They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.
Parallel translations
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- NKJV For they all were trying to make us afraid, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will not be done.” Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
- NASB For all of them were trying to frighten us, thinking, “They will become discouraged with the work and it will not be done.” But now, God, strengthen my hands.
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
Recognizing the enemies' aim to frighten and weaken the workers, Nehemiah prays for God to strengthen his hands. He turns the attack into an occasion for prayer.
Overview
Nehemiah discerns that the whole campaign sought to discourage and halt the work through fear. Rather than despair, he lifts a brief, pointed prayer for strength. This instinct to meet intimidation with dependence on God characterizes Nehemiah throughout, showing that the Lord is the true source of perseverance in His work.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 20
- Ps 138:3In the day that I called, you answered me. You encouraged me with strength in my soul.
- Heb 12:12Therefore lift up the hands that hang down and the feeble knees,
- Isa 41:10Don’t you be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of my righteousness.
- Eph 6:10Finally, be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of his might.
- Phil 4:13I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.
- 1 Pet 5:10But may the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a little while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.
- 1 Sam 30:6David was greatly distressed; for the people spoke of stoning him, because the souls of all the people were grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters; but David strengthened himself in Yahweh his God.
- Neh 4:10–14Judah said, “The strength of the bearers of burdens is fading, and there is much rubble; so that we are not able to build the wall.”
- Eph 3:16that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;
- 2 Cor 12:9He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
- Jer 38:4Then the princes said to the king, “Please let this man be put to death; because he weakens the hands of the men of war who remain in this city, and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words to them: for this man doesn’t seek the welfare of this people, but harm.”
- 2 Chr 15:7But you be strong, and don’t let your hands be slack; for your work will be rewarded.”
- Isa 35:3–4Strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.
- Ps 71:1In you, Yahweh, I take refuge. Never let me be disappointed.
- Neh 6:14“Remember, my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.”
- Ezra 4:1–24Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity were building a temple to Yahweh, the God of Israel;
- Ps 56:3When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you.
- 2 Chr 32:18They called out with a loud voice in the Jews’ language to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall, to frighten them, and to trouble them; that they might take the city.
- Ps 68:35You are awesome, God, in your sanctuaries. The God of Israel gives strength and power to his people. Praise be to God!
- Zech 10:12I will strengthen them in Yahweh; and they will walk up and down in his name,” says Yahweh.
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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 6:9 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
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