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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 1:1 These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/1-1.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/16_Neh_01_01.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 1:1 - Nehemiah's Prayer" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa," /><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/1-1.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/1-1.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/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 1</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="/ad1.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="/ezra/10-44.htm" title="Ezra 10:44">◄</a> Nehemiah 1:1 <a href="/nehemiah/1-2.htm" title="Nehemiah 1:2">►</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/1.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/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah son of Hakaliah: In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />These are the memoirs of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In late autumn, in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes’ reign, I was at the fortress of Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. It came to pass in the month of Chislev, <i>in</i> the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the citadel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, <i>in</i> the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the capitol,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the capitol,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, <i>in</i> the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the capitol,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, <i>in</i> the twentieth year—and I was in Susa the capitol—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year [of the Persian king], as I was in the capitol of Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: During the month of Chislev in the twentieth year, when I was in the fortress city of Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: During the month of Chislev in the twentieth year, when I was in the fortress city of Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I am Nehemiah son of Hacaliah, and in this book I tell what I have done. During the month of Chislev in the twentieth year that Artaxerxes ruled Persia, I was in his fortress city of Susa, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />These are the words of Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah: During the month of Chislev, in Artaxerxes' twentieth year as king, while I was in the fortress at Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />This is the account of what Nehemiah son of Hacaliah accomplished. In the month of Kislev in the twentieth year that Artaxerxes was emperor of Persia, I, Nehemiah, was in Susa, the capital city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In this document, I, Hacaliah's son Nehemiah, recount what occurred during the twentieth year of Artaxerxes. In the month of Chislev, while I was in Shushan at the palace, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: It so happened that in the month of Kislev, in the twentieth year, I was in Susa the citadel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it happened in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the palace, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Words of Nehemiah son of Hachaliah. And it comes to pass, in the month of Chisleu, the twentieth year, and I have been in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Words of Nehemiah son of Hachaliah. And it cometh to pass, in the month of Chisleu, the twentieth year, and I have been in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah son of Hachaliah. And it will be in the month Chisleu, the twentieth year, and I was in Shushan the fortress;<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The words of Nehemias the son of Helchias. And it came to pass in the month of Casleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in the castle of Susa, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah, the son of Hacaliah. And it happened that, in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, I was in the capital city of Susa.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah. In the month Kislev of the twentieth year, I was in the citadel of Susa<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah. In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in Susa the capital,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />THE words of Nehemiah the son of Helakiah. And it came to pass in the month of Canun, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And it was in the month Canun, in the twentieth year, I was standing in Shushan the palace.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />THE WORDS of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the castle,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />The words of Neemias the son of Chelcia. And it came to pass in the month Chaseleu, of the twentieth year, that I was in Susan the palace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/1-1.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=0" 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/1.htm">Nehemiah's Prayer</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">1</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">These are the words</a> <a href="/hebrew/5166.htm" title="5166: nə·ḥem·yāh (N-proper-ms) -- Yah comforts, three Isr. From nacham and Yahh; consolation of Jah; Nechemjah, the name of three Israelites.">of Nehemiah</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/2446.htm" title="2446: ḥă·ḵal·yāh (N-proper-ms) -- Perhaps wait for Yah, father of Nehemiah. From the base of chakliyl and Yahh; darkness of Jah; Chakaljah, an Israelite.">of Hacaliah:</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2320.htm" title="2320: ḇə·ḥō·ḏeš- (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- New moon, a month. From chadash; the new moon; by implication, a month.">In the month</a> <a href="/hebrew/3691.htm" title="3691: kis·lēw (N-proper-fs) -- The ninth month of the Jewish calendar. Probably of foreign origin; Kisleu, the 9th Heb. Month.">of Chislev,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6242.htm" title="6242: ‘eś·rîm (Number-cp) -- Twenty. From eser; twenty; also twentieth.">in the twentieth</a> <a href="/hebrew/8141.htm" title="8141: šə·naṯ (N-fsc) -- A year. (in plura or shanah; from shanah; a year.">year,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: wa·’ă·nî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">while I</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yî·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">was</a> <a href="/hebrew/1002.htm" title="1002: hab·bî·rāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A castle, palace. Of foreign origin; a castle or palace.">in the citadel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7800.htm" title="7800: bə·šū·šan (Prep-b:: N-proper-fs) -- Residence of Pers. kings. The same as shuwshan; Shushan, a place in Persia.">of Susa,</a> </span><span class="reftext">2</span>Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah. So I questioned them about the remnant of the Jews who had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem.…<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="/ezra/1-1.htm">Ezra 1:1</a></span><br />In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Nehemiah 2:1</a></span><br />Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-2.htm">Daniel 9:2</a></span><br />in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood from the sacred books, according to the word of the LORD to Jeremiah the prophet, that the desolation of Jerusalem would last seventy years.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/36-22.htm">2 Chronicles 36:22-23</a></span><br />In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/7-6.htm">Ezra 7:6</a></span><br />this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Esther 1:1-3</a></span><br />This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. / In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa. / In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/haggai/1-1.htm">Haggai 1:1</a></span><br />In the second year of the reign of Darius, on the first day of the sixth month, the word of the LORD came through Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, stating<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/zechariah/1-1.htm">Zechariah 1:1</a></span><br />In the eighth month of the second year of Darius, the word of the LORD came to the prophet Zechariah son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/44-28.htm">Isaiah 44:28</a></span><br />who says of Cyrus, ‘My shepherd will fulfill all that I desire,’ who says of Jerusalem, ‘She will be rebuilt,’ and of the temple, ‘Let its foundation be laid.’”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-10.htm">Jeremiah 29:10</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/1-17.htm">Matthew 1:17</a></span><br />In all, then, there were fourteen generations from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/7-17.htm">Acts 7:17</a></span><br />As the time drew near for God to fulfill His promise to Abraham, our people in Egypt increased greatly in number.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/11-32.htm">Hebrews 11:32-34</a></span><br />And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/15-4.htm">Romans 15:4</a></span><br />For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/10-11.htm">1 Corinthians 10:11</a></span><br />Now these things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the fulfillment of the ages has come.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,</p><p class="hdg">in the month</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/10-9.htm">Ezra 10:9</a></b></br> Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together unto Jerusalem within three days. It <i>was</i> the ninth month, on the twentieth <i>day</i> of the month; and all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of <i>this</i> matter, and for the great rain.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/zechariah/7-1.htm">Zechariah 7:1</a></b></br> And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius, <i>that</i> the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah in the fourth <i>day</i> of the ninth month, <i>even</i> in Chisleu;</p><p class="hdg">in the twentieth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/7-7.htm">Ezra 7:7</a></b></br> And there went up <i>some</i> of the children of Israel, and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, unto Jerusalem, in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2</a></b></br> <i>That</i> in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which <i>was</i> in Shushan the palace,</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Esther 3:15</a></b></br> The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/8-2.htm">Daniel 8:2</a></b></br> And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I <i>was</i> at Shushan <i>in</i> the palace, which <i>is</i> in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/6-2.htm">Capital</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/11-7.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-1.htm">Chisleu</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-1.htm">Chislev</a> <a href="/ezra/6-2.htm">Citadel</a> <a href="/ezra/6-2.htm">Fortress</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-1.htm">Hacaliah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-1.htm">Hacali'ah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-1.htm">Hachaliah</a> <a href="/ezra/4-19.htm">History</a> <a href="/ezra/8-36.htm">King's</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-1.htm">Kislev</a> <a href="/ezra/10-17.htm">Month</a> <a href="/ezra/2-2.htm">Nehemiah</a> <a href="/ezra/2-2.htm">Nehemi'ah</a> <a href="/ezra/6-2.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/daniel/8-2.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/ezra/4-9.htm">Susa</a> <a href="/ezra/10-9.htm">Twentieth</a> <a href="/ezra/9-4.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Capital</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-8.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-1.htm">Chisleu</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-1.htm">Chislev</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-2.htm">Citadel</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-2.htm">Fortress</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-1.htm">Hacaliah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-1.htm">Hacali'ah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-1.htm">Hachaliah</a> <a href="/esther/10-2.htm">History</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-11.htm">King's</a> <a href="/zechariah/7-1.htm">Kislev</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Month</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-16.htm">Nehemiah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Nehemi'ah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-8.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Susa</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Twentieth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah, understanding by Hanani the misery of Jerusalem, mourns, fasts, and prays</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">His prayer</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/1.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/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah:</b><br>Nehemiah is introduced as the son of Hacaliah, a name not mentioned elsewhere in the Bible, indicating Nehemiah's humble origins. Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer to the Persian king suggests a position of trust and influence, which God uses for His purposes. The phrase "the words of Nehemiah" indicates a personal account, providing authenticity and a direct perspective on the events described. Nehemiah's leadership and dedication to God's work are central themes, reflecting the qualities of a godly leader.<p><b>In the month of Chislev:</b><br>Chislev corresponds to November-December in the Gregorian calendar, marking the beginning of winter. This timing is significant as it sets the stage for the events that follow, including Nehemiah's journey to Jerusalem. The mention of Chislev provides a chronological anchor, situating Nehemiah's narrative within the Jewish calendar, which is important for understanding the sequence of events in the book.<p><b>In the twentieth year:</b><br>This refers to the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes I's reign, around 445 BC. The historical context is crucial, as it situates Nehemiah's mission within the broader narrative of the Persian Empire's rule over Judah. This period follows the return of the exiles under Zerubbabel and Ezra, highlighting the ongoing process of restoration and rebuilding in Jerusalem.<p><b>While I was in the citadel of Susa:</b><br>Susa, one of the capitals of the Persian Empire, was a significant administrative center. Archaeological findings confirm its grandeur and importance. Nehemiah's presence in Susa indicates his role within the Persian court, providing him with access to the king. This setting underscores the providential placement of Nehemiah in a position to influence the king's decisions regarding Jerusalem. Susa's mention also connects Nehemiah's story to that of Esther, who lived in the same city, illustrating God's continued work through His people in foreign lands.<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 cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. His name means "Yahweh comforts," reflecting his role in the restoration of Jerusalem.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/hacaliah.htm">Hacaliah</a></b><br>Nehemiah's father, mentioned to establish Nehemiah's lineage and identity within the Jewish community.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/c/chislev.htm">Chislev</a></b><br>The ninth month of the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to November-December. This timing is significant for the events that unfold in Nehemiah's account.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/twentieth_year.htm">Twentieth Year</a></b><br>Refers to the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, providing a historical context for the account.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/citadel_of_susa.htm">Citadel of Susa</a></b><br>A fortified palace complex in the Persian Empire, indicating Nehemiah's position of influence and proximity to the king.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_placement.htm">God's Sovereignty in Placement</a></b><br>Nehemiah's position in Susa was not by chance. God places His people strategically for His purposes. Reflect on where God has placed you and how you can serve His kingdom there.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_heritage.htm">The Importance of Heritage</a></b><br>Nehemiah's lineage is mentioned, reminding us of the importance of understanding our spiritual heritage and identity in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/timing_in_god's_plan.htm">Timing in God's Plan</a></b><br>The mention of Chislev and the twentieth year underscores God's perfect timing. Trust in God's timing for the unfolding of His plans in your life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparation_for_action.htm">Preparation for Action</a></b><br>Nehemiah's account begins with him in a place of influence, preparing us to see how God uses our current circumstances to prepare us for future action.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_we_verify_nehemiah's_role_in_susa.htm">In Nehemiah 1:1, how can we be sure Nehemiah actually served in Susa under the Persian king, given limited external evidence? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_nehemiah_1_4_compare_to_persian_norms.htm">How does Nehemiah’s immediate emotional reaction in Nehemiah 1:4 measure up against typical Persian administrative records or practices of the era? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/when_was_nehemiah_written.htm">When was Nehemiah written?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_nehemiah_in_the_bible.htm">Who is Nehemiah in the Bible?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">I.</span><p>(1) <span class= "bld">The words of Nehemiah.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">The</span> <span class= "ital">narrative</span> or <span class= "ital">record.</span> Both as referring to his affairs and as written by him.<p>(1-3) Introductory: tidings brought to Nehemiah concerning the sad estate of Jerusalem and the people.<p>(1) <span class= "bld">In the month Chisleu.</span>--The names rather than the numbers of the months are generally employed after the captivity: Nisan, Iyar, Sivan, Tammuz, Av, Elul, Tishri, Marchesvan, Chisleu, Tebeth, Shevat, Adar; with an intercalary month, the second Adar. Chisleu answers nearly to our December.<p><span class= "bld">In the twentieth year.</span>--Of the reign of Artaxerxes Longimanus, which began B.C. 465 and ended B.C. 425.<p><span class= "bld">In</span> <span class= "bld">Shushan the palace.</span>--Susa, the capital of Susiana; where, after the capture of the Babylonian empire, a great palace was built by Darius Hystaspis, the ruins of which are still seen. It was the principal and favourite residence of the Persian court, alternating with Persepolis, the older capital, and Babylon. Shushan was one of the most ancient cities in the world; and is associated with the visions of Daniel, and with the feast of Ahasuerus (<a href="/daniel/8-2.htm" title="And I saw in a vision; and it came to pass, when I saw, that I was at Shushan in the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai.">Daniel 8:2</a>, <a href="/esther/1-3.htm" title="In the third year of his reign, he made a feast to all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:">Esther 1:3</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 1.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah</span>. Compare <a href="/jeremiah/1-1.htm">Jeremiah 1:1</a>; <a href="/hosea/1-2.htm">Hosea 1:2</a>; <a href="/amos/1-1.htm">Amos 1:1</a>, etc. No other <span class="accented">historical</span> book commences in this manner, and we may best account for the introduction of the clause by the consideration that "Nehemiah" having been originally appended to "Ezra," it marked the point at which a new narrative began by a new author. <span class="cmt_word">The month Chisleu</span>. The word Chisleu, or rather Kislev, is probably Persian. It was unknown to the Jews before the captivity, and is found only in this passage and in <a href="/zechariah/7-1.htm">Zechariah 7:1</a>, where Kislev is said to be "the ninth month," corresponding nearly to our December. <span class="cmt_word">The twentieth year</span>. The twentieth regnal year of Artaxerxes (Longimanus) is intended (see ch. 2:1). This began in <span class="date">B.C. 445</span>, and terminated in <span class="date">B.C. 444</span>. <span class="cmt_word">Shushan the palace</span>, where Daniel saw the vision of the ram with two horns (<a href="/daniel/8-2.htm">Daniel 8:2</a>), and Ahasuerus (Xerxes) made his great feast to all his princes and servants (<a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Esther 1:3</a>), is beyond all doubt Susa, the capital city of Kissia, or Susiana, one of the most ancient cities in the world, and the place which, from the time of Darius Hystaspis was the principal residence of the Persian court. It was situated in the fertile plain east of the Lower Tigris, and lay on or near the river Choaspes, probably at the spot now known as <span class="accented">Sus</span>, or <span class="accented">Shush.</span> Remains of the palace were discovered by the expedition under Sir Fenwick Williams in the year 1852, and have been graphically described by Mr. Loftus ('Chaldaea and Susiana,' pp. 373-375). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/1-1.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">[These are] the words</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבְרֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(diḇ·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Nehemiah</span><br /><span class="heb">נְחֶמְיָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(nə·ḥem·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5166.htm">Strong's 5166: </a> </span><span class="str2">Nehemiah -- 'Yah comforts', three Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">son</span><br /><span class="heb">בֶּן־</span> <span class="translit">(ben-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> </span><span class="str2">A son</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Hacaliah:</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲכַלְיָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ḵal·yāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2446.htm">Strong's 2446: </a> </span><span class="str2">Hacaliah -- perhaps 'wait for Yah', father of Nehemiah</span><br /><br /><span class="word">In the month</span><br /><span class="heb">בְחֹֽדֶשׁ־</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·ḥō·ḏeš-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2320.htm">Strong's 2320: </a> </span><span class="str2">The new moon, a month</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Chislev,</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּסְלֵיו֙</span> <span class="translit">(kis·lêw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3691.htm">Strong's 3691: </a> </span><span class="str2">The ninth month of the Jewish calendar</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the twentieth</span><br /><span class="heb">עֶשְׂרִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘eś·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6242.htm">Strong's 6242: </a> </span><span class="str2">Twenty, twentieth</span><br /><br /><span class="word">year,</span><br /><span class="heb">שְׁנַ֣ת</span> <span class="translit">(šə·naṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8141.htm">Strong's 8141: </a> </span><span class="str2">A year</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while I</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲנִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was</span><br /><span class="heb">הָיִ֖יתִי</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yî·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in the citadel</span><br /><span class="heb">הַבִּירָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(hab·bî·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1002.htm">Strong's 1002: </a> </span><span class="str2">A castle, palace</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Susa,</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשׁוּשַׁ֥ן</span> <span class="translit">(bə·šū·šan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7800.htm">Strong's 7800: </a> </span><span class="str2">Susa -- residence of person kings</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Nehemiah 1:1 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/1-1.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 1:1 The words of Nehemiah the son (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/ezra/10-44.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Ezra 10:44"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Ezra 10:44" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/1-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 1:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 1:2" /></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>