Nehemiah 4:23

KJV

So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, [saving that] every one put them off for washing.

KJV (with Strong's)

So neither I, nor my brethren {H251}, nor my servants {H5288}, nor the men {H582} of the guard {H4929} which followed {H310} me, none of us {H587} put off {H6584} our clothes {H899}, saving that every one {H376} put them off {H7973} for washing {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I, my kinsmen, my servants and my bodyguards never took off our clothes, and everyone who went to get water took his weapon.

Berean Standard Bible

So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the guards with me changed out of our clothes; each carried his weapon, even to go for water.

American Standard Version

So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard that followed me, none of us put off our clothes, every one went with his weapon to the water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 4:23 vividly encapsulates the extraordinary dedication and unwavering vigilance of Nehemiah and the Jewish people as they rebuilt Jerusalem's walls under constant threat. This verse highlights their profound commitment to the divine task, symbolized by their continuous readiness, foregoing even basic personal routines like changing clothes, with the sole exception being the necessity of washing for hygiene. It speaks to a shared sacrifice and an intense focus on the mission, demonstrating a community united in purpose against formidable opposition.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 4:23 serves as the climactic statement of the chapter's theme: the relentless opposition faced by the builders and their equally relentless response. The preceding verses detail the mockery and conspiracy of adversaries like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who sought to hinder the work and attack the people ([Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Conspiracy Against Jerusalem")). In response, Nehemiah organized the builders to work with one hand and hold a weapon with the other ([Nehemiah 4:17-18](/nehemiah/4-17 "Nehemiah 4:17-18 - Builders Armed")), ensuring constant readiness. This verse, therefore, is not merely a historical detail but a powerful summary of the extreme vigilance and commitment required to overcome the persistent threats and complete the monumental task of rebuilding the city's defenses. It underscores the physical and mental toll of their unwavering dedication.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-exilic Jerusalem, a city still largely in ruins after the Babylonian destruction. The Jewish exiles, under the decree of the Persian king Artaxerxes, had returned to rebuild their homeland and, crucially, its protective walls. This was not merely a construction project but a restoration of national identity, religious life, and security. The surrounding peoples, particularly the Samaritans, Ammonites, and Arabs, viewed this resurgence with hostility, fearing a re-establishment of Jewish power. In this volatile environment, constant vigilance was not a choice but a necessity for survival. Ancient cities without walls were vulnerable, and the rebuilding effort was a direct challenge to the regional powers who preferred a weak and undefended Jerusalem. The act of not removing clothes, even for sleep, speaks to a military-like readiness, common in times of siege or intense threat, where personal comfort was entirely secondary to collective security.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully illustrates several core themes found throughout the book of Nehemiah and the broader biblical narrative. First, it highlights **unwavering commitment and perseverance** in the face of adversity, demonstrating how dedication to God's calling can transcend personal comfort. Second, it underscores the importance of **constant vigilance**, both physically against external threats and spiritually against forces that oppose God's work. Third, Nehemiah's inclusion of himself in the verse ("neither I, nor my brethren...") exemplifies **leadership by example**, a crucial element in inspiring and uniting a community for a shared, difficult task, as seen in his earlier call to rebuild ([Nehemiah 2:17](/nehemiah/2-17 "Nehemiah 2:17 - Nehemiah's Call to Rebuild")). Fourth, it showcases the theme of **sacrifice for a greater purpose**, where personal hardship is willingly embraced for the restoration of God's city and people. Finally, while emphasizing human effort, it operates within the broader context of Nehemiah's deep reliance on God's protection and provision, as he consistently prayed and trusted that God would fight for them ([Nehemiah 4:9](/nehemiah/4-4 "Nehemiah 4:9 - Prayer and Guard") and [Nehemiah 4:20](/nehemiah/4-20 "Nehemiah 4:20 - God Fights for Them")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Clothes (בֶּגֶד, _beged_):** This Hebrew term refers to outer garments, often worn continuously throughout the day and even slept in by the poor in ancient Israel (cf. [Exodus 22:26-27](/exodus/22-26 "Exodus 22:26-26 - Pledging Garments")). In this context, "not putting off their clothes" signifies a state of continuous readiness and preparedness for action, whether work or defense. It implies that they were always dressed and armed, ready to respond to any alarm or attack, foregoing the comfort and relaxation associated with disrobing for sleep or rest.
* **Saving that (בִּלְתִּי, _bilti_):** This particle functions as an exception or exclusion. The KJV's "saving that" accurately conveys the sense of "except that" or "unless." It highlights the singular, necessary exception to their otherwise unbroken state of readiness. The phrase emphasizes the extreme nature of their commitment by pointing out the only permissible interruption to their constant preparedness.
* **Washing (רַחַץ, _rachatz_):** This refers to the act of bathing or cleansing. The inclusion of "for washing" as the sole exception is significant. It acknowledges the absolute necessity of basic hygiene, not just for personal comfort but for health, especially during prolonged periods of intense physical labor in a dusty, ancient environment. Even in their extreme dedication, a practical and health-conscious allowance was made, underscoring that their commitment was intense but not utterly self-destructive.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me,"**: This opening clause establishes the comprehensive scope of the dedication. Nehemiah, as the leader, explicitly includes himself, setting a powerful example. "My brethren" likely refers to his close associates or fellow leaders, while "my servants" indicates his personal staff. "The men of the guard which followed me" refers to his personal escort or military contingent. This detailed enumeration underscores that the commitment was universal, from the top leader down through various ranks, highlighting shared hardship and unity of purpose.
* **"none of us put off our clothes,"**: This is the core statement of the verse, vividly illustrating the extreme vigilance. It means they remained fully dressed, and by implication, ready for immediate action, whether to work or to fight. This signifies a profound level of readiness, where the normal routine of disrobing for sleep or rest was suspended. It speaks to a constant state of alertness, emphasizing that their focus on the task and defense superseded personal comfort.
* **"[saving that] every one put them off for washing."**: This crucial exception clause clarifies the extent of their readiness. The only time they removed their clothes was for the essential act of washing. This highlights two things: first, the absolute minimum interruption to their state of preparedness, reinforcing the idea of extreme dedication; and second, a practical concession to human necessity, acknowledging that even in intense devotion, basic hygiene and health could not be entirely neglected. It implies that even this act was likely done quickly and perhaps in shifts, maintaining overall vigilance.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 4:23 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, as the statement "none of us put off our clothes" is an exaggeration used for emphasis. While they certainly must have had some form of rest and personal care, the hyperbole effectively communicates an almost continuous state of readiness, minimizing any break from the work or guard duty. This extreme portrayal underscores their unwavering commitment. Additionally, there is an element of **Synecdoche**, where "clothes" represent the broader concept of personal comfort, routine, and the ability to fully rest. By stating they did not put off their clothes, the text implies a suspension of normal life and personal ease. The verse also functions as a powerful **Symbolism** of total dedication; the constant wearing of clothes symbolizes an unceasing readiness for spiritual and physical battle, prioritizing the sacred task above all personal convenience. Finally, the use of the **Exception Clause** ("saving that every one put them off for washing") serves to heighten the sense of extreme dedication by highlighting the sole, unavoidable interruption to their vigilance. This specific detail reinforces the extraordinary nature of their commitment.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 4:23 offers profound theological and thematic connections, demonstrating that the principles of vigilance, dedication, and sacrifice are timeless and essential for God's people. The builders' unwavering commitment to the physical restoration of Jerusalem's walls serves as a powerful metaphor for the spiritual building and defense of God's kingdom today. Just as they faced external opposition, believers are called to be spiritually alert and prepared for the challenges of spiritual warfare, maintaining diligence in their faith and service. This verse underscores that significant spiritual work often demands extraordinary effort, perseverance, and a willingness to set aside personal comfort for the sake of God's purposes. It reminds us that our commitment to Christ and His mission should be characterized by a readiness to serve and stand firm, even amidst trials.

* [Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - Put on the Full Armor of God")
* [1 Peter 5:8](/1_peter/5-8 "1 Peter 5:8 - Be Sober-Minded and Watchful")
* [Hebrews 12:1-2](/hebrews/12-1 "Hebrews 12:1-2 - Run with Perseverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 4:23 challenges believers to examine the depth of their own commitment to God's work and their spiritual walk. In a world that often prioritizes comfort and ease, this verse calls for a radical dedication, a willingness to forgo personal convenience for the sake of a greater, divine purpose. It encourages us to cultivate a spirit of vigilance, recognizing that spiritual battles require constant readiness and that the work of building God's kingdom demands sustained effort and perseverance. Whether in our personal discipleship, our family lives, or our engagement in ministry, the example of Nehemiah and the builders reminds us that true devotion often involves sacrifice and an unwavering focus on the task at hand. While we are not called to literally sleep in our clothes, the spirit of this verse urges us to be "clothed" in readiness, prepared to serve, pray, and stand firm in our faith, always alert to the opportunities and challenges God places before us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "walls" is God calling you to build or defend in your life or community today, and what level of dedication are you bringing to that task?**
* **In what areas of your spiritual life might you be "putting off your clothes" (i.e., becoming complacent or unprepared)?**
* **How can you cultivate a greater sense of "constant vigilance" in your walk with God, balancing spiritual discipline with necessary rest and self-care?**
* **How does Nehemiah's leadership by example inspire you to lead or serve with greater commitment and shared sacrifice?**

### FAQ
**Does this verse imply they never slept or changed clothes at all?**

Answer: No, the verse should be understood as a hyperbolic expression emphasizing an extreme and continuous state of readiness, rather than a literal denial of all rest or hygiene. The phrase "saving that every one put them off for washing" provides the crucial exception, indicating that they did remove their clothes for the necessary act of washing. This detail highlights that their commitment was intense and unwavering, minimizing any breaks from their work or guard duty, but not to the point of completely neglecting basic human needs for health and cleanliness. It speaks to a profound dedication where personal comfort was entirely secondary to the urgent task of rebuilding and defending Jerusalem.

**What does "saving that" mean in this context?**

Answer: "Saving that" is an archaic English phrase that means "except that" or "unless." In Nehemiah 4:23, it functions as a critical qualifier, indicating the sole exception to the general rule that "none of us put off our clothes." It highlights that the only time they would remove their garments was for the purpose of washing. This emphasizes the extraordinary level of commitment and vigilance, as even basic personal routines were set aside unless absolutely necessary for hygiene.

**How does Nehemiah's leadership in this verse apply to modern leaders?**

Answer: Nehemiah's leadership in this verse provides a powerful model for modern leaders, whether in ministry, business, or community. By including himself ("neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants..."), Nehemiah demonstrates **leadership by example**. He did not ask his people to endure hardships he was unwilling to share. This shared sacrifice fostered unity, trust, and inspired his followers to match his dedication. It teaches that effective leadership often involves being in the trenches with those you lead, bearing the burden together, and maintaining an unwavering focus on the mission, even when it demands personal cost. This fosters a culture of commitment and resilience, as seen in the successful completion of the walls ([Nehemiah 6:15](/nehemiah/6-15 "Nehemiah 6:15 - Wall Completed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 4:23, with its depiction of unwavering dedication and sacrifice for a divine task, finds its ultimate fulfillment and most profound expression in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Nehemiah and his people demonstrated extreme commitment to rebuild physical walls, Christ came to build an eternal kingdom and to reconcile humanity to God. Jesus's entire earthly ministry was characterized by an unparalleled vigilance and dedication to His Father's will, often foregoing personal comfort and rest for the sake of His mission. He was constantly "clothed" in readiness to preach the gospel, heal the sick, and confront spiritual darkness, never deviating from His divine purpose. His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross, where He "emptied himself" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Emptied Himself")) and endured immense suffering, far surpasses the physical hardships of the builders, demonstrating the ultimate commitment to a "greater purpose" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Hebrews 12:2 - Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Our Faith")). Just as Nehemiah's work secured a city, Christ's work secured salvation and established His Church, against which "the gates of hell shall not prevail" ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - The Church Built on the Rock")). His cry "It is finished!" ([John 19:30](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It Is Finished")) was the declaration of a mission perfectly accomplished through unwavering dedication, a dedication that continues as He intercedes for His people and builds His spiritual temple.

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

Judges 5:11

[They that are delivered] from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there shall they rehearse the righteous acts of the LORD, [even] the righteous acts [toward the inhabitants] of his villages in Israel: then shall the people of the LORD go down to the gates.

Judges 9:48

And Abimelech gat him up to mount Zalmon, he and all the people that [were] with him; and Abimelech took an axe in his hand, and cut down a bough from the trees, and took it, and laid [it] on his shoulder, and said unto the people that [were] with him, What ye have seen me do, make haste, [and] do as I [have done].

1 Corinthians 15:10

But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which [was bestowed] upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

Nehemiah 5:16

Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants [were] gathered thither unto the work.

Nehemiah 7:2

That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he [was] a faithful man, and feared God above many.