Nehemiah 2:4

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

Complete Jewish Bible:

The king asked me, "What is it that you want?" I prayed to the God of heaven,

Berean Standard Bible:

“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven

American Standard Version:

Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then the king^{H4428} said^{H559} unto me, For what dost thou make request^{H1245}? So I prayed^{H6419} to the God^{H430} of heaven^{H8064}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Nehemiah 2:4

Nehemiah 2:4 is a pivotal verse in the book of Nehemiah, which recounts the story of a Jewish cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia during the 5th century BCE. The historical context is significant: the Jews had been exiled from their homeland, and many had returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the city and its temple after the Persian king Cyrus the Great allowed them to do so. However, the walls of Jerusalem were still in ruins, leaving the city vulnerable and its inhabitants disgraced.

In this verse, Nehemiah stands before the king, visibly upset, which prompts the king to inquire about his request. Nehemiah's immediate response is to pray to the "God of heaven," a title that emphasizes God's sovereignty over all nations and circumstances. This quick prayer, often referred to as a "flash prayer," illustrates Nehemiah's deep trust in God and his reliance on divine assistance even in the presence of a powerful monarch. The themes present in this verse include the sovereignty of God, the power of prayer, and the importance of seizing the moment to seek God's guidance and favor in times of opportunity and crisis.

Nehemiah's story is one of leadership, faith, and the pursuit of a vision guided by his relationship with God. His example encourages believers to be courageous, to pray without ceasing, and to act with confidence when God opens doors of opportunity. The verse also highlights the intersection of divine providence and human initiative, showing that even in secular settings, God's people can faithfully serve both their earthly rulers and their heavenly King. Nehemiah's request, which follows this prayer, leads to the king's favorable response, allowing him to go to Jerusalem to oversee the rebuilding of its walls, a task he successfully completes despite significant opposition and challenges.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H4428
   There are 1922 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מֶלֶךְ
   Transliteration: melek
   Pronunciation: meh'-lek
   Description: from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal.
   
2. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1245
   There are 215 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּקַשׁ
   Transliteration: bâqash
   Pronunciation: baw-kash'
   Description: a primitive root; to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after; ask, beg, beseech, desire, enquire, get, make inquisition, procure, (make) request, require, seek (for).
   
4. Strong's Number: H6419
   There are 82 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פָּלַל
   Transliteration: pâlal
   Pronunciation: paw-lal'
   Description: a primitive root; to judge (officially or mentally); by extension, to intercede, pray; intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication.
   
5. Strong's Number: H430
   There are 2334 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֱלֹהִים
   Transliteration: ʼĕlôhîym
   Pronunciation: el-o-heem'
   Description: plural of אֱלוֹהַּ; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme God; occasionally applied by way of deference to magistrates; and sometimes as a superlative; angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty.
   
6. Strong's Number: H8064
   There are 395 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שָׁמַיִם
   Transliteration: shâmayim
   Pronunciation: shaw-mah'-yim
   Description: dual of an unused singular שָׁמֶה; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies revolve); air, [idiom] astrologer, heaven(-s).