Translations
Modern
And I told them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the guards are on duty, keep the doors shut and securely fastened. And appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their own homes.”
Traditional
And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.
Literal
And I said to them, “Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they are standing by, let them shut the doors, and fasten, and appoint guards of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each man at his station and a man in front of his house.”
Latin
…et dixi eis: Non aperiantur portæ Jerusalem usque ad calorem solis. Cumque adhuc assisterent, clausæ portæ sunt, et oppilatæ: et posui custodes de habitatoribus Jerusalem, singulos per vices suas, et unumquemque contra domum suam.
Original
Hebrew
English
And I told them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the guards are on duty, keep the doors shut and securely fastened. And appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their own homes.”
Notes
The gatekeepers were meant to close the gates in the afternoon when people rested and were not ready to defend the city. In other texts, similar language describes the hottest part of the day when people go inside (Genesis 18:1; 2 Samuel 4:5).
Theme notes and profiles
Places
Jerusalem: The capital of Israel, a holy city for three religions
Glossary
Topics
Watchman of Jerusalem Watchmen were Relieved by Turns Watchmen: Citizens Sometimes Acted As