Nehemiah 2:17
Nehemiah 2:17 in Multiple Translations
Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.”
¶ Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.
Then said I unto them, Ye see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.
Then I said to them, You see what a bad condition we are in; how Jerusalem is a waste, and its doorways burned with fire: come, let us get to work, building up the wall of Jerusalem, so that we may no longer be put to shame.
Then I said to them, “Look at the trouble we're in! Jerusalem is a heap of rubble, and its gates have been burned down. Come on, let's rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we won't be so ashamed any more.”
Afterward I said vnto them, Ye see the miserie that we are in, how Ierusalem lyeth waste, and the gates thereof are burnt with fire: come and let vs buylde the wall of Ierusalem, that we be no more a reproche.
and I say unto them, 'Ye are seeing the evil that we are in, in that Jerusalem [is] waste, and its gates have been burnt with fire; come and we build the wall of Jerusalem, and we are not any more a reproach.'
Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let’s build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we won’t be disgraced.”
Then said I to them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and its gates are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we may be no more a reproach.
Then I said to them: You know the affliction wherein we are, because Jerusalem is desolate, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire: come, and let us build up the walls of Jerusalem, and let us be no longer a reproach.
But now I said to them, “You all know very well the terrible things that have happened to our city. The city is ruined; even the gates are burned down. So we should rebuild the city wall. If we do that, we will no longer feel humiliated/disgraced.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 2:17
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 2:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אוֹמַ֣ר
אֲלֵ/הֶ֗ם
אַתֶּ֤ם
רֹאִים֙
הָ/רָעָה֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
בָ֔/הּ
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
חֲרֵבָ֔ה
וּ/שְׁעָרֶ֖י/הָ
נִצְּת֣וּ
בָ/אֵ֑שׁ
לְכ֗וּ
וְ/נִבְנֶה֙
אֶת
חוֹמַ֣ת
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם
וְ/לֹא
נִהְיֶ֥ה
ע֖וֹד
חֶרְפָּֽה
וָ/אוֹמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֲלֵ/הֶ֗ם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
אַתֶּ֤ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
רֹאִים֙
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal
הָ/רָעָה֙
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Pron
בָ֔/הּ
Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
חֲרֵבָ֔ה
chârab
H2717
to dry
Adj
וּ/שְׁעָרֶ֖י/הָ
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Conj | N-mp | Suff
נִצְּת֣וּ
yâtsath
H3341
to kindle
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
בָ/אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
לְכ֗וּ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
וְ/נִבְנֶה֙
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
חוֹמַ֣ת
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
N-fs
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
נִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv
חֶרְפָּֽה
cherpâh
H2781
reproach
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 2:17
וָ/אוֹמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֲלֵ/הֶ֗ם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
אַתֶּ֤ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
רֹאִים֙
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
הָ/רָעָה֙
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
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.
אֲנַ֣חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Pron
A Hebrew word for we or us, used for emphasis, like when Moses said we will follow God's commands, emphasizing the community's commitment.
Definition: we (first pers. pl. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: ourselves, us, we. See also: Genesis 13:8; 1 Chronicles 11:1; Psalms 20:8.
בָ֔/הּ
""
Prep | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
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.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֨ם֙
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
חֲרֵבָ֔ה
chârab
H2717
"to dry"
Adj
To slay or destroy is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to dry up or desolate something. It is used to describe fighting, attacking, or laying waste.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be dried up 1a) (Qal) to be dried, be dried up 1b) (Pual) to be dried 1c) (Hiphil) to dry up 1d) (Hophal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste. See also: Genesis 8:13; Isaiah 50:2; Psalms 106:9.
וּ/שְׁעָרֶ֖י/הָ
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
נִצְּת֣וּ
yâtsath
H3341
"to kindle"
V-Niphal-Perf-3cp
To kindle means to start a fire or burn something, and can also mean to leave something desolate. It appears in various forms, including being kindled or setting something on fire.
Definition: 1) to kindle, burn, set on fire 1a) (Qal) to kindle 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be kindled 1b2) to be left desolate 1c) (Hiphil) to set on fire, kindle
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: burn (up), be desolate, set (on) fire (fire), kindle. See also: Joshua 8:8; Jeremiah 11:16; Isaiah 9:17.
בָ/אֵ֑שׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
לְכ֗וּ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 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) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
וְ/נִבְנֶה֙
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
חוֹמַ֣ת
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
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.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
וְ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נִהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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.
ע֖וֹד
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
חֶרְפָּֽה
cherpâh
H2781
"reproach"
N-fs
Cherpah means reproach or shame, often used to describe scorn or disgrace. In the Bible, it is used to express strong feelings of shame or humiliation.
Definition: 1) reproach, scorn 1a) taunt, scorn (upon enemy) 1b) reproach (resting upon condition of shame, disgrace) 1c) a reproach (an object)
Usage: Occurs in 72 OT verses. KJV: rebuke, reproach(-fully), shame. See also: Genesis 30:23; Isaiah 25:8; Psalms 15:3.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 2:17
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Context — Nehemiah Inspects the Walls
15so I went up the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate.
16The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers.
17Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.”
18I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work. 19But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 5:14 | I will make you a ruin and a disgrace among the nations around you, in the sight of all who pass by. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 1:3 | And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” |
| 3 | Isaiah 35:3–4 | Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees! Say to those with anxious hearts: “Be strong, do not fear! Behold, your God will come with vengeance. With divine retribution He will come to save you.” |
| 4 | Lamentations 3:45–46 | You have made us scum and refuse among the nations. All our enemies open their mouths against us. |
| 5 | Psalms 79:4 | We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to those around us. |
| 6 | Lamentations 3:51 | My eyes bring grief to my soul because of all the daughters of my city. |
| 7 | Lamentations 2:8–9 | The LORD determined to destroy the wall of the Daughter of Zion. He stretched out a measuring line and did not withdraw His hand from destroying. He made the ramparts and walls lament; together they waste away. Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD. |
| 8 | Ezekiel 22:4–5 | you are guilty of the blood you have shed, and you are defiled by the idols you have made. You have brought your days to a close and have come to the end of your years. Therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations and a mockery to all the lands. Those near and far will mock you, O infamous city, full of turmoil. |
| 9 | Psalms 89:50–51 | Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants, which I bear in my heart from so many people— how Your enemies have taunted, O LORD, and have mocked every step of Your anointed one! |
| 10 | Psalms 79:12 | Pay back into the laps of our neighbors sevenfold the reproach they hurled at You, O Lord. |
Nehemiah 2:17 Summary
[Nehemiah 2:17 shows us that Nehemiah was deeply concerned about the condition of Jerusalem and wanted to do something to help, just like we should be concerned about the things that are broken or hurting in our lives and communities. He saw the city's walls in ruins and its gates burned down, and he knew that this reflected poorly on the people of God. Nehemiah wanted to rebuild the wall so that the people would no longer be a disgrace, and we can learn from his example by seeking to restore and rebuild the things that are broken in our own lives, with God's help and guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By trusting in God and taking action, we can make a positive impact and bring glory to His name, just as Nehemiah did.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivated Nehemiah to speak to the people about rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem?
Nehemiah was motivated by the desperate condition of Jerusalem, which lay in ruins with its gates burned down, as seen in Nehemiah 2:17, and he wanted to restore the city to its former glory, as inspired by God's promise in Ezekiel 36:33-36.
Why did Nehemiah consider the current state of Jerusalem a 'disgrace'?
Nehemiah considered the state of Jerusalem a disgrace because it reflected poorly on the people of God, much like the Israelites' disobedience in Deuteronomy 28:37, and he wanted to restore their reputation and honor God's name.
How did Nehemiah's speech relate to his nighttime inspection of the wall in Nehemiah 2:15?
Nehemiah's speech was a direct result of his nighttime inspection, where he saw the extent of the damage and was moved to action, as seen in Nehemiah 2:17, and his inspection gave him the knowledge and conviction to call the people to rebuild the wall.
What was the primary goal Nehemiah had in mind when he called the people to rebuild the wall?
Nehemiah's primary goal was to restore the wall of Jerusalem so that the people would no longer be a disgrace, as stated in Nehemiah 2:17, and to bring glory to God, much like the Israelites' obedience in Deuteronomy 28:1-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I see 'ruin' and 'burned gates', and how can I begin to rebuild and restore them, just as Nehemiah did in Jerusalem?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, be a catalyst for change and restoration in my community, and what steps can I take to make a positive impact?
- What are some 'disgraces' in my life that I need to address, and how can I, with God's help, work to restore my reputation and honor God's name?
- In what ways can I, like Nehemiah, trust in God's gracious hand and provision as I seek to accomplish a difficult task or face a challenging situation, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:17
Then said I unto them,.... The priests and princes of the Jews: you see the distress that we are in; lie open to our enemies, and exposed to their insults: how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:17
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:17
Nehemiah 2:17 Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we [are] in, how Jerusalem [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.Ver. 17. Then said I unto them] Then, when I saw it a fit season to say it. It is an excellent skill to time a word, Isaiah 50:4. To circumstantiate it aright, Proverbs 25:11. That it may run as upon wheels: Nehemiah’ s words do so, notably. Verba prius ad limam revocata, quam ad linguam, words well weighed ere uttered. Nescit paenitenda loqui qui proferenda prius sue tradidit examini, He cannot but speak wisely who speaketh warily. Jerusalem lieth waste] i.e., open to the spoiler; as the pope made account this land was in Henry VIII’ s time, when he had given it primo occupaturo, to him that should first invade and seize it. Come, and let us build, &c.] With forces united, with one shoulder, Multorum manibus grande levatur onus. That we be no more a reproach] Quam multa quam paucis!
How much in a little! said Cicero of Brutus’ s laconical epistle; and the like may we say of this pithy and pathetic speech. Those that love to hear themselves talk, saith Bishop Pilkington upon this text, and with many words to colour their ill meaning, may here learn how a simple truth, plainly told in few words, worketh more in good men’ s hearts than a painted tale that hath little truth and less good meaning in it. An honest matter speaketh for itself, and needeth no colouring; and he that useth most flattering and subtle words maketh wise men mistrust the matter to be ill. A few words well placed are much better than a long unsavoury tale. Thus he.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:17
(17) Then.—There is no note of time. When his plans were matured, Nehemiah made an earnest appeal to their patriotism.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:17
17. Nehemiah’s appeal. It is implied that Nehemiah having satisfied himself as to the practicability of his plan called an assembly of those mentioned in the previous verse. How soon after his nocturnal ride is not stated. the distress] R.V. the evil case, the same word as in Nehemiah 1:1 Jerusalem lieth waste, &c.] Cf. Nehemiah 2:3. that we be no more a reproach] See Nehemiah 1:3, where the words ‘affliction’ and ‘reproach’ are the same as the ‘distress’ or ‘evil case,’ and ‘reproach’ in this verse. a reproach] i.e. an object of reproach by reason of our inability to defend ourselves, cf. Psalms 22:6, ‘a reproach of men, and despised of the people;’ Joe 2:19, ‘I will no more make you a reproach among the nations.’ Ezekiel 22:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:17
TO BUILD, Nehemiah 2:17-18. 17. Ye see the distress — The same word is rendered affliction in Nehemiah 1:3.
Sermons on Nehemiah 2:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Belarus) Crisis Praying by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal journey of being consumed by television and worldly entertainment. He describes how God convicted him to get rid of his TV and spen |
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Building the Walls by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of proclaiming the word of God and fulfilling the commission given by God. He uses the story of Nehemiah as an example of som |
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Nothing Can Stop What God Is Doing by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, Pastor Neil Carter emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's sin and need for God's love and protection. He explains that Jesus Christ, as God in the flesh, di |
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Recovery - Part 3 of 4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being alert to the tricks and schemes of the devil. They highlight that a lack of a sense of responsibility can make believ |
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Baruch Builds More Earnestly by Gareth Evans | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful testimony given by a woman named Miranda. She spoke for about 15 minutes, sharing how Christ had transformed her life. She ended her t |
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Chosen Vessel - Surviving Opposition From Within by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not acting out of anger. He shares a story about Plato and his servant to illustrate the need for self-reflection and wise |
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Bristol Conference 1975-10 Nehemiah - His Plan by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of having a plan when doing God's work. He uses the example of Nehemiah, a saint who revealed his heart and hope to the king. N |