Nehemiah 4:6 kjv
So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
Nehemiah 4:6 nkjv
So we built the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
Nehemiah 4:6 niv
So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart.
Nehemiah 4:6 esv
So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.
Nehemiah 4:6 nlt
At last the wall was completed to half its height around the entire city, for the people had worked with enthusiasm.
Nehemiah 4 6 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Neh 2:18 | "...they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work." | Readiness to build. |
| Neh 4:9 | "Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch..." | Prayer and practical diligence. |
| Hag 1:12 | "...obeyed the voice of the Lord...and the people did fear before the Lord." | Obedience and reverence leading to action. |
| Hag 2:4 | "Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the Lord; and be strong, O Joshua... and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the Lord, and work: for I am with you..." | Divine presence empowers work. |
| Ezra 7:10 | "For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord, and to do it..." | Dedicated heart for God's will. |
| 1 Chr 29:9 | "Then the people rejoiced...for with a perfect heart they offered willingly..." | Willing heart in serving God. |
| Prov 10:4 | "He that dealeth with a slack hand maketh poor: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." | Diligence versus laziness. |
| Prov 12:24 | "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute." | Reward of diligence. |
| Prov 21:5 | "The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want." | Diligent planning for abundance. |
| Ps 127:1 | "Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it..." | God's sovereign role in human endeavor. |
| Eph 4:16 | "From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted...maketh increase of the body..." | Unity and interdependence in ministry. |
| Phil 2:2 | "...be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." | Call to unity and shared purpose. |
| Phil 4:13 | "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." | God enables effort. |
| Col 3:23 | "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;" | Working with wholeheartedness for the Lord. |
| Rom 12:11 | "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;" | Spirit-led zeal in service. |
| 2 Thes 3:10 | "...if any would not work, neither should he eat." | Principle of productive labor. |
| Gal 6:9 | "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not." | Perseverance in good deeds. |
| Heb 12:1-2 | "Let us run with patience the race...looking unto Jesus..." | Endurance in the spiritual race. |
| 1 Pet 4:10-11 | "As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another..." | Using gifts for service and God's glory. |
| Ex 35:21,29 | "...every one whose heart stirred him up, and every one whom his spirit made willing..." | Willing contribution to tabernacle building. |
| Neh 2:20 | "The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build..." | Confidence in God's enablement. |
| Mat 16:18 | "...I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." | Divine promise of successful building. |
| Neh 3 | (Chapter description of divided labor) | Organized teamwork in action. |
| Acts 20:24 | "But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy..." | Dedication to completing a task. |
Nehemiah 4 verses
Nehemiah 4 6 Meaning
Nehemiah 4:6 declares the remarkable progress made in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, stating that the entire structure reached half its intended height or completion. This swift advancement was attributed directly to the unifying and determined spirit of the people, who possessed a deep and unwavering desire to undertake the work.
Nehemiah 4 6 Context
Nehemiah 4:6 is situated amidst intense opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's wall. Chapters 1-2 establish Nehemiah's burden, his prayer, and King Artaxerxes' permission and provisions. Chapter 3 details the organized division of labor, demonstrating initial momentum. However, chapter 4 immediately follows mockery and threats from Jerusalem's enemies, Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who scorned the efforts and questioned the competence of the Jews. Verse 6 directly counters these scoffs by reporting undeniable progress, setting the stage for increased external threats that necessitate combined labor and defense in subsequent verses. It transitions the narrative from external contempt to internal strength and unified action, highlighting the initial success despite daunting circumstances.
Nehemiah 4 6 Word analysis
- So built we: This phrase indicates the practical execution and success of the task. The Hebrew verb for "built" (בָּנִ֥ינוּ, baninu) is in the first-person plural, signifying a collective effort. It conveys an accomplished fact, demonstrating progress.
- the wall: Refers to the defensive outer barrier of Jerusalem (חוֹמָה, ḥoma). Beyond its physical function of security, the wall held immense symbolic importance for the returned exiles, representing the restoration of their national identity, the integrity of their covenant community, and the sanctity of God's city. Its reconstruction was essential for security and national dignity.
- and all the wall: Emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the work. It wasn't just fragmented sections but the entire circumference that saw advancement, signifying coordinated effort and unified progress.
- was joined together: From the Hebrew verb קָשַׁר (qašar), meaning "to tie, bind, connect," often used for conspiracy. Here, in the Nifal stem (וַתִּקָּשֵׁ֖ר, wattikkašer), it implies that the sections of the wall became connected and cohesive. This indicates structural integrity and speaks to the physical coming together of disjointed efforts into a unified structure.
- unto the half thereof: Specifies a significant milestone. "Half" (חֶצְיָ֑הּ, hetsyah) points to considerable, measurable progress achieved rapidly. This immediate, halfway completion indicates extreme efficiency and dedication on the part of the builders, challenging the mockers' dismissals.
- for the people: Highlights that this was a community-wide endeavor, not solely driven by leadership or a few individuals. The entire assembly of Israelites who returned were actively engaged.
- had a mind: This is a crucial phrase, translated from the Hebrew וַיְהִ֥י לֵב֙ (wayehi lev), literally "and was a heart" or "and the heart was." In Hebrew idiom, "heart" (לֵב, lev) signifies not merely emotion but the core of one's being – intellect, will, disposition, courage, and resolve. It implies strong internal motivation, determination, and focus. This "heart" wasn't merely compliance but fervent desire and alignment of will.
- to work: From the Hebrew root עָשָׂה (asah), "to do, make, accomplish." This specifies the action fueled by their willing spirit – active, purposeful labor.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof": This clause functions as a direct response and triumphant declaration against the mockery of the enemies (Neh 4:1-3). It underscores that despite scorn and opposition, tangible and significant progress had been achieved. The wall was not merely started; it was physically advanced and unified, a testament to effective organization and tireless effort.
- "for the people had a mind to work": This serves as the explanation and ultimate reason for the success. It attributes the remarkable progress not just to external circumstances or leadership skill, but fundamentally to the internal disposition of the people. Their collective determination, their willing and zealous spirit, was the driving force behind overcoming the obstacles and achieving this swift completion. This "mind to work" transcends mere physical labor; it speaks of a spiritual fervour and alignment with God's purpose for the restoration of Jerusalem.
Nehemiah 4 6 Bonus section
The rapid progress mentioned in Nehemiah 4:6—reaching half completion—is noteworthy given the rudimentary tools and manual labor available, alongside the constant threat from adversaries. This speaks to an extraordinary level of personal dedication from each individual, working not just for Nehemiah but ultimately viewing their efforts as service to God and the restoration of His chosen city. It showcases Nehemiah's remarkable ability to inspire and unify the community, demonstrating that effective leadership paired with a fervent, Spirit-willing populace can overcome even formidable external and internal challenges. The physical progress on the wall also provided tangible proof of God's favor and encouragement to the people, reinforcing their resolve amidst ongoing opposition.
Nehemiah 4 6 Commentary
Nehemiah 4:6 powerfully illustrates that sustained effort and significant progress in God's work stem from a Spirit-filled, unified, and willing heart. The external conditions were challenging, with hostile ridicule and threats from Sanballat, Tobiah, and others. Yet, Nehemiah's leadership in organizing the work, combined with the profound inner motivation of the returned exiles, propelled the immense task of wall building forward at an astonishing rate. The phrase "the people had a mind to work" reveals the vital truth that mere compulsion or external pressure is insufficient; true spiritual service requires a deep, personal commitment and a disposition (a "heart") dedicated to the task. This heart enabled them to overlook distractions, endure hardship, and labor collaboratively, creating a joined and sturdy structure symbolic of their unified devotion to restoring God's city. It's a reminder that God's great works are accomplished through the availability and dedication of His people, whose "heart" is ready for action.