Nehemiah 4:5
Nehemiah 4:5 in Multiple Translations
Do not cover up their iniquity or let their sin be blotted out from Your sight, for they have provoked the builders.
And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
and cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee; for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
Let not their wrongdoing be covered or their sin washed away from before you: for they have made you angry before the builders.
Don't forgive their guilt or blot out their sins, for they have made you angry in front of the builders.”
And couer not their iniquitie, neither let their sinne be put out in thy presence: for they haue prouoked vs before the builders.
and do not cover over their iniquity, and their sin from before Thee let not be blotted out, for they have provoked to anger — over-against those building.
Don’t cover their iniquity. Don’t let their sin be blotted out from before you; for they have insulted the builders.”
And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
Cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thy face, because they have mocked thy builders.
They are guilty; they have said things that caused you to be angry while the people here who are building the wall are listening; so punish them!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 4:5
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 4:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
צָרֵ֗י/נוּ
לֹ֤א
יֵדְעוּ֙
וְ/לֹ֣א
יִרְא֔וּ
עַ֛ד
אֲשֶׁר
נָב֥וֹא
אֶל
תּוֹכָ֖/ם
וַ/הֲרַגְנ֑וּ/ם
וְ/הִשְׁבַּ֖תְנוּ
אֶת
הַ/מְּלָאכָֽה
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
צָרֵ֗י/נוּ
tsar
H6862
narrow
N-mp | Suff
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵדְעוּ֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יִרְא֔וּ
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
עַ֛ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
נָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
תּוֹכָ֖/ם
tâvek
H8432
midst
N-ms | Suff
וַ/הֲרַגְנ֑וּ/ם
hârag
H2026
to kill
Conj | V-Qal-1cp | Suff
וְ/הִשְׁבַּ֖תְנוּ
shâbath
H7673
to cease
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/מְּלָאכָֽה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 4:5
וַ/יֹּאמְר֣וּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
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.
צָרֵ֗י/נוּ
tsar
H6862
"narrow"
N-mp | Suff
This word means hard or narrow, often referring to trouble or a tight spot, like an adversary or affliction. It can also mean a small stone or pebble, such as flint, and is used in various biblical contexts to describe challenges.
Definition: narrow, tight
Usage: Occurs in 107 OT verses. KJV: adversary, afflicted(-tion), anguish, close, distress, enemy, flint, foe, narrow, small, sorrow, strait, tribulation, trouble. See also: Genesis 14:20; Psalms 89:24; Psalms 3:2.
לֹ֤א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵדְעוּ֙
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִרְא֔וּ
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
עַ֛ד
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.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נָב֥וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cp
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.
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.
תּוֹכָ֖/ם
tâvek
H8432
"midst"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the middle or center of something, such as a group of people or a physical space. It can also mean among or between things, as seen in various Bible translations.
Definition: 1) midst, middle 1a) midst, middle 1b) into, through (after verbs of motion) 1c) among (of a number of persons) 1d) between (of things arranged by twos) 1e) from among (as to take or separate etc)
Usage: Occurs in 390 OT verses. KJV: among(-st), [idiom] between, half, [idiom] (there-, where-), in(-to), middle, mid(-night), midst (among), [idiom] out (of), [idiom] through, [idiom] with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:6; Numbers 35:5; 2 Chronicles 32:4.
וַ/הֲרַגְנ֑וּ/ם
hârag
H2026
"to kill"
Conj | V-Qal-1cp | Suff
To kill or slay with intent, as seen in the Bible when God instructs the Israelites to destroy certain nations. This word is used in various forms, including to murder or destroy. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy.
Definition: 1) to kill, slay, murder, destroy, murderer, slayer, out of hand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to kill, slay 1a2) to destroy, ruin 1b) (Niphal) to be killed 1c) (Pual) to be killed, be slain
Usage: Occurs in 158 OT verses. KJV: destroy, out of hand, kill, murder(-er), put to (death), make (slaughter), slay(-er), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 4:8; 2 Kings 8:12; Psalms 10:8.
וְ/הִשְׁבַּ֖תְנוּ
shâbath
H7673
"to cease"
Conj | V-Hiphil-1cp
To keep the Sabbath means to rest and stop working, as commanded by God in the book of Exodus. This Hebrew word is used to describe the act of observing the Sabbath day, and is an important part of Jewish tradition and worship.
Definition: 1) to cease, desist, rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease 1a2) to rest, desist (from labour) 1b) (Niphal) to cease 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cease, put an end to 1c2) to exterminate, destroy 1c3) to cause to desist from 1c4) to remove 1c5) to cause to fail
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away. See also: Genesis 2:2; Isaiah 14:4; Psalms 8:3.
אֶת
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.
הַ/מְּלָאכָֽה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
Art | 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.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 4:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 4:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:5
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:5
- Sermons on Nehemiah 4:5
Context — The Work Ridiculed
3Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”
4Hear us, O God, for we are despised. Turn their scorn back upon their own heads, and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity.
5Do not cover up their iniquity or let their sin be blotted out from Your sight, for they have provoked the builders.
6So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. 7When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 109:14 | May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and the sin of his mother never be blotted out. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 18:23 | But You, O LORD, know all their deadly plots against me. Do not wipe out their guilt or blot out their sin from Your sight. Let them be overthrown before You; deal with them in the time of Your anger. |
| 3 | Psalms 69:27–28 | Add iniquity to their iniquity; let them not share in Your righteousness. May they be blotted out of the Book of Life and not listed with the righteous. |
| 4 | 2 Timothy 4:14 | Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. |
| 5 | Isaiah 44:22 | I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud, and your sins like a mist. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you. |
| 6 | Isaiah 43:25 | I, yes I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and remembers your sins no more. |
| 7 | Psalms 51:1 | Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. |
| 8 | Psalms 59:5–13 | O LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, rouse Yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city. See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?” But You, O LORD, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations. I will keep watch for You, O my strength, because You, O God, are my fortress. My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes. Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield. By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter. Consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, so it may be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah |
| 9 | Psalms 51:9 | Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. |
| 10 | Isaiah 36:11–12 | Then Eliakim, Shebna, and Joah said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak to us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” But the Rabshakeh replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words only to you and your master, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?” |
Nehemiah 4:5 Summary
Nehemiah 4:5 is a prayer where the Israelites ask God not to forgive their enemies for opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. They want God to remember the sins of their enemies because they have been mocking and opposing God's work. This verse reminds us that as believers, we should stand up for what is right and trust in God's power, even when faced with opposition, just like the Israelites did in Nehemiah 4:6. We can also learn from Psalm 37:1-7, which encourages us to trust in God and do good, even when faced with evil or opposition, and to remember that God will ultimately bring about justice and righteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Nehemiah 4:5?
Nehemiah 4:5 is a prayer by the Israelites, asking God not to forgive their enemies for mocking and opposing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, as seen in Nehemiah 4:3 and Nehemiah 4:7. This is in line with Psalm 109:14, where the psalmist asks God not to blot out the sins of his enemies.
Why do the Israelites ask God not to forgive their enemies?
The Israelites ask God not to forgive their enemies because they have been mocking and opposing the work of God, which is the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, as stated in Nehemiah 4:5. This is similar to the sentiment expressed in Psalm 74:18-23, where the psalmist asks God to remember the taunts of His enemies.
Is it right to ask God not to forgive someone?
In this context, the Israelites are not asking God to withhold forgiveness out of personal vengeance, but rather because their enemies have been opposing God's work and mocking His people, as seen in Nehemiah 4:1-4. This is a call for God's justice, similar to the prayer in Psalm 35:1-8, where the psalmist asks God to contend with his enemies.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that as believers, we are called to stand up for what is right and to defend the work of God, even in the face of opposition, as seen in Nehemiah 4:6. We can apply this principle to our own lives by standing firm in our faith and trusting in God's power, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:10-18 and 1 Corinthians 16:13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have seen people mocking or opposing the work of God in my own life or community?
- How can I, like the Israelites, stand up for what is right and defend the work of God in my own life?
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's power and justice, even when faced with opposition or mockery?
- How can I balance the desire for God's justice with the command to love and forgive my enemies, as seen in Matthew 5:44 and Luke 6:27-28?
- What are some ways that I can pray for God's justice and righteousness to be upheld in my own life and in the world around me?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:5
And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee,.... Let it not go unpunished, and even let it not be pardoned; which is spoken, not from a private spirit of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:5
And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders. No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:5
Let not their sin be blotted out from before thee; let their wickedness be in thy sight, so as to bring down deserved judgments it. upon them, that either they may be convinced and reformed, or others may be warned by their example. God is said to cover or hide sin when he forbears to punish. They have provoked thee to anger before the builders, i.e. they have not only provoked us builders, but thee also. Or, they have provoked or derided the builders to their face, i.e. openly and impudently, in contempt of God, and of this work, which is done by his direction and encouragement.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:5
Nehemiah 4:5 And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked [thee] to anger before the builders. Ver 5. And cover not their iniquity.] O fearful imprecation! Surely if they only are blessed whose sin is covered, Psalms 32:1, what shall become of those that are in a contrary condition? If pardon of sin be such a voluminous mercy, as having many other mercies bound up with it, think what a misery it is to have sin imputed; and get a cover speedily, for that abominable filth, and to God himself an eye sore. For they have provoked thee to anger, &c.] This was it that Nehemiah so stomached; and that drew from him these dreadful imprecations, viz. God’ s glory, and not any self-concern: he hated and cursed non virum, sed virium, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:5
Verse 5. Let not their sin be blotted out] These are the most terrible imprecations; but probably we should understand them as declaratory, for the same form of the verb, in the Hebrew, is used as precative and imperative. Turn their reproach - Their reproach shall be turned. Give them for a prey - They shall be given for a prey. Cover not their iniquity - Their iniquity shall not be covered. Let not their sin be blotted out - Their sin shall not be blotted out. All who know the genius of the Hebrew language, know that the future tense is used to express all these senses. Besides, we may rest assured that Nehemiah's curses, or declaration of God's judgments, had respect only to their bodies, and to their life: not to their souls and the world to come. And then they amount to no more than this: What a man soweth that he shall reap.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:5
5. and cover not their iniquity] i.e. forgive it not. Cf. Psalms 85:2, ‘Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin’—i.e. so as not to see and visit it. and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee] i.e. let its record remain for ever in the book of divine remembrance and cry for retribution. Compare Psalms 109:14, ‘Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the Lord; and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out.’ The metaphor is differently applied in Psalms 69:28, ‘Let them be blotted out of the book of life.’ for they have provoked thee to anger] The verb, which is of frequent occurrence in connexion with idolatrous practices, is here used absolutely as in 2 Kings 21:6; 2 Kings 21:22. But there is no ambiguity of meaning, if we supply the pronoun ‘thee’ as the object. The LXX. omit the clause: the Vulg. renders ‘quia irriserunt aedificantes.’ before the builders] Sanballat and Tobiah had publicly contemned Jehovah; perhaps they sought to alienate the Jews engaged in building the wall by means of their mockery and their provocation. Nehemiah prays, as it were, that the same builders who had heard their utterance of defiance might witness their overthrow. Compare again Rabshakeh’s endeavour to shake the fidelity of the people of Jerusalem, 2 Kings 18:26-28.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:5
5. Cover not — That is, forgive not; do not pardon. Let not their sin be blotted out — All these imprecations of Nehemiah are to be understood and explained, like the imprecatory psalms, as the voice
Sermons on Nehemiah 4:5
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2 Timothy 4:9-13 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the importance of seizing spiritual riches with violence and fortitude, urging believers to prioritize God's kingdom over worldly possessions. He emp |
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Why Do So Many Fail & Give Up? by Peter Hammond | Peter Hammond preaches on the challenges and sacrifices required to follow Jesus, emphasizing the need for self-denial, perseverance, and total surrender to God. He highlights the |
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Mercy, Omnipotence, and Justice by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of recognizing the reality of death and the need for salvation through Christ. He highlights the role of Satan as a destructive |
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Blotted Out by Mel Trotter | In this sermon, the preacher shares a story about a boy in Chicago who confessed to killing his parents. The boy's confession was recorded on a dictaphone, and when played back, it |
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Gleanings From John by Walter Wilson | In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal anecdote about sitting behind a singer and being told to be quiet. He then transitions to discussing the Gospel of John and how it co |
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How Are the Mighty Fallen by Ian G. North | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the encounter between the prophet Nathan and King David. Nathan confronts David about his sin, using a story about a rich man who steals a po |
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Studies in Isaiah - Part 9 by Harry Ironside | In this sermon, the preacher discusses a passage from the book of Isaiah where a man goes into the forest and fashions a figure out of a tree. The preacher uses this story to illus |