Nehemiah 4:17

They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, [every one] with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other [hand] held a weapon.

They which builded {H1129} on the wall {H2346}, and they that bare {H5375} burdens {H5447}, with those that laded {H6006}, every one with one {H259} of his hands {H3027} wrought {H6213} in the work {H4399}, and with the other {H259} hand held {H2388} a weapon {H7973}.

as they continued building the wall. Those who carried loads held their loads with one hand and carried a weapon in the other.

who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.

They that builded the wall and they that bare burdens laded themselves; every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other held his weapon;

Commentary

Nehemiah 4:17 vividly portrays the intense dedication and constant vigilance required of the Jewish exiles as they rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem under Nehemiah's leadership. This verse captures a pivotal moment of simultaneous labor and defense, highlighting the challenges faced by God's people in fulfilling His purposes.

Context

Following their return from Babylonian captivity, the Jewish community in Jerusalem faced immense opposition to their efforts to restore the city's defenses. Led by Nehemiah, a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, the people began the monumental task of rebuilding the collapsed walls. However, local adversaries like Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite relentlessly mocked, threatened, and conspired against them (Nehemiah 4:1-3). In response, Nehemiah organized the people not only to work but also to stand guard, famously stating, "we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night" (Nehemiah 4:9). Verse 17 illustrates the practical implementation of this defensive strategy, where every builder was also a warrior.

Key Themes

  • Diligence and Vigilance: The verse powerfully demonstrates the necessity of balancing productive work ("wrought in the work") with constant readiness for defense ("held a weapon"). This dual focus was crucial for their survival and success in rebuilding Jerusalem's wall.
  • Perseverance Amidst Opposition: Despite significant threats and discouragement, the people did not cease their labor. Their commitment to the task, even in the face of danger, is a testament to their perseverance and faith in God's call.
  • Unified Effort and Shared Responsibility: The phrase "every one" emphasizes that this burden of work and defense was shared by all, from those laying stones to those carrying materials. This communal effort was vital for the rapid completion of the wall and highlights the strength of a united community.
  • God's Protection and Providence: While the verse highlights human effort, the broader narrative of Nehemiah underscores God's hand in empowering and protecting His people, allowing them to complete an otherwise impossible task (Nehemiah 6:16).

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "wrought in the work" translates the Hebrew 'asah bamlฤkฤh (ืขึธืฉื‚ึธื” ื‘ึผึทืžึผึฐืœึธืื›ึธื”), literally "did in the work" or "worked at the task." The simplicity of the language here emphasizes the straightforward, demanding nature of their labor. The imagery of one hand building and the other holding a weapon (shelach, ืฉึถืืœึทื—, meaning 'weapon' or 'dart') paints a vivid picture of multi-tasking under duress, a literal embodiment of preparedness and the urgent necessity of defense.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 4:17 offers timeless principles for believers today. We are called to be diligent in our spiritual and practical endeavors, whether it's growing in faith, serving in ministry, or excelling in our daily vocations (Colossians 3:23). Simultaneously, we must remain spiritually vigilant, recognizing that we face spiritual opposition. This means engaging in "spiritual warfare" through prayer, reliance on God's Word, and putting on the full armor of God. The verse reminds us that progress in God's kingdom often requires both dedicated effort and constant watchfulness against the schemes of the enemy, trusting that the Lord ultimately builds and guards (Psalm 127:1).

Note: If the commentary doesnโ€™t appear instantly, please allow 2โ€“5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Timothy 4:7

    I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

  • 2 Corinthians 6:7

    By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left,

  • 2 Timothy 2:3

    Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:13

    ยถ Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.

  • Ephesians 6:11

    Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

  • Ephesians 6:20

    For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

  • 1 Corinthians 16:9

    For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and [there are] many adversaries.
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