Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
Parallel translations
- WEB Yes, I also continued in the work of this wall. We didn’t buy any land. All my servants were gathered there to the work.
- BSB Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land.
- NKJV Indeed, I also continued the work on this wall, and we did not buy any land. All my servants were gathered there for the work.
- NASB I also applied myself to the work on this wall; we did not buy any land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.
- NLT I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Nehemiah devoted himself to the wall and refused to acquire land, with all his servants joined to the work. He sought the people's good, not personal gain.
Overview
Rather than use his position to enrich himself through land, Nehemiah and his servants poured their energy into rebuilding. His refusal to profit from his office stands in sharp contrast to the exploiters he rebuked. This disinterested service for the common good embodies the integrity that gives leadership genuine moral authority.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- Gal 6:9And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
- 1 Th 2:5–6For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
- Acts 20:33–35I have coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.
- 1 Cor 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
- Phil 2:20–21For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.
- 2 Cor 12:16–18But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile.
- Rom 2:7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
- Luke 8:15But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.
- Num 16:15And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
The rebuilt walls and renewed covenant community foreshadow the greater builder who gathers and secures a people for God, the one who declares 'I will build my church.'
How Nehemiah 5:16 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Hebrew word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.