CINXE.COM
Nehemiah 4:18 And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me.
<!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 4:18 And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/4-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/16_Neh_04_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 4:18 - Discouragement Overcome" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me." /><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><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/4-18.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/4-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/4-17.htm" title="Nehemiah 4:17">◄</a> Nehemiah 4:18 <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm" title="Nehemiah 4:19">►</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 />and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and <i>so</i> builded. And he that sounded the trumpet <i>was</i> by me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet <i>was</i> beside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />As for the builders, each <i>wore</i> his sword strapped to his waist as he built, while the trumpeter <i>stood</i> near me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />As for the builders, each wore his sword girded at his side as he built, while the trumpeter stood near me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />As for the builders, each <i>wore</i> his sword girded at his side as he built, while the trumpeter <i>stood</i> near me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />As for the builders, each <i>wore</i> his sword girded at his side as he built, while the trumpeter <i>stood</i> near me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Every builder <i>had</i> his sword secured at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet [to summon the troops] stood at my side.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Each of the builders had his sword strapped around his waist while he was building, and the one who sounded the ram’s horn was beside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Each of the builders had his sword strapped around his waist while he was building, and the trumpeter was beside me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Even the workers who were rebuilding the wall strapped on a sword. The worker who was to blow the signal trumpet stayed with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />and each builder had his sword fastened to his side. The man who was supposed to sound the trumpet alarm was with me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />and everyone who was building kept a sword strapped to their waist. The man who was to sound the alarm on the bugle stayed with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Each builder worked with a sword strapped to his side, while a trumpeter remained beside me to sound an alarm. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The builders to a man had their swords strapped to their sides while they were building. But the trumpeter remained with me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />and the builders, everyone wore his sword at his side, and so built. He who sounded the trumpet was by me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so built. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Among the builders, everyone wore his sword at his side, and so built. He who sounded the trumpet was by me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the builders [are] each with his sword, girded on his loins, and building, and he who is blowing with a horn [is] beside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the builders are each with his sword, girded on his loins, and building, and he who is blowing with a trumpet is beside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the builders, a man his sword being girded upon his loins, and building. And he striking upon the trumpet near me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For every one of the builders was girded with a sword about his reins. And they built, and sounded with a trumpet by me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For each one of the builders was girded with a sword at the waist. And they were building, and they were sounding a trumpet beside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Every builder, while working, had a sword tied at his side. A trumpeter stood beside me,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.<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 builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and he stood up and built. And he that sounded the trumpet stood behind him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Stone Masons held, each man, a sword, and he stood and built, and he who sounded on the horn stood behind him.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the horn was by me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the builders <i>wrought</i> each man having his sword girt upon his loins, and so they built: and the trumpeter with his trumpet next to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/4-18.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=954" 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">17</span>who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">And each</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: wə·hab·bō·w·nîm (Conj-w, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">of the builders</a> <a href="/hebrew/1129.htm" title="1129: ū·ḇō·w·nîm (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To build. A primitive root; to build.">worked</a> <a href="/hebrew/2719.htm" title="2719: ḥar·bōw (N-fsc:: 3ms) -- A sword. From charab; drought; also a cutting instrument, as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement.">with his sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/631.htm" title="631: ’ă·sū·rîm (V-Qal-QalPassPrtcpl-mp) -- To tie, bind, imprison. A primitive root; to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle.">strapped</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">at</a> <a href="/hebrew/4975.htm" title="4975: mā·ṯə·nāw (N-mdc:: 3ms) -- Loins. From an unused root meaning to be slender; properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins.">his side.</a> <a href="/hebrew/8628.htm" title="8628: wə·hat·tō·w·qê·a‘ (Conj-w, Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; to clatter, i.e. Slap, clang; by analogy, to drive; by implication, to become bondsman by handclasping).">But the trumpeter</a> <a href="/hebrew/7782.htm" title="7782: baš·šō·w·p̄ār (Prep-b, Art:: N-ms) -- A horn (for blowing). Or shophar; from shaphar in the original sense of incising; a cornet or curved horn."></a> <a href="/hebrew/681.htm" title="681: ’eṣ·lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- A joining together, proximity. From 'atsal; a side; near.">stayed beside me.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>Then I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people: “The work is great and extensive, and we are spread out far from one another along the wall.…<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/6-17.htm">Ephesians 6:17</a></span><br />And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.<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="/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="/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="/psalms/144-1.htm">Psalm 144:1</a></span><br />Of David. Blessed be the LORD, my Rock, who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-45.htm">1 Samuel 17:45</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.<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="/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="/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="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<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="/zechariah/4-6.htm">Zechariah 4:6</a></span><br />So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts.<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="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a></span><br />Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so built. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.</p><p class="hdg">by his side.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/10-9.htm">Numbers 10:9</a></b></br> And if ye go to war in your land against the enemy that oppresseth you, then ye shall blow an alarm with the trumpets; and ye shall be remembered before the LORD your God, and ye shall be saved from your enemies.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/13-12.htm">2 Chronicles 13:12-17</a></b></br> And, behold, God himself <i>is</i> with us for <i>our</i> captain, and his priests with sounding trumpets to cry alarm against you. O children of Israel, fight ye not against the LORD God of your fathers; for ye shall not prosper… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/29-28.htm">Blowing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/26-2.htm">Builder</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Builders</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Building</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Built</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-32.htm">Girded</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/25-5.htm">Horn</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-1.htm">Loins</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-3.htm">Side</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-28.htm">Sounded</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/15-14.htm">Sounding</a> <a href="/ezra/10-15.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/ezra/9-7.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-28.htm">Trumpet</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/15-27.htm">Wore</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-6.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/150-3.htm">Blowing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-1.htm">Builded</a> <a href="/psalms/69-35.htm">Builder</a> <a href="/psalms/118-22.htm">Builders</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Building</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-1.htm">Built</a> <a href="/psalms/18-32.htm">Girded</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-20.htm">Horn</a> <a href="/job/15-27.htm">Loins</a> <a href="/job/1-10.htm">Side</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-20.htm">Sounded</a> <a href="/job/4-10.htm">Sounding</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-65.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/esther/9-5.htm">Sword</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-20.htm">Trumpet</a> <a href="/psalms/32-3.htm">Wore</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Working</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 /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <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>And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side.</b><br>This phrase highlights the dual role of the builders in Nehemiah's time, emphasizing both construction and defense. The builders were tasked with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, a project that was crucial for the protection and identity of the Jewish people. The sword strapped at their side symbolizes readiness and vigilance, reflecting the constant threat from surrounding enemies like the Samaritans, Ammonites, and others who opposed the rebuilding efforts (<a href="/nehemiah/4-7.htm">Nehemiah 4:7-8</a>). This dual role can be seen as a metaphor for the Christian life, where believers are called to build the Kingdom of God while also being prepared to defend their faith (<a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>). The sword, often a symbol of the Word of God (<a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a>), suggests that spiritual readiness and the knowledge of Scripture are essential for believers.<p><b>But the trumpeter stayed beside me.</b><br>The presence of the trumpeter beside Nehemiah signifies the importance of communication and unity among the people. The trumpeter's role was to sound the alarm in case of an attack, ensuring that the workers could rally together quickly to defend the city. This reflects the organized and strategic approach Nehemiah took in leading the rebuilding efforts. The trumpet is often used in the Bible as a call to action or a signal of God's intervention (<a href="/numbers/10-9.htm">Numbers 10:9</a>, <a href="/1_corinthians/15-52.htm">1 Corinthians 15:52</a>). In a broader sense, this can be seen as a type of Christ, who calls His people to be alert and ready for His return (<a href="/matthew/24-31.htm">Matthew 24:31</a>). The trumpeter's position beside Nehemiah also underscores the importance of leadership and the need for leaders to be accessible and responsive to the needs of their people.<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 rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He is known for his leadership, prayerfulness, and dedication to God's work.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/b/builders.htm">Builders</a></b><br>These are the Jewish people who are actively engaged in the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. They are depicted as diligent workers who are prepared to defend their work.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/trumpeter.htm">Trumpeter</a></b><br>This individual is tasked with sounding the alarm in case of an attack, symbolizing vigilance and readiness.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city whose walls are being rebuilt. It represents the spiritual and physical center of Jewish life and worship.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/e/enemies_of_judah.htm">Enemies of Judah</a></b><br>These are the adversaries who oppose the rebuilding efforts, representing opposition to God's plans.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/preparedness_in_god's_work.htm">Preparedness in God's Work</a></b><br>Just as the builders had their swords ready, Christians must be prepared to defend their faith and stand firm in spiritual battles.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/v/vigilance_and_alertness.htm">Vigilance and Alertness</a></b><br>The presence of the trumpeter signifies the need for constant vigilance. Believers should be alert to spiritual dangers and ready to respond.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/unity_and_cooperation.htm">Unity and Cooperation</a></b><br>The builders worked together with a common purpose. In the body of Christ, unity is essential for accomplishing God's work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/b/balancing_work_and_warfare.htm">Balancing Work and Warfare</a></b><br>The dual role of building and defending illustrates the balance between constructive work and spiritual warfare in a believer's life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/reliance_on_god.htm">Reliance on God</a></b><br>Nehemiah's leadership and the builders' efforts were undergirded by prayer and trust in God, reminding us of the importance of divine guidance.<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/can_christians_practice_martial_arts.htm">Can Christians engage in martial arts practice?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_ymca_and_ywca.htm">Who was Eliezer in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/should_christians_use_public_schools.htm">When is it time to break down or build up?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_levites_oversee_construction.htm">(Ezra 3:8-9) Why would Levites, rather than skilled foremen or Persian officials, be in charge of supervising construction under Persian rule?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">For the builders</span>. Rather, "and the (actual) builders"- masons, bricklayers, and the like, as distinct from the bearers of burthens, or carriers of material. <span class="cmt_word">He that sounded the trumpet</span>. The signalman. Trumpeters appear both in the Egyptian and the Assyrian sculptures (see 'Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 1. p. 539, second ed.; Wilkinson, 'Ancient Egyptians,' vol. 2. p. 260). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/4-18.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">And each</span><br /><span class="heb">אִ֥ישׁ</span> <span class="translit">(’îš)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man as an individual, a male person</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the builders</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַ֨בּוֹנִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hab·bō·w·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, 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">worked</span><br /><span class="heb">וּבוֹנִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·ḇō·w·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | 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">with his sword</span><br /><span class="heb">חַרְבּ֛וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ḥar·bōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2719.htm">Strong's 2719: </a> </span><span class="str2">Drought, a cutting instrument, as a, knife, sword</span><br /><br /><span class="word">strapped</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲסוּרִ֥ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·sū·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_631.htm">Strong's 631: </a> </span><span class="str2">To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his side.</span><br /><span class="heb">מָתְנָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(mā·ṯə·nāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - mdc | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4975.htm">Strong's 4975: </a> </span><span class="str2">The waist, small of the back, the loins</span><br /><br /><span class="word">But the trumpeter</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַתּוֹקֵ֥עַ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hat·tō·w·qê·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8628.htm">Strong's 8628: </a> </span><span class="str2">To clatter, slap, clang, to drive, to become bondsman</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stayed beside me.</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶצְלִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(’eṣ·lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_681.htm">Strong's 681: </a> </span><span class="str2">A joining together, proximity</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Nehemiah 4:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Nehemiah 4:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Nehemiah 4:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Nehemiah 4:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Nehemiah 4:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Nehemiah 4:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Nehemiah 4:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Nehemiah 4:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Nehemiah 4:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Nehemiah 4:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/4-18.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 4:18 And the builders everyone had his sword (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 4:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 4:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 4:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 4:19" /></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>