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Nehemiah 4:15

Nehemiah 4:15 in Multiple Translations

When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall.

And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.

And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.

And when it came to the ears of those who were against us, that we had knowledge of their designs and that God had made their purpose come to nothing, we all went back to the wall, everyone to his work

When our enemies discovered that we knew about their plan, and that God had foiled it, we all went back to our work on the wall.

And when our enemies heard that it was knowen vnto vs, then God brought their counsell to nought, and we turned all againe to the wall, euery one vnto his worke.

And it cometh to pass, when our enemies have heard that it hath been known to us, and God doth frustrate their counsel, and we turn back, all of us, unto the wall, each unto his work;

When our enemies heard that it was known to us, and God had brought their counsel to nothing, all of us returned to the wall, everyone to his work.

And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and God had brought their counsel to naught, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one to his work.

And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that the thing had been told us, that God defeated their counsel. And we returned all of us to the walls, every man to his work.

Our enemies heard that we knew what they were planning to do and that God had ◄spoiled their plans/prevented them from doing what they planned►. But we were sure that God would defend us, so we all started to work on the wall again.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 4:15

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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 4:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/אֲנַ֖חְנוּ עֹשִׂ֣ים בַּ/מְּלָאכָ֑ה וְ/חֶצְיָ֗/ם מַחֲזִיקִים֙ בָּֽ/רְמָחִ֔ים מֵ/עֲל֣וֹת הַ/שַּׁ֔חַר עַ֖ד צֵ֥את הַ/כּוֹכָבִֽים
וַ/אֲנַ֖חְנוּ ʼănachnûw H587 we Conj | Pron
עֹשִׂ֣ים ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal
בַּ/מְּלָאכָ֑ה mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 work Prep | N-fs
וְ/חֶצְיָ֗/ם chêtsîy H2677 half Conj | N-ms | Suff
מַחֲזִיקִים֙ châzaq H2388 to strengthen V-Hiphil
בָּֽ/רְמָחִ֔ים rômach H7420 spear Prep | N-mp
מֵ/עֲל֣וֹת ʻâlâh H5927 to ascend Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/שַּׁ֔חַר shachar H7837 dawn Art | N-ms
עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 till Prep
צֵ֥את yâtsâʼ H3318 to come out V-Qal-Inf-a
הַ/כּוֹכָבִֽים kôwkâb H3556 star Art | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 4:15

וַ/אֲנַ֖חְנוּ 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.
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/מְּלָאכָ֑ה 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.
בָּֽ/רְמָחִ֔ים rômach H7420 "spear" Prep | 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.
מֵ/עֲל֣וֹת ʻâlâh H5927 "to ascend" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
הַ/שַּׁ֔חַר shachar H7837 "dawn" Art | N-ms
Dawn, or the beginning of a new day, is described in the Bible as a time of new light and hope. It first appears in Genesis 1:5, describing the first day of creation. This concept is also used figuratively to describe a new beginning.
Definition: 1) dawn 1a) dawn 1b) at dawn (as adverb)
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: day(-spring), early, light, morning, whence riseth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Psalms 108:3; Psalms 22:1.
עַ֖ד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
צֵ֥את yâtsâʼ H3318 "to come out" V-Qal-Inf-a
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to go out or come out, and it's used in many different ways, like leaving a place or starting a new journey, as seen in Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: : come/go_out/escape 1) to go out, come out, exit, go forth 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come out or forth, depart 1a2) to go forth (to a place) 1a3) to go forward, proceed to (to or toward something) 1a4) to come or go forth (with purpose or for result) 1a5) to come out of 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to go or come out, bring out, lead out 1b2) to bring out of 1b3) to lead out 1b4) to deliver 1c) (Hophal) to be brought out or forth
Usage: Occurs in 991 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, appear, [idiom] assuredly, bear out, [idiom] begotten, break out, bring forth (out, up), carry out, come (abroad, out, thereat, without), [phrase] be condemned, depart(-ing, -ure), draw forth, in the end, escape, exact, fail, fall (out), fetch forth (out), get away (forth, hence, out), (able to, cause to, let) go abroad (forth, on, out), going out, grow, have forth (out), issue out, lay (lie) out, lead out, pluck out, proceed, pull out, put away, be risen, [idiom] scarce, send with commandment, shoot forth, spread, spring out, stand out, [idiom] still, [idiom] surely, take forth (out), at any time, [idiom] to (and fro), utter. See also: Genesis 1:12; Exodus 9:33; Leviticus 26:45.
הַ/כּוֹכָבִֽים kôwkâb H3556 "star" Art | N-mp
A star is a round or shining celestial body, and can also symbolize a prince or leader. It is used figuratively in the Bible to describe the Messiah or God's omniscience.
Definition: 1) star 1a) of Messiah, brothers, youth, numerous progeny, personification, God's omniscience (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 37 OT verses. KJV: star(-gazer). See also: Genesis 1:16; Job 25:5; Psalms 8:4.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 4:15

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 17:14 Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
2 Romans 12:11 Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
3 Job 5:12–13 He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning.
4 Psalms 33:10–11 The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the purposes of His heart to all generations.
5 Isaiah 44:25 who foils the signs of false prophets and makes fools of diviners, who confounds the wise and turns their knowledge into nonsense,
6 1 Thessalonians 4:11 and to aspire to live quietly, to attend to your own matters, and to work with your own hands, as we instructed you.
7 1 Corinthians 3:19–20 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”
8 Isaiah 8:10 Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us. ”
9 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!”
10 Lamentations 3:37–38 Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord has ordained it? Do not both adversity and good come from the mouth of the Most High?

Nehemiah 4:15 Summary

[Nehemiah 4:15 tells us that when the Israelites' enemies heard that they were aware of their plan and that God had stopped it, they all went back to work on the wall, which means they trusted in God's protection and provision. This shows us that when we know God is with us, we can have confidence to face challenges, just like it says in Joshua 1:9, 'Be strong and courageous, for the Lord your God is with you'. By trusting in God, we can prioritize our work and focus on what He has called us to do, even when there is opposition. We can remember that God is our refuge and strength, as stated in Psalm 46:1, and that He will help us in times of trouble.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean for God to 'frustrate' the plans of our enemies?

According to Nehemiah 4:15, God frustrated the plans of the enemies of the Israelites, which means He stopped them from succeeding, much like He did in Exodus 14:29-31 when He parted the Red Sea to save the Israelites from the Egyptians.

How can we know if God is involved in our daily struggles?

As seen in Nehemiah 4:15, God's involvement in our lives is often evident when He thwarts the plans of those who seek to harm us, and we can trust in His sovereignty, as stated in Romans 8:28, where it says that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.

What role does awareness of God's presence play in our response to challenges?

In Nehemiah 4:15, the Israelites' awareness of God's presence and frustration of their enemies' plans gave them the courage to return to their work, demonstrating that knowing God is with us can give us confidence to face challenges, as expressed in Isaiah 41:10, which says 'Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God'

How can we apply the lesson of Nehemiah 4:15 to our own lives?

We can apply this lesson by trusting in God's sovereignty and provision, just like the Israelites did, and by being aware of His presence in our lives, as encouraged in Psalm 46:1, which says 'God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can be more aware of God's presence in my life, especially in times of struggle?
  2. How can I trust in God's sovereignty when faced with challenges, just like the Israelites did in Nehemiah 4:15?
  3. What are some 'walls' in my life that I need to focus on building, and how can I prioritize my work on them, despite potential opposition?
  4. In what ways can I remember the Lord's greatness and awesomeness, as encouraged in Nehemiah 4:14, to give me courage in the face of adversity?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:15

And it came to pass, when our enemies heard it was known unto us,.... What they intended, as might be reported to them from the preparations made by the Jews to receive them, and defend themselves:

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:15

Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:15

Our enemies being frustrated in their hopes, which were wholly built upon the secrecy and suddenness of their attempt, we knowing this, returned to our business.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:15

Nehemiah 4:15 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.Ver. 15. And it came to pass, when our enemies heard] This rumour was enough to frighten these no less now timorous than before temerarious Samaritans; great brags they made at first what they would do, but now that they see they are defeated of their purpose, they are crest fallen, and have no mind at all to advance. So that to these may be fitly applied that which Guicciardine saith of Charles VIII, king of France, in his expedition against Naples, that he came into the field like thunder and lightning, but went out like a snuff; more than a man at first, and less than a woman at last. And God had brought their counsel to nought] According to that of the psalmist, "The Lord bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the Lord standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations," Psalms 33:10-11. Here good men may learn, saith one, not to go nakedly, without weapons for their own necessary defence; and much less, said I, without their spiritual weapons, whether defensive, as the shield of faith, the breastplate of righteousness, &c., or offensive, as the sword of the Spirit, the word, and the darts of prayer, lest they be surprised and subjugated by that old manslayer, Ephesians 6:13-18. That we returned all of us to the wall] Not to the tavern, to toss pots, saith one, and boast of their great victory; but in the fear of God they return to the walls, and every man falleth to his work again. All histories declare that the greatest kingdoms, when they fell to idleness and luxury, then they lost their former glory faster than they won it. The Turkish Empire is thought to be on the declining hand, because their late emperors do far degenerate from their warlike progenitors, their soldiers generally give themselves to unwonted pleasures, their ancient discipline of war is neglected, rebellions raised, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:15

(15) We returned.—This verse remarkably condenses the frustration of the attempt and the cessation of the special guard.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:15

Verse 15. Their counsel to naught] The word counsel used here countenances the emendation in the 12th verse.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:15

15. Success of Nehemiah’s precautions. our enemies] a different word in the original from that rendered ‘adversaries’ in Nehemiah 4:11. that it was known unto us] i.e. their project of a sudden attack. God had brought their counsel to nought] i.e. through the precautionary measures taken by Nehemiah. The words ‘brought their counsel to nought’ are the same as those rendered ‘frustrate their purpose’ in Ezra 4:5. we returned … work] This clause implies what is not definitely stated. The enemy, on hearing that Nehemiah was prepared to meet their attack, seem to have abandoned their intention of an immediate assault. Nehemiah and his companions were able to resume the work upon the wall, although precautions were still necessary.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:15

15. God had brought their counsel to nought — Observe the doctrine of Providence here.

Sermons on Nehemiah 4:15

SermonDescription
George Verwer 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
J. Oswald Sanders The Maturity of a Spiritual Leader by J. Oswald Sanders In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having someone behind us pouring on oil to keep us moving and generating power in our leadership positions. He encourages l
J. Oswald Sanders Take Heed to Yourself by J. Oswald Sanders In this sermon, Billy Graham reflects on the life of a man who dedicated himself to one thing rather than dabbling in many things. He emphasizes the importance of finding the one t
Zac Poonen Zeal for God's House by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate for God's glory. He encourages listeners to refocus their vision and recognize the shortness o
Compilations A Call to Anguish by David Wilkerson by Compilations This sermon emphasizes the importance of anguish in the church and in individual believers' lives, highlighting the need for deep sorrow and distress over the spiritual condition o
Zac Poonen (God and Man) Zeal for God's House by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being zealous and passionate in our faith. He encourages listeners to refocus their vision and recognize the shortness of t
J. Edwin Orr The Movements Between World Wars by J. Edwin Orr This sermon recounts historical revivals and movements of God in various countries, highlighting the impact of prayer, powerful preaching, and the work of true Christians in bringi

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