Nehemiah 4 23

Nehemiah 4:23 kjv

So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.

Nehemiah 4:23 nkjv

So neither I, my brethren, my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me took off our clothes, except that everyone took them off for washing.

Nehemiah 4:23 niv

Neither I nor my brothers nor my men nor the guards with me took off our clothes; each had his weapon, even when he went for water.

Nehemiah 4:23 esv

So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes; each kept his weapon at his right hand.

Nehemiah 4:23 nlt

During this time, none of us ? not I, nor my relatives, nor my servants, nor the guards who were with me ? ever took off our clothes. We carried our weapons with us at all times, even when we went for water.

Nehemiah 4 verses

Nehemiah 4 23 Meaning

Nehemiah 4:23 vividly portrays the unwavering dedication, extreme vigilance, and constant state of readiness exhibited by Nehemiah, his associates, and the workers during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This verse signifies their profound commitment and personal sacrifice in the face of relentless opposition, emphasizing that neither leader nor follower sought comfort or rest to the extent that it would compromise their protective stance or the mission's security.

Nehemiah 4 23 Context

Nehemiah chapter 4 details the relentless opposition faced by Nehemiah and the Jews as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem. Despite ridicule, threats, and attempts to intimidate and harm them, Nehemiah rallied the people to work with one hand and hold a weapon with the other. This verse is the culmination of that determined spirit, describing the extreme measures taken for security and continuity of work. It underscores the severity of the threat from adversaries like Sanballat and Tobiah, emphasizing that vigilance was not merely strategic but a pervasive lifestyle choice. The entire community, from the leader to the lowest guard, embodied a spirit of self-sacrifice and persistent alertness, placing the completion of God’s ordained task above personal comfort or even basic necessities.

Nehemiah 4 23 Word analysis

• So neither I (וַאֲנִי֙): The Hebrew wa'ani emphasizes Nehemiah's personal involvement and leading by example. He wasn't exempt from the sacrifices required of others. This is a crucial aspect of his leadership: he lived out what he asked of his people, fostering trust and unity.
• nor my brothers (וְאַחַ֖י): Refers to Nehemiah's close kin or associates who shared his burden and leadership responsibilities, highlighting collective commitment. This group was intimately involved and directly followed his example.
• nor my servants (וּנְעָרָ֑י): The term ne'arim can mean "young men" or personal attendants/staff. It indicates a wider circle of those directly serving Nehemiah, demonstrating that the discipline extended beyond the immediate family or leadership to his entire retinue.
• nor the men of the guard who followed me (וְאַנְשֵׁ֣י הַשְּׁמֵרָ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר אַחֲרָֽי): Literally, "and the men of the watch, who were behind me." This refers to his personal security detail or bodyguards, whose job it was to ensure his safety. Their continuous vigilance protected the core leadership of the rebuilding effort.
• ever took off our clothes (לֹֽא־הִפְשִׁיטוּ֩ בִגְדֵיהֶ֗ם): This phrase signifies constant readiness and a deliberate renunciation of comfort and rest. Removing outer garments was typical for sleeping, washing, or fully relaxing. By not doing so, they demonstrated their perpetual alertness, implying a readiness to spring into action instantly. This act symbolizes extreme commitment and physical deprivation endured for the cause.
• each of us (אִ֣ישׁ): "Every man." This points to the individual responsibility and universal application of this readiness among the men involved in the project.
• had his weapon (שִׁלְחוֹ֮): The Hebrew shilcho refers to a weapon or missile (like a javelin or sword). This detail signifies constant preparedness for self-defense or combat. The weapon was literally at hand, not stored away.
• even when he went for water (מֵי הַמָּֽיִם): This clause highlights the extraordinary level of threat and vigilance. Obtaining water, a basic and unavoidable necessity, was a vulnerable activity. The fact that they maintained their armed readiness even for such a routine task underscores the pervasive danger and their uncompromising commitment to security. It signifies that no aspect of life was free from the necessity of vigilance.

Words-group analysis

• Leadership by Example (Neither I, nor my brothers, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard who followed me): This group of phrases highlights Nehemiah's exemplary leadership. His willingness to undergo the same hardships as his people fostered unity and dedication. It wasn't a command given from a place of comfort, but a standard set through shared sacrifice.
• Constant Readiness (ever took off our clothes; each of us had his weapon): This group emphasizes the unceasing state of vigilance and preparedness. The denial of personal comfort (not changing clothes) combined with the ever-present weapon shows a state of high alert, allowing no opportunity for surprise attack or laxity. It embodies total dedication to the task and communal safety.
• Total Devotion and Sacrifice (ever took off our clothes; even when he went for water): These phrases collectively demonstrate the profound level of personal sacrifice. They endured physical discomfort and exposed themselves to risk even for essential needs, prioritizing the divine mission above all personal comfort and even safety, driven by their trust in God's protecting hand coupled with their own vigilance.

Nehemiah 4 23 Bonus section

The concept of "not taking off one's clothes" has been interpreted by some as signifying a refusal to separate from the dirty and laborious work, remaining in work attire and a state of readiness at all times. This would have significant practical implications for hygiene and comfort, underscoring the severe nature of their self-denial. While seemingly ascetic, it points to an intense level of single-mindedness for the task. The spiritual lesson extends to believers today, emphasizing that living out one's faith requires continuous awareness of spiritual warfare. There are no "off-duty" moments in the service of the King. This relentless vigilance demonstrates complete trust that God would protect them as they committed fully to His work, acknowledging that divine provision often comes in conjunction with human effort and preparedness.

Nehemiah 4 23 Commentary

Nehemiah 4:23 epitomizes the arduous, sacrificial nature of spiritual warfare and God's work. It presents Nehemiah as a quintessential leader, one who led not just by command, but by complete identification with the challenges and sacrifices of his people. The image of builders never removing their clothes and always having a weapon, even for a task as simple as fetching water, illustrates extreme dedication. This wasn't merely practical security; it was a deeply ingrained spiritual posture, a manifestation of their singular focus on God's calling amidst fierce opposition. This verse underscores that doing God's will often demands sustained vigilance, a readiness to endure hardship, and a disciplined denial of personal comfort. For believers, it serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual alertness, wearing the full armor of God constantly, and being ready for battle against spiritual adversaries even in the most mundane moments of life, knowing that divine protection complements human diligence.