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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 4:10 Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: "The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/4-10.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/16_Neh_04_10.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 4:10 - Discouragement Overcome" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/nehemiah/4-10.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/nehemiah/4-10.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/nehemiah/">Nehemiah</a> > <a href="/nehemiah/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 10</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad10.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/nehemiah/4-9.htm" title="Nehemiah 4:9">◄</a> Nehemiah 4:10 <a href="/nehemiah/4-11.htm" title="Nehemiah 4:11">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/nehemiah/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, &#8220The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and <i>there is</i> so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />And so in Judah it was said: “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, Yet there is much rubble; And we ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Thus in Judah it was said, &#8220The strength of the burden bearers is failing, Yet there is much rubbish; And we ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Thus in Judah it was said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, Yet there is much rubbish; And we ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Judah said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, Yet there is much rubbish; And we ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then [the leaders of] Judah said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, And there is much rubble; We ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In Judah, it was said: The strength of the laborer fails, since there is so much rubble. We will never be able to rebuild the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />In Judah, it was said: The strength of the laborer fails, since there is so much rubble. We will never be able to rebuild the wall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people of Judah were singing a sorrowful song: "So much rubble for us to haul! Worn out and weary, will we ever finish this wall?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the people of Judah said, "The work crews are worn out, and there is too much rubble. We can't continue to rebuild the wall."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The people of Judah had a song they sang: "We grow weak carrying burdens; There's so much rubble to take away. How can we build the wall today?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people of Judah said, "The builders are tired and there's so much rubble that we can't reconstruct the wall!"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then those in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers has failed! The debris is so great that we are unable to rebuild the wall." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Judah said, "The strength of the bearers of burdens is fading, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Judah said, “The strength of the bearers of burdens is fading and there is much rubble, so that we are not able to build the wall.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Judah says, “The power of the burden-bearers has become feeble, and the rubbish [is] abundant, and we are not able to build on the wall.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Judah saith, 'The power of the burden-bearers hath become feeble, and the rubbish is abundant, and we are not able to build on the wall.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Judah will say, The strength of the bearer was weak, and the dust much; and we shall not be able to build upon the wall.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Juda said: The strength of the bearer of burdens is decayed, and the rubbish is very much, and we shall not be able to build the wall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Then Judah said: “The strength of those who carry has diminished, and the amount of material is very great, and so we will not be able to build the wall.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Meanwhile the Judahites were saying: “Slackened is the bearers’ strength, there is no end to the rubbish; Never will we be able to rebuild the wall.” <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But Judah said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, and there is too much rubbish so that we are unable to work on the wall.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the Jews said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is diminishing, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Jews were saying: “The power of the Porters has decreased and the dust has intensified greatly, and we are unable to build the wall!<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Judah said: 'The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Juda said, The strength of the enemies is broken, yet <i>there is</i> much rubbish, and we shall not be able to build the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/4-10.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=862" 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">9</span>So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night. <span class="reftext">10</span><span class="highl"><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.">Meanwhile, the people of Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said:</a> <a href="/hebrew/3581.htm" title="3581: kō·aḥ (N-msc) -- Or kowach; from an unused root meaning to be firm; vigor, literally or figuratively; also a large lizard.">“The strength</a> <a href="/hebrew/5449.htm" title="5449: has·sab·bāl (Art:: N-ms) -- Burden bearer. From cabal; a porter.">of the laborer</a> <a href="/hebrew/3782.htm" title="3782: kā·šal (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To stumble, stagger, totter. A primitive root; to totter or waver; by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall.">fails,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: har·bêh (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase.">and there is so much</a> <a href="/hebrew/6083.htm" title="6083: wə·he·‘ā·p̄ār (Conj-w, Art:: N-ms) -- Dry earth, dust. From aphar; dust; hence, clay, earth, mud.">rubble</a> <a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: wa·’ă·naḥ·nū (Conj-w:: Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">that we</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">will never</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: nū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cp) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">be able</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: liḇ·nō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">to rebuild</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> </span><span class="reftext">11</span>And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.”…<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="/exodus/5-10.htm">Exodus 5:10-11</a></span><br />So the taskmasters and foremen of the people went out and said to them, “This is what Pharaoh says: ‘I am no longer giving you straw. / Go and get your own straw wherever you can find it; but your workload will in no way be reduced.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/haggai/1-6.htm">Haggai 1:6</a></span><br />You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-29.htm">Isaiah 40:29-31</a></span><br />He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/6-6.htm">Psalm 6:6</a></span><br />I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-8.htm">2 Corinthians 4:8-9</a></span><br />We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/31-10.htm">Psalm 31:10</a></span><br />For my life is consumed with grief and my years with groaning; my iniquity has drained my strength, and my bones are wasting away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/11-28.htm">Matthew 11:28-30</a></span><br />Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. / Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. / For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/19-10.htm">1 Kings 19:10</a></span><br />“I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/4-5.htm">Job 4:5</a></span><br />But now trouble has come upon you, and you are weary. It strikes you, and you are dismayed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-3.htm">Hebrews 12:3</a></span><br />Consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/45-3.htm">Jeremiah 45:3</a></span><br />You have said, ‘Woe is me because the LORD has added sorrow to my pain! I am worn out with groaning and have found no rest.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-13.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:13</a></span><br />But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/69-3.htm">Psalm 69:3</a></span><br />I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.</p><p class="hdg">The strength</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/13-31.htm">Numbers 13:31</a></b></br> But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they <i>are</i> stronger than we.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/32-9.htm">Numbers 32:9</a></b></br> For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/11-1.htm">Psalm 11:1,2</a></b></br> To the chief Musician, <i>A Psalm</i> of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee <i>as</i> a bird to your mountain? … </p><p class="hdg">bearers</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/2-18.htm">2 Chronicles 2:18</a></b></br> And he set threescore and ten thousand of them <i>to be</i> bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand <i>to be</i> hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/29-18.htm">Ezekiel 29:18</a></b></br> Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head <i>was</i> made bald, and every shoulder <i>was</i> peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/10-13.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/22-5.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-13.htm">Bearers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-3.htm">Build</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-3.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-13.htm">Burdens</a> <a href="/romans/4-19.htm">Decayed</a> <a href="/genesis/47-15.htm">Faileth</a> <a href="/1_samuel/12-23.htm">Failing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-2.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/21-18.htm">Impossible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-7.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/1_kings/5-14.htm">Laborers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-13.htm">Material</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-13.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm">Rebuild</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-2.htm">Rubbish</a> <a href="/zephaniah/1-3.htm">Rubble</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-10.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-34.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-6.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-14.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-32.htm">Way</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-6.htm">Work</a> <a href="/ezra/3-9.htm">Workmen</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/5-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-17.htm">Abundant</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Bearers</a> <a href="/job/3-14.htm">Build</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Burden</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Burdens</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-26.htm">Decayed</a> <a href="/job/21-10.htm">Faileth</a> <a href="/psalms/109-24.htm">Failing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Feeble</a> <a href="/amos/2-14.htm">Impossible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/isaiah/19-10.htm">Laborers</a> <a href="/esther/1-6.htm">Material</a> <a href="/esther/9-16.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-16.htm">Ourselves</a> <a href="/job/12-14.htm">Rebuild</a> <a href="/daniel/2-5.htm">Rubbish</a> <a href="/job/15-28.htm">Rubble</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Strength</a> <a href="/esther/6-1.htm">Unable</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-13.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-21.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Way</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-11.htm">Work</a> <a href="/isaiah/44-11.htm">Workmen</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>Meanwhile, the people of Judah said:</b><br>This phrase indicates a shift in focus to the internal challenges faced by the people of Judah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Historically, Judah was the southern kingdom of Israel, and its people had returned from Babylonian exile. The context here is the rebuilding efforts led by Nehemiah, who was appointed by the Persian king Artaxerxes. The people of Judah were experiencing discouragement, a common theme in the post-exilic period, as they faced opposition from surrounding enemies and internal struggles.<p><b>The strength of the laborer fails,</b><br>This reflects the physical and emotional exhaustion of the workers. The laborers were likely ordinary citizens, not professional builders, which added to their fatigue. The phrase highlights the human limitation and the need for divine strength, a recurring theme in Scripture. It echoes the broader biblical narrative where human weakness is met with God's provision, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/40-29.htm">Isaiah 40:29</a>, "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak."<p><b>and there is so much rubble</b><br>The mention of "rubble" points to the destruction left by the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 586 BC. Archaeological evidence supports the extensive damage to the city, which would have left significant debris. The rubble symbolizes the overwhelming obstacles the people faced, both physically and spiritually. It also serves as a metaphor for the remnants of past sins and failures that can hinder spiritual rebuilding.<p><b>that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.”</b><br>This statement of despair reflects a crisis of faith and vision among the people. The wall was not just a physical structure but a symbol of security, identity, and divine protection. The inability to rebuild it would mean continued vulnerability and shame. This sentiment is countered by Nehemiah's leadership and reliance on God, illustrating the biblical principle that with God's help, what seems impossible can be accomplished. This connects to <a href="/philippians/4-13.htm">Philippians 4:13</a>, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," emphasizing reliance on divine strength to overcome challenges.<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 is a Jewish leader who is instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. He is known for his leadership, prayerfulness, and dedication to God's work.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/people_of_judah.htm">People of Judah</a></b><br>The inhabitants of the region of Judah, who are involved in the rebuilding efforts. They express discouragement and fatigue in this verse.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city whose walls are being rebuilt. It holds significant religious and cultural importance for the Jewish people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_laborers.htm">The Laborers</a></b><br>The workers engaged in the physical task of rebuilding the wall. They are experiencing exhaustion and discouragement due to the enormity of the task.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_rubble.htm">The Rubble</a></b><br>The debris and ruins from the previous destruction of Jerusalem's walls, symbolizing the obstacles and challenges faced by the builders.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/r/recognizing_human_limitations.htm">Recognizing Human Limitations</a></b><br>The laborers' acknowledgment of their failing strength reminds us of our human limitations. It is important to recognize when we are overwhelmed and seek God's strength.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/facing_overwhelming_obstacles.htm">Facing Overwhelming Obstacles</a></b><br>The rubble represents the obstacles in our lives. Like the laborers, we must confront these challenges with faith and perseverance, trusting in God's provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_community_support.htm">The Power of Community Support</a></b><br>The people of Judah worked together on the wall. This highlights the importance of community and collective effort in overcoming challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/prayer_and_dependence_on_god.htm">Prayer and Dependence on God</a></b><br>Nehemiah's leadership was marked by prayer. In times of discouragement, turning to God in prayer is crucial for renewed strength and guidance.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_god's_work.htm">Perseverance in God's Work</a></b><br>Despite the discouragement, the work continued. This teaches us the importance of perseverance in fulfilling God's purposes, even when the task seems insurmountable.<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/what_do_bible_verses_say_on_abundance.htm">How can we find joy in the Lord always?</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/what_does_the_bible_say_about_fatigue.htm">What does the Bible say about fatigue?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_nehemiah_4_1-3's_account_reliable.htm">Nehemiah 4:1-3: How reliable is the account of mocking enemies if there's limited external historical evidence of such opposition during the wall's rebuilding?</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>(10) <span class= "bld">And Judah said.</span>--As hereafter, in the case of the complaints of the people (Nehemiah 5), the writer gives a summary of difficulties. The Jews, or "Judah"--a significant term--complained of their growing feebleness, especially as so many were diverted to the watches.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 10.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed</span>. The complaint seems to be, that by the drawing off of men from the working parties to act as guards, those parties were so weakened that they could not continue the work, the quantity of rubbish being so great. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/4-10.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">Meanwhile, the people of Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֗ה</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said:</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֣אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“The strength</span><br /><span class="heb">כֹּ֣חַ</span> <span class="translit">(kō·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3581.htm">Strong's 3581: </a> </span><span class="str2">A small reptile (of unknown species)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the laborer</span><br /><span class="heb">הַסַּבָּ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(has·sab·bāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5449.htm">Strong's 5449: </a> </span><span class="str2">Burden bearer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fails,</span><br /><span class="heb">כָּשַׁל֙</span> <span class="translit">(kā·šal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3782.htm">Strong's 3782: </a> </span><span class="str2">To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and there is so much</span><br /><span class="heb">הַרְבֵּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(har·bêh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7235.htm">Strong's 7235: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be or become much, many or great</span><br /><br /><span class="word">rubble</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהֶעָפָ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·he·‘ā·p̄ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6083.htm">Strong's 6083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dust, clay, earth, mud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that we</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲנַ֙חְנוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·naḥ·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> </span><span class="str2">We</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will never</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">be able</span><br /><span class="heb">נוּכַ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(nū·ḵal)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be able, have power</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to rebuild</span><br /><span class="heb">לִבְנ֖וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(liḇ·nō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<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">בַּחוֹמָֽה׃</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 /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/4-10.htm">Nehemiah 4:10 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/4-10.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 4:10 Judah said The strength of the bearers (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/4-9.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 4:9"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 4:9" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/4-11.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 4:11"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 4:11" /></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>