Nehemiah 2:20
Nehemiah 2:20 in Multiple Translations
So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”
Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
Then answering them I said, The God of heaven, he will be our help; so we his servants will go on with our building: but you have no part or right or any name in Jerusalem.
But I replied, telling them, “The God of heaven, he will make sure we're successful. We, his servants, will begin rebuilding, but Jerusalem doesn't belong to you, and you have no authority over it or claim to it.”
Then answered I them, and sayd to them, The God of heauen, he will prosper vs, and we his seruants will rise vp and buylde: but as for you, ye haue no portion nor right, nor memoriall in Ierusalem.
And I return them word, and say to them, 'The God of the heavens — He doth give prosperity to us, and we His servants rise and have built; and to you there is no portion, and right, and memorial in Jerusalem.'
Then I answered them, and said to them, “The God of heaven will prosper us. Therefore we, his servants, will arise and build; but you have no portion, nor right, nor memorial in Jerusalem.”
Then I answered them, and said to them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
And I answered them, and said to them: The God of heaven he helpeth us, and we are his servants: let us rise up and build: but you have no part, nor justice, nor remembrance in Jerusalem.
But I replied, “Our God who is/rules in heaven will help our plans to succeed. But as for you, you have no right to decide anything about this city, because you have not participated in what has happened in this city in previous years.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 2:20
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 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אָשִׁ֨יב
אוֹתָ֜/ם
דָּבָ֗ר
וָ/אוֹמַ֤ר
לָ/הֶם֙
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
ה֚וּא
יַצְלִ֣יחַֽ
לָ֔/נוּ
וַ/אֲנַ֥חְנוּ
עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
נָק֣וּם
וּ/בָנִ֑ינוּ
וְ/לָ/כֶ֗ם
אֵֽין
חֵ֧לֶק
וּ/צְדָקָ֛ה
וְ/זִכָּר֖וֹן
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
וָ/אָשִׁ֨יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs
אוֹתָ֜/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
דָּבָ֗ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
N-ms
וָ/אוֹמַ֤ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
לָ/הֶם֙
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
ה֚וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
יַצְלִ֣יחַֽ
tsâlach
H6743
to rush
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
לָ֔/נוּ
Prep | Suff
וַ/אֲנַ֥חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
we
Conj | Pron
עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
ʻebed
H5650
servant/slave
N-mp | Suff
נָק֣וּם
qûwm
H6965
-kamai
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
וּ/בָנִ֑ינוּ
bânâh
H1129
to build
Conj | V-Qal-1cp
וְ/לָ/כֶ֗ם
Conj | Prep | Suff
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
חֵ֧לֶק
chêleq
H2506
portion
N-ms
וּ/צְדָקָ֛ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
righteousness
Conj | N-fs
וְ/זִכָּר֖וֹן
zikrôwn
H2146
memorial
Conj | N-ms
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 2:20
וָ/אָשִׁ֨יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אוֹתָ֜/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
דָּבָ֗ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
וָ/אוֹמַ֤ר
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.
לָ/הֶם֙
""
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהֵ֣י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
הַ/שָּׁמַ֔יִם
shâmayim
H8064
"heaven"
Art | N-mp
The Hebrew word for heaven or sky, it refers to the visible universe and the abode of God. It is often used in the Bible to describe the dwelling place of celestial bodies.
Definition: 1) heaven, heavens, sky 1a) visible heavens, sky 1a1) as abode of the stars 1a2) as the visible universe, the sky, atmosphere, etc 1b) Heaven (as the abode of God) Aramaic equivalent: sha.ma.yin (שָׁמַ֫יִן "heaven" H8065)
Usage: Occurs in 395 OT verses. KJV: air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s). See also: Genesis 1:1; 1 Samuel 2:10; Job 28:21.
ה֚וּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
יַצְלִ֣יחַֽ
tsâlach
H6743
"to rush"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
לָ֔/נוּ
""
Prep | Suff
וַ/אֲנַ֥חְנוּ
ʼănachnûw
H587
"we"
Conj | 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.
עֲבָדָ֖י/ו
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.
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.
נָק֣וּם
qûwm
H6965
"-kamai"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
Qum means to rise or stand up, used in various contexts like rising to power or standing firm, as seen in Jeremiah and Ezra.
Definition: Combined with lev (לֵב "Leb" H3820B) § -Kamai = "my adversary" Leb-kamai, i.e., people of Gambulai
Usage: Occurs in 596 OT verses. KJV: abide, accomplish, [idiom] be clearer, confirm, continue, decree, [idiom] be dim, endure, [idiom] enemy, enjoin, get up, make good, help, hold, (help to) lift up (again), make, [idiom] but newly, ordain, perform, pitch, raise (up), rear (up), remain, (a-) rise (up) (again, against), rouse up, set (up), (e-) stablish, (make to) stand (up), stir up, strengthen, succeed, (as-, make) sure(-ly), (be) up(-hold, -rising). See also: Genesis 4:8; Numbers 30:13; Ruth 4:10.
וּ/בָנִ֑ינוּ
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.
וְ/לָ/כֶ֗ם
""
Conj | Prep | Suff
אֵֽין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
חֵ֧לֶק
chêleq
H2506
"portion"
N-ms
Smoothness can refer to flattering words, but also to an inheritance or a portion of something. It appears in Psalms and Proverbs, describing the smooth tongue of a deceiver.
Definition: 1) portion, share, part, territory 1a) portion, share 1b) portion, tract, parcel (of land) 1c) one's portion, one's possession 1d) (chosen) portion 1e) portion, award (from God) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laq (חֲלָק "portion" H2508)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: flattery, inheritance, part, [idiom] partake, portion. See also: Genesis 14:24; Job 27:13; Psalms 16:5.
וּ/צְדָקָ֛ה
tsᵉdâqâh
H6666
"righteousness"
Conj | N-fs
Encompasses the idea of righteousness, including justice, virtue, and morality, often describing God's attribute or the standard for human behavior. It is used to describe the ideal for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing the importance of living a righteous life.
Definition: 1) justice, righteousness 1a) righteousness (in government) 1a1) of judge, ruler, king 1a2) of law 1a3) of Davidic king Messiah 1b) righteousness (of God's attribute) 1c) righteousness (in a case or cause) 1d) righteousness, truthfulness 1e) righteousness (as ethically right) 1f) righteousness (as vindicated), justification, salvation 1f1) of God 1f2) prosperity (of people) 1g) righteous acts Aramaic equivalent: tsid.qah (צִדְקָה "righteousness" H6665)
Usage: Occurs in 150 OT verses. KJV: justice, moderately, right(-eous) (act, -ly, -ness). See also: Genesis 15:6; Proverbs 16:31; Psalms 5:9.
וְ/זִכָּר֖וֹן
zikrôwn
H2146
"memorial"
Conj | N-ms
A memorial or reminder, this word refers to something that helps people remember important events or people. It can be a written record or a special day. The word is used in the Bible to describe memorials to God.
Definition: memorial, reminder, remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: memorial, record. See also: Exodus 12:14; Numbers 17:5; Isaiah 57:8.
בִּ/ירוּשָׁלִָֽם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
Prep | 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.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 2:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 2:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:20
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:20
- Sermons on Nehemiah 2:20
Context — Nehemiah Inspects the Walls
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?”
20So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 8:21 | You have no part or share in our ministry, because your heart is not right before God. |
| 2 | Ezra 4:3 | But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of the families of Israel replied, “You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us.” |
| 3 | Psalms 35:27 | May those who favor my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “Exalted be the LORD who delights in His servant’s well-being.” |
| 4 | Nehemiah 2:4 | “What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven |
| 5 | Isaiah 56:5 | I will give them, in My house and within My walls, a memorial and a name better than that of sons and daughters. I will give them an everlasting name that will not be cut off. |
| 6 | Acts 10:31 | and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your gifts to the poor have been remembered before God. |
| 7 | Psalms 51:18 | In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. |
| 8 | Psalms 20:5 | May we shout for joy at your victory and raise a banner in the name of our God. May the LORD grant all your petitions. |
| 9 | Ecclesiastes 7:18 | It is good to grasp the one and not let the other slip from your hand. For he who fears God will follow both warnings. |
| 10 | Zechariah 6:14 | The crown will reside in the temple of the LORD as a memorial to Helem, Tobijah, Jedaiah, and the gracious son of Zephaniah. |
Nehemiah 2:20 Summary
Nehemiah 2:20 means that when we trust in God and do His work, He will give us success, even if others oppose us. We can have confidence in God's power and provision, just like Nehemiah did, as seen in Psalm 23:4. This verse also reminds us that those who oppose God's work have no rightful place or authority, as stated in Nehemiah 2:20. By trusting in God, we can stand firm in our faith and declare His power and authority to those around us, as encouraged in Romans 8:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have 'no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem'?
This phrase means that those who oppose the rebuilding of Jerusalem have no rightful place or authority in the city, as seen in Nehemiah 2:20, and is a declaration of faith in God's sovereignty over the city, similar to Psalm 2:6
Who is the 'God of heaven' mentioned in this verse?
The 'God of heaven' is a title for the one true God, emphasizing His power and authority over all creation, as seen in Ezra 1:2 and Nehemiah 1:4-5
Why did Nehemiah respond to his opponents in this way?
Nehemiah responded with confidence in God's power and provision, as seen in Nehemiah 2:20, because he trusted in God's promise to restore Jerusalem, as stated in Isaiah 44:28
What can we learn from Nehemiah's response to opposition?
We can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in the face of opposition, and to stand firm in our faith, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to opposition or criticism when I am trying to do something for God?
- What are some ways I can trust in God's sovereignty and provision in my own life?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, stand firm in my faith and declare God's power and authority to those around me?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to trust in God's promise to 'grant us success', as seen in Nehemiah 2:20?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:20
Then answered I them, and said unto them,.... With much spirit and boldness, not at all intimidated by their scoffs or threats: the God of heaven, he will prosper us; whom we serve, and under whose
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:20
Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:20
Ye have no portion nor right; you have no authority over us, nor interest in our church, or state, or city, but are mere aliens from the commonwealth of Israel. We disown and detest that mongrel worship and religion which you have set up. We desire not your favour, or friendship, or help in this matter. And you have nothing to do to inquire into or meddle with our concerns, or to hinder us in our present undertaking. Nor memorial; no testimony, or monument, either of your relation to us by birth or religion, or of your kindness to us or to this place. But we have many memorials of your malice and enmity against us.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:20
Nehemiah 2:20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.Ver. 20. Then answered I them, and said unto them] He would not honour them so far as to tell them of the king’ s licence; but shapes them a sharp answer, and shakes them up as having nothing there to do. This was true Christian courage; this was right, and much better than railing for railing; for that were but lutum lute purgare, to wash off one dirt with another. The God of heaven] Who does whatsoever he pleases in heaven and earth; who looks and laughs at your malice. He will prosper us] He will break his heavens, and come down amongst us, and give good success. Oh the force of a heroic faith! Though Sense says, It will not be, Reason, it cannot be; yet Faith gets above and says, It shall be; God will prosper us. It eats its way through the alps of whatsoever difficulties. But ye have no portion] Nothing to do here, neither ought you to interpose in aliena republica, in a foreign land, as busy braggers and quarrellers; meddle where you have command. Nor right] sc.
Of interest or any good desert. Nor memorial] Or enrolment there, as free denizens; therefore we neither accept you as friends nor fear you as enemies, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:20
(20) He will prosper us.—The reply is a defiance in the name of the God of heaven. The closing words imply that, as in the days of Zerubbabel, the Samaritan enemies desired really to have their share in the undertaking. Nehemiah makes Zerubbabel’s answer, but strengthens it; they had nothing in common with Jerusalem, not even a place in its memorials, save one of shame.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:20
Verse 20. Ye have no portion, nor right] To be a citizen of Jerusalem was a high honour; and they would not permit those who did not belong to the tribes of Israel to dwell there. Zerubbabel gave the same answer to the Samaritans, Ezra 4:3.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:20
20. The God of heaven] see on Nehemiah 1:4. will prosper us] See Nehemiah 1:11. The Vulgate ‘juvat nos,’ the present tense corresponding to the following clause ‘we are his servants,’ is quite permissible: but is not so suitable to the occasion of Nehemiah’s reply. we his servants] as in Nehemiah 1:6; Nehemiah 1:10. arise and build] Nehemiah 2:18. The LXX. by a strange error renders δοῦλοιαὐτοῦκαθαροί‚ καὶοἰκοδομήσομεν, reading ‘n’qiyyim’ for ‘naqϋm.’ no portion, nor right, nor memorial] These words closely resemble the declaration in Ezra 4:3, and imply some sort of claim on the part of these adversaries to a share in the fortunes of Jerusalem. If so, the adversaries must be regarded as mainly consisting of the Samaritan community. Nehemiah renouncing connexion with the Samaritans, affirms that they have no share in the present community, no ground for claiming it in the future, no memorial or justification of such claim in the past. no portion] Cf. 2 Samuel 20:1. nor right] The word here used has generally the sense of righteousness. Here it means ‘right,’ ‘just claim;’ so in 2 Samuel 19:28 ‘What right therefore have I, &c.;’ and Joe 2:23, ‘he giveth you the former rain in just measure’ (marg. ‘Or in (or for) righteousness’). nor memorial] i.e. the Samaritans had no memorial nor proof of their past connexion with Jerusalem. The word is rendered ‘remembrance’ in Ecclesiastes 1:11; Ecclesiastes 2:16; ‘memorial,’ Numbers 16:40; Numbers 31:54. Cf. ‘write this for a memorial in a book’ (Exodus 17:14); ‘a book of remembrance’ (Malachi 3:16).
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:20
20. Ye have no portion — Compare Ezra 4:2, note.
Sermons on Nehemiah 2:20
| Sermon | Description | |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.5 & 6 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the example of Nehemiah and how he lived a life of financial integrity and wholehearted devotion to God. Nehemiah's commitment to God's work |
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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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Nehemiah 6 - Part 3 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of acknowledging Jesus' kingdom and His imminent return, despite resistance or differing theological views. It recounts a personal encounter w |
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Bristol Conference 1975-11 Nehemiah - His Plan by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of dedicating time to God's work, even amidst busy daily lives. He uses the example of a man who traveled from Persia to Jerus |
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(Through the Bible) Acts 7-8 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the pattern of Moses' life divided into three forty-year periods. The first period was spent in the schools of Egypt, where Moses became somet |
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Authentic Religion by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for authenticity in religion, warning against the prevalence of hollow and counterfeit faith in contemporary society. He defines authentic re |
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Is Thy Heart Right? by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical importance of the heart in one's relationship with God, arguing that a heart cannot be deemed good if it does not reflect righteousness in actions |