure or elevated stage. It can also symbolize a bed of flowers in the Bible.
Definition: 1) tower 1a) tower 1b) elevated stage, pulpit 1c) raised bed
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: castle, flower, tower. Compare the names following. See also: Genesis 11:4; Nehemiah 3:26; Psalms 48:13.
הַ/תַּנּוּרִ֔ים
tannûwr
H8574
"oven"
Art | N-mp
This Hebrew word for oven or furnace is used in the Bible to describe a place of fire and heat, as seen in Genesis. It can also symbolize God's refining fire, where His people are purified and transformed, like in Isaiah.
Definition: 1) furnace, oven, fire-pot, (portable) stove 1a) for cooking 1b) of God's wrath, His furnace (fig) 1c) of hunger, desire for evil 1d) fire-pot
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: furnace, oven. See also: Genesis 15:17; Nehemiah 12:38; Psalms 21:10.
וְ/עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הַ/חוֹמָ֥ה
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
Art | N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
הָ/רְחָבָֽה
râchâb
H7342
"broad"
Art | Adj
This word means broad or wide, describing something that is roomy or spacious. It can also mean proud or arrogant, and is used to describe a person's attitude. In the KJV, it is translated as broad or large.
Definition: broad, wide Also means: ra.chav (רָחָב ": arrogant" H7342I)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: broad, large, at liberty, proud, wide. See also: Genesis 34:21; Job 30:14; Psalms 101:5.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 12:38
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 12:38 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:38
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:38
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:38
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:38
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:38
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:38
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:38
- Sermons on Nehemiah 12:38
Context — The Dedication of the Wall
36and his associates—Shemaiah, Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, Judah, and Hanani—with the musical instruments prescribed by David the man of God. Ezra the scribe led the procession.
37At the Fountain Gate they went directly up the steps of the City of David on the ascent to the wall and passed above the house of David to the Water Gate on the east.
38The second thanksgiving choir proceeded to the left, and I followed it with half the people along the top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall,
39over 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. 40The two thanksgiving choirs then stood in the house of God, as did I, along with the half of the officials accompanying me,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 3:8 | Next to them, Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs, and next to him, Hananiah son of the perfumer made repairs. They fortified Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 3:11 | Malchijah son of Harim and Hasshub son of Pahath-moab repaired another section, as well as the Tower of the Ovens. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 12:31 | Then I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and I appointed two great thanksgiving choirs. One was to proceed along the top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. |
Nehemiah 12:38 Summary
[This verse describes a joyful procession where two choirs and many people walked along the wall of Jerusalem, giving thanks to God for its reconstruction, similar to the celebrations in Psalm 122:1-4. Nehemiah walked with one of the choirs, providing leadership and protection. The people were grateful for God's faithfulness and provision, as seen in Nehemiah 9:5-38. As we reflect on this verse, we can think about ways to express our gratitude to God and trust Him for protection and guidance in our lives, just like the Israelites did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the two thanksgiving choirs in Nehemiah 12:38?
The two thanksgiving choirs in Nehemiah 12:38 symbolize the joy and gratitude of the Israelites as they rededicate the wall of Jerusalem, similar to the celebrations in Ezra 3:11 and Psalm 100:4-5.
Why did Nehemiah follow the second choir with half the people?
Nehemiah followed the second choir with half the people to provide protection and leadership, ensuring the procession was safe and orderly, as seen in Nehemiah 4:13-14 where Nehemiah prepares the people to defend themselves.
What is the importance of the locations mentioned in Nehemiah 12:38, such as the Tower of the Ovens and the Broad Wall?
The locations mentioned in Nehemiah 12:38, such as the Tower of the Ovens and the Broad Wall, highlight the extent of the wall's reconstruction and the areas where the people gathered to give thanks, as described in Nehemiah 3:1-32 and 2 Chronicles 32:5.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Nehemiah?
Nehemiah 12:38 relates to the overall theme of Nehemiah by showcasing the Israelites' renewed commitment to God and their city, Jerusalem, as they complete the wall's reconstruction and rededicate it to God, as seen in Nehemiah 12:27 and 1 Chronicles 16:34.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can express my gratitude to God, like the Israelites in Nehemiah 12:38?
- How can I apply the principle of leadership and protection, as seen in Nehemiah's actions, to my own life and relationships?
- What are some 'broad walls' or areas in my life where I need to trust God for protection and guidance?
- In what ways can I join with others to give thanks and celebrate God's faithfulness, as the two choirs did in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:38
And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them,.... On the left hand, on the northern part of the wall: and I after them; Nehemiah, he brought up the rear of his company, as
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:38
And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:38
Over against them, to wit, on the other side of the city, northward and eastward. The broad wall; which they made thicker and stronger than the rest of the wall, for some special reason.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:38
(38) The other company.—Comparing the order with Nehemiah 3, the reader will have a clear view of the second company. They had the longer route, proceed. ing to the left, rounding the north “broad wall,” passing the sheep-gate, and so meeting the priestly company near the prison-gate. The space where they met had the Temple straight in front, the prison-gate on the right, and the water-gate on the left.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:38
Verse 38. The broad wall] What part this was, we know not: it might have been a place designed for a public promenade, or a parade for assembling the troops or guard of the temple.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:38
38. over against them] R.V. to meet them. The line of march of the other procession was by the northern wall. By an ingenious conjecture, Reuss, altering the Hebrew word (= to meet them) by the addition of one consonant, proposes to read ‘on the left hand,’ balancing the words in Nehemiah 12:31. and I after them] Nehemiah, following the thanksgiving company of Levites and singers and musicians, marched, like Ezra, at the head of the other half of the princes and the people. and the half, &c.] R.V. with the half, &c. The other half of the princes, priests, men of Judah and Benjamin, and musicians. from beyond] R.V. above. This seems to mean at a little distance from, i.e. to the north of (see, however, note on Nehemiah 12:31). the tower of the furnaces] Cf. Nehemiah 3:11. even unto the broad wall] Cf. Nehemiah 3:8.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:38
38. The other… went over against — That is, on the opposite side of the city.
Sermons on Nehemiah 12:38
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Power of Thanksgiving by David Davis | This sermon emphasizes the power of thanksgiving, highlighting the importance of having a grateful heart and being a thankful person. It explores the impact of thanksgiving on spir |