Nehemiah 4 17

Nehemiah 4:17 kjv

They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.

Nehemiah 4:17 nkjv

Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.

Nehemiah 4:17 niv

who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other,

Nehemiah 4:17 esv

who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.

Nehemiah 4:17 nlt

who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon.

Nehemiah 4 verses

Nehemiah 4 17 Meaning

Nehemiah 4:17 describes the unique and demanding circumstances under which the builders of the wall in Jerusalem carried out their task. It emphasizes that those engaged in construction and those who bore the materials simultaneously held a weapon in one hand while working with the other. This verse powerfully portrays the dual commitment of the returnees to both reconstruction and defense, demonstrating their resilience, vigilance, and readiness to protect the work from external threats posed by adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah.

Nehemiah 4 17 Context

Nehemiah chapter 4 describes the intensified opposition faced by the Jewish returnees as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites were deeply angered and conspired to fight against Jerusalem to stop the work. In response to these threats, Nehemiah did not just pray (Neh 4:4-5); he also took practical steps to defend the builders. He stationed guards, armed the people by families, and organized the workforce. Verse 17 directly follows the account of the alarm being sounded and the people returning to their work, emphasizing the continuous state of preparedness necessary due to the constant threat of attack. This verse is key to understanding the unwavering determination of the builders, who integrated vigilance with diligent labor, a reflection of their commitment to God's work despite formidable challenges.

Nehemiah 4 17 Word analysis

• Those who were rebuilding (וְהַבֹּנִים – ve·ha·bo·nim): This is a participial form, indicating continuous action. It emphasizes that the construction was an ongoing process. The active participation of the people in the rebuilding is highlighted.
• the wall (הַחוֹמָה – ha·kho·ma): Refers to the physical barrier surrounding Jerusalem, symbolic of the security and restored identity of the community. Its rebuilding was essential for the city's defense and reestablishment.
• and those who carried burdens (וְהַנֹּשְׂאִים מַשָּׂא – ve·han·nos·’im mas·sa): Another participle, detailing those transporting materials like stone and timber. This highlights the collective, arduous physical labor involved in the project. Massā (burden): signifies the heavy weight and the physical toil required, encompassing all aspects of moving building materials.
• took their load (בְּאַחַת יָדוֹ עֹשָׂה בַמְּלָאכָה – be·'a·khat ya·dow 'o·sa vam·me·la·kha): Literally "with one of his hands doing the work." This implies their working hand was still actively engaged in the task of construction or moving materials. The phrasing implies dexterity and efficient use of the body despite the challenging conditions.
• and in the other (וְהָאַחַת מַחֲזֶקֶת הַשָּׁלָח – ve·ha·'a·khat ma·kha·ze·qeth hash·sha·lakh): "and the other holding the missile/weapon." This refers to their second hand, holding a defensive implement.
• held a weapon (מַחֲזֶקֶת הַשָּׁלָח – ma·kha·ze·qeth hash·sha·lakh): Makhazeket means "holding firm," implying a strong, ready grip. Shalach (שֶׁלַח): This term broadly means a "weapon," often referring to a spear, javelin, or any instrument for striking or shooting. It conveys a state of readiness for combat. The nature of the threat required constant, immediate access to arms.

Nehemiah 4 17 Bonus section

The image of "one hand working and one hand holding a weapon" has become a proverbial expression in Christian discourse, symbolizing the need for active engagement in the mission of God alongside constant spiritual vigilance against the schemes of the enemy. The continuous participle verbs (building, carrying, holding) emphasize that this was not a temporary measure but a sustained posture. It signifies that living a life committed to God involves both constructive labor for the Kingdom and ongoing readiness for spiritual conflict. This pragmatic faith underscores that while God builds, His people are called to be active participants and vigilant protectors of His work.

Nehemiah 4 17 Commentary

Nehemiah 4:17 offers a vivid picture of pragmatic faith and unwavering dedication in the face of persistent opposition. The builders' simultaneous engagement in labor ("one hand doing the work") and defense ("the other holding a weapon") demonstrates a powerful lesson in integrating diligent work with vigilant preparedness. They did not succumb to fear and abandon the work, nor did they neglect their safety assuming divine intervention without human effort. This practical response underscores Nehemiah's leadership principle: to pray for God's protection while also taking every necessary human precaution (Neh 4:9). It reflects a truth often seen in the lives of believers: progress in God's kingdom often comes hand-in-hand with spiritual warfare. The Christian walk involves both building up the Body of Christ through good works, discipleship, and evangelism, and simultaneously guarding against the spiritual attacks of the enemy. It is a call to be sober, watchful, and prepared (1 Pet 5:8) while also being fervent in spirit and diligent in service (Rom 12:11).