Nehemiah 2:9
Nehemiah 2:9 in Multiple Translations
Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.
¶ Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.
Then I came to the governors beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen.
Then I came to the rulers of the lands across the river and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen.
Then I went to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates and gave them the king's letters. The king also sent a military escort of cavalry with me.
Then came I to the captaines beyonde the Riuer, and gaue them the Kings letters. And the King had sent captaines of the armie and horsemen with me.
And I come in unto the governors beyond the River, and give to them the letters of the king; and the king sendeth with me heads of a force, and horsemen;
Then I came to the governors beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.
Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.
And I came to the governors of the country beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. And the king had sent with me captains of soldiers, and horsemen.
After I got ready, I left to travel to Judah. The king sent some army officers and soldiers riding on horses to accompany me, to protect me. When I came to where the governors of the provinces west of the Euphrates River lived, I gave them the letters that the king had written.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 2:9
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 2:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָֽ/אָב֗וֹא
אֶֽל
פַּֽחֲווֹת֙
עֵ֣בֶר
הַ/נָּהָ֔ר
וָ/אֶתְּנָ֣/ה
לָ/הֶ֔ם
אֵ֖ת
אִגְּר֣וֹת
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח
עִמִּ/י֙
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
שָׂ֥רֵי
חַ֖יִל
וּ/פָרָשִֽׁים
וָֽ/אָב֗וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
אֶֽל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
פַּֽחֲווֹת֙
pechâh
H6346
governor
N-mp
עֵ֣בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
side
N-ms
הַ/נָּהָ֔ר
nâhâr
H5104
river
Art | N-ms
וָ/אֶתְּנָ֣/ה
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
לָ/הֶ֔ם
Prep | Suff
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אִגְּר֣וֹת
ʼiggereth
H107
letter
N-fp
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עִמִּ/י֙
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
שָׂ֥רֵי
sar
H8269
ruler
N-mp
חַ֖יִל
chayil
H2428
Helech
N-ms
וּ/פָרָשִֽׁים
pârâsh
H6571
horse
Conj | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 2:9
וָֽ/אָב֗וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶֽל
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.
פַּֽחֲווֹת֙
pechâh
H6346
"governor"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to a governor or leader of a city or region. In the Bible, it describes officials in the kingdoms of Israel and Judah, such as those appointed by King Solomon or King David.
Definition: governor Aramaic equivalent: pe.chah (פֶּחָה "governor" H6347)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: captain, deputy, governor. See also: 1 Kings 10:15; Esther 8:9; Isaiah 36:9.
עֵ֣בֶר
ʻêber
H5676
"side"
N-ms
This word describes a region or side, often referring to the area beyond or across a river, and can be used to describe a location, direction, or perspective.
Definition: : ahead/beyond 1) region beyond or across, side 1a) region across or beyond 1b) side, opposite side
Usage: Occurs in 83 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] against, beyond, by, [idiom] from, over, passage, quarter, (other, this) side, straight. See also: Genesis 50:10; Joshua 22:11; Isaiah 7:20.
הַ/נָּהָ֔ר
nâhâr
H5104
"river"
Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a river symbolizes prosperity, like the Nile or Euphrates, and is often used figuratively. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing the life-giving waters of the Promised Land. This word is also used to describe underground streams.
Definition: 1) stream, river 1a) stream, river 1b) (underground) streams Aramaic equivalent: ne.har (נְהַר "river" H5103H)
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: flood, river. See also: Genesis 2:10; Psalms 93:3; Psalms 24:2.
וָ/אֶתְּנָ֣/ה
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/הֶ֔ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֵ֖ת
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.
אִגְּר֣וֹת
ʼiggereth
H107
"letter"
N-fp
This word refers to a written message or letter, like the ones sent by kings or prophets. In the Bible, it appears in Ezra and Nehemiah, describing official letters. The KJV translates it as letter.
Definition: letter, missive Aramaic equivalent: ig.g.ra (אִגְּרָא "letter" H0104)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: letter. See also: 2 Chronicles 30:1; Nehemiah 6:5; Esther 9:29.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
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.
וַ/יִּשְׁלַ֤ח
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
עִמִּ/י֙
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
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.
שָׂ֥רֵי
sar
H8269
"ruler"
N-mp
A leader or person in charge, like a prince or captain, as seen in the Bible with King David and other rulers.
Definition: 1) prince, ruler, leader, chief, chieftain, official, captain 1a) chieftain, leader 1b) vassal, noble, official (under king) 1c) captain, general, commander (military) 1d) chief, head, overseer (of other official classes) 1e) heads, princes (of religious office) 1f) elders (of representative leaders of people) 1g) merchant-princes (of rank and dignity) 1h) patron-angel 1i) Ruler of rulers (of God) 1j) warden
Usage: Occurs in 368 OT verses. KJV: captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward. See also: Genesis 12:15; 1 Kings 22:32; 2 Chronicles 32:21.
חַ֖יִל
chayil
H2428
"Helech"
N-ms
This word represents strength, might, or power, whether physical, financial, or military. In the Bible, it's used to describe the strength of God or the wealth of a nation, as seen in Deuteronomy 8:17-18.
Definition: § Helech = "your army" a place near Arvad and Gammad
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: able, activity, ([phrase]) army, band of men (soldiers), company, (great) forces, goods, host, might, power, riches, strength, strong, substance, train, ([phrase]) valiant(-ly), valour, virtuous(-ly), war, worthy(-ily). See also: Genesis 34:29; 2 Chronicles 13:3; Psalms 18:33.
וּ/פָרָשִֽׁים
pârâsh
H6571
"horse"
Conj | N-mp
This word means a horseman or a cavalry soldier, like those who rode chariots in battle. In the Bible, it describes the riders of horses and chariots, like in Exodus 14:9 where the Egyptian horsemen pursued the Israelites.
Definition: horse, steed, warhorse
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: horseman. See also: Genesis 50:9; 2 Chronicles 8:6; Isaiah 21:7.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 2:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 2:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:9
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:9
- Sermons on Nehemiah 2:9
Context — Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem
7I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah.
8And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.
9Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.
10But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites. 11After I had arrived in Jerusalem and had been there three days,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 8:22 | For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.” |
Nehemiah 2:9 Summary
Nehemiah 2:9 tells us that Nehemiah went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king's letters, which would allow him to safely travel to Jerusalem and start rebuilding the city. The king also sent army officers and cavalry to protect Nehemiah on his journey, showing that God was with him and guiding him. This verse reminds us that when we are doing God's work, He will provide us with the resources and protection we need, just as He did for Nehemiah (Psalm 23:4) and Ezra (Ezra 8:22). By trusting in God and taking practical steps to follow His will, we can accomplish great things for His kingdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of Nehemiah's journey to the governors west of the Euphrates?
Nehemiah's journey was to deliver the king's letters, which would grant him safe passage and permission to rebuild Jerusalem, as seen in Nehemiah 2:7 and supported by the king's favor in Ezra 7:27.
Why did the king send army officers and cavalry with Nehemiah?
The king sent army officers and cavalry with Nehemiah to provide protection and ensure the success of his mission, demonstrating the king's support and favor, similar to the protection provided to Ezra in Ezra 8:22.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's example in this verse about faith and action?
Nehemiah's example teaches us that faith and action go together, as we see in James 2:26, and that we should trust in God's sovereignty while also taking practical steps to accomplish His will, as Nehemiah did in Nehemiah 2:9.
How does this verse relate to the larger story of Nehemiah's rebuilding of Jerusalem?
This verse is a crucial part of the story, as it shows how Nehemiah prepared for his mission and received the necessary support and protection, ultimately leading to the successful rebuilding of Jerusalem, as described in Nehemiah 6:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust in God's sovereignty while also taking practical steps to accomplish His will in my own life?
- How can I apply Nehemiah's example of faith and action to my own circumstances and challenges?
- What are some potential risks or challenges that I might face in my own journey of faith, and how can I prepare for them, just as Nehemiah prepared for his journey?
- In what ways can I seek to bring glory to God and advance His kingdom, just as Nehemiah did through his mission to rebuild Jerusalem?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:9
Then I came to the governors beyond the river,.... Who these governors were, whether the same who were in the second year of this king's reign eighteen years ago, Tatnai and Shetharboznai, is not
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:9
Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:9
Nehemiah 2:9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’ s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.Ver. 9. Then I came to the governors] Josephus saith that the next day he took his journey and delivered his letters to Saddeus, governor of Syria, Phoenicia, and Samaria. A strange example, saith one, to see a courtier leave that wealth, ease, and authority that he was in, and go dwell so far from court in an old, torn, and decayed city, among a rude poor people, where be should not live quietly, but toil and drudge like a day labourer, in dread and danger of his life. But this is the case of earnest and zealous men in religion, &c. Now the king had sent captains] This was more than Nehemiah had desired; and as much as he could have done for the greatest lord in the land. God is likewise usually better to his people than their prayers; and when they ask but one talent, he, Naaman like, will force them to take two.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:9
(9-11) His journey to Jerusalem, occupying some three months, and safe under good escort, is passed over in the narrative, as Ezra’s had been. It is mentioned, however, that Sanballat, one of the “governors,” was roused to hostility. After the laborious travelling Nehemiah rested three days, to review the past and prepare for the future.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:9
9. the governors beyond the river] The governors of the provinces W. of the Euphrates. According to Josephus the chief governor of Syria, Phœnicia and Samaria was Adæus (Ant. XI. 5. 6). The statement that Nehemiah went to the various ‘governors beyond the river’ may indicate the line of his journey, of which we are told nothing. The Compiler for brevity’s sake has here condensed ‘the Memoirs of Nehemiah,’ omitting whatever was not directly connected with the purpose of his history. Nehemiah would journey to Babylon, and from Babylon probably to Hamath and Damascus, which as the most important cities in Syria would be the residences of ‘governors.’ From Damascus he either journeyed along the E. of the Jordan, crossing it at Jericho, or he crossed it by the usual fords south of the Lake of Galilee and visited Samaria on his way to Jerusalem. At Samaria there may very possibly have resided a Persian officer (cf. Nehemiah 4:2). If Nehemiah took Samaria on his way to Jerusalem, this would account for his mention of Sanballat and Tobiah (Nehemiah 2:10) before the mention of his arrival at Jerusalem (Nehemiah 2:11). had sent … with me] R.V. had sent with me.… As the king’s commissioner Nehemiah was attended by an armed retinue. These royal soldiers placed at his disposal would greatly strengthen the independence of his position at Jerusalem.
Nehemiah’s progress as governor with an armed escort is in striking contrast to the similar journey of Ezra, who was ashamed to ask for military protection for his large and unarmed company. (Ezra 8:22.)
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:9
’S JOURNEY TO AND NIGHT-VIEW OF ITS WALLS, Nehemiah 2:9-16. 9. Sent captains of the army and horsemen — For a safe-conduct. Probably Nehemiah retained these for his guard at Jerusalem.
Sermons on Nehemiah 2:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Nehemiah #2: Chapter 2-6 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of vision and discernment among the people regarding the state of the city walls. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's |
|
(Through the Bible) 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra by Zac Poonen | The sermon covers the journey of the children of Israel from Babylon back to Jerusalem after 70 years of captivity, focusing on the building of the temple and the challenges faced. |
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Ezra 8:22 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith emphasizes the significance of seeking God, asserting that those who earnestly seek Him will experience His good hand upon their lives. He highlights that true strength |