Nehemiah 4:23

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.

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}.

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

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.

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

Context

Nehemiah 4:23 concludes a chapter detailing the intense challenges faced by Nehemiah and the Jewish exiles as they sought to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. After returning from Babylonian captivity, their efforts were met with fierce opposition from neighboring adversaries like Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, who mocked their work and conspired to attack them (Nehemiah 4:7-8). In response, Nehemiah organized the people to work with one hand and hold a weapon with the other, maintaining constant vigil (Nehemiah 4:17-18), while also praying to God and setting a guard.

Meaning and Key Themes

This verse vividly illustrates the extraordinary level of dedication and vigilance required to complete the monumental task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls under threat. Key themes include:

  • Unwavering Commitment: The phrase "none of us put off our clothes" signifies an almost continuous state of readiness, a profound commitment to the work that superseded personal comfort and routine.
  • Constant Vigilance: The exception, "saving that every one put them off for washing," underscores that personal hygiene was the only necessary interruption to their preparedness, highlighting the extreme level of alertness maintained against potential attacks.
  • Leadership by Example: Nehemiah, as the leader, includes himself ("neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard"), demonstrating that his personal sacrifice mirrored that of his people. This shared hardship fostered unity and resolve.
  • Sacrifice for a Greater Purpose: The people understood the critical importance of their mission—restoring the holy city and its defenses—and were willing to endure significant personal hardship for its completion.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV's phrasing, "saving that every one put them off for washing," clearly emphasizes the sole reason for disrobing. The Hebrew text similarly conveys this sense of extreme dedication with a single exception. It highlights that even basic necessities like changing clothes for sleep were foregone in favor of maintaining readiness, only allowing for the absolute necessity of washing, which would have been crucial for hygiene and health during prolonged periods of intense labor.

Practical Application

Nehemiah 4:23 offers powerful lessons for believers today:

  • Spiritual Diligence: It calls for a similar level of commitment and vigilance in our spiritual lives. Just as the builders were ready for physical attack, believers are called to be prepared for spiritual warfare and to stand firm in their faith (1 Peter 5:8).
  • Dedication to God's Work: Whether in ministry, family, or personal calling, this verse encourages a spirit of unwavering devotion and perseverance, even when facing opposition or hardship.
  • Leading by Example: For those in positions of leadership, Nehemiah's personal commitment serves as a model, inspiring others through shared sacrifice and dedication to a common, God-given vision.
  • Balancing Effort and Trust: While the verse showcases intense human effort, it operates within the broader context of Nehemiah's consistent prayer and trust that God would fight for them (Nehemiah 4:20). It reminds us that our diligence should be coupled with reliance on divine strength.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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.
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