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Nehemiah 2

BSB·20 verses ·Old Testament
✦ Tap any verse to open Scripture Explorer — original Hebrew/Greek, commentary, notes & highlights
1Nowוַיְהִ֣י׀way·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → in the monthבְּחֹ֣דֶשׁbə·ḥō·ḏeš — A month; lunar period; new moonH2320 — Full Word Study → of Nisanנִיסָ֗ןnî·sān — First month of the Hebrew calendarH5212 — Full Word Study →, in the twentiethעֶשְׂרִ֛ים‘eś·rîm — The number twenty; a complete group or scoreH6242 — Full Word Study → yearשְׁנַ֥תšə·naṯ — Year; period of time or ageH8141 — Full Word Study → of Kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Artaxerxesלְאַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥סְתְּאlə·’ar·taḥ·šast — Artaxerxes, Persian king's titleH783 — Full Word Study →, when wineיַ֣יִןya·yin — Wine; fermented grape juiceH3196 — Full Word Study → was set before himלְפָנָ֑יוlə·p̄ā·nāw — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →, I tookוָאֶשָּׂ֤אwā·’eś·śā — To lift up, raise, or bear; to carry or supportH5375 — Full Word Study → the wineהַיַּ֙יִן֙hay·ya·yin — Wine; fermented grape juiceH3196 — Full Word Study → and gaveוָאֶתְּנָ֣הwā·’et·tə·nāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → it to the kingלַמֶּ֔לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. I had neverוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → beenהָיִ֥יתִיhā·yî·ṯî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → sadרַ֖עra‘ — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study → in his presenceלְפָנָֽיו׃lə·p̄ā·nāw — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →, 2so the kingהַמֶּ֜לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → saidוַיֹּאמֶר֩way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to me, “Why is your faceפָּנֶ֣יךָpā·ne·ḵā — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study → sadרָעִ֗יםrā·‘îm — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study →, though you are notאֵֽינְךָ֣’ê·nə·ḵā — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → illחוֹלֶ֔הḥō·w·leh — to be sick, weak, or afflicted; to entreat or beseechH2470 — Full Word Study →? Thisזֶ֔הzeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → could only beאֵ֣ין’ên — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → sadnessרֹ֣עַֽrō·a‘ — Evil, wickedness, badnessH7455 — Full Word Study → of the heartלֵ֑בlêḇ — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study →.” I was overwhelmed with fearוָאִירָ֖אwā·’î·rā — to fear, revere, or be afraidH3372 — Full Word Study → 3and repliedוָאֹמַ֣רwā·’ō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to the kingלַמֶּ֔לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, “May the kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → live foreverיִחְיֶ֑הyiḥ·yeh — To live, to preserve alive, to give lifeH2421 — Full Word Study →! Whyמַדּ֜וּעַmad·dū·a‘ — Why? For what reason?H4069 — Full Word Study → should I notלֹא־lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → be sadיֵרְע֣וּyê·rə·‘ū — to break, spoil, or do evilH7489 — Full Word Study → whenאֲשֶׁ֨ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the cityהָעִ֜ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → whereבֵּית־bêṯ- — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → my fathersאֲבֹתַי֙’ă·ḇō·ṯay — H1 — Full Word Study → are buriedקִבְר֤וֹתqiḇ·rō·wṯ — A grave or burial place; a tombH6913 — Full Word Study → lies in ruinsחֲרֵבָ֔הḥă·rê·ḇāh — Desolate, parched, ruined, or wasteH2720 — Full Word Study →, and its gatesוּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָū·šə·‘ā·re·hā — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → have been destroyedאֻכְּל֥וּ’uk·kə·lū — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → by fireבָאֵֽשׁ׃סḇā·’êš — Fire; flame; burningH784 — Full Word Study →?” 4Whatמַה־mah- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → is yourאַתָּ֣ה’at·tāh — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → requestמְבַקֵּ֑שׁmə·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study →?” repliedוַיֹּ֤אמֶרway·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →. So I prayedוָֽאֶתְפַּלֵּ֔לwā·’eṯ·pal·lêl — to pray, intercede, or judgeH6419 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the Godאֱלֹהֵ֖י’ĕ·lō·hê — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → of heavenהַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃haš·šā·mā·yim — The heavens; sky; dwelling place of GodH8064 — Full Word Study → 5and answeredוָאֹמַ֣רwā·’ō·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → the kingלַמֶּ֔לֶךְlam·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, “Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → it pleasesט֔וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֣לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, and ifוְאִם־wə·’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → your servantעַבְדְּךָ֖‘aḇ·də·ḵā — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → has found favorיִיטַ֥בyî·ṭaḇ — to be good, to improve, to do wellH3190 — Full Word Study → in your sightלְפָנֶ֑יךָlə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā — face; presence; beforeH6440 — Full Word Study →, I ask thatאֲשֶׁ֧ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → you send meתִּשְׁלָחֵ֣נִיtiš·lā·ḥê·nî — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Judahיְהוּדָ֗הyə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →, toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the cityעִ֛יר‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → where my fathersאֲבֹתַ֖י’ă·ḇō·ṯay — H1 — Full Word Study → are buriedקִבְר֥וֹתqiḇ·rō·wṯ — A grave or burial place; a tombH6913 — Full Word Study →, so that I may rebuild itוְאֶבְנֶֽנָּה׃wə·’eḇ·nen·nāh — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study →.” 6Then the kingהַמֶּ֜לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, with the queenוְהַשֵּׁגַ֣ל׀wə·haš·šê·ḡal — Queen, chief wife of a kingH7694 — Full Word Study → seatedיוֹשֶׁ֣בֶתyō·wō·še·ḇeṯ — to dwell, inhabit, settle, remainH3427 — Full Word Study → beside himאֶצְל֗וֹ’eṣ·lōw — beside, near, close byH681 — Full Word Study →, askedוַיֹּאמֶר֩way·yō·mer — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → me, “How longעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → will your journeyמַֽהֲלָכֲךָ֖ma·hă·lā·ḵă·ḵā — journey; a way or path traveledH4109 — Full Word Study → takeיִהְיֶ֥הyih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study →, and whenוּמָתַ֣יū·mā·ṯay — when, how long, until whenH4970 — Full Word Study → will you returnתָּשׁ֑וּבtā·šūḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study →?” So it pleasedוַיִּיטַ֤בway·yî·ṭaḇ — to be good, to improve, to do wellH3190 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → to send meוַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֔נִיway·yiš·lā·ḥê·nî — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study →, and I setוָֽאֶתְּנָ֥הwā·’et·tə·nāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → a timeזְמָֽן׃zə·mān — appointed time, season, fixed occasionH2165 — Full Word Study →. 7I also saidוָאוֹמַר֮wā·’ō·w·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to him, “Ifאִם־’im- — If, whether; conditional conjunction with wide applicabilityH518 — Full Word Study → it pleasesט֔וֹבṭō·wḇ — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֣לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →, may lettersאִגְּרוֹת֙’ig·gə·rō·wṯ — Written letter or epistle; official correspondenceH107 — Full Word Study → be givenיִתְּנוּ־yit·tə·nū- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → to me forעַֽל־‘al- — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the governorsפַּחֲו֖וֹתpa·ḥă·wō·wṯ — Provincial governor or administrative officialH6346 — Full Word Study → westעֵ֣בֶר‘ê·ḇer — side, border, region beyondH5676 — Full Word Study → of the Euphratesהַנָּהָ֑רhan·nā·hār — River, StreamH5104 — Full Word Study →, so thatאֲשֶׁר֙’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → they will grant me safe passageיַעֲבִיר֔וּנִיya·‘ă·ḇî·rū·nî — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → untilעַ֥ד‘aḏ — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → I reachאָב֖וֹא’ā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → Judahיְהוּדָֽה׃yə·hū·ḏāh — The Lord is praisedH3063 — Full Word Study →. 8And may I have a letterוְאִגֶּ֡רֶתwə·’ig·ge·reṯ — Written letter or epistle; official correspondenceH107 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Asaphאָסָף֩’ā·sāp̄ — Asaph: A GathererH623 — Full Word Study →, keeperשֹׁמֵ֨רšō·mêr — To guard, keep, observe, preserveH8104 — Full Word Study → of the king’sאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → forestהַפַּרְדֵּ֜סhap·par·dês — enclosed garden or parkH6508 — Full Word Study →, so thatאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → he will giveיִתֶּן־yit·ten- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → me timberעֵצִ֡ים‘ê·ṣîm — Tree; wood; timberH6086 — Full Word Study → to make beamsלְ֠קָרוֹתlə·qā·rō·wṯ — to meet, befall, happen; to impose or lay (beams)H7136 — Full Word Study → forאֶת־’eṯ- — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → the gatesשַׁעֲרֵ֨יša·‘ă·rê — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → of the citadelהַבִּירָ֤הhab·bî·rāh — palace, fortified citadelH1002 — Full Word Study → to the templeלַבַּ֙יִת֙lab·ba·yiṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study →, for the cityהָעִ֔ירhā·‘îr — City; fortified settlement or townH5892 — Full Word Study → wallוּלְחוֹמַ֣תū·lə·ḥō·w·maṯ — A fortified wall or defensive barrierH2346 — Full Word Study →, and for the houseוְלַבַּ֖יִתwə·lab·ba·yiṯ — A house; dwelling place; household; familyH1004 — Full Word Study → I will occupyאָב֣וֹא’ā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study →.” And because the graciousהַטּוֹבָ֥הhaṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → handכְּיַד־kə·yaḏ- — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of my Godאֱלֹהַ֖י’ĕ·lō·hay — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → was upon meעָלָֽי׃‘ā·lāy — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →, the kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → grantedוַיִּתֶּן־way·yit·ten- — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → my requests. 9Then I wentוָֽאָב֗וֹאwā·’ā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → toאֶֽל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the governorsפַּֽחֲווֹת֙pa·ḥă·wō·wṯ — Provincial governor or administrative officialH6346 — Full Word Study → westעֵ֣בֶר‘ê·ḇer — side, border, region beyondH5676 — Full Word Study → of the Euphratesהַנָּהָ֔רhan·nā·hār — River, StreamH5104 — Full Word Study → and gaveוָאֶתְּנָ֣הwā·’et·tə·nāh — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → them the king’sהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → lettersאִגְּר֣וֹת’ig·gə·rō·wṯ — Written letter or epistle; official correspondenceH107 — Full Word Study →. The kingהַמֶּ֔לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → had also sentוַיִּשְׁלַ֤חway·yiš·laḥ — to send, let go, releaseH7971 — Full Word Study → armyחַ֖יִלḥa·yil — Army, force, or wealthH2428 — Full Word Study → officersשָׂ֥רֵיśā·rê — Ruler, leader, or one in authorityH8269 — Full Word Study → and cavalryוּפָרָשִֽׁים׃פū·p̄ā·rā·šîm — Horseman; cavalry soldier or mounted warriorH6571 — Full Word Study → with meעִמִּי֙‘im·mî — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study →. 10But when Sanballatסַנְבַלַּ֣טsan·ḇal·laṭ — Sanballat the HoroniteH5571 — Full Word Study → the Horoniteהַחֹרֹנִ֗יha·ḥō·rō·nî — Of HoronH2772 — Full Word Study → and Tobiahוְטֽוֹבִיָּה֙wə·ṭō·w·ḇî·yāh — Yahweh is goodH2900 — Full Word Study → the Ammoniteהָֽעַמֹּנִ֔יhā·‘am·mō·nî — Meunite inhabitantH5984 — Full Word Study → officialהָעֶ֣בֶדhā·‘e·ḇeḏ — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study → heard about thisוַיִּשְׁמַ֞עway·yiš·ma‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study →, they were deeplyגְדֹלָ֑הḡə·ḏō·lāh — Great, mighty, large in size or significanceH1419 — Full Word Study → disturbedוַיֵּ֥רַעway·yê·ra‘ — to break, spoil, or do evilH7489 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → someoneאָדָ֔ם’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study → had comeבָּ֥אbā — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → to seekלְבַקֵּ֥שׁlə·ḇaq·qêš — To seek, search for, or request earnestlyH1245 — Full Word Study → the well-beingטוֹבָ֖הṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → of the Israelitesיִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃yiś·rā·’êl — God prevailsH3478 — Full Word Study →. 11After I had arrivedוָאָב֖וֹאwā·’ā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → inאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִָ֑םyə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study → and had beenוָאֱהִי־wā·’ĕ·hî- — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → thereשָׁ֖םšām — There, in that placeH8033 — Full Word Study → threeשְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃šə·lō·šāh — The number three; a group of three thingsH7969 — Full Word Study → daysיָמִ֥יםyā·mîm — day; time; period; ageH3117 — Full Word Study →, 12Iאֲנִי֮’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → set outוָאָק֣וּם׀wā·’ā·qūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → at nightלַ֗יְלָהlay·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study → withעִמִּי֒‘im·mî — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → a fewמְעַט֮mə·‘aṭ — A small amount; little; fewH4592 — Full Word Study → menוַאֲנָשִׁ֣ים׀wa·’ă·nā·šîm — human being, man, mortal personH582 — Full Word Study →. I did notוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → tellהִגַּ֣דְתִּיhig·gaḏ·tî — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → anyoneלְאָדָ֔םlə·’ā·ḏām — Man, mankind, human beingH120 — Full Word Study → whatמָ֗הmāh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → my Godאֱלֹהַי֙’ĕ·lō·hay — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → had laidנֹתֵ֣ןnō·ṯên — to give, grant, or bestowH5414 — Full Word Study → onאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → my heartלִבִּ֔יlib·bî — Heart; the center of emotion, will, and intellectH3820 — Full Word Study → to doלַעֲשׂ֖וֹתla·‘ă·śō·wṯ — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study → for Jerusalemלִירוּשָׁלִָ֑םlî·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study →. The onlyכִּ֚יkî — because, since, that (conjunction/reason marker)H3588 — Full Word Study → animalוּבְהֵמָה֙ū·ḇə·hê·māh — Animal, beast, livestockH929 — Full Word Study → with meעִמִּ֔י‘im·mî — with, together with, amongH5973 — Full Word Study → was the oneהַבְּהֵמָ֔הhab·bə·hê·māh — Animal, beast, livestockH929 — Full Word Study → on whichאֲשֶׁ֥ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → Iאֲנִ֖י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → was ridingרֹכֵ֥בrō·ḵêḇ — to ride, mount, or be carriedH7392 — Full Word Study →. 13So I went outוָאֵצְאָ֨הwā·’ê·ṣə·’āh — To go out, come forth, exitH3318 — Full Word Study → at nightלַ֗יְלָהlay·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study → through the Valleyהַגַּ֜יאhag·gay — ValleyH1516 — Full Word Study → Gateבְשַֽׁעַר־ḇə·ša·‘ar- — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → towardוְאֶל־wə·’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the Wellעֵ֣ין‘ên — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → of the Serpentהַתַּנִּ֔יןhat·tan·nîn — Sea monster, dragon, or serpentH8577 — Full Word Study → and the Dungהָאַשְׁפֹּ֑תhā·’aš·pōṯ — Dung; refuse heap; dunghillH830 — Full Word Study → Gateשַׁ֖עַרša·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study →, and I inspectedשֹׂבֵ֜רśō·ḇêr — To wait expectantly; to hope with patient watchfulnessH7663 — Full Word Study → the wallsבְּחוֹמֹ֤תbə·ḥō·w·mōṯ — A fortified wall or defensive barrierH2346 — Full Word Study → of Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙yə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study → thatאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → had been broken downהַמְפֹרוָצִיםham·p̄ō·r·wå̄·ṣīm — to break through, breach, or burst forthH6555 — Full Word Study → and the gatesוּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָū·šə·ʿå̄·rɛ·hå̄ — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → that had been destroyedאֻכְּל֥וּ’uk·kə·lū — to eat, consume, devourH398 — Full Word Study → by fireבָאֵֽשׁ׃ḇā·’êš — Fire; flame; burningH784 — Full Word Study →. 14Then I went onוָאֶֽעֱבֹר֙wā·’e·‘ĕ·ḇōr — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study → toאֶל־’el- — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study → the Fountainהָעַ֔יִןhā·‘a·yin — Eye; sight; appearance; fountainH5869 — Full Word Study → Gateשַׁ֣עַרša·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → and the King’sהַמֶּ֑לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → Poolבְּרֵכַ֖תbə·rê·ḵaṯ — Pool of water; reservoirH1295 — Full Word Study →, but there was no roomמָק֥וֹםmā·qō·wm — A place, location, or spaceH4725 — Full Word Study → for the animalלַבְּהֵמָ֖הlab·bə·hê·māh — Animal, beast, livestockH929 — Full Word Study → under meתַּחְתָּֽי׃taḥ·tāy — Under, beneath, instead of, in place ofH8478 — Full Word Study → to get throughלַעֲבֹ֥רla·‘ă·ḇōr — to cross over; to pass through or beyondH5674 — Full Word Study →; 15so Iוָאֱהִ֨יwā·’ĕ·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → went upעֹלֶ֤ה‘ō·leh — to ascend, rise up, go upH5927 — Full Word Study → the valleyבַנַּ֙חַל֙ḇan·na·ḥal — A stream or winter torrent; a narrow valleyH5158 — Full Word Study → by nightלַ֔יְלָהlay·lāh — Night, darkness, the period of darknessH3915 — Full Word Study → andוָאֱהִ֥יwā·’ĕ·hî — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → inspectedשֹׂבֵ֖רśō·ḇêr — To wait expectantly; to hope with patient watchfulnessH7663 — Full Word Study → the wallבַּחוֹמָ֑הba·ḥō·w·māh — A fortified wall or defensive barrierH2346 — Full Word Study →. Then I headed backוָאָשׁ֗וּבwā·’ā·šūḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → and reenteredוָאָב֛וֹאwā·’ā·ḇō·w — to come, go, enter, arriveH935 — Full Word Study → through the Valleyהַגַּ֖יְאhag·gay — ValleyH1516 — Full Word Study → Gateבְּשַׁ֥עַרbə·ša·‘ar — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study →. 16The officialsוְהַסְּגָנִ֗יםwə·has·sə·ḡā·nîm — Ruler, commander, or official overseerH5461 — Full Word Study → did notלֹ֤אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → knowיָדְעוּ֙yā·ḏə·‘ū — to know, understand, perceiveH3045 — Full Word Study → whereאָ֣נָה’ā·nāh — Where? Whither? (interrogative/indefinite adverb of place)H575 — Full Word Study → I had goneהָלַ֔כְתִּיhā·laḵ·tî — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study → or whatוּמָ֖הū·māh — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → Iאֲנִ֣י’ă·nî — I, me, myself (first person singular pronoun)H589 — Full Word Study → was doingעֹשֶׂ֑ה‘ō·śeh — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →, for I had notלֹ֥אlō — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → yetעַד־‘aḏ- — until, till, up to (temporal or spatial limit)H5704 — Full Word Study → toldהִגַּֽדְתִּי׃hig·gaḏ·tî — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → the Jewsוְלַיְּהוּדִ֨יםwə·lay·yə·hū·ḏîm — A Jew; descendant of JudahH3064 — Full Word Study → or priestsוְלַכֹּהֲנִ֜יםwə·lak·kō·hă·nîm — priest; one who serves in God's sanctuaryH3548 — Full Word Study → or noblesוְלַחֹרִ֣יםwə·la·ḥō·rîm — A person of noble birth or rank; a freeman or dignitaryH2715 — Full Word Study → or officialsוְלַסְּגָנִ֗יםwə·las·sə·ḡā·nîm — Ruler, commander, or official overseerH5461 — Full Word Study → or any otherוּלְיֶ֙תֶר֙ū·lə·ye·ṯer — remainder, excess, superiorityH3499 — Full Word Study → workersהַמְּלָאכָ֔הham·mə·lā·ḵāh — Work, labor, occupation; manufactured goods or craftH4399 — Full Word Study →. 17Then I saidוָאוֹמַ֣רwā·’ō·w·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to themאֲלֵהֶ֗ם’ă·lê·hem — to, toward, against; directional and relational prepositionH413 — Full Word Study →, “Youאַתֶּ֤ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → seeרֹאִים֙rō·’îm — to see, perceive, behold, experienceH7200 — Full Word Study → the troubleהָרָעָה֙hā·rā·‘āh — evil, bad, harm, disasterH7451 — Full Word Study → we areאֲנַ֣חְנוּ’ă·naḥ·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study → in. Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙yə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study → lies in ruinsחֲרֵבָ֔הḥă·rê·ḇāh — Desolate, parched, ruined, or wasteH2720 — Full Word Study →, and its gatesוּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָū·šə·‘ā·re·hā — Gate; entrance to a city or enclosureH8179 — Full Word Study → have been burned downנִצְּת֣וּniṣ·ṣə·ṯū — to kindle, ignite, or set ablazeH3341 — Full Word Study →. Comeלְכ֗וּlə·ḵū — to go, walk, travel, proceedH1980 — Full Word Study →, let us rebuildוְנִבְנֶה֙wə·niḇ·neh — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study → the wallחוֹמַ֣תḥō·w·maṯ — A fortified wall or defensive barrierH2346 — Full Word Study → of Jerusalemיְרוּשָׁלִַ֔םyə·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study →, so that we will noוְלֹא־wə·lō- — not; negation; absenceH3808 — Full Word Study → longerע֖וֹד‘ō·wḏ — still, yet, again, continuing or additional occurrenceH5750 — Full Word Study → beנִהְיֶ֥הnih·yeh — to be, become, exist, happenH1961 — Full Word Study → a disgraceחֶרְפָּֽה׃ḥer·pāh — Reproach, shame, insultH2781 — Full Word Study →.” 18I also toldוָאַגִּ֨ידwā·’ag·gîḏ — to tell, declare, make knownH5046 — Full Word Study → them aboutאֲשֶׁר־’ă·šer- — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the graciousטוֹבָ֣הṭō·w·ḇāh — good, beneficial, pleasing, wellH2896 — Full Word Study → handיַ֣דyaḏ — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → of my Godאֱלֹהַ֗י’ĕ·lō·hay — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → upon meעָלַ֔י‘ā·lay — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →, andוְאַף־wə·’ap̄- — Also, moreover, even, indeedH637 — Full Word Study → whatאֲשֶׁ֣ר’ă·šer — who, which, that; when, where, becauseH834 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study → had saidאָֽמַר־’ā·mar- — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study → to me. “Let us startנָק֣וּםnā·qūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → rebuildingוּבָנִ֔ינוּū·ḇā·nî·nū — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study →,” they repliedוַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙way·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, and they setוַיְחַזְּק֥וּway·ḥaz·zə·qū — To strengthen, make firm, establishH2388 — Full Word Study → their handsיְדֵיהֶ֖םyə·ḏê·hem — hand; power, strength, controlH3027 — Full Word Study → to this good work. 19But when Sanballatסַנְבַלַּ֨טsan·ḇal·laṭ — Sanballat the HoroniteH5571 — Full Word Study → the Horoniteהַחֹרֹנִ֜יha·ḥō·rō·nî — Of HoronH2772 — Full Word Study →, Tobiahוְטֹבִיָּ֣ה׀wə·ṭō·ḇî·yāh — Yahweh is goodH2900 — Full Word Study → the Ammoniteהָֽעַמּוֹנִ֗יhā·‘am·mō·w·nî — Meunite inhabitantH5984 — Full Word Study → officialהָעֶ֣בֶדhā·‘e·ḇeḏ — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →, and Geshemוְגֶ֙שֶׁם֙wə·ḡe·šem — Geshem the ArabH1654 — Full Word Study → the Arabהָֽעַרְבִ֔יhā·‘ar·ḇî — Arabian; inhabitant of ArabiaH6163 — Full Word Study → heard about thisוַיִּשְׁמַע֩way·yiš·ma‘ — to hear, listen, obeyH8085 — Full Word Study →, they mockedוַיַּלְעִ֣גוּway·yal·‘i·ḡū — To mock, deride, or laugh in scornH3932 — Full Word Study → us and ridiculedוַיִּבְז֖וּway·yiḇ·zū — to despise, treat with contemptH959 — Full Word Study → usעָלֵ֑ינוּ‘ā·lê·nū — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study →, sayingוַיֹּאמְר֗וּway·yō·mə·rū — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “Whatמָֽה־māh- — What? Why? How? (interrogative particle)H4100 — Full Word Study → is thisהַזֶּה֙haz·zeh — this, that; the one, the otherH2088 — Full Word Study → you areאַתֶּ֣ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → doingעֹשִׂ֔ים‘ō·śîm — to do, make, or accomplish; to act or performH6213 — Full Word Study →? Are youאַתֶּ֥ם’at·tem — You; second-person pronoun (singular or plural)H859 — Full Word Study → rebellingמֹרְדִֽים׃mō·rə·ḏîm — to rebel; to resist authorityH4775 — Full Word Study → againstהַעַ֥לha·‘al — upon, over, against; concerningH5921 — Full Word Study → the kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְham·me·leḵ — A male ruler or sovereign who governs a nation or kingdomH4428 — Full Word Study →?” 20So I answeredוָאָשִׁ֨יבwā·’ā·šîḇ — to turn back, return, restoreH7725 — Full Word Study → themאוֹתָ֜ם’ō·w·ṯām — direct object marker; signs accusative caseH853 — Full Word Study → and saidוָאוֹמַ֤רwā·’ō·w·mar — to say, speak, declareH559 — Full Word Study →, “The Godאֱלֹהֵ֣י’ĕ·lō·hê — God, the divine beingH430 — Full Word Study → of heavenהַשָּׁמַ֔יִםhaš·šā·ma·yim — The heavens; sky; dwelling place of GodH8064 — Full Word Study → is the Oneה֚וּאhū — He, she, it; the third person pronounH1931 — Full Word Study → who will grant us successיַצְלִ֣יחַֽyaṣ·lî·aḥ — To prosper, succeed, push forwardH6743 — Full Word Study →. Weוַאֲנַ֥חְנוּwa·’ă·naḥ·nū — We, us, ourselves (first person plural pronoun)H587 — Full Word Study →, His servantsעֲבָדָ֖יו‘ă·ḇā·ḏāw — Servant; slave; one in bondage or serviceH5650 — Full Word Study →, will startנָק֣וּםnā·qūm — To rise, stand, or be establishedH6965 — Full Word Study → rebuildingוּבָנִ֑ינוּū·ḇā·nî·nū — to build, construct, establishH1129 — Full Word Study →, but you have noאֵֽין־’ên- — nothing, nonexistence, absenceH369 — Full Word Study → portionחֵ֧לֶקḥê·leq — portion, allotment, flatteryH2506 — Full Word Study →, rightוּצְדָקָ֛הū·ṣə·ḏā·qāh — Righteousness, justice, right conductH6666 — Full Word Study →, or claimוְזִכָּר֖וֹןwə·zik·kā·rō·wn — Memorial, remembrance, record of significanceH2146 — Full Word Study → in Jerusalemבִּירוּשָׁלִָֽם׃bî·rū·šā·lim — City of peaceH3389 — Full Word Study →.”
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Chapter Commentary — Nehemiah 2
Chapter Overview

Chapter Overview

Nehemiah chapter 2 marks the turning point where private burden becomes public action. After months of prayer and fasting (chapter 1), Nehemiah seizes an opportunity to present his burden to King Artaxerxes. Though fearful, he finds favor with the pagan king and secures both permission and resources to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. This chapter demonstrates the remarkable providence of God working through human courage, careful planning, and steadfast prayer to accomplish His purposes.

Verses 1–5: The Burden Revealed

Nehemiah's composure finally breaks in the presence of the king. Despite being in the privileged role of cupbearer—a position requiring constant cheerfulness—his sorrow about Jerusalem's desolation becomes visible (verse 1). When Artaxerxes notices and inquires, Nehemiah experiences fear; to appear sad before an oriental monarch was potentially dangerous. Yet in this critical moment, Nehemiah does something remarkable: he prays silently to "the God of heaven" (verse 4) before answering. This demonstrates his constant reliance on divine wisdom. He then respectfully explains his burden and makes his petition—that the king send him to rebuild his ancestral city (verse 5).

Spiritual Application: When faced with demanding situations, we too should follow Nehemiah's example of instant prayer. Before we speak, we must consult the God of heaven.

Verses 6–8: The Request Granted

Remarkably, the king not only grants permission but asks practical questions: how long will the journey take, and when will Nehemiah return? (verse 6). Nehemiah's answer pleases the king. More significantly, Nehemiah asks for letters of safe passage through the provinces beyond the river (verse 7) and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the royal forest, requesting timber for the gates and walls (verse 8). The text notes that "the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me" (verse 8). This phrase reminds us that the king's generosity was ultimately God's providential hand at work.

Spiritual Application: Nehemiah's specific, well-thought requests reveal that faith and practical planning are not opposites. God honors the person who prays but also prepares wisely.

Verses 9–16: The Silent Survey

Upon arriving in Jerusalem, Nehemiah waits three days before acting (verse 11). Then, under cover of darkness, he conducts a personal inspection of the walls with only a few trusted companions (verses 12–15). He tells no one—not even the priests or nobles—what God has put in his heart. This discretion is wise; he gathers facts before rallying the people and before opposition can form. His nighttime inspection reveals the full extent of the destruction: broken walls and burnt gates throughout the city (verses 13–15).

Spiritual Application: Nehemiah's careful, prayerful discernment teaches us that wise leaders gather information and seek God's direction before making public announcements.

Verses 17–20: The Challenge Issued and Opposition Faced

Now Nehemiah appeals to the people's shared identity and shame: Jerusalem lies waste and they are a reproach (verse 17). He testifies to "the hand of my God which was good upon me" and shares the king's favor (verse 18). The people respond immediately: "Let us rise up and build" (verse 18). However, opposition quickly emerges from three groups—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—who mock the project and accuse them of rebellion (verse 19). Nehemiah's answer is firm and faith-filled: the God of heaven will prosper the work, and these opponents have no claim or inheritance in Jerusalem (verse 20).

Spiritual Application: Opposition to God's work is inevitable. Nehemiah neither ignores nor is intimidated by mockers; instead, he anchors himself in God's purpose and the people's shared calling.

Application for Today

Nehemiah's example challenges modern believers to combine prayer with practical action, to seek God's wisdom before speaking, and to persevere when opposition arises. Whether we face personal rebuilding or community restoration, we serve the same God of heaven who held Nehemiah's hand. Our confidence rests not in earthly powers, but in the goodness and providence of our God.

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