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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 2:3 and replied to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?"</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/2-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/16_Neh_02_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 2:3 - Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="and replied to the king, May the king live forever! 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Why should my face not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?&#8221 <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> but I replied, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” <a href="/esv/nehemiah/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ graves, lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/2.htm">New King James Version</a> and said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire?” <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> And I said to the king, “May the king live forever. Why should my face not be sad when the city, the site of my fathers’ tombs, is desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?” <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> I said to the king, &#8220Let the king live forever. Why should my face not be sad when the city, the place of my fathers&#8217 tombs, lies desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And I said to the king, “Let the king live forever. Why should my face not be sad when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?” <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I said to the king, “Let the king live forever. Why should my face not be sad when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste and its gates have been consumed by fire?” <a href="/amp/nehemiah/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> and I said to the king, “Let the king live forever. Why should my face not be sad when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies desolate and its gates have been consumed by fire?” <a href="/csb/nehemiah/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire? ” <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> and replied to the king, &#8220May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?&#8221 <a href="/asv/nehemiah/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And I said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? <a href="/cev/nehemiah/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> I answered, "Your Majesty, I hope you live forever! I feel sad because the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and its gates have been burned down." <a href="/erv/nehemiah/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And I said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "May the king live forever!" I said to the king. "Why shouldn't I look sad when the city, the place where my ancestors are buried, is in ruins and its gates are burned down?" <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> and answered, "May Your Majesty live forever! How can I keep from looking sad when the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" <a href="/isv/nehemiah/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> I replied to the king, "May the king live forever. Why shouldn't I be troubled, since the city where my ancestral sepulchers are located lies waste, with its gates burned by fire?" <a href="/msb/nehemiah/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> and replied to the king, ?May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?? <a href="/net/nehemiah/2.htm">NET Bible</a> I replied to the king, "O king, live forever! Why would I not appear dejected when the city with the graves of my ancestors lies desolate and its gates destroyed by fire?" <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I said to the king, "Let the king live forever. Why shouldn't my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' tombs, lies waste, and its gates have been consumed with fire?" <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And said to the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchers, lieth waste, and its gates are consumed with fire? <a href="/web/nehemiah/2.htm">World English Bible</a> I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why shouldn’t my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates have been consumed with fire?” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and say to the king, “Let the king live for all time! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of the graves of my fathers, [is] a desolation, and its gates have been consumed with fire?” <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and say to the king, 'Let the king to the age live! wherefore should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of the graves of my fathers, is a waste, and its gates have been consumed with fire?' <a href="/slt/nehemiah/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And saying to the king, O king, thou wilt live forever: wherefore shall not my face be sad when the city of the house of my father's sepulchres was laid waste, and its gates consumed with fire?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I said to the king: O king, live for ever: why should not my countenance be sorrowful, seeing the city of the place of the sepulchres of my fathers is desolate, and the gates thereof are burnt with fire? <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And I said to the king: “O king, live forever. Why should my expression not be mournful, since the city of the house of the sepulchers of my father is desolate, and its gates have been burned with fire?” <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/2.htm">New American Bible</a> I answered the king: “May the king live forever! How could I not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates consumed by fire?” <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my ancestors’ graves, lies waste, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And said to the king, Let the king live for ever; why should not my countenance be sad, when the capital city of the kingdom of my fathers is in ruin, and its gates have been burned with fire? <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And I said to the King: “King, live for eternity! Why would my face not be sad, because the city of the house of the kingdom of my fathers is wasted and its gates burned up in fire?”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And I said unto the king: 'Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?' <a href="/sep/nehemiah/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> and I said to the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be said, forasmuch as the city, even the home of the sepulchres of my fathers, has been laid waste, and her gates have been devoured with fire? <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/2-3.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=168" 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/2.htm">Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem</a> …2so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear 3<a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wā·’ō·mar (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and replied</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: lam·me·leḵ (Prep-l, Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">to the king,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">“May the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/2421.htm" title="2421: yiḥ·yeh (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To live, to revive. A primitive root; to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive.">live forever!</a> <a href="/hebrew/5769.htm" title="5769: lə·‘ō·w·lām (Prep-l:: N-ms) -- Long duration, antiquity, futurity. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: mad·dū·a‘ (Interrog) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">Why</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.">should I not</a> <a href="/hebrew/7489.htm" title="7489: yê·rə·‘ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to spoil; figuratively, to make good for nothing, i.e. Bad.">be sad</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: p̄ā·nay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">when</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">the city</a> <a href="/hebrew/1004.htm" title="1004: bêṯ- (N-msc) -- A house. Probably from banah abbreviated; a house.">where</a> <a href="/hebrew/1.htm" title="1: ’ă·ḇō·ṯay (N-mpc:: 1cs) -- Father. A primitive word; father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application).">my fathers</a> <a href="/hebrew/6913.htm" title="6913: qiḇ·rō·wṯ (N-mpc) -- A grave, sepulcher. Or qibrah; from qabar; a sepulchre.">are buried</a> <a href="/hebrew/2720.htm" title="2720: ḥă·rê·ḇāh (Adj-fs) -- Parched, ruined. From charab; parched or ruined.">lies in ruins,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: ū·šə·‘ā·re·hā (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3fs) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">and its gates</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: ’uk·kə·lū (V-QalPass-Perf-3cp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">have been destroyed</a> <a href="/hebrew/784.htm" title="784: ḇā·’êš (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- A fire. A primitive word; fire.">by fire?”</a> 4“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven…<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/1-3.htm">Nehemiah 1:3</a> And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” <a href="/ezra/4-12.htm">Ezra 4:12-16</a> Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring its walls and repairing its foundations. / Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. / Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king ... <a href="/psalms/137-5.htm">Psalm 137:5-6</a> If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand cease to function. / May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy! <a href="/lamentations/1-1.htm">Lamentations 1:1-4</a> How lonely lies the city, once so full of people! She who was great among the nations has become a widow. The princess of the provinces has become a slave. / She weeps aloud in the night, with tears upon her cheeks. Among all her lovers there is no one to comfort her. All her friends have betrayed her; they have become her enemies. / Judah has gone into exile under affliction and harsh slavery; she dwells among the nations but finds no place to rest. All her pursuers have overtaken her in the midst of her distress. ... <a href="/isaiah/64-10.htm">Isaiah 64:10-11</a> Your holy cities have become a wilderness. Zion has become a wasteland and Jerusalem a desolation. / Our holy and beautiful temple, where our fathers praised You, has been burned with fire, and all that was dear to us lies in ruins. <a href="/jeremiah/52-12.htm">Jeremiah 52:12-14</a> On the tenth day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. / He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. / And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down all the walls around Jerusalem. <a href="/2_kings/25-8.htm">2 Kings 25:8-10</a> On the seventh day of the fifth month, in the nineteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar’s reign over Babylon, Nebuzaradan captain of the guard, a servant of the king of Babylon, entered Jerusalem. / He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. / And the whole army of the Chaldeans under the captain of the guard broke down the walls around Jerusalem. <a href="/daniel/9-16.htm">Daniel 9:16-19</a> O Lord, in keeping with all Your righteous acts, I pray that Your anger and wrath may turn away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain; for because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people are a reproach to all around us. / So now, our God, hear the prayers and petitions of Your servant. For Your sake, O Lord, cause Your face to shine upon Your desolate sanctuary. / Incline Your ear, O my God, and hear; open Your eyes and see the desolation of the city that bears Your name. For we are not presenting our petitions before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great compassion. ... <a href="/2_chronicles/36-19.htm">2 Chronicles 36:19-21</a> Then the Chaldeans set fire to the house of God and broke down the wall of Jerusalem. They burned down all the palaces and destroyed every article of value. / Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. / So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah. <a href="/psalms/102-13.htm">Psalm 102:13-14</a> You will rise up and have compassion on Zion, for it is time to show her favor—the appointed time has come. / For Your servants delight in her stones and take pity on her dust. <a href="/isaiah/62-6.htm">Isaiah 62:6-7</a> On your walls, O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen; they will never be silent day or night. You who call on the LORD shall take no rest for yourselves, / nor give Him any rest until He establishes Jerusalem and makes her the praise of the earth. <a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10-14</a> For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place. / For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. / Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ... <a href="/haggai/1-4.htm">Haggai 1:4-9</a> “Is it a time for you yourselves to live in your paneled houses, while this house lies in ruins?” / Now this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Consider carefully your ways. / 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.” ... <a href="/zechariah/1-12.htm">Zechariah 1:12-17</a> Then the angel of the LORD said, “How long, O LORD of Hosts, will You withhold mercy from Jerusalem and the cities of Judah, with which You have been angry these seventy years?” / So the LORD spoke kind and comforting words to the angel who was speaking with me. / Then the angel who was speaking with me said, “Proclaim this word: This is what the LORD of Hosts says: ‘I am very jealous for Jerusalem and Zion, ... <a href="/matthew/23-37.htm">Matthew 23:37-39</a> O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets and stones those sent to her, how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were unwilling! / Look, your house is left to you desolate. / For I tell you that you will not see Me again until you say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And said to the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchers, lies waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?<a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm">1 Kings 1:31</a> Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and did reverence to the king, and said, Let my lord king David live for ever.<a href="/daniel/2-4.htm">Daniel 2:4</a> Then spake the Chaldeans to the king in Syriack, O king, live for ever: tell thy servants the dream, and we will shew the interpretation.<a href="/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9</a> They spake and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, O king, live for ever.the city<a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Nehemiah 1:3</a> And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.<a href="/psalms/102-14.htm">Psalm 102:14</a> For thy servants take pleasure in her stones, and favour the dust thereof.<a href="/psalms/137-6.htm">Psalm 137:6</a> If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem above my chief joy.the place<a href="/2_chronicles/21-20.htm">2 Chronicles 21:20</a> Thirty and two years old was he when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years, and departed without being desired. Howbeit they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings.<a href="/2_chronicles/28-27.htm">2 Chronicles 28:27</a> And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem: but they brought him not into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel: and Hezekiah his son reigned in his stead.<a href="/2_chronicles/32-33.htm">2 Chronicles 32:33</a> And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the chiefest of the sepulchres of the sons of David: and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem did him honour at his death. And Manasseh his son reigned in his stead.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/36-17.htm">Age</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/20-25.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/ezra/10-14.htm">City</a> <a href="/ezra/9-14.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-21.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Face</a> <a href="/ezra/10-16.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/ezra/9-12.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-24.htm">Graves</a> <a href="/ezra/4-17.htm">Live</a> <a href="/ezra/7-20.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-24.htm">Sepulchers</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-24.htm">Sepulchres</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-24.htm">Tombs</a> <a href="/ezra/4-15.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/13-1.htm">Age</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm">Burned</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">City</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Consumed</a> <a href="/esther/1-11.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/job/3-7.htm">Desolate</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-5.htm">Face</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Fathers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-1.htm">Forever</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-8.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Graves</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-12.htm">Live</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Sepulchers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Sepulchres</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Tombs</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Waste</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 2</div>1. <a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Artaxerxes, understanding the cause of Nehemiah's sadness, </a> 6. <a href="/nehemiah/2-6.htm">sends him with letters and commission to Jerusalem</a> 9. <a href="/nehemiah/2-9.htm">Nehemiah, to the grief of the enemies, comes to Jerusalem</a> 12. <a href="/nehemiah/2-12.htm">He views secretly the ruins of the walls</a> 17. <a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm">He incites the Jews to build</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/2.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/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>and replied to the king Nehemiah's response to King Artaxerxes is significant, as it demonstrates his respectful and strategic approach. In the Persian court, addressing the king required careful etiquette. Nehemiah, a cupbearer, held a trusted position, which allowed him direct access to the king. His reply shows wisdom and courage, as he balances respect with honesty about his concerns.“May the king live forever! This phrase is a traditional expression of loyalty and respect in ancient Near Eastern cultures. It reflects Nehemiah's genuine respect for the king and his understanding of court protocol. Similar expressions are found in other biblical texts, such as <a href="/daniel/2-4.htm">Daniel 2:4 and 6</a>:21, where subjects address their rulers with honor.Why should I not be sad Nehemiah's question is rhetorical, emphasizing the depth of his sorrow. His sadness is not just personal but is rooted in a deep sense of identity and responsibility for his people. This emotional response is consistent with the biblical theme of lament over Jerusalem, seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/137.htm">Psalm 137:1-6</a>.when the city where my fathers are buried The mention of his ancestors' burial place highlights the importance of Jerusalem not just as a political center but as a spiritual and cultural heart for the Jewish people. Burial sites were significant in ancient cultures, symbolizing heritage and continuity. This connection to his forefathers underscores the personal and communal loss Nehemiah feels.lies in ruins, The destruction of Jerusalem had occurred during the Babylonian conquest in 586 BC. The city's ruins were a constant reminder of the judgment and exile that had befallen the Jewish people. Nehemiah's concern reflects the prophetic hope for restoration found in books like Isaiah and Jeremiah, which speak of rebuilding and renewal.and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” The gates of a city were crucial for defense and commerce. Their destruction symbolized vulnerability and disgrace. The burning of the gates is specifically mentioned in <a href="/2_kings/25-9.htm">2 Kings 25:9</a>, during the Babylonian siege. Nehemiah's reference to the gates highlights the ongoing disgrace and insecurity of Jerusalem, motivating his desire to seek the king's permission to rebuild.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> A Jewish cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah is deeply concerned about the state of Jerusalem and its walls. 2. <a href="/topical/k/king_artaxerxes.htm">King Artaxerxes</a> The Persian king who Nehemiah serves. His response to Nehemiah's request is pivotal for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. 3. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city central to Jewish identity and worship, currently in ruins, which deeply grieves Nehemiah. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_ruins_of_jerusalem.htm">The Ruins of Jerusalem</a> The physical state of Jerusalem, with its walls broken and gates burned, symbolizes the spiritual and communal distress of the Jewish people. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_ancestral_burial_sites.htm">The Ancestral Burial Sites</a> Nehemiah references the burial sites of his ancestors, highlighting the historical and spiritual significance of Jerusalem to the Jewish people.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prayer_and_preparation.htm">The Importance of Prayer and Preparation</a> Nehemiah's approach to the king is preceded by prayer and careful planning. Believers should also seek God's guidance and prepare diligently when facing significant challenges. <a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_human_affairs.htm">God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs</a> Nehemiah's interaction with Artaxerxes demonstrates how God can work through secular authorities to accomplish His purposes. Trust in God's sovereignty is crucial for believers. <a href="/topical/t/the_significance_of_spiritual_heritage.htm">The Significance of Spiritual Heritage</a> Nehemiah's concern for Jerusalem reflects the importance of spiritual heritage and community. Christians should value and work to preserve their spiritual foundations. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_adversity.htm">Courage in the Face of Adversity</a> Nehemiah shows courage by expressing his sorrow to the king, risking his position. Believers are called to be courageous in advocating for God's work. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_leadership_in_restoration.htm">The Role of Leadership in Restoration</a> Nehemiah's leadership is instrumental in the restoration of Jerusalem. Effective leadership is vital in spiritual and communal restoration efforts.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 2</a> <a href="/q/nehemiah's_role_in_rebuilding_walls.htm">What was Nehemiah's role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls?</a> <a href="/q/do_nehemiah_1_2-3's_reports_match_history.htm">In Nehemiah 1:2-3, do the reported conditions of Jerusalem's walls and gates align with known historical or archaeological findings?</a> <a href="/q/why_did_israel_retreat_after_the_sacrifice.htm">Why would a single human sacrifice on a city wall abruptly force Israel's retreat (2 Kings 3:26-27)?</a> <a href="/q/do_'fish_gate'_and_'second_quarter'_match_archaeology.htm">In Zephaniah 1:10-11, does the mention of the 'Fish Gate' and the 'Second Quarter' align with known archaeological sites, or might this indicate a later editorial insertion?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) Nehemiah's family was of Jerusalem. He does not as yet betray to the king the deepest desire of his heart, but simply refers to the desecration of his fathers' sepulchres, an appeal which had great force with the Persians, who respected the tomb.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - May the king live for ever. A common form of Oriental compliment (<a href="/1_kings/1-31.htm">1 Kings 1:31</a>; <a href="/daniel/2-4.htm">Daniel 2:4</a>; <a href="/daniel/3-9.htm">Daniel 3:9</a>, etc. ), but said now with special intention to conciliate, and meant to express a deep interest in the royal life and person. The city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres. We see by this that Nehemiah's family must have belonged to the capital. The Persians, like the Jews, had a great respect for the tomb, and regarded its violation with horror. Artaxerxes would naturally sympathise with the wish of his follower to give security to the city where his ancestors were interred. It would seem that the Persians generally at this time (Herod., 1:140), the kings certainly ('Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 3. p. 231, second edition), buried their dead. Lieth waste. Nehemiah's warmth of feeling exaggerates the fact; but he may have been unconscious of the exaggeration. He repeats the phrase to the chief men of Jerusalem after making his survey of the wall (ver. 17). <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>and replied וָאֹמַ֣ר (wā·’ō·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say to the king, לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (lam·me·leḵ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king “May the king הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king live forever! יִחְיֶ֑ה (yiḥ·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2421.htm">Strong's 2421: </a> To live, to revive Why מַדּ֜וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> Why? for what reason? should I not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no be sad יֵרְע֣וּ (yê·rə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7489.htm">Strong's 7489: </a> To spoil, to make, good for, nothing, bad when אֲשֶׁ֨ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that the city הָעִ֜יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement where בֵּית־ (bêṯ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1004.htm">Strong's 1004: </a> A house my fathers אֲבֹתַי֙ (’ă·ḇō·ṯay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1.htm">Strong's 1: </a> Father are buried קִבְר֤וֹת (qiḇ·rō·wṯ) Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6913.htm">Strong's 6913: </a> A grave, sepulcher lies in ruins, חֲרֵבָ֔ה (ḥă·rê·ḇāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2717.htm">Strong's 2717: </a> To parch, to desolate, destroy, kill and its gates וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ (ū·šə·‘ā·re·hā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> An opening, door, gate have been destroyed אֻכְּל֥וּ (’uk·kə·lū) Verb - QalPass - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat by fire?” בָאֵֽשׁ׃ (ḇā·’êš) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_784.htm">Strong's 784: </a> A fire <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Nehemiah 2:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-3.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 2:3 I said to the king Let (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 2:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 2:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/2-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 2:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 2:4" /></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>