Nehemiah 4:14

KJV

And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I looked {H7200}, and rose up {H6965}, and said {H559} unto the nobles {H2715}, and to the rulers {H5461}, and to the rest {H3499} of the people {H5971}, Be not ye afraid {H3372} of them {H6440}: remember {H2142} the Lord {H136}, which is great {H1419} and terrible {H3372}, and fight {H3898} for your brethren {H251}, your sons {H1121}, and your daughters {H1323}, your wives {H802}, and your houses {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

After inspecting them, I stood up and addressed the nobles, leaders and the rest of the people: "Don't be afraid of them! Remember Adonai, who is great and fearful; and fight for your brothers, sons, daughters, wives and homes."

Berean Standard Bible

After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.”

American Standard Version

And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 4:14 captures a pivotal moment in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, where Nehemiah confronts the widespread fear among the Jewish exiles due to escalating enemy threats. This verse showcases Nehemiah's courageous leadership as he rallies the people, urging them to overcome their apprehension by remembering the awe-inspiring power and character of the Lord. He then galvanizes them to fight not merely for the physical structure of the wall, but for the preservation of their families, homes, and community, transforming their fear into resolute action grounded in faith and conviction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 4:14 is situated within a narrative of intense opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Following the initial mockery from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem in [Nehemiah 2:19](/nehemiah/2-19 "Nehemiah 2:19 - Mockery of the Builders"), the enemies' hostility escalates dramatically in chapter 4. As the wall progresses, their derision turns into a conspiracy to attack Jerusalem and disrupt the work ([Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Enemy Conspiracy")). This tangible threat instilled great fear among the builders, leading to demoralization and a sense of vulnerability. In response, Nehemiah strategically armed the workers and organized watches ([Nehemiah 4:9](/nehemiah/4-4 "Nehemiah 4:9 - Prayer and Watchfulness")), but recognized the need for a spiritual and psychological rallying cry. Verse 14 is Nehemiah's direct, powerful address to the leaders and the people, designed to reorient their focus from their formidable enemies to their mighty God, thereby restoring their courage and resolve to complete the task.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Nehemiah unfold in the post-exilic period, specifically around 445 BCE, during the reign of Artaxerxes I of Persia. The Jewish people, having returned from Babylonian captivity, were a vulnerable minority in their ancestral land, surrounded by hostile neighbors like the Samaritans, Ammonites, and Arabs, who viewed the restoration of Jerusalem's defenses as a threat to their regional influence. The rebuilding of the wall was not merely a construction project; it was an act of national and religious restoration, signifying the re-establishment of Jewish identity, security, and a distinct covenant community. In this ancient Near Eastern context, city walls were paramount for defense, symbolizing a city's strength, independence, and the safety of its inhabitants. The enemies' threats were not idle; they represented a genuine danger of military incursion, plunder, and the potential re-enslavement or annihilation of the nascent community. Nehemiah's call to "fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses" directly appeals to the ancient patriarchal and communal values where the protection of family and property was a sacred duty.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical theology. It highlights the theme of **Overcoming Adversity Through Faith**, demonstrating how spiritual leadership can transform fear into courage by directing attention towards God's sovereignty rather than the magnitude of the challenge. The command to "remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible" underscores the theme of **God's Majestic Power and Sovereignty**, reminding the people that their God is infinitely more powerful than any earthly opposition, a truth echoed throughout scripture, such as in [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - God of gods and Lord of lords"). Furthermore, Nehemiah's appeal to fight for family and home emphasizes the theme of **Defending God's People and Covenant Values**, illustrating that spiritual and physical battles are often intertwined with the preservation of community, identity, and the values entrusted by God. Finally, the verse exemplifies **Godly Leadership in Crisis**, as Nehemiah's actions—observing, rising, speaking, and inspiring—provide a model for how leaders can empower their people to persevere in the face of daunting challenges, trusting in divine assistance, as seen in [Proverbs 29:18](/proverbs/29-18 "Proverbs 29:18 - Where there is no vision, the people perish").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zakhar'_):** This is more than a mere mental recollection; it implies a deep, active engagement with past truths and experiences. In a biblical context, to "remember" God means to call to mind His character, His covenant promises, His mighty acts of deliverance (e.g., the Exodus), and to allow these truths to shape one's present actions and attitudes. It is a call to trust in God's faithfulness and power, which directly counters the fear induced by the enemies.
* **Great and Terrible (Hebrew, _gadol v'nora'_):** This powerful phrase describes God's attributes. _Gadol_ (גדול) signifies "great," "mighty," "magnificent," or "vast," emphasizing His immense power and authority. _Nora_ (נורא), derived from the root _yare_ (to fear, to revere), means "awe-inspiring," "dreadful," or "reverence-inducing." It does not suggest a God who causes terror in His people, but rather one whose majesty, holiness, and power are so overwhelming that they evoke profound reverence, holy fear, and worship. This combined description reminds the people that their God is not only infinitely powerful but also worthy of ultimate respect and trust, far surpassing the strength of any human adversary.
* **Fight (Hebrew, _lacham'_):** This verb means "to fight," "to wage war," or "to contend." In this context, it is a call to active, courageous engagement against the threats. It implies not only physical defense but also a spiritual resolve to resist the demoralizing tactics of the enemy. Nehemiah is not advocating for offensive warfare but for a determined, defensive stance to protect what is most precious to them—their families and their homes—which are foundational to the covenant community.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people,"**: This opening clause establishes Nehemiah's active and decisive leadership. "I looked" implies a careful assessment of the situation, recognizing the fear and demoralization among the people. "Rose up" indicates a posture of authority and readiness for action, signifying his intention to address the crisis directly. His address to "the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people" demonstrates his comprehensive approach, ensuring that his message reached all levels of society, from the leadership down to the common laborer, fostering unity in purpose.
* **"Be not ye afraid of them:"**: This is a direct, imperative command, confronting the pervasive fear that had gripped the community. Nehemiah acknowledges their legitimate apprehension but immediately challenges them to reject it. This command serves as a necessary prerequisite for any effective action, as fear paralyzes and demoralizes. It sets the stage for the antidote he is about to offer.
* **"remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible,"**: This is the theological core of Nehemiah's exhortation and the antidote to fear. The command to "remember" is not passive recall but an active, faith-filled commitment to God's character and past actions. By remembering the Lord as "great and terrible" (awe-inspiring in power and majesty), the people are called to shift their focus from the perceived might of their enemies to the absolute sovereignty and overwhelming power of their God. This divine perspective minimizes the threat of their adversaries in comparison to the limitless capacity of the Almighty.
* **"and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses."**: This concluding clause provides the practical application and motivation for their renewed courage. The command to "fight" is directly linked to the remembrance of God's character. It transforms a potentially overwhelming task into a sacred duty—a defense of their most cherished possessions: their families and their homes. This appeal to their deepest loyalties and natural affections provides a powerful, tangible reason to overcome fear and persevere, underscoring that their labor and potential conflict are not abstract but profoundly personal and communal.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 4:14 employs several potent literary devices to achieve its persuasive effect. The primary device is **Exhortation**, a direct and passionate appeal designed to encourage, motivate, and inspire action. Nehemiah's words are a powerful call to courage and faith in the face of overwhelming odds. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between the "fear" of the enemies and the "remembrance" of God, presenting two opposing responses to adversity and highlighting the superior alternative rooted in faith. The verse also uses **Parallelism** in the list of what they are to fight for ("your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses"), creating a rhythmic and emphatic appeal to their most fundamental values and relationships. This list also functions as a form of **Climax**, building from broader community ("brethren") to the most intimate and personal ("your houses"), intensifying the sense of what is at stake. Finally, the phrase "great and terrible" functions as a powerful **Epithet** for God, a descriptive title that encapsulates His awe-inspiring nature and serves as a foundational truth upon which their courage is to be built.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 4:14 offers profound theological insights into the nature of God, the human response to fear, and the call to courageous action in the face of opposition. It teaches that true courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in faith despite it, grounded in a robust understanding of God's character. The command to "remember the Lord" underscores the biblical principle that our theological understanding directly impacts our practical living; a vibrant memory of God's greatness and His past faithfulness is the antidote to present anxieties. This verse also highlights the sacred duty to protect and preserve God's people and their heritage, demonstrating that spiritual battles often manifest in tangible ways, requiring both prayerful reliance on God and active, responsible engagement from His people. It is a powerful reminder that God's people are called to be vigilant and resolute in defending their faith, families, and communities against forces that seek to undermine them.

* [Deuteronomy 10:17](/deuteronomy/10-17 "Deuteronomy 10:17 - The Great, Mighty, and Awesome God")
* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is My Light and My Salvation")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Isaiah 41:10 - Do Not Fear, For I Am With You")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 4:14 resonates deeply with believers today, offering timeless principles for navigating life's inevitable challenges. We, too, face "enemies"—whether they be spiritual attacks, societal pressures, personal anxieties, or circumstances that threaten our faith, families, or values. In such moments, the temptation to succumb to fear and despair is strong. Nehemiah's exhortation calls us to a radical reorientation: instead of fixating on the size of the threat, we are to fix our gaze upon the greatness of our God. Remembering His sovereignty, His power, and His unwavering faithfulness transforms our perspective, enabling us to move from paralysis to purposeful action. This verse encourages us to stand firm, not just for ourselves, but for those we love and for the spiritual heritage we are called to uphold. It is a call to courageous vigilance, to actively engage in the spiritual battles of our day, trusting that the "great and terrible" Lord fights alongside us as we contend for what is right and true.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "enemies" or fears are currently threatening your peace or hindering your spiritual progress?**
* **How does actively "remembering the Lord" – His character, His past faithfulness, His promises – shift your perspective on these challenges?**
* **For what "brethren, sons, daughters, wives, and houses" (i.e., people, values, or aspects of your life/faith) are you called to courageously "fight" today?**
* **In what practical ways can you demonstrate courageous faith and vigilance in your current circumstances?**

### FAQ
**What does "great and terrible" mean when referring to God?**

Answer: The phrase "great and terrible" (Hebrew: _gadol v'nora_) does not imply that God is terrifying in a negative sense, but rather that He is awe-inspiring, majestic, and supremely powerful. "Great" (_gadol_) speaks to His immense power, authority, and magnificence. "Terrible" (_nora_) comes from a root meaning "to fear" or "to revere," indicating that His holiness and might are so overwhelming they evoke profound reverence, dread, and worship. It's a "holy fear" that acknowledges His sovereignty and absolute superiority over all creation and any earthly adversaries. This description is meant to inspire confidence and trust in His protective power, not to instill paralyzing dread in His people. It reminds us that our God is far greater than any challenge or enemy we might face, as also seen in [Deuteronomy 7:21](/deuteronomy/7-21 "Deuteronomy 7:21 - The Lord Your God is Among You, a Great and Awesome God").

**Why were the people so afraid, and how did Nehemiah address their fear?**

Answer: The people were gripped by fear because of the escalating and very real threats from their surrounding enemies, primarily Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. These adversaries had moved beyond mockery to conspiring to launch a direct military attack on Jerusalem, which would have halted the wall-building, potentially resulted in casualties, and re-established their dominance over the Jewish returnees. The builders were exhausted, vulnerable, and outnumbered, leading to widespread demoralization. Nehemiah addressed their fear by first acknowledging it ("Be not ye afraid of them"), then immediately providing the spiritual antidote: a command to "remember the Lord, [which is] great and terrible." He redirected their focus from the visible threat to the invisible, yet infinitely more powerful, God. He then provided a tangible, motivating reason to fight: the protection of their families and homes, grounding their spiritual resolve in their deepest human affections and responsibilities. This strategic combination of theological truth and practical motivation empowered them to overcome their fear and resume the work with renewed courage, as described in [Nehemiah 4:15-18](/nehemiah/4-15 "Nehemiah 4:15-18 - The Work Continues with Arms and Tools").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 4:14, while a powerful Old Testament example of courageous faith, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deeper meaning in Christ. The "great and terrible" Lord whom Nehemiah exhorted the people to remember is fully revealed in Jesus Christ, who embodies the fullness of God's power and majesty, yet also His profound love and redemptive purpose. While Nehemiah's people fought for physical walls and families, believers today are called to engage in a spiritual battle, not against "flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places" ([Ephesians 6:12](/ephesians/6-12 "Ephesians 6:12 - The Spiritual Battle")). Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God and the conquering Lion of Judah, has already secured the decisive victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness through His crucifixion and resurrection ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). Our "fight" is therefore one of faith, perseverance, and standing firm in the truth of the Gospel, knowing that our Captain has already won the war. We remember the Lord Jesus, who is truly "great and terrible" in His saving power, and we fight for the advancement of His Kingdom, the spiritual well-being of our "brethren," and the sanctity of our "houses" as places of worship and discipleship, empowered by the Holy Spirit and assured of His ultimate triumph ([Philippians 1:27](/philippians/1-27 "Philippians 1:27 - Stand Firm in One Spirit")).

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

Numbers 14:9

Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they [are] bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD [is] with us: fear them not.

2 Samuel 10:12

Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.

Isaiah 41:10

¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

Isaiah 41:14

Fear not, thou worm Jacob, [and] ye men of Israel; I will help thee, saith the LORD, and thy redeemer, the Holy One of Israel.

Hebrews 13:6

So that we may boldly say, The Lord [is] my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.

Matthew 10:28

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.

Psalms 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.