Nehemiah 6:9

Nehemiah 6:9 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.

King James Version KJV

For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

American Standard Version ASV

For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. But now, O God, strengthen thou my hands.

Bible in Basic English BBE

For they were hoping to put fear in us, saying, Their hands will become feeble and give up the work so that it may not get done. But now, O God, make my hands strong.

Free Bible Version FBV

They were all just trying to scare us, telling themselves, “They won't have the strength to work so it won't ever get finished.” But I prayed, now make me strong!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For all they afrayed vs, saying, Their handes shalbe weakened from the worke, and it shall not be done: nowe therefore incourage thou me.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

for all of them are making us afraid, saying, 'Their hands are too feeble for the work, and it is not done;' and now, strengthen Thou my hands.

World English Bible WEB

For they all would have made us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened from the work, that it not be done.” But now, strengthen my hands.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it may not be done. Now therefore, O God , strengthen my hands.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For all these men thought to frighten us, thinking that our hands would cease from the work, and that we would leave off. Wherefore I strengthened my hands the more:

Translation for Translators T4T

I said that because I knew that they were trying to cause us to be afraid, with the result that we would stop working on the wall. So I actually became more determined (OR, I prayed to God to help me) to continue the work.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 6:9

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 6:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּ֣י כֻלָּ֗/ם מְיָֽרְאִ֤ים אוֹתָ֨/נוּ֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר יִרְפּ֧וּ יְדֵי/הֶ֛ם מִן הַ/מְּלָאכָ֖ה וְ/לֹ֣א תֵעָשֶׂ֑ה וְ/עַתָּ֖ה חַזֵּ֥ק אֶת יָדָֽ/י

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

כֻלָּ֗/ם kôl H3605 all N-ms | Suff

מְיָֽרְאִ֤ים yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Piel

אוֹתָ֨/נוּ֙ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM | Suff

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

יִרְפּ֧וּ râphâh H7503 to slacken V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

יְדֵי/הֶ֛ם yâd H3027 hand N-cd | Suff

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/מְּלָאכָ֖ה mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 work Art | N-fs

וְ/לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

תֵעָשֶׂ֑ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs

וְ/עַתָּ֖ה ʻattâh H6258 now Conj | Adv

חַזֵּ֥ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen V-Piel-Impv-2ms

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

יָדָֽ/י yâd H3027 hand N-cd | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 6:9

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

כֻלָּ֗/ם kôl H3605 "all" N-ms | Suff

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.

מְיָֽרְאִ֤ים yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Piel

This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.

Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour

Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.

אוֹתָ֨/נוּ֙ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM | Suff

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.

לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

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.

יִרְפּ֧וּ râphâh H7503 "to slacken" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp

This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.

Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.

יְדֵי/הֶ֛ם yâd H3027 "hand" N-cd | Suff

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

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/מְּלָאכָ֖ה 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.

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.

תֵעָשֶׂ֑ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Niphal-Imperf-3fs

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.

וְ/עַתָּ֖ה ʻattâh H6258 "now" Conj | Adv

This word means now or at this time, like in Exodus when God says now is the time to act. It can also be used to connect ideas or show a change in time, as seen in the book of Isaiah.

Definition: 1) now 1a) now 1b) in phrases

Usage: Occurs in 422 OT verses. KJV: henceforth, now, straightway, this time, whereas. See also: Genesis 3:22; Joshua 24:23; 2 Samuel 24:13.

חַזֵּ֥ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" V-Piel-Impv-2ms

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.

אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

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.

יָדָֽ/י yâd H3027 "hand" N-cd | Suff

Study Notes — Nehemiah 6:9

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 6:9 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:9
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 6:9
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:9
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:9
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:9
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:9
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:9
Sermons on Nehemiah 6:9

Context — Sanballat’s Conspiracy

7and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.” 8Then I sent him this reply: “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.”

9For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.

10Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his house. He said: “Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors because they are coming to kill you— by night they are coming to kill you!” 11But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go!”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 138:3	On the day I called, You answered me; You emboldened me and strengthened my soul.
2	1 Peter 5:10	And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore you, secure you, strengthen you, and establish you.
3	Ephesians 3:16	I ask that out of the riches of His glory He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being,
4	Nehemiah 4:10–14	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.” And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.” At that time the Jews who lived nearby came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.” So I stationed men behind the lowest sections of the wall, at the vulnerable areas. I stationed them by families with their swords, spears, and bows. After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”
5	2 Corinthians 12:9	But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
6	Isaiah 41:10	Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My right hand of righteousness.
7	Philippians 4:13	I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
8	Ephesians 6:10	Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.
9	Hebrews 12:12	Therefore strengthen your limp hands and weak knees.
10	1 Samuel 30:6	And David was greatly distressed because the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of every man grieved for his sons and daughters. But David found strength in the LORD his God.

Nehemiah 6:9 Summary

Nehemiah 6:9 tells us that the enemies of the Israelites were trying to scare them and make them think they couldn't finish the work they were doing. But Nehemiah prayed to God, asking for strength and protection, just like we can do when we're feeling scared or overwhelmed (see Psalm 34:4). This verse reminds us that we don't have to face our fears alone, because God is always with us and wants to help us (as in Hebrews 13:5-6). By trusting in God's power and love, we can find the strength to keep going, even when things seem tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the main goal of the enemies of the Israelites in Nehemiah 6:9?

The main goal of the enemies was to frighten and discourage the Israelites, saying that their hands would be weakened in the work and it would never be finished, as stated in Nehemiah 6:9. This tactic is similar to what we see in other parts of the Bible, such as in Exodus 14:12, where the Israelites were fearful of the Egyptians.

How did Nehemiah respond to the threats and discouragement from his enemies?

Nehemiah responded by praying to God, asking Him to strengthen his hands, as seen in Nehemiah 6:9. This response is reminiscent of other biblical leaders, such as King David, who also cried out to God for strength and protection in times of trouble, as in Psalm 28:7-8.

What can we learn from Nehemiah's example in this verse about dealing with fear and discouragement?

We can learn that when faced with fear and discouragement, we should turn to God in prayer, asking for His strength and protection, just as Nehemiah did in Nehemiah 6:9. This is also encouraged in other parts of the Bible, such as in Philippians 4:6-7, where we are told to bring our anxieties to God in prayer.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of trusting in God's sovereignty?

This verse relates to the theme of trusting in God's sovereignty because it shows Nehemiah trusting in God's power and provision, even in the face of opposition and discouragement, as seen in Nehemiah 6:9. This trust is also reflected in other parts of the Bible, such as in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in God with all our heart.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I am currently facing fear or discouragement, and how can I apply Nehemiah's example to my own life?
How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with opposition or uncertainty?
What are some practical ways that I can 'strengthen my hands' in the face of challenges, just as Nehemiah prayed in Nehemiah 6:9?
How can I use Nehemiah's example to encourage and support others who may be facing fear or discouragement?
What does this verse teach me about the importance of prayer in times of trouble, and how can I make prayer a more central part of my response to challenges?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:9

For they all made us afraid,.... Or you all, as Aben Ezra interprets it; or all the Heathen nations, as Jarchi; this was the design of all those scandalous reports, to intimidate them, and with this

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 6:9

Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:9

They all made us afraid, i.e. they endeavoured to do so, and actually did terrify some persons.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:9

Nehemiah 6:9 For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands.Ver. 9. For they all made us afraid] This they aimed at; but could not attain unto; for faith quelleth and killeth distrustful fear, Psalms 46:1-2. Audacia est pro muro, saith Sallust. Let the wicked flee when none pursueth, but the righteous will be bold as as lion, Proverbs 28:1. Saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work] So measuring them by themselves, as if they would have been soon scared and discouraged. But they knew not the Aes triplex, the power of the Spirit, that spirit of power (opposed to the spirit of fear), of love, and of a sound mind, 2 Timothy 1:7. They knew not the privy armour of proof that these good Jews had about their hearts. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands] He acknowledgeth himself to be in the condition of a poor garrison soldier, that hath no help or supplies but from the Captain of his salvation which, therefore, he thus humbly calleth in and craveth. Of ejaculations, see Nehemiah 2:4. This here is despatched in four words.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:9

(9) Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.—The answer sent was that the thing was not true, and that the report itself did not exist. The reflection in Nehemiah’s journal was that they sought to make him afraid. Quoting this, he adds the prayer that he recorded when he wrote it. It is one of those sudden, interjectional petitions which abound in the narrative, and is all the more remarkable from the absence of the words “O God,” which are here inserted.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:9

9. For they all made us afraid] R.V. For they all would have made us afraid. The participle in the original does not convey more than that the attempt was made. It does not assert, as the A.V. rendering, that the attempt succeeded. By ‘they all’ Nehemiah refers to the enemies mentioned in Nehemiah 6:1. The present verse is his comment upon the whole episode. saying] i.e. amongst themselves and in their own minds. Their hands shall be weakened] For this expression cf. Job 4:3; Isaiah 35:3; Jeremiah 38:4; 2 Chronicles 15:7. Cf. ‘fearful hearts and faint hands’ (Sir 2:12); ‘hands that hang down’ (Hebrews 12:12). Now therefore, O God, strengthen, &c.] R.V. But now, O God, strengthen. Marg. ‘Or, I will strengthen my hands’. The adversative ‘but’ is required, since the clause is Nehemiah’s reply to his enemies’ machinations, which are summarized in the previous sentence. The construction in the Hebrew creates a difficulty in the translation. The words ‘O God’ are not in the original: the verb ‘strengthen’ may either be the imperative or the infinitive. (i) The A.V. and R.V. and the majority of commentators accept the view that the verb is in the imperative, and regard the words as a prayerful soliloquy with which Nehemiah closes his description of this scene. To this rendering it is an objection (1) that the name of the Deity must be supplied in order to make the words intelligible; (2) that even for an interjectional prayer the language is abrupt; (3) that the substance as well as the form of the sentence differs from the interjectional prayers in Nehemiah 5:19, Nehemiah 6:14. (ii) If the verb be in the infin., the words express Nehemiah’s resolution in the face of his difficulties, ‘I will strengthen my hands.’ There would be no difficulty presented by such a construction if either the infinitive had been preceded by a verb in a finite form, or the subject of the verb had been expressed. But as both those conditions are lacking, the infinitival construction is certainly extremely harsh and unusual. It is strange to find ‘a note added, in the form of a soliloquy, to a description of events which had happened at least 12 years before the final publication of these memoirs.’ Somewhat in favour of the latter view is the evidence of the Gr. and Latin versions, which give, ‘And I strengthened my hands.’ LXX. καὶνῦνἐκραταίωσατὰςχεῖράςμου. Vulg. ‘quam ob causam magis confortavi manus meas,’ and ‘But I will strengthen my hands,’ Syr. and Arab. It may be contended that the Versions have merely aimed at giving the most probable sense, without facing the grammatical difficulty; and that, if so, their evidence is of little value. On the other hand their unanimity possibly indicates a difference of text at any early time. So far as they only record a traditional interpretation, they are opposed to the view that the words are a prayer. On the whole the rendering of the R.V. margin seems preferable. It is a harsh construction, but with a simple meaning.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:9

9. Made us afraid — Kept us in continual anxiety and alarm, and apprehensive of some hostile movement against us.

Sermons on Nehemiah 6:9

	Sermon	Description
	We Travel an Appointed Way by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God's calling, as exemplified by Nehemiah, who rose from his sorrow to rebuild Jerusalem despite ridicule and opposition.
	The Father's Business by Victor Maxwell	Victor Maxwell preaches on the importance of being about our Father's business, drawing from the example of Jesus at a young age who was already aware of His identity and mission.
	How Do We Maintain Joy? by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes that the joy of the Lord is our strength, as illustrated in Nehemiah 8:10, where the Israelites, after returning from Babylonian captivity, were captivat
	Nehemiah 6:9 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes that the believer's strength comes from God, highlighting the necessity of relying on divine power rather than personal strength. He illustrates this through
	In the Day When I Cried by Carter Conlon	This sermon emphasizes the importance of crying out to God in times of trouble and not relying on human ingenuity or strength. It highlights the need for humility, acknowledging ou
	Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson	David Wilkerson emphasizes the importance of encouraging oneself in the Lord, acknowledging that even the most faithful believers experience pain, confusion, and sorrow. He uses th
	Divine Strengthening by H.J. Vine	H.J. Vine preaches about the divine strengthening provided by God according to the riches of His glory, enabling believers to be filled with power by the Holy Spirit in their inner