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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 4:17 who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/4-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/16_Neh_04_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 4:17 - Discouragement Overcome" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="who were rebuilding the wall. 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Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, <i>every one</i> with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other <i>hand</i> held a weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens carried with one hand doing the work, and the other keeping hold of a weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took their load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took <i>their</i> load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens took <i>their</i> load with one hand doing the work and the other holding a weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Those who were rebuilding the wall and those who carried burdens loaded themselves <i>so that everyone</i> worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />They all 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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />who were rebuilding the wall. Everyone who hauled building materials kept one hand free to carry a weapon. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />who were rebuilding the wall. The workers who were carrying loads did the work with one hand and held their weapons with the other,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />who were rebuilding the wall. Even those who carried building materials worked with one hand and kept a weapon in the other, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />who worked on the wall. Those who carried building materials worked with one hand, carrying a spear in the other. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />who were rebuilding the wall. Those who were carrying loads did so by keeping one hand on the work and the other on their weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />who were building the wall. And those who carried loads held their load with one hand and with the other held a weapon;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />They who built on the wall, and they that bore burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Those who built the wall, and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of his hands did the work, and with the other held his weapon. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />The builders on the wall, and the bearers of the burden, those loading, [each] with one of his hands is working in the business, and one is laying hold of the missile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The builders on the wall, and the bearers of the burden, those lading, each with one of his hands is working in the business, and one is laying hold of the missile.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />They building upon the wall, and they bearing in the burden, they loading with one of his hands doing in the work, and one holding fast the weapon.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Of them that built on the wall and that carried burdens, and that laded: with one of his hands he did the work, and with the other he held a sword. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />As for those building the wall, and carrying the burdens, and setting things in place: one of his hands was doing the work, and the other was holding a sword.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />as they rebuilt the wall. The load carriers, too, were armed; each worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />who were building the wall. The burden bearers carried their loads in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and with the other held a weapon.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And those who bore burdens with those who were laden, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And those who carried on poles carried in his one hand and did the work, and in one he carried a weapon.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />They that builded the wall and they that bore burdens laded themselves, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other held his weapon;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />even of them that were building the wall: - and those who carried the burdens <i>were</i> under arms: <i>each</i> with one hand wrought his work, and with the other held his dart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=945" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Discouragement Overcome</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>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 <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: hab·bō·w·nîm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">who were rebuilding</a> <a href="/hebrew/2346.htm" title="2346: ba·ḥō·w·māh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- A wall. Feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection.">the wall.</a> <a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: wə·han·nō·śə·’îm (Conj-w, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">The laborers who carried</a> <a href="/hebrew/5447.htm" title="5447: bas·se·ḇel (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A load, burden. From cabal; a load.">materials</a> <a href="/hebrew/6006.htm" title="6006: ‘ō·mə·śîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To load, carry a load. Or mamas; a primitive root; to load, i.e. Impose a burden."></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śeh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">worked</a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: ḇam·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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: bə·’a·ḥaṯ (Prep-b:: Number-fsc) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">with one</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yā·ḏōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">hand</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: ma·ḥă·ze·qeṯ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-fs) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">and held</a> <a href="/hebrew/7973.htm" title="7973: haš·šā·laḥ (Art:: N-ms) -- A missile, weapon, sprout. From shalach; a missile of attack, i.e. Spear; also a shoot of growth; i.e. Branch.">a weapon</a> <a href="/hebrew/259.htm" title="259: wə·’a·ḥaṯ (Conj-w:: Number-fs) -- One. A numeral from 'achad; properly, united, i.e. One; or first.">with the other.</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-11.htm">Ephesians 6:11-17</a></span><br />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. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-8.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/10-4.htm">2 Corinthians 10:4</a></span><br />The weapons of our warfare are not the weapons of the flesh. Instead, they have divine power to demolish strongholds.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8-9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/52-11.htm">Isaiah 52:11-12</a></span><br />Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD. / For you will not leave in a hurry nor flee in haste, for the LORD goes before you, and the God of Israel is your rear guard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/16-13.htm">1 Corinthians 16:13</a></span><br />Be on the alert. Stand firm in the faith. Be men of courage. Be strong.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/2-3.htm">2 Timothy 2:3-4</a></span><br />Join me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. / A soldier refrains from entangling himself in civilian affairs, in order to please the one who enlisted him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-41.htm">Matthew 26:41</a></span><br />“Watch and pray so that you will not enter into temptation. For the spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/12-35.htm">Luke 12:35-37</a></span><br />Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning. / Then you will be like servants waiting for their master to return from the wedding banquet, so that when he comes and knocks, they can open the door for him at once. / Blessed are those servants whom the master finds on watch when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will dress himself to serve and will have them recline at the table, and he himself will come and wait on them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-12.htm">Romans 13:12</a></span><br />The night is nearly over; the day has drawn near. So let us lay aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/14-14.htm">Exodus 14:14</a></span><br />The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/1-9.htm">Joshua 1:9</a></span><br />Have I not commanded you to be strong and courageous? Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/7-20.htm">Judges 7:20-21</a></span><br />The three companies blew their horns and shattered their jars. Holding the torches in their left hands and the horns in their right hands, they shouted, “A sword for the LORD and for Gideon!” / Each Israelite took his position around the camp, and the entire Midianite army fled, crying out as they ran.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45-47</a></span><br />But David said to the Philistine, “You come against me with sword and spear and javelin, but I come against you in the name of the LORD of Hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. / This day the LORD will deliver you into my hand. This day I will strike you down, cut off your head, and give the carcasses of the Philistine army to the birds of the air and the creatures of the earth. Then the whole world will know that there is a God in Israel. / And all those assembled here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the LORD saves; for the battle is the LORD’s, and He will give all of you into our hands.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/32-7.htm">2 Chronicles 32:7-8</a></span><br />“Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged before the king of Assyria and the vast army with him, for there is a greater One with us than with him. / With him is only the arm of flesh, but with us is the LORD our God to help us and to fight our battles.” So the people were strengthened by the words of Hezekiah king of Judah.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">They which built on the wall, and they that bore burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands worked in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.</p><p class="hdg">bare burdens</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10</a></b></br> And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and <i>there is</i> much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.</p><p class="hdg">with one</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/9-25.htm">Daniel 9:25</a></b></br> Know therefore and understand, <i>that</i> from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince <i>shall be</i> seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/9-12.htm">1 Corinthians 9:12</a></b></br> If others be partakers of <i>this</i> power over you, <i>are</i> not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/16-9.htm">1 Corinthians 16:9,13</a></b></br> For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and <i>there are</i> many adversaries… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/14-8.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Bearers</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/14-8.htm">Bore</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-5.htm">Builders</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-6.htm">Building</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-6.htm">Built</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Burdens</a> <a href="/ezra/10-13.htm">Business</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-19.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Held</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-16.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/1_kings/7-38.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">Laden</a> <a href="/1_kings/15-27.htm">Laying</a> <a href="/1_samuel/16-20.htm">Loaded</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/26-27.htm">Materials</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-25.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">Rebuilding</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/25-5.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-4.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-15.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-10.htm">Weapon</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Work</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Bare</a> <a href="/psalms/78-9.htm">Bearers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Bore</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Builders</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Building</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Built</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-15.htm">Burdens</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Business</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-23.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Held</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/job/36-16.htm">Laden</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Laying</a> <a href="/isaiah/1-4.htm">Loaded</a> <a href="/luke/1-63.htm">Materials</a> <a href="/job/4-15.htm">Moving</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Rebuilding</a> <a href="/job/20-24.htm">Spear</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-8.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-4.htm">Way</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-23.htm">Weapon</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Work</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">While the enemies scoff, Nehemiah prays and continues the work</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/4-7.htm">Understanding the wrath and secrets of the enemy, he sets a watch</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/4-13.htm">He arms the laborers</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">and gives military precepts</a></span><br></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><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <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> <br /><br /> </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><b>who were rebuilding the wall.</b><br>The rebuilding of the wall refers to the efforts led by Nehemiah to restore the walls of Jerusalem, which had been in ruins since the Babylonian conquest. This task was not only a physical reconstruction but also a spiritual renewal for the Jewish people, symbolizing the restoration of their identity and protection. The wall's reconstruction was crucial for the security and stability of Jerusalem, allowing the inhabitants to defend themselves against enemies. This effort reflects the broader biblical theme of restoration and redemption, as seen in other scriptures like <a href="/isaiah/58-12.htm">Isaiah 58:12</a>, which speaks of rebuilding ancient ruins.<p><b>The laborers who carried materials</b><br>The laborers were a diverse group of people, including both skilled and unskilled workers, who were united in their mission to rebuild the wall. This unity among the people of Israel highlights the communal effort and shared responsibility in the face of adversity. The carrying of materials signifies the practical and logistical challenges involved in such a large-scale construction project. Historically, this reflects the common practice in ancient times where laborers would transport heavy materials by hand, often over long distances, to complete construction projects.<p><b>worked with one hand</b><br>Working with one hand indicates the dual focus required of the laborers during this period. It suggests a division of attention between the task of building and the need for constant vigilance against potential threats. This phrase underscores the precarious situation faced by the builders, who had to remain alert and ready to defend themselves at all times. It also symbolizes the balance between physical labor and spiritual warfare, a theme echoed in <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>, where believers are called to put on the full armor of God.<p><b>and held a weapon with the other.</b><br>Holding a weapon while working illustrates the ever-present danger from adversaries such as the Samaritans, Ammonites, and others who opposed the rebuilding efforts. This defensive posture was necessary to protect the workers from attacks and sabotage. The weapon symbolizes readiness and the need for vigilance, reflecting the broader biblical principle of being prepared for spiritual battles. This imagery can be seen as a type of Christ, who is both the builder of the church and the defender against spiritual enemies, as depicted in passages like <a href="/revelation/19-11.htm">Revelation 19:11-16</a>, where Christ is portrayed as a warrior king.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a></b><br>The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His leadership and faith were instrumental in overcoming opposition.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_builders.htm">The Builders</a></b><br>These were the Jewish people who returned from exile and were actively involved in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. They worked diligently despite facing threats from their enemies.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city of Jerusalem, the spiritual and political center for the Jewish people, was in ruins after the Babylonian conquest. Rebuilding its walls was essential for the security and identity of the Jewish community.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies_of_judah.htm">Enemies of Judah</a></b><br>Various groups, including the Samaritans, Ammonites, and Arabs, opposed the rebuilding efforts. They sought to intimidate and discourage the Jews from completing the wall.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wall.htm">The Wall</a></b><br>The wall of Jerusalem symbolized protection, strength, and the restoration of the Jewish community. Its reconstruction was a significant step in re-establishing Jerusalem as a fortified city.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/dual_readiness.htm">Dual Readiness</a></b><br>Just as the builders worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other, Christians are called to be prepared for both spiritual work and spiritual warfare. We must balance our efforts in building God's kingdom with vigilance against spiritual threats.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_adversity.htm">Perseverance in Adversity</a></b><br>The builders faced constant threats but continued their work. This teaches us the importance of perseverance and faithfulness in the face of opposition and challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_cooperation.htm">Community and Cooperation</a></b><br>The success of the wall's reconstruction was due to the collective effort of the community. This highlights the importance of unity and cooperation within the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_action.htm">Faith and Action</a></b><br>The builders' actions demonstrate the principle of faith accompanied by works. They trusted God for protection but also took practical steps to ensure their safety.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/spiritual_discernment.htm">Spiritual Discernment</a></b><br>The need to discern when to build and when to defend is crucial. Christians must seek God's wisdom to know when to focus on growth and when to stand firm against attacks.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_self-defense.htm">What does the Bible say about self-defense?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_nehemiah_rebuild_and_restore.htm">How did Nehemiah rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore faith?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_stance_on_gun_confiscation.htm">What does the Bible say about gun confiscation?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_more_killing_in_esther_9_13-15.htm">Esther 9:13–15: Why would an additional day of killing be sanctioned, and does this align with other biblical teachings on mercy and restraint? </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>(17) <span class= "bld">They which builded.</span>--Divided into masons and their burden-bearers. The latter held in one hand a weapon; the former built with both hands, and had their weapons at their side.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And they which bare burdens, with those that laded</span>. Rather, "<span class="accented">both</span> they which bare burdens, <span class="accented">as</span> <span class="accented">they</span> laded." The builders, or those engaged upon the work, are divided into two classes - <p><span class="note_emph">(1)</span> actual builders, and <p><span class="note_emph">(2)</span> those who carried the materials. <p>Of these, the latter did their work with one hand, while in their other hand they held a weapon; the former needed both hands for their employment, but even these wore swords in theft girdles. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">who were rebuilding</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבּוֹנִ֧ים</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bō·w·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1129.htm">Strong's 1129: </a> </span><span class="str2">To build</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the wall.</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּחוֹמָ֛ה</span> <span class="translit">(ba·ḥō·w·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2346.htm">Strong's 2346: </a> </span><span class="str2">A wall of protection</span><br /><br /><span class="word">The laborers who carried</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַנֹּשְׂאִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·han·nō·śə·’îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">materials</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּסֶּ֖בֶל</span> <span class="translit">(bas·se·ḇel)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5447.htm">Strong's 5447: </a> </span><span class="str2">A load, burden</span><br /><br /><span class="word">worked</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹשֶׂ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with one</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּאַחַ֤ת</span> <span class="translit">(bə·’a·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Number - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hand</span><br /><span class="heb">יָדוֹ֙</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ḏōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and held</span><br /><span class="heb">מַחֲזֶ֥קֶת</span> <span class="translit">(ma·ḥă·ze·qeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a weapon</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּֽׁלַח׃</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7973.htm">Strong's 7973: </a> </span><span class="str2">A missile of attack, spear, a shoot of growth, branch</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with the other.</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַחַ֖ת</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’a·ḥaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Number - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_259.htm">Strong's 259: </a> </span><span class="str2">United, one, first</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 4:17 They all built the wall and those (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 4:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 4:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/4-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 4:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 4:18" /></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>