Nehemiah 1:6

Nehemiah 1:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned.

King James Version KJV

Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.

American Standard Version ASV

let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hearken unto the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, while I confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee. Yea, I and my father’s house have sinned:

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let your ear now take note and let your eyes be open, so that you may give ear to the prayer of your servant, which I make before you at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel, your servants, while I put before you the sins of the children of Israel, which we have done against you: truly, I and my father's people are sinners.

Free Bible Version FBV

please listen and focus your attention on the prayer of your servant that I am praying to you now, day and night, on behalf of your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against you, including my own sins and those of my family.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

I pray thee, let thine eares be attet, and thine eies open, to heare the praier of thy seruat, which I pray before thee dayly, day and night for ye childre of Israel thy seruats, and confesse the sinnes of the children of Israel, which we haue sinned against thee, both I and my fathers house haue sinned:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

let Thine ear be, I pray Thee, attentive, and Thine eyes open, to hearken unto the prayer of Thy servant, that I am praying before Thee to-day, by day and by night, concerning the sons of Israel Thy servants, and confessing concerning the sins of the sons of Israel, that we have sinned against Thee; yea, I and the house of my father have sinned;

World English Bible WEB

let your ear now be attentive and your eyes open, that you may listen to the prayer of your servant which I pray before you at this time, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants, while I confess the sins of the children of Israel which we have sinned against you. Yes, I and my father’s house have sinned.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let thy ear now be attentive, and thy eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Let thy ears be attentive, and thy eyes open, to hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, night and day, for the children of Israel thy servants: and I confess the sins of the children of Israel, by which they have sinned against thee: I and my father’s house have sinned.

Translation for Translators T4T

Now please look down and listen to what I am praying. I pray during the day and at night for your Israeli people. I confess that we Israeli people have sinned. Even my family and I have sinned against you.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 1:6

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 1:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB תְּהִ֣י נָ֣א אָזְנְ/ךָֽ קַשֶּׁ֣בֶת וְֽ/עֵינֶ֪י/ךָ פְתֻוּח֟וֹת לִ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ אֶל תְּפִלַּ֣ת עַבְדְּ/ךָ֡ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אָנֹכִי֩ מִתְפַּלֵּ֨ל לְ/פָנֶ֤י/ךָ הַ/יּוֹם֙ יוֹמָ֣ם וָ/לַ֔יְלָה עַל בְּנֵ֥י יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל עֲבָדֶ֑י/ךָ וּ/מִתְוַדֶּ֗ה עַל חַטֹּ֤אות בְּנֵֽי יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר חָטָ֣אנוּ לָ֔/ךְ וַ/אֲנִ֥י וּ/בֵית אָבִ֖/י חָטָֽאנוּ

תְּהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Juss-3fs

נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 please Part

אָזְנְ/ךָֽ ʼôzen H241 ear N-fs | Suff

קַשֶּׁ֣בֶת qashshâb H7183 attentive Adj

וְֽ/עֵינֶ֪י/ךָ ʻayin H5869 eye Conj | N-cd | Suff

פְתֻוּח֟וֹת pâthach H6605 to open V-Qal-Inf-c

לִ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

תְּפִלַּ֣ת tᵉphillâh H8605 prayer N-fs

עַבְדְּ/ךָ֡ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

אָנֹכִי֩ ʼânôkîy H595 I Pron

מִתְפַּלֵּ֨ל pâlal H6419 to pray V-Hithpael

לְ/פָנֶ֤י/ךָ pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp | Suff

הַ/יּוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms

יוֹמָ֣ם yôwmâm H3119 by day Adv

וָ/לַ֔יְלָה layil H3915 night Conj | N-ms

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 son N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

עֲבָדֶ֑י/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff

וּ/מִתְוַדֶּ֗ה yâdâh H3034 to give thanks Conj | V-Hithpael

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

חַטֹּ֤אות chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 sin N-fp

בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 son N-mp

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel N-proper

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

חָטָ֣אנוּ châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Perf-1cp

לָ֔/ךְ Prep | Suff

וַ/אֲנִ֥י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron

וּ/בֵית bayith H1004 place Conj | N-ms

אָבִ֖/י ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

חָטָֽאנוּ châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Perf-1cp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 1:6

תְּהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Juss-3fs

The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.

Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone

Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.

נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part

The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.

Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation

Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.

אָזְנְ/ךָֽ ʼôzen H241 "ear" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.

Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation

Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.

קַשֶּׁ֣בֶת qashshâb H7183 "attentive" Adj

Being attentive or careful is what this Hebrew word means, describing someone who is paying close attention. It's used in Bible verses like Proverbs to encourage people to be careful listeners. The KJV translates it as 'attentive'.

Definition: attentive Another spelling of qash.shuv (קַשֻּׁב "attentive" H7183B)

Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: attent(-ive). See also: 2 Chronicles 6:40; Nehemiah 1:6; Psalms 130:2.

וְֽ/עֵינֶ֪י/ךָ ʻayin H5869 "eye" Conj | N-cd | Suff

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.

פְתֻוּח֟וֹת pâthach H6605 "to open" V-Qal-Inf-c

This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.

Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)

Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.

לִ/שְׁמֹ֣עַ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

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.

תְּפִלַּ֣ת tᵉphillâh H8605 "prayer" N-fs

In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.

Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)

Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.

עַבְדְּ/ךָ֡ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

אָנֹכִי֩ ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Pron

This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.

Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)

Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.

מִתְפַּלֵּ֨ל pâlal H6419 "to pray" V-Hithpael

To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.

Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray

Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.

לְ/פָנֶ֤י/ךָ pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp | Suff

This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.

Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of

Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.

הַ/יּוֹם֙ yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

יוֹמָ֣ם yôwmâm H3119 "by day" Adv

The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.

Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime

Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.

וָ/לַ֔יְלָה layil H3915 "night" Conj | N-ms

Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.

Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" 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.

בְּנֵ֥י bên H1121 "son" N-mp

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.

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.

Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

עֲבָדֶ֑י/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff

This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.

Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.

וּ/מִתְוַדֶּ֗ה yâdâh H3034 "to give thanks" Conj | V-Hithpael

To give thanks or praise, originally meaning to throw or cast, like shooting an arrow. In the Bible, it's used to describe worship or confession with extended hands. It appears in Psalms and other books, like 1 Chronicles.

Definition: 1) to throw, shoot, cast 1a) (Qal) to shoot (arrows) 1b) (Piel) to cast, cast down, throw down 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to give thanks, laud, praise 1c2) to confess, confess (the name of God) 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to confess (sin) 1d2) to give thanks Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדָא "to praise" H3029)

Usage: Occurs in 111 OT verses. KJV: cast (out), (make) confess(-ion), praise, shoot, (give) thank(-ful, -s, -sgiving). See also: Genesis 29:35; Psalms 57:10; Psalms 6:6.

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" 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.

חַטֹּ֤אות chaṭṭâʼâh H2403 "sin" N-fp

This word describes sin, guilt, or punishment for sin, and also the sacrifice or purification made to atone for it. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences and solutions for sin. The KJV translates it as 'punishment' or 'sin'.

Definition: sin, sinful thing

Usage: Occurs in 270 OT verses. KJV: punishment (of sin), purifying(-fication for sin), sin(-ner, offering). See also: Genesis 4:7; Numbers 12:11; Psalms 25:7.

בְּנֵֽי bên H1121 "son" N-mp

Definition: : child/son

יִשְׂרָאֵל֙ Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" N-proper

Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

חָטָ֣אנוּ châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Perf-1cp

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

לָ֔/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

וַ/אֲנִ֥י 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.

וּ/בֵית bayith H1004 "place" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

אָבִ֖/י ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

חָטָֽאנוּ châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Perf-1cp

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 1:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 1:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 1:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 1:6
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:6
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 1:6
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:6
Sermons on Nehemiah 1:6

Context — Nehemiah’s Prayer

4When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 5Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments,

6let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned.

7We have behaved corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that You gave Your servant Moses. 8Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses when You said, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Daniel 9:20	While I was speaking, praying, confessing my sin and that of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the LORD my God concerning His holy mountain—
2	Daniel 9:4	And I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed, “O, Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of loving devotion to those who love Him and keep His commandments,
3	Psalms 34:15	The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.
4	Psalms 106:6	We have sinned like our fathers; we have done wrong and acted wickedly.
5	Daniel 9:17–18	So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion.
6	2 Chronicles 6:40	Now, my God, may Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to the prayer offered in this place.
7	2 Chronicles 29:6	For our fathers were unfaithful and did evil in the sight of the LORD our God. They abandoned Him, turned their faces away from the dwelling place of the LORD, and turned their backs on Him.
8	Isaiah 6:5	Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”
9	1 John 1:9	If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
10	Luke 18:7	Will not God bring about justice for His elect who cry out to Him day and night? Will He continue to defer their help?

Nehemiah 1:6 Summary

[Nehemiah is asking God to listen to his prayer and to see the needs of the Israelites, and he is confessing the sins of his people, including his own family. He is taking responsibility for the sins of those around him and seeking God's mercy and restoration, just like in Psalm 51:3-4. By praying with humility and sincerity, Nehemiah is showing us how to approach God with our own needs and sins, and how to trust in His love and faithfulness, as promised in Jeremiah 29:12-13.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God's eyes to be open and His ears to be attentive?

This means that God is actively watching and listening to our prayers, as He promises in Psalm 34:15 and 1 Peter 3:12, and is ready to respond to our cries for help.

Why does Nehemiah include himself and his father's house in the confession of sin?

Nehemiah is taking responsibility for the sins of his family and nation, acknowledging that sin is a collective issue, as seen in Leviticus 26:40 and Deuteronomy 30:2, and expressing humility before God.

How can we apply Nehemiah's prayer to our own lives and communities?

We can follow Nehemiah's example by praying with humility and sincerity, confessing our own sins and the sins of our communities, and seeking God's mercy and restoration, as encouraged in 2 Chronicles 7:14 and James 5:16.

What does it mean to pray day and night for someone or something?

Praying day and night means to be constant and persistent in prayer, as seen in Luke 18:7 and Acts 12:5, and to trust in God's faithfulness and love, even when the answers are not immediate or visible.

Reflection Questions

What are the sins in my own life and community that I need to confess and repent of, and how can I seek God's forgiveness and restoration?
How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and responsibility before God, like Nehemiah, and what would this look like in my daily life?
What are the areas in my life where I need God's eyes to be open and His ears to be attentive, and how can I pray with greater faith and expectation?
In what ways can I pray for and support my fellow believers, like Nehemiah prayed for the Israelites, and what would this mean for our collective spiritual growth and well-being?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 1:6

Let thine ear be now attentive,.... To his prayer, as in Ne 1:11, and thine eyes open; to behold with pity and compassion the distressed case of Jerusalem, and the Jews in it: I pray before thee now,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 1:6

And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:6

Nehemiah 1:6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’ s house have sinned.Ver. 6. Let thine ears now be attentive, and thine eyes open] Should not God see as well as hear (saith a divine), his children should want many things. We apprehend not all our wants; and so cannot pray for relief of all. He of his own accord, without any monitor, is wont to aid us. "The eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous; and his ears are open to their prayer," Psalms 33:15. That thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant] If not secundum voluntatem, yet ad utilitatem (Aug. Confess. 1. 5, c. 8), but usually God answereth his servants’ prayers, fitting his mercy ad cardinem desiderii, to a longing heart, as here; and letting it be unto them even as they will. Which I pray before thee now, day and night] Christ requireth his servants and suppliants to pray and not faint, Luke 18:1. Ordinarily, morning and evening without fail; extraordinarily, oftener. The Jews divide their day into prayer, work, and repast; neither will they omit prayer for their meat or labour. The Mahometans, what occasion soever they have, either by profit or pleasure, to divert them, will pray five times every day; and upon the Friday (which is their sabbath) six times. Vae torpori nostro! woe our numbness, how few and feeble are our prayers for ourselves and for brethren in distress; who have for that cause an unanswerable action against us! And confess the sins of the children of Israel] This he did more fully and at large than is here set down; and he fitly beginnneth with confession; that having gotten off the guilt of sin, he might with more courage and comfort deprecate wrath, and beg mercy. Which we have sinned against thee] There lay the pinch of his grief, that they sinned against so good a God. Both I and my father’ s house have sinned] Hic igitur Lyra deliravit, Lyra is incorrect when he saith here, that Nehemiah confessed his own sins, but only as a member of the same body, he himself being innocent. Comparatively innocent he was, doubtless; but that he was not without sin, and such sin as he had cause to confess to be God provoking sins, is clear by this very text. He was sensible of his own sins, and of other men’ s sins too. The sins of our ancestors not bewailed and disclaimed, are set upon our score, Daniel 5:22.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:6

(4-11) Nehemiah’s appeal to God. The prayer is a perfect example of the private and individual devotion with which the later Hebrew Scriptures abound. It begins with formal and appropriate invocation (Nehemiah 1:5-8), flows into earnest confession (Nehemiah 1:6-7), pleads the covenant promises (Nehemiah 1:8-10), and supplicates a present answer (Nehemiah 1:11). The extant Scriptures, freely used, are the foundation of all. (4) Fasted.—Like Daniel, Esther, and Ezra, Nehemiah fasted: fasting appears in later Judaism a prominent part of individual devotion, as it is in the New Testament. (6) Both I and my father’s house have sinned.—The supplication was for the nation; and in such cases of personal intercession the individual assumes the sin of all the past. (8) The spirit of many threatenings and promises is summed up, as in the prayer of Nehemiah 9. (11) This day . . . this man.—During his “certain days” of mourning Nehemiah had fixed upon his plan, suggested by his God. “This day” is “this occasion”: the appeal itself was deferred for some months. The king becomes “this man” in the presence of the “God of heaven.” For I was the king’s cupbearer.—One of his cupbearers, therefore in high authority, having confidential access to him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:6

Verse 6. Let thine ear] Hear what we say and confess. Thine eyes open - see what we suffer.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 1:6

6. The humble access leading to the confession of sin. let thine ear now be attentive] The word ‘attentive’ is not very common in the original. It occurs again in Nehemiah 1:11, in Psalms 130:2. And with the rendering ‘attent’ (A.V. and R.V.) in 2 Chronicles 6:40; 2 Chronicles 7:15. The LXX. renders πρόσεχον. and thine eyes open] We should expect this clause to come first, as in 2 Chronicles 6:40; 2 Chronicles 7:15. We need not however supply the words ‘to the misery of thy people’ or ‘to him that prayeth.’ A similar passage in 1 Kings 8:52, ‘that thine eyes may be open unto the supplication of thy servant,’ shows that the metaphor is not to be pressed too literally. hear] R.V. hearken unto. An alteration due to the wish to give the full force of the Hebrew. ‘Thy servant.’ Compare 1 Samuel 3:9-10; 1 Samuel 23:10; 2 Samuel 7:20. now, day and night] R.V. at this time, day and night. Literally, ‘this day, day and night,’ cf. Nehemiah 1:11. ‘At this time’ then refers to the ‘certain days’ mentioned in Nehemiah 1:4 : it does not mean that he went into the presence of the king on the day of this prayer. The Vulgate ‘hodie nocte et die.’ Cf. Acts 20:31 ‘night and day with tears.’ for the children of Israel thy servants] i.e. in their behalf. In spite of their sin and disobedience, the children of Israel are still God’s servants, cf. Leviticus 25:55; Isaiah 63:17. The exact phrase used here does not occur elsewhere. But the permanent ideal relation, in spite of all failure or rebellion, is frequently expressed in the prophets; cf. ‘Jacob, my servant,’ used in Isaiah (Isaiah 41:8; Isaiah 44:2 &c.), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 30:10; Jeremiah 46:27-28), Ezekiel 37:25. and confess] R.V. while I confess. The A.V. is not grammatical. ‘Confess.’ See on Ezra 10:1. the sins of the children of Israel, which we &c.] Nehemiah identifies himself with the guilt of the people. Cf. Moses in Exodus 34:9 ‘Pardon our iniquity and our sin.’ both I and my father’s house] i.e. Neither the individual nor the family being free from the responsibility of national sin. It has been remarked that, if Nehemiah belonged to the house of David, there would be a special appropriateness in these words. According to one tradition (Euseb.), he was of the tribe of Judah.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:6

6. Thine ear… thine eyes — He that formed the ear, shall he not hear his children’s cry? He that made the eye, shall he not see the sufferings of his people?

Sermons on Nehemiah 1:6

	Sermon	Description
	Behold the Beauty of the Lord by Joshua Daniel	This sermon delves into the profound words of King David in Psalms 27, emphasizing the singular desire to dwell in the presence of the Lord and behold His beauty. It challenges the
	Servanthood - Know Your Calling by Chuck Smith	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Nehemiah and the challenges he faced in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Nehemiah was deeply moved by the condition of the city
	Does Doctrine Matter - Part 9 by Derek Melton	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of the doctrine of repentance in the Christian faith. He emphasizes that repentance is not a one-time event, but rather a lif
	If My People - Part 1 by Shane Idleman	This sermon emphasizes the importance of addressing controversial topics and recapturing the prophetic zeal in churches. It highlights the impact of the Johnson Amendment on church
	The Role of a Prayer Burden by Wesley Duewel	In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story of a coup in Indonesia where top generals were assassinated. The speaker then transitions to the story of Nehemiah in the Bible, who wa
	The Seven Levels of Judgment - Part 2 by Dan Biser	This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confessing our sins before the Lord, both individually and collectively as a church and nation. It delves into various Bibl
	Conference 1989-01 ~ Nehemiah 1 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability in the service of the Lord. He references chapter five, verses one through three, to highlight the need for