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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Nehemiah 4:16 And from that day on, half of my servants did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers stationed themselves behind all the people of Judah</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/16_Neh_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 4:16 - Discouragement Overcome" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And from that day on, half of my servants did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. 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The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> But from then on, only half my men worked while the other half stood guard with spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. The leaders stationed themselves behind the people of Judah <a href="/esv/nehemiah/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and coats of mail. And the leaders stood behind the whole house of Judah, <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> And from that day on, half of my servants did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers stationed themselves behind all the people of Judah <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/4.htm">King James Bible</a> And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/4.htm">New King James Version</a> So it was, from that time on, that half of my servants worked at construction, while the other half held the spears, the shields, the bows, and wore armor; and the leaders were behind all the house of Judah. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And from that day on, half of my servants carried on the work while half of them kept hold of the spears, the shields, the bows, and the coats of mail; and the captains were behind all the house of Judah. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> From that day on, half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows and the breastplates; and the captains were behind the whole house of Judah. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And it came about from that day on, that half of my servants carried on the work while half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows, and the breastplates; and the captains were behind the whole house of Judah. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And it happened that from that day on, half of my young men carried on the work while half of them took hold of the spears, the shields, the bows, and the breastplates; and the commanders were behind the whole house of Judah. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> From that day on, half of my servants carried on the work while the other half held the spears, shields, bows, and breastplates; and the captains were behind the whole house of Judah. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers supported all the people of Judah, <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers supported all the people of Judah, <a href="/asv/nehemiah/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And it came to pass from that time forth, that half of my servants wrought in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> From then on, I let half of the young men work while the other half stood guard. They wore armor and had spears and shields, as well as bows and arrows. The leaders helped the workers <a href="/erv/nehemiah/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And it came to pass from that time forth, that half of my servants wrought in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> From that day on, half of my men worked on the wall, and the other half were wearing body armor and holding spears, shields, and bows. The leaders stood behind all the Judeans <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> From then on half of my men worked and half stood guard, wearing coats of armor and armed with spears, shields, and bows. And our leaders gave their full support to the people <a href="/isv/nehemiah/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> From that day on, half of my helpers engaged in the work while the other half kept spears, shields, bows, and armor ready. The senior officials backed all of the Judeans <a href="/msb/nehemiah/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> And from that day on, half of my servants did the work while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers stationed themselves behind all the people of Judah <a href="/net/nehemiah/4.htm">NET Bible</a> From that day forward, half of my men were doing the work and half of them were taking up spears, shields, bows, and body armor. Now the officers were behind all the people of Judah <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> It happened from that time forth that half of my servants would do the work and half of them held the spears, and the shields, and the bows, and the body armor; and the rulers stood behind the whole house of Judah <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And it came to pass, from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. <a href="/web/nehemiah/4.htm">World English Bible</a> From that time forth, half of my servants did the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> indeed, it comes to pass, from that day, half of my servants are working in the business, and half of them are keeping hold of both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the heads [are] behind all the house of Judah. <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> yea, it cometh to pass, from that day, half of my servants are working in the business, and half of them are keeping hold of both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the heads are behind all the house of Judah. <a href="/slt/nehemiah/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And it will be from that day the half of my young men doing in the work, and half of them holding fast and the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the chiefs behind every house of Judah.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And it came to pass from that day forward, that half of their young men did the work, and half were ready for to fight, with spears, and shields, and bows, and coats of mail, and the rulers were behind them in all the house of Juda. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And it happened that, from that day, half of their young men were doing the work, and half were prepared for war with lances, and shields, and bows, and armor. And the leaders were behind them in all the house of Judah. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/4.htm">New American Bible</a> From that time on, however, only half my work force took a hand in the work, while the other half, armed with spears, bucklers, bows, and breastplates, stood guard behind the whole house of Judah <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> From that day on, half of my servants worked on construction, and half held the spears, shields, bows, and body-armor; and the leaders posted themselves behind the whole house of Judah,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And from that day forth, half of my servants and half of the people were engaged in the work, and the other half of them held the spears, the shields, the bows, and the coats of mail; and the ministers stood behind the Jews and were building the wall. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And half of the young men from that day, and more than half of the people they made workers and half of them were holding spears and shields and bows and breastplates, and the workers stood behind the Jews and were building the wall.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And it came to pass from that time forth, that half of my servants wrought in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And it came to pass from that day that half of them that had been driven forth, wrought the work, and half of them kept guard; and there were spears, and shields, and bows, and breast-plates, and rulers behind the whole house of Juda, <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=932" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Discouragement Overcome</a> …15When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall. 16<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">And</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">from</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hū (Art:: Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: hay·yō·wm (Art:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day on,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2677.htm" title="2677: ḥă·ṣî (N-msc) -- Half. From chatsah; the half or middle.">half</a> <a href="/hebrew/5288.htm" title="5288: nə·‘ā·ray (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- A boy, lad, youth, retainer. From na'ar; a boy, from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also, a girl.">of my servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">did</a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: bam·mə·lā·ḵāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment or work; also property.">the work</a> <a href="/hebrew/2677.htm" title="2677: wə·ḥeṣ·yām (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3mp) -- Half. From chatsah; the half or middle.">while the other half</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: ma·ḥă·zî·qîm (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">held</a> <a href="/hebrew/7420.htm" title="7420: wə·hā·rə·mā·ḥîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- A spear, lance. From an unused root meaning to hurl; a lance; especially the iron point.">spears,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4043.htm" title="4043: ham·mā·ḡin·nîm (Art:: N-cp) -- A shield. Also feminine mginnah; from ganan; a shield; figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile.">shields,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7198.htm" title="7198: wə·haq·qə·šā·ṯō·wṯ (Conj-w, Art:: N-fp) -- A bow. From qashah in the original sense of bending: a bow, for shooting or the iris.">bows,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8302.htm" title="8302: wə·haš·šir·yō·nîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Body armor. Or shiryon; and shiryan; also shiryah; and shiryonah; from sharah in the original sense of turning; a corslet.">and armor.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: wə·haś·śā·rîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">The officers</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: ’a·ḥă·rê (Prep) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">stationed themselves behind</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah</a> 17who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/nehemiah/4-9.htm">Nehemiah 4:9</a> So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night. <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17-18</a> who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. / And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me. <a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Nehemiah 6:9</a> For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands. <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21-23</a> So we continued the work, while half of the men held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out. / At that time I also said to the people, “Let every man and his servant spend the night inside Jerusalem, so that they can stand guard by night and work by day.” / 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. <a href="/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18</a> I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work. <a href="/nehemiah/3-28.htm">Nehemiah 3:28-29</a> Above the Horse Gate, each of the priests made repairs in front of his own house. / Next to them, Zadok son of Immer made repairs opposite his house, and next to him, Shemaiah son of Shecaniah, the guard of the East Gate, made repairs. <a href="/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3</a> So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?” <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4</a> When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. <a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Nehemiah 2:20</a> 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.” <a href="/nehemiah/5-16.htm">Nehemiah 5:16</a> Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land. <a href="/nehemiah/7-3.htm">Nehemiah 7:3</a> And I told them, “Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is hot. While the guards are on duty, keep the doors shut and securely fastened. And appoint the residents of Jerusalem as guards, some at their posts and some at their own homes.” <a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11-18</a> Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. / Therefore take up the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand. ... <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8-9</a> Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering. <a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4-5</a> The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. / We demolish arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-6.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:6-8</a> So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober. / For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. / But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants worked in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.my servants<a href="/nehemiah/4-23.htm">Nehemiah 4:23</a> 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.<a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Nehemiah 5:15,16</a> But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God… <a href="/psalms/101-6.htm">Psalm 101:6</a> Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/4-13.htm">Bows</a> <a href="/revelation/9-17.htm">Breastplates</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-9.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-32.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-14.htm">Coats</a> <a href="/ezra/5-16.htm">Construction</a> <a href="/ezra/8-17.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-14.htm">Habergeons</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-6.htm">Half</a> <a href="/ezra/6-19.htm">Held</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-31.htm">House</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/ezra/10-8.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-14.htm">Mail</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-14.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-31.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-27.htm">Shields</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-13.htm">Spears</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-6.htm">Time</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-15.htm">Work</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-6.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-13.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/9-6.htm">Bows</a> <a href="/isaiah/21-5.htm">Breastplates</a> <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Captains</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-72.htm">Coats</a> <a href="/ezekiel/1-16.htm">Construction</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-14.htm">Habergeons</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Half</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Held</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-13.htm">House</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-14.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-14.htm">Leaders</a> <a href="/job/3-3.htm">Mail</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-23.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/job/15-26.htm">Shields</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Spears</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-22.htm">Time</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Work</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 4</div>1. <a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">While the enemies scoff, Nehemiah prays and continues the work</a> 7. <a href="/nehemiah/4-7.htm">Understanding the wrath and secrets of the enemy, he sets a watch</a> 13. <a href="/nehemiah/4-13.htm">He arms the laborers</a> 19. <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">and gives military precepts</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nehemiah/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>And from that day on This phrase marks a turning point in the narrative, indicating a strategic shift in response to external threats. Nehemiah's leadership is adaptive, responding to the opposition from surrounding enemies who sought to disrupt the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. This reflects a broader biblical theme of vigilance and preparedness in the face of adversity, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-13.htm">Ephesians 6:13</a>, which encourages believers to put on the full armor of God.half of my servants did the work Nehemiah's servants were likely a mix of Jewish laborers and possibly some non-Jewish workers. This division of labor highlights the importance of community and cooperation in achieving God's purposes. The work on the wall was not just a physical task but a spiritual mission to restore the city of God, reminiscent of the cooperative efforts seen in the early church in <a href="/acts/2-44.htm">Acts 2:44-47</a>.while the other half held spears, shields, bows, and armor This military preparation underscores the reality of the threat faced by the Jews. The use of spears, shields, bows, and armor indicates a well-prepared defense strategy. Historically, this reflects the common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures where workers often had to defend their projects from hostile forces. Spiritually, it symbolizes the need for believers to be both builders and defenders of their faith, as echoed in <a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8-9</a>.The officers stationed themselves behind all the people of Judah The presence of officers suggests an organized and hierarchical structure within the community, ensuring order and discipline. This strategic positioning provided both encouragement and protection, reinforcing the morale of the workers. It also reflects the biblical principle of leadership and oversight, as seen in the role of elders in the church (<a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">1 Timothy 5:17</a>). The people of Judah, representing the remnant of God's chosen people, were central to the fulfillment of God's promises, linking back to prophecies of restoration found in <a href="/isaiah/44-26.htm">Isaiah 44:26-28</a>.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He is known for his leadership, prayerfulness, and dedication to God's work. 2. <a href="/topical/s/servants.htm">Servants</a> These are the workers under Nehemiah's leadership who are tasked with rebuilding the wall. They are divided into two groups: one for labor and one for defense. 3. <a href="/topical/o/officers.htm">Officers</a> These are the leaders or commanders who are responsible for overseeing the defense and organization of the people during the rebuilding process. 4. <a href="/topical/p/people_of_judah.htm">People of Judah</a> The inhabitants of the region of Judah, who are involved in the rebuilding efforts and are under threat from surrounding enemies. 5. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city whose walls are being rebuilt. It is a central place of worship and identity for the Jewish people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/b/balanced_approach_to_work_and_defense.htm">Balanced Approach to Work and Defense</a> Nehemiah's strategy of dividing the workers highlights the importance of balancing proactive work with defensive preparedness. In our spiritual lives, we must actively pursue God's work while being vigilant against spiritual attacks. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_organization.htm">Leadership and Organization</a> Nehemiah's effective leadership and organization are crucial to the success of the rebuilding project. This teaches us the value of structured planning and delegation in achieving our goals. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_cooperation.htm">Community and Cooperation</a> The cooperation between the workers and the officers underscores the power of community in overcoming challenges. In the church, unity and collaboration are essential for spiritual growth and mission. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_action.htm">Faith and Action</a> Nehemiah's actions demonstrate a faith that is active and practical. We are called to trust in God while also taking concrete steps to address the challenges we face. <a href="/topical/v/vigilance_in_spiritual_warfare.htm">Vigilance in Spiritual Warfare</a> Just as the workers were armed and ready, Christians must be spiritually vigilant, equipped with the armor of God to stand firm against the enemy.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 4</a> <a href="/q/how_was_jerusalem's_wall_rebuilt_in_52_days.htm">In Nehemiah 6:15, how is it historically or archaeologically plausible to rebuild Jerusalem’s wall in just 52 days? </a> <a href="/q/can_christians_practice_martial_arts.htm">Can Christians engage in martial arts practice?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_politics.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian political involvement?</a> <a href="/q/do_psalm_126_and_nehemiah_4_conflict.htm">Do the joyful descriptions in Psalm 126:2, 5–6 conflict with other biblical accounts (e.g., Nehemiah 4) that depict the return from exile as difficult and fraught with opposition? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) My servants.--The building was resumed with special precautions, very minutely described. "Nehemiah's own servants" are distinguished from "all the house of Judah." The former were divided into two parties, one of which wrought on the work still unfinished and the other held their weapons.Habergeons are coats of mail or corselets, thin plates of metal sewn upon leather.The rulers were behind--Ready to lead the defence, if necessary.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - The half of my servants wrought in the work. Nehemiah divided his "servants" or slaves into two bodies, one of which laboured at the wall, while the other kept guard, fully armed, and held the spears, bows and arrows, shields, and corselets of their fellows. The rulers were behind. The "rulers" or "princes" did not labour, but stood behind the labourers, directing them, and ready to lead them on if the enemy ventured to come to blows. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>And וַיְהִ֣י ׀ (way·hî) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be from מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of that הַה֗וּא (ha·hū) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are day on, הַיּ֣וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day half חֲצִ֣י (ḥă·ṣî) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2677.htm">Strong's 2677: </a> The half, middle of my men נְעָרַי֮ (nə·‘ā·ray) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5288.htm">Strong's 5288: </a> A boy, lad, youth, retainer did עֹשִׂ֣ים (‘ō·śîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make the work בַּמְּלָאכָה֒ (bam·mə·lā·ḵāh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4399.htm">Strong's 4399: </a> Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property while the other half וְחֶצְיָ֗ם (wə·ḥeṣ·yām) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2677.htm">Strong's 2677: </a> The half, middle held מַחֲזִיקִים֙ (ma·ḥă·zî·qîm) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer spears, וְהָרְמָחִ֣ים (wə·hā·rə·mā·ḥîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7420.htm">Strong's 7420: </a> A lance, the iron point shields, הַמָּגִנִּ֔ים (ham·mā·ḡin·nîm) Article | Noun - common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4043.htm">Strong's 4043: </a> A shield, a protector, the scaly hide of the crocodile bows, וְהַקְּשָׁת֖וֹת (wə·haq·qə·šā·ṯō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7198.htm">Strong's 7198: </a> A bow, for, shooting, the iris and armor. וְהַשִּׁרְיֹנִ֑ים (wə·haš·šir·yō·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8302.htm">Strong's 8302: </a> Body armor The officers וְהַ֨שָּׂרִ֔ים (wə·haś·śā·rîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince [stationed themselves] behind אַחֲרֵ֖י (’a·ḥă·rê) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> The hind or following part all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the people בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house of Judah יְהוּדָֽה׃ (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Nehemiah 4:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Nehemiah 4:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Nehemiah 4:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Nehemiah 4:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Nehemiah 4:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Nehemiah 4:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Nehemiah 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Nehemiah 4:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Nehemiah 4:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Nehemiah 4:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 4:16 It happened from that time forth that (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 4:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>