Nehemiah 2:4
Nehemiah 2:4 in Multiple Translations
“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven
Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
Then the king said to me, What is your desire? So I made prayer to the God of heaven.
“So what do you want?” the king asked me. I prayed to the God of heaven, and answered the king,
And the King said vnto me, For what thing doest thou require? Then I prayed to the God of heauen,
And the king saith to me, 'For what art thou seeking?' and I pray unto the God of the heavens,
Then the king said to me, “What is your request?” So I prayed to the God of heaven.
Then the king said to me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
Then the king said to me: For what dost thou make request? And I prayed to the God of heaven,
The king replied, “What do you want me to do for you?” I prayed silently to our God who is/rules in heaven.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 2:4
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 2:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
לִ/י֙
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
עַל
מַה
זֶּ֖ה
אַתָּ֣ה
מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ
וָֽ/אֶתְפַּלֵּ֔ל
אֶל
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לִ/י֙
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
אַתָּ֣ה
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ
bâqash
H1245
to seek
V-Piel
וָֽ/אֶתְפַּלֵּ֔ל
pâlal
H6419
to pray
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp
הַ/שָּׁמָֽיִם
shâmayim
H8064
heaven
Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 2:4
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
לִ/י֙
""
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
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.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אַתָּ֣ה
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.
מְבַקֵּ֑שׁ
bâqash
H1245
"to seek"
V-Piel
This Hebrew verb means to seek or search for something. In Psalm 105:4, it's used to encourage seeking God's face. It's also used in 1 Samuel 28:8 where Saul seeks a medium.
Definition: 1) to seek, require, desire, exact, request 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to seek to find 1a2) to seek to secure 1a3) to seek the face 1a4) to desire, demand 1a5) to require, exact 1a6) to ask, request 1b) (Pual) to be sought
Usage: Occurs in 215 OT verses. KJV: ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for). See also: Genesis 31:39; Esther 7:7; Psalms 4:3.
וָֽ/אֶתְפַּלֵּ֔ל
pâlal
H6419
"to pray"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-1cs
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.
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.
אֱלֹהֵ֖י
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/שָּׁמָֽיִם
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.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 2:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 2:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:4
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:4
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 2:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:4
- Sermons on Nehemiah 2:4
Context — Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem
2so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear
3and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
4“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven
5and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” 6Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Philippians 4:6 | Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. |
| 2 | Proverbs 3:6 | in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 1:4 | When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. |
| 4 | Nehemiah 1:11 | O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.) |
| 5 | 1 Kings 3:5 | One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!” |
| 6 | Mark 10:51 | “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.” |
| 7 | Esther 7:2 | and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” |
| 8 | Esther 5:6 | And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” |
| 9 | Esther 5:3 | “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 15:31 | Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” |
Nehemiah 2:4 Summary
[This verse shows us that Nehemiah was a man of prayer who sought God's guidance before making important decisions. He prayed to the God of heaven before answering the king's question, demonstrating his trust in God's sovereignty and provision. This is similar to what we are encouraged to do in Philippians 4:6, where we are told to bring our requests to God with thanksgiving, and in 1 Thessalonians 5:17, where we are instructed to pray continually. By seeking God's guidance, Nehemiah was able to respond wisely and courageously to the king's question, and we can do the same in our own lives by trusting in God's goodness and wisdom.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the king ask Nehemiah about his request?
The king asked Nehemiah about his request because he noticed Nehemiah's sadness and wanted to understand the reason behind it, as seen in Nehemiah 2:2-3, where the king inquires about Nehemiah's sadness and Nehemiah shares his concern for the city of Jerusalem.
What did Nehemiah do before answering the king's question?
Before answering the king, Nehemiah prayed to the God of heaven, as stated in Nehemiah 2:4, demonstrating his dependence on God for guidance and wisdom, similar to what is encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are told to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.
How did Nehemiah's prayer relate to his conversation with the king?
Nehemiah's prayer to the God of heaven was a moment of seeking divine guidance before responding to the king's question, showing that Nehemiah valued God's direction in his decision-making process, as also seen in Psalm 119:105, where the psalmist seeks God's word as a lamp to his feet and a light to his path.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's actions in this verse?
We can learn the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decision-making, just like Nehemiah, and trusting that He will provide us with the wisdom and courage we need, as promised in Jeremiah 29:11, where God says He has plans to prosper us and not to harm us, and in James 1:5, where we are encouraged to ask God for wisdom if we lack it.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek God's guidance, just like Nehemiah did before answering the king?
- How can I cultivate a habit of prayer, like Nehemiah, in my daily conversations and decision-making processes?
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even in uncertain or challenging situations, like Nehemiah did in his conversation with the king?
- How can I balance human wisdom and God's guidance in my decision-making, as Nehemiah seemed to do in his response to the king's question?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:4
Then the king said unto me, for what dost thou make request?.... The king supposed that there was a meaning in those looks and words of his, that he had a favour to ask of him, and therefore
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:4
And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:4
I prayed to the God of heaven, to direct my thoughts and words, and to incline the king’ s heart to grant my request.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:4
Nehemiah 2:4 Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.Ver. 4. Then the king said unto me] Some think that Nehemiah looked thus sad before the king on purpose, to make way to this his request. For what dost thou make request?] Not for any other honour or great office about the court or in the country; not for any private friend, or the like, but the good of the Church. Thus Nebridius, in Jerome, though a courtier and nephew to the empress, yet never made suit but for the relief of the poor afflicted. Thus Terence, that noble general under Valens, the emperor, being bidden to ask what he would, asked nothing but that the Church might be rid of Arians. And when the emperor, being himself an Arian, tore his petition, he said he would never ask anything for himself if he might not prevail for the Church (Theodoret). So I prayed to the God of heaven] Darting up an ejaculation, a sudden and secret desire to God, to order and speed his petition. Begin all with prayer, and then expect a blessing. Call in the Divine help, if it be but by darting out our desires to God.
Thus Moses cried to God, yet said nothing, Exodus 14:15. Hannah was not heard, and yet she prayed. Austin reports the custom of the Egyptian Churches, to pray frequently and fervently, but briefly, and by way of ejaculation, ne fervor languesceret, lest their heat should abate, Crebras habere orationes, sed brevissimas et raptim eiaculatas.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:4
(4) So I prayed to the God of heaven.—The first note of that habit of ejaculatory prayer which is a characteristic of this book.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:4
Verse 4. So I prayed to the God of heaven.] Before he dared to prefer his request to the king, he made his prayer to God, that his suit might be acceptable: and this he does by mental prayer. To the spirit of prayer every place is a praying place.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:4
4. For what dost thou make request] See Esther 4:8; Esther 7:1; Esther 7:7. The king is favourable, and asks how he can render assistance. So I prayed] Literally, ‘And I prayed’. Nehemiah instantaneously turns from the great king of Persia to the King of kings. The simplicity with which Nehemiah narrates this little incident of his momentary ejaculatory prayer adds wonderfully to the vividness of the scene. For Nehemiah’s habit of recourse to prayer see ch. Nehemiah 4:4; Nehemiah 4:9, Nehemiah 5:19, Nehemiah 6:9; Nehemiah 6:14, Nehemiah 13:14. It is not easy to parallel this act of ejaculatory prayer from the Old Testament. In the New Testament we turn to the examples of our Lord, e.g.
John 11:41; John 12:27; Luke 23:34; and St Stephen, Acts 7:60. The object of his prayer is doubtless for wisdom to make his request aright and for a favourable assent from the king. He could not but expect that the king would be startled by the magnitude of a request, first to nominate his cupbearer as the royal commissioner at Jerusalem, and then to empower him to rebuild its walls and defences.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 2:4
I prayed to the God of heaven - Mentally and momentarily, before answering the king.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:4
4. For what dost thou make request — The king’s heart was at once touched with sympathy for the sorrow of his cupbearer, and prompted to offer him assistance. Thus God disposeth the hearts of kings.
Sermons on Nehemiah 2:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Broken Down and Burned Out by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Nehemiah and the challenges faced by the people of Jerusalem. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates were burned |
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What Makes a Man of God by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dedication and hard work of mechanics who work tirelessly for a meager wage, contrasting it with the lack of commitment shown by some Chr |
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Our Daily Homily - Nehemiah by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer, illustrating how God can use humble individuals for great purposes. Nehemiah's heartfelt prayers and tears |
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Prayer by William MacDonald | William MacDonald emphasizes the profound nature of prayer, asserting that true prayer arises from deep necessity and sincerity. He highlights the importance of approaching God wit |
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Commentary Notes - Nehemiah by Walter Beuttler | Walter Beuttler preaches on the book of Nehemiah, a natural sequel to Ezra, focusing on the personal account of Nehemiah and his task of protecting Jerusalem by rebuilding its wall |
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So I Prayed to the God of Heaven. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the power of immediate prayer as demonstrated by Nehemiah, who, despite being surrounded by idol worship and the grandeur of a king, turned his heart to God i |
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Nehemiah 6:9 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes that the believer's strength comes from God, highlighting the necessity of relying on divine power rather than personal strength. He illustrates this through |