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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Nehemiah 4  › Nehemiah 4:10

Nehemiah 4:10

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Nehemiah 4:10 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.”

King James Version KJV

And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

American Standard Version ASV

And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And Judah said, The strength of the workmen is giving way, and there is much waste material; it is impossible for us to put up the wall.

Free Bible Version FBV

Then people of Judah started grumbling, saying, “The workmen are exhausted. There's just too much rubble to clear. We'll never be able to finish the wall.”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And Iudah said, The strength of the bearers is weakened, and there is much earth, so that we are not able to build the wall.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Judah saith, 'The power of the burden-bearers hath become feeble, and the rubbish [is] abundant, and we are not able to build on the wall.'

World English Bible WEB

Judah said, “The strength of the bearers of burdens is fading and there is much rubble, so that we are not able to build the wall.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Juda said: The strength of the bearer of burdens is decayed, and the rubbish is very much, and we shall not be able to build the wall.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the people of [MTY] Judah started to say, “The men who are working on the wall are becoming very tired. There is a lot of heavy rubble that we must remove; we ourselves cannot finish the work.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 4:10

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 4:10 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֣י מִן הַ/יּ֣וֹם הַ/ה֗וּא חֲצִ֣י נְעָרַ/י֮ עֹשִׂ֣ים בַּ/מְּלָאכָה֒ וְ/חֶצְיָ֗/ם מַחֲזִיקִים֙ וְ/הָ/רְמָחִ֣ים הַ/מָּגִנִּ֔ים וְ/הַ/קְּשָׁת֖וֹת וְ/הַ/שִּׁרְיֹנִ֑ים וְ/הַ֨/שָּׂרִ֔ים אַחֲרֵ֖י כָּל בֵּ֥ית יְהוּדָֽה
וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מִן min H4480 from Prep
הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms
הַ/ה֗וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron
חֲצִ֣י chêtsîy H2677 half N-ms
נְעָרַ/י֮ naʻar H5288 youth N-mp | Suff
עֹשִׂ֣ים ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal
בַּ/מְּלָאכָה֒ mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 work Prep | N-fs
וְ/חֶצְיָ֗/ם chêtsîy H2677 half Conj | N-ms | Suff
מַחֲזִיקִים֙ châzaq H2388 to strengthen V-Hiphil
וְ/הָ/רְמָחִ֣ים rômach H7420 spear Conj | Art | N-mp
הַ/מָּגִנִּ֔ים mâgên H4043 shield Art | N-cp
וְ/הַ/קְּשָׁת֖וֹת qesheth H7198 bow Conj | Art | N-fp
וְ/הַ/שִּׁרְיֹנִ֑ים shiryôwn H8302 lance Conj | Art | N-cp
וְ/הַ֨/שָּׂרִ֔ים sar H8269 ruler Conj | Art | N-mp
אַחֲרֵ֖י ʼachar H310 after Prep
כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms
בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 place N-ms
יְהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 Judah N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 4:10

וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
מִן min H4480 "from" Prep
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
הַ/יּ֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/ה֗וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | 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.
חֲצִ֣י chêtsîy H2677 "half" N-ms
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
נְעָרַ/י֮ naʻar H5288 "youth" N-mp | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
עֹשִׂ֣ים ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בַּ/מְּלָאכָה֒ mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 "work" Prep | N-fs
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
וְ/חֶצְיָ֗/ם chêtsîy H2677 "half" Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.
Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.
מַחֲזִיקִים֙ châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" V-Hiphil
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
וְ/הָ/רְמָחִ֣ים rômach H7420 "spear" Conj | Art | N-mp
This word refers to a spear or lance, especially the iron point. It is translated as buckler, javelin, lancet, or spear in the KJV Bible.
Definition: spear, lance
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: buckler, javelin, lancet, spear. See also: Numbers 25:7; 2 Chronicles 25:5; Jeremiah 46:4.
הַ/מָּגִנִּ֔ים mâgên H4043 "shield" Art | N-cp
A shield in biblical times, this word also symbolizes protection, like God being a shield to those who trust in Him, as seen in Psalm 3:3. It can also refer to a ruler or leader who defends their people.
Definition: shield, buckler
Usage: Occurs in 60 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] armed, buckler, defence, ruler, [phrase] scale, shield. See also: Genesis 15:1; Psalms 33:20; Psalms 3:4.
וְ/הַ/קְּשָׁת֖וֹת qesheth H7198 "bow" Conj | Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for bow refers to a weapon used for hunting or battle, but also symbolizes strength and is used to describe a rainbow. In the Bible, it appears in Genesis and other books. It represents power and beauty.
Definition: 1) bow 1a) bow (for hunting, battle) 1b) bowmen, archers 1c) bow (fig. of might) 1d) rainbow
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] arch(-er), [phrase] arrow, bow(-man, -shot). See also: Genesis 9:13; Psalms 44:7; Psalms 7:13.
וְ/הַ/שִּׁרְיֹנִ֑ים shiryôwn H8302 "lance" Conj | Art | N-cp
This word refers to a type of armor worn for protection, including breastplates and coats of mail. It is used to describe the defensive gear worn by soldiers in battle, providing them with safety and security. The armor was often made of metal or leather.
Definition: 1) a weapon 1a) perhaps a lance, javelin
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: breastplate, coat of mail, habergeon, harness. See H5630 (סִרְיֹן). See also: 1 Samuel 17:5; 2 Chronicles 26:14; Isaiah 59:17.
וְ/הַ֨/שָּׂרִ֔ים sar H8269 "ruler" Conj | Art | 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.
אַחֲרֵ֖י ʼachar H310 "after" Prep
Achar means backwards or after, used to describe something that happens later or in the rear. It is used in various senses in the Bible, including in 1 Kings 12:18.
Definition: 1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time) 1a) as an adverb 1a1) behind (of place) 1a2) afterwards (of time) 1b) as a preposition 1b1) behind, after (of place) 1b2) after (of time) 1b3) besides 1c) as a conjunction 1c) after that 1d) as a substantive 1d1) hinder part 1e) with other prepositions 1e1) from behind 1e2) from following after
Usage: Occurs in 664 OT verses. KJV: after (that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side), behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from, hereafter, hinder end, [phrase] out (over) live, [phrase] persecute, posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth), when, with. See also: Genesis 5:4; Exodus 18:2; Joshua 8:14.
כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
יְהוּדָֽה Yᵉhûwdâh H3063 "Judah" N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 4:10

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 11:1–2 In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain! For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart.
2 Haggai 1:2 that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’”
3 2 Chronicles 2:18 Solomon made 70,000 of them porters, 80,000 stonecutters in the mountains, and 3,600 supervisors.
4 Ezekiel 29:18 “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon caused his army to labor strenuously against Tyre. Every head was made bald and every shoulder made raw. But he and his army received no wages from Tyre for the labor they expended on it.
5 Numbers 13:31 But the men who had gone up with him replied, “We cannot go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are!”
6 Numbers 32:9 For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them.

Nehemiah 4:10 Summary

The people of Judah were feeling overwhelmed and discouraged in Nehemiah 4:10, thinking they would never be able to rebuild the wall due to the amount of rubble and their own physical limitations. This feeling of being overwhelmed is something we can all relate to, but as Romans 8:28 reminds us, 'God works all things together for good to those who love Him.' We can trust that God is with us and will provide the strength and resources we need to overcome our challenges, just as He did for the Israelites in Exodus 14:13-31. By trusting in God's power and promises, we can persevere and overcome our fears and doubts, and trust that He will bring good out of our difficult circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main concern of the people of Judah in Nehemiah 4:10?

The people of Judah were worried that they would not be able to rebuild the wall due to the overwhelming amount of rubble and their own physical limitations, as stated in Nehemiah 4:10, which says, 'the strength of the laborer fails.' This concern is reminiscent of the Israelites' fear in Exodus 14:10-12 when they were trapped between the Red Sea and the Egyptian army.

How does this verse relate to the concept of perseverance in the face of adversity?

Nehemiah 4:10 shows that even in the midst of great challenges, the people of Judah were tempted to give up, but as Galatians 6:9 encourages, 'let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.'

What role does faith play in overcoming the doubts expressed in Nehemiah 4:10?

The people's fear and doubt in Nehemiah 4:10 can be contrasted with the faith expressed in Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as 'the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.' By trusting in God's power and promises, believers can overcome their fears and doubts, just as the Israelites were able to trust God to part the Red Sea in Exodus 14:13-31.

How does this verse reflect the spiritual battle between faith and fear?

Nehemiah 4:10 illustrates the ongoing struggle between faith and fear, as seen in 2 Timothy 1:7, which reminds us that 'God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-discipline.' As believers, we must choose to trust in God's power and promises, rather than giving in to fear and doubt.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I feel overwhelmed, like the people of Judah in Nehemiah 4:10, and how can I trust God to provide the strength and resources I need?
  2. How do I respond when faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges, and what can I learn from the people of Judah's experience in Nehemiah 4:10?
  3. In what ways can I apply the principle of perseverance in the face of adversity, as encouraged in Galatians 6:9, to my own life and challenges?
  4. How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's power and promises, like the faith expressed in Hebrews 11:1, to overcome my fears and doubts?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:10

And Judah said,.... Several of the men of Judah: the strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed; through much labour, in carrying heavy loads of stone and timber to the builders, and yet more

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:10

And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:10

And Judah said, i.e. the Jews now dwelling in Judah, to wit, some of them, being partly terrified by their enemies, and partly wearied with hard and continual labours. There is much rubbish; more than we are able suddenly to remove. We are not able to build the wall; being forced to spend our time in removing the rubbish, and other works imposed upon us; and therefore we must desist at least for a season.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:10

Nehemiah 4:10 And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and [there is] much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.Ver. 10. And Judah said] Here was επεμβολη, impedimenti domestici; aliud ex alio malum, a worse discouragement than the former. Judah (the chief labourers) begins to murmur and mutiny, to faint and fall off. A perilous practice in such a dangerous time, and enough to have undone all; as one coward in an army, breaking the array and running away, may set the rest a running, and the day be thereby lost. Lo, this was Judah, whose escutcheon was a lion; but here unlike himself. The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed] Very specious reasons they allege; their shoulders ached, their strength was gone, there was no end of their painstaking, their work grew upon them, &c. The truth was, deerat ignis, deerat animus, they were weary of well doing, and not valiant for the truth, Jeremiah 9:3. More like they were to those fugitives of Ephraim, Judges 12:4, than the lions of the tribe of Judah. Nehemiah therefore might well have said to them, as Alexander once did to a faint hearted soldier of his, that was of his own name, Either give up the name of Alexander, or be valiant. So, either hold out, and bear up under your burdens, or be Judah no more. So that we are not able] Never was anything too hard for Alexander; because he never held anything impossible to be effected.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:10

(10) And Judah said.—As hereafter, in the case of the complaints of the people (Nehemiah 5), the writer gives a summary of difficulties. The Jews, or “Judah”—a significant term—complained of their growing feebleness, especially as so many were diverted to the watches.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:10

Verse 10. The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed] They worked both day and night, scarcely ever putting off their clothes, except for the purpose of being washed, Ne 4:21; Ne 4:23. Much rubbish] The ruins they were obliged to clear away, before they could dig the foundation for a new wall: and in this labour they were nearly exhausted; see Ne 5:15.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:10

10. And Judah said] i.e. the Jewish community speaking, by their rulers or representatives, to Nehemiah. The strength of the bearers of burdens, &c.] Literally ‘the strength of the bearer of burdens, &c.,’ referring to the whole class of the working population. The LXX. wrongly ἡἰσχὺςτῶνἐχθρῶν. so that we are not able, &c.] The complaint here described seems to be introduced at this point to show the variety of obstacles to the work. Besides the direct hostility of the Samaritans, the Jews themselves declared their strength to be giving way before the fatigue. The task of clearing away the accumulated rubbish before building the walls had exhausted their patience and their powers. It is not necessary to regard this declaration as mutinous. It was occasioned by the pressure felt by the whole community in consequence of the continuous labour upon the wall. There was no reserve to fall back upon in case of a sudden alarm. To Nehemiah at such a crisis the complaint must have greatly added to the difficulties of the moment. It had all the tone of disaffection, and reminded him that in the face of a hostile foe he could place little confidence either in the power or in the willingness of the Jewish citizens to defend themselves.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:10

10. Judah said — By his representatives, heads of the tribe of Judah. The strength… is decayed — They are worn-out and exhausted by excessive toil.

Sermons on Nehemiah 4:10

SermonDescription
Art Katz Israel's Chastisement by Art Katz In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that the actions of God in the present times are a demonstration of His power and nature, both in judgment and mercy. The sermon highlights
J.H. Collins Sanctification -- Clearing Away the Rubbish by J.H. Collins J.H. Collins preaches on the challenges Nehemiah faced while rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, emphasizing the need to clear away the 'rubbish' hindering Christian perfection. He
Miki Hardy (New Covenant) 3. the Foundation of the New Covenant by Miki Hardy In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that Christianity is not just about being poor or rich, but about walking in victory, holiness, righteousness, and love. He highlights the i
Anna Ng Having Hope Amidst Great Uncertainty and Fear in Society by Anna Ng In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of sharing the hope of Christ with the world. He reminds the audience that God has entrusted them with the ministry of reconcili
Glenn Meldrum What Can the Righteous Do by Glenn Meldrum In this sermon, the preacher addresses the mindset of individuals who believe that society is beyond repair and that there is no point in trying to change it. He challenges the ide
Shane Idleman When the Storm Doesn't Stop by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of turning to God during life's storms, using David's cries in Psalms 11-13 as a model for expressing our struggles and frustrations. He enc
David Wilkerson Teetering on Hopelessness by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound nature of trust in God, illustrating it as an active leap of faith rather than mere resignation to circumstances. He contrasts true trust, w
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