Nehemiah 4:21

Verse

So we continued the work, while half of the men held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.

American Standard Version (1901)

So we wrought in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

So we went on with the work: and half of them had spears in their hands from the dawn of the morning till the stars were seen.

Douay-Rheims 1899

And let us do the work: and let one half of us hold our spears from the rising of the morning, till the stars appear.

Free Bible Version

We went on working, with half of the men holding spears from dawn until the stars came out.

Geneva Bible 1599

So we laboured in the worke, and halfe of them helde the speares, from the appearing of the morning, till the starres came foorth.

King James (Authorized) Version

So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

Translation for Translators

So we continued to work. Half of the men continued to hold their spears all day, from when the sun rose in the morning until the stars appeared at night.

Unlocked Literal Bible

So we were doing the work. Half of them were holding spears from the rising of the dawn until the coming out of the stars.

Noah Webster Bible

So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

World English Bible

So we did the work. Half of the people held the spears from the rising of the morning until the stars appeared.

Young's Literal Translation

And we are working in the business, and half of them are keeping hold of the spears, from the going up of the dawn till the coming forth of the stars.

Context

Discouragement Overcome

²⁰Wherever you hear the sound of the horn, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us!”²¹So we continued the work, while half of the men held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.²²At that time I also said to the people, “Let every man and his servant spend the night inside Jerusalem, so that they can stand guard by night and work by day.”

Summary

In Nehemiah 4:21, the workers engaged in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem faced threats and opposition from their enemies. Nehemiah encouraged them to remain vigilant and continue their work, ready to defend themselves and their city. This verse highlights the importance of perseverance, unity, and reliance on God's strength in the face of adversity. It serves as a reminder to stay steadfast in the work of the Lord despite challenges and opposition, trusting in His protection and guidance.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

So we laboured in the work,.... Of building the wall: and half of them held the spears; and other weapons before mentioned, Neh 4:16 from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared; that is, from morning to evening, the space of time the builders and labourers worked.