Nehemiah 2:20

KJV

Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then answered {H7725}{H1697} I them, and said {H559} unto them, The God {H430} of heaven {H8064}, he will prosper {H6743} us; therefore we his servants {H5650} will arise {H6965} and build {H1129}: but ye have no portion {H2506}, nor right {H6666}, nor memorial {H2146}, in Jerusalem {H3389}.

Complete Jewish Bible

But I answered them: "The God of heaven will enable us to succeed. Therefore we his servants will set about rebuilding. But you have no share, right or history to commemorate in Yerushalayim."

Berean Standard Bible

So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”

American Standard Version

Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 2:20 encapsulates Nehemiah's unwavering faith and resolute leadership in the face of initial opposition to Jerusalem's rebuilding. It is a powerful declaration that anchors the success of the endeavor in God's divine favor, asserts the active commitment of God's servants, and unequivocally disclaims any legitimate stake for those who stand against God's redemptive work in His holy city. This pivotal verse sets the spiritual and practical tone for the monumental task ahead, demonstrating reliance on God and firm boundaries against adversaries.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 2:20 marks a crucial turning point following Nehemiah's arrival in Jerusalem and his secret nocturnal survey of the city's ruined walls. Having secured the king's permission and resources, Nehemiah then presented his vision to the disheartened Jewish leaders, inspiring them to "arise and build" [Nehemiah 2:18](/nehemiah/2-18 "Nehemiah 2:18 - The People's Resolve"). This verse is Nehemiah's direct and forceful response to the immediate mockery and accusations from Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab, who questioned the loyalty and intentions of the Jewish people. It serves as the first open confrontation with the adversaries, setting the stage for the ongoing spiritual and physical battles detailed in subsequent chapters, such as the active opposition in [Nehemiah 4](/nehemiah/4 "Nehemiah 4 - Opposition to the Rebuilding").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah 2:20 unfold in post-exilic Jerusalem, likely around 445 BC, during the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia. The Jewish exiles had returned to a city with a rebuilt temple [Ezra 6:15](/ezra/6-15 "Ezra 6:15 - Temple Rebuilt"), but its walls remained in ruins, leaving the inhabitants vulnerable and the city without its former glory. This vulnerability was not just physical but also symbolic, reflecting a lack of national identity and security. The "God of heaven" was a common title for God in the Persian Empire, used by both Jews and Gentiles, emphasizing His supreme authority over all earthly rulers and kingdoms, including the Persian king himself. The opponents—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—were regional officials and influential figures whose power and prestige were threatened by a strong, rebuilt Jerusalem, which they perceived as a challenge to their authority and a potential political rebellion against Persia. Their opposition was rooted in geopolitical concerns and a desire to maintain their regional dominance.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 2:20 powerfully articulates several core themes central to the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Providence**, emphasizing that the success of the rebuilding project rests entirely on "The God of heaven" who "will prosper us." This theme underscores God's active involvement and enablement in His people's endeavors, as seen throughout the narrative of the wall's construction [Nehemiah 6:16](/nehemiah/6-16 "Nehemiah 6:16 - The Completion of the Wall"). Secondly, it showcases **Faithful Obedience and Bold Leadership**, as Nehemiah and the people declare, "we his servants will arise and build." This commitment to action, despite formidable opposition, exemplifies the call to courageous service in God's kingdom, echoing the resolve of leaders like Joshua [Joshua 24:15](/joshua/24-15 "Joshua 24:15 - As for me and my house"). Finally, the verse establishes a clear theme of **Exclusion of Adversaries and Covenantal Purity**, asserting that those who oppose God's work have "no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem." This delineates the boundary between God's covenant people and those outside, emphasizing the spiritual and communal integrity of the holy city and its inhabitants, a concept rooted in the promises of the land and God's chosen people [Deuteronomy 12:9](/deuteronomy/12-9 "Deuteronomy 12:9 - Rest and Inheritance").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Prosper (Hebrew, _tsalach'_):** This verb signifies to advance, succeed, or be effective. In the context of Nehemiah 2:20, it carries the nuance of divine enablement and success. Nehemiah's declaration is not a mere wish but a confident assertion that God Himself will ensure the favorable outcome of their work. It implies that the success is not due to human strength, skill, or political maneuvering, but solely to God's active intervention and blessing. This word is often used in the Old Testament to describe God causing someone or something to succeed [Genesis 39:3](/genesis/39-3 "Genesis 39:3 - Joseph's Prosperity").
* **Portion (Hebrew, _cheleq'_):** This term refers to a share, inheritance, or allotment, often specifically concerning land or property. In a broader sense, it can mean a share in a community or a destiny. By stating the adversaries have "no portion," Nehemiah is denying them any rightful claim to the land of Jerusalem, any inheritance within its boundaries, or any share in the communal life and blessings of God's people. It's a legal and spiritual exclusion.
* **Memorial (Hebrew, _zikaron'_):** This word denotes remembrance, a record, or a lasting name/legacy. To have "no memorial" in Jerusalem means that the adversaries will have no lasting recognition, no place in the city's history, no name associated with its future, and no share in its spiritual heritage. It signifies a complete erasure of their claim or influence, emphasizing their ultimate irrelevance to God's redemptive plan for His city.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then answered I them, and said unto them,"**: This opening phrase sets the scene for a direct confrontation. Nehemiah, having heard the scorn and mockery of Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, does not shrink back but responds with authority and conviction. It marks the transition from their taunts to his decisive declaration.
* **"The God of heaven, he will prosper us;"**: This is the bedrock of Nehemiah's confidence. He invokes "The God of heaven," a title emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty over all earthly powers and circumstances, particularly relevant in the context of the Persian Empire. The active verb "will prosper" (future tense) expresses absolute certainty in divine enablement and success for the rebuilding project, asserting that the outcome is guaranteed by God Himself, not by human effort or political favor alone.
* **"therefore we his servants will arise and build:"**: This clause is the human response to divine promise. The "therefore" links their action directly to God's assured prosperity. By identifying themselves as "his servants," Nehemiah and the people underscore their obedience and dedication to God's will. The phrase "will arise and build" is a declaration of resolute commitment and immediate action, demonstrating their readiness to undertake the daunting task despite opposition.
* **"but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem."**: This final, emphatic statement draws a clear boundary between God's people and their adversaries. "No portion" denies them any inheritance or share in the land. "Nor right" (Hebrew: *tsedaqah*, meaning justice or righteousness) denies them any legal or legitimate claim to the city or its affairs. "Nor memorial" denies them any lasting name, legacy, or remembrance within Jerusalem's history or future. This triad comprehensively excludes the opponents from any legitimate stake—past, present, or future—in God's holy city and its redemptive purposes.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 2:20 employs several powerful **literary devices**. The most prominent is **Antithesis**, sharply contrasting Nehemiah's faith-filled declaration and the people's resolute action ("we his servants will arise and build") with the complete exclusion of the adversaries ("but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem"). This stark opposition highlights the divine favor on one side and the utter lack of legitimate claim on the other. The use of the title "**The God of heaven**" functions as an **Appeal to Authority**, invoking the highest possible power to validate Nehemiah's words and the project's divine backing, directly countering the earthly authority of the opponents. Furthermore, the triadic phrase "**portion, nor right, nor memorial**" is an example of **Merism**, where three distinct but related terms are used to express a comprehensive denial of any claim. This rhetorical device emphasizes the absolute and total exclusion of the adversaries from Jerusalem's past, present, and future.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 2:20 is a profound theological statement on God's sovereignty over human endeavors and the necessity of distinguishing between those who serve God's purposes and those who oppose them. It affirms that God initiates and enables His work, and His people are called to respond with unwavering obedience and courage. The declaration of divine prosperity ("he will prosper us") echoes the consistent biblical theme that God is faithful to bring to completion what He begins, often through the diligent work of His servants. Simultaneously, the stark exclusion of the adversaries ("no portion, nor right, nor memorial") underscores the reality that not all who observe God's work are part of His covenant community. This distinction is crucial for maintaining the purity and integrity of God's people and their mission, reminding us that there are spiritual boundaries that define true allegiance and participation in God's kingdom.

* [Psalm 127:1](/psalm/127-1 "Psalm 127:1 - Unless the Lord Builds the House")
* [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - On This Rock I Will Build My Church")
* [Acts 5:38-39](/acts/5-38 "Acts 5:38-39 - If It Is From God, You Cannot Overthrow It")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 2:20 offers timeless lessons for believers facing challenges in their service to God. It calls us to cultivate an unwavering confidence in "The God of heaven," recognizing that His power and promise are the true source of our success, not our own abilities or external circumstances. When confronted with opposition, ridicule, or discouragement, our response should be rooted in this divine assurance, inspiring us to "arise and build" with resolute commitment. This verse also serves as a vital reminder to discern between genuine partners in God's work and those whose intentions are hostile or self-serving. Not everyone who appears to be interested in spiritual matters truly belongs to God's kingdom, and we must be prepared to draw clear boundaries when necessary, protecting the integrity of the mission. Our ultimate allegiance is to God alone, and our participation in His kingdom is based on His grace, not on any human claim or merit.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life or ministry am I being called to "arise and build," and what obstacles am I facing?**
* **How does my confidence in God's ability to "prosper" His work influence my response to opposition?**
* **In what ways might I need to discern and establish clear boundaries with those who have "no portion, nor right, nor memorial" in God's kingdom work?**
* **What does it mean for me to truly be "His servant" in my daily life and service?**

### FAQ

**What does "The God of heaven" signify in this context?**

Answer: "The God of heaven" (Hebrew: *Elohei shamayim*) is a significant theological title, particularly prevalent in post-exilic books like Nehemiah, Ezra, and Daniel. It emphasizes God's supreme sovereignty, transcendence, and universal dominion. In Nehemiah 2:20, it serves as a powerful declaration that God is not merely a local deity but the ultimate ruler over all things, including the Persian Empire and its king. This title underscores that Nehemiah's authority and the success of the rebuilding project come directly from the highest power, far above any earthly opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, or Geshem. It reinforces the idea that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human adversaries, as seen in [Daniel 2:44](/daniel/2-44 "Daniel 2:44 - God's Everlasting Kingdom").

**Why did Nehemiah so forcefully exclude the opponents from having "portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem"?**

Answer: Nehemiah's forceful exclusion was not merely an act of defiance but a theological and legal assertion. The terms "portion," "right," and "memorial" carry significant weight. "Portion" (Hebrew: *cheleq*) refers to an inheritance or share, particularly in the land of Israel, which was divinely allotted to the tribes. By denying them a "portion," Nehemiah asserts they have no legitimate claim to the land or its resources. "Right" (Hebrew: *tsedaqah*, related to justice and righteousness) denies them any legal standing or just claim to participate in Jerusalem's governance or future. "Memorial" (Hebrew: *zikaron*) signifies a lasting name or remembrance. Denying a "memorial" means they would have no historical legacy or future recognition within the holy city. This comprehensive exclusion was essential to protect the spiritual and physical integrity of the rebuilt Jerusalem and its covenant community from those who actively sought to undermine God's work. It established a clear boundary between God's chosen people and those who were hostile to His purposes, ensuring the purity of the rebuilding effort and the identity of the community, as God had established a covenant with Israel, not with surrounding hostile nations [Deuteronomy 7:6](/deuteronomy/7-6 "Deuteronomy 7:6 - A Holy People").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 2:20, with its declaration of divine prosperity and the exclusion of adversaries, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as "The God of heaven" prospered Nehemiah's work, so too did God the Father empower and prosper the redemptive mission of His Son, Jesus, who declared, "I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it" [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Jesus Builds His Church"). Jesus is the true builder of a spiritual Jerusalem, the new covenant community, which is His body, the Church. Those who are "His servants" in the New Covenant are called to "arise and build" by participating in the Great Commission, empowered by the Holy Spirit [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Power to Witness"). Crucially, just as Nehemiah declared that the adversaries had "no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem," so too does the New Testament distinguish between those who are truly part of God's kingdom and those who are not. Those who reject Christ have no spiritual "portion" in the inheritance of the saints [Ephesians 1:11](/ephesians/1-11 "Ephesians 1:11 - Our Inheritance in Christ"), no "right" to the tree of life [Revelation 22:14](/revelation/22-14 "Revelation 22:14 - Right to the Tree of Life"), and no "memorial" in the Lamb's Book of Life [Revelation 20:15](/revelation/20-15 "Revelation 20:15 - Book of Life"). Jesus Himself is the ultimate "memorial," the living stone upon whom the spiritual temple is built, and those who believe in Him are living stones in that temple [1 Peter 2:4-5](/1_peter/2-4 "1 Peter 2:4-5 - Living Stones"). Thus, Nehemiah's declaration foreshadows the definitive spiritual reality established by Christ, where salvation and belonging are found exclusively in Him, and all who oppose His kingdom are ultimately excluded from its eternal blessings.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezra 4:3

But Zerubbabel, and Jeshua, and the rest of the chief of the fathers of Israel, said unto them, Ye have nothing to do with us to build an house unto our God; but we ourselves together will build unto the LORD God of Israel, as king Cyrus the king of Persia hath commanded us.

Acts 8:21

Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.

Nehemiah 2:4

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

Psalms 35:27

Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

Acts 10:31

And said, Cornelius, thy prayer is heard, and thine alms are had in remembrance in the sight of God.

Psalms 51:18

Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Ecclesiastes 7:18

[It is] good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all.