CINXE.COM

<!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 2:16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/2-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/16_Neh_02_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 2:16 - Nehemiah Inspects the Walls" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers." /><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/2-16.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/2-16.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/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 16</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="/ad16.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/2-15.htm" title="Nehemiah 2:15">◄</a> Nehemiah 2:16 <a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm" title="Nehemiah 2:17">►</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">Verse<a href="/bsb/nehemiah/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/nehemiah/2.htm">New International Version</a> The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> The city officials did not know I had been out there or what I was doing, for I had not yet said anything to anyone about my plans. I had not yet spoken to the Jewish leaders—the priests, the nobles, the officials, or anyone else in the administration. <a href="/esv/nehemiah/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, and I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest who were to do the work. <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers. <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/2.htm">King James Bible</a> And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/2.htm">New King James Version</a> And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the others who did the work. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> However, the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing; nor had I as yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the rest who were doing the work. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> The officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; nor had I as yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials or the rest who did the work. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And the officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; nor had I as yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the rest who did the work. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now the officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing; nor had I as yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the rest who were doing the work. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> The officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done; nor had I yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the rest who did the work. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews, priests, nobles, officials, or the rest of those who would be doing the work. <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews, priests, nobles, officials, or the rest of those who would be doing the work. <a href="/asv/nehemiah/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> None of the city officials knew what I had in mind. And I had not even told any of the Jews--not the priests, the leaders, the officials, or any other Jews who would be helping in the work. <a href="/erv/nehemiah/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The officials didn't know where I had gone or what I had done. I hadn't yet told the Jews, the priests, the leaders, the other officials, or any of the rest who would be doing the work. <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> None of the local officials knew where I had gone or what I had been doing. So far I had not said anything to any of the other Jews--the priests, the leaders, the officials, or anyone else who would be taking part in the work. <a href="/isv/nehemiah/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> The local officials did not know where I had gone or what I had done—I informed neither the Judeans, nor the priests, nor the nobles, nor the officials, nor any of the rest who would be doing the work. <a href="/msb/nehemiah/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers. <a href="/net/nehemiah/2.htm">NET Bible</a> The officials did not know where I had gone or what I had been doing, for up to this point I had not told any of the Jews or the priests or the nobles or the officials or the rest of the workers. <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> The rulers did not know where I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest who did the work. <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work. <a href="/web/nehemiah/2.htm">World English Bible</a> The rulers didn’t know where I went, or what I did. I had not as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest who did the work. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And the prefects have not known to where I have gone, and what I am doing; and to the Jews, and to the priests, and to the nobles, and to the prefects, and to the rest of those doing the work, until now I have not declared [it]; <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And the prefects have not known whither I have gone, and what I am doing; and to the Jews, and to the priests, and to the freemen, and to the prefects, and to the rest of those doing the work, hitherto I have not declared it; <a href="/slt/nehemiah/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And the prefects knew not whither I went and what I was doing: and to the Jews and to the priests and to the nobles and to the prefects, and to the rest doing the work, even thus I announced not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But the magistrates knew not whither I went, or what I did: neither had I as yet told any thing to the Jews, or to the priests, or to the nobles, or to the magistrates, or to the rest that did the work. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now the magistrates did not know where I had gone, or what I had done. For I had revealed nothing, even to that point in time, to the Jews, or to the priests, or to the nobles, or to the magistrates, or to the others who were doing the work. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/2.htm">New American Bible</a> The magistrates knew nothing of where I had gone or what I was doing, for as yet I had disclosed nothing to the Jews, neither to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the magistrates, nor to the others who were to do the work. <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing; I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, and the rest that were to do the work.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And the authorities did not know where I had gone or what I was doing: neither had I as yet told it to the Jews nor to the priests nor to the governors nor to the scribes nor to the rest that did the work. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Governors did not know where I went and what I did, and I had not shown the Jews, or the Priests, or the Rulers, or the Scribes, or the rest who did the work, until now.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the sentinels knew not why I went, nor what I was doing; and until that time I told it not to the Jews, or to the priests, or to the nobles, or to the captains, or to the rest of the men who wrought the works. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/2-16.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=322" 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 Inspects the Walls</a> …15so I went up the valley by night and inspected the wall. Then I headed back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 16<a href="/hebrew/5461.htm" title="5461: wə·has·sə·ḡā·nîm (Conj-w, Art:: N-mp) -- A prefect, ruler. From an unused root meaning to superintend; a prefect of a province.">The officials</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.">did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏə·‘ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">know</a> <a href="/hebrew/575.htm" title="575: ’ā·nāh (Interrog) -- Where? whither?. Or manah; contracted from 'aiyn; where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither.">where</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·laḵ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">I had gone</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·māh (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">or what</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śeh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">was doing,</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.">for I had not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">yet</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hig·gaḏ·tî (V-Hifil-Perf-1cs) -- To be conspicuous. ">told</a> <a href="/hebrew/3064.htm" title="3064: wə·lay·yə·hū·ḏîm (Conj-w, Prep-l, Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Jewish. Patronymically from Yhuwdah; a Jehudite, or descendant of Jehudah.">the Jews</a> <a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: wə·lak·kō·hă·nîm (Conj-w, Prep-l, Art:: N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">or priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/2715.htm" title="2715: wə·la·ḥō·rîm (Conj-w, Prep-l, Art:: N-mp) -- A noble. Or chowr; from charar; properly, white or pure (compare choriy); hence (figuratively) noble (in rank).">or nobles</a> <a href="/hebrew/5461.htm" title="5461: wə·las·sə·ḡā·nîm (Conj-w, Prep-l, Art:: N-mp) -- A prefect, ruler. From an unused root meaning to superintend; a prefect of a province.">or officials</a> <a href="/hebrew/3499.htm" title="3499: ū·lə·ye·ṯer (Conj-w, Prep-l:: N-msc) -- From yathar; properly, an overhanging, i.e. an excess, superiority, remainder; also a small rope.">or any other</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śêh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-msc) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: ham·mə·lā·ḵāh (Art:: N-fs) -- From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment or work; also property.">workers.</a> 17Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.”…<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/4-14.htm">Nehemiah 4:14</a> After I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, “Do not be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes.” <a href="/nehemiah/6-16.htm">Nehemiah 6:16</a> When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. <a href="/ezra/5-2.htm">Ezra 5:2</a> Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak rose up and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them. <a href="/ezra/4-12.htm">Ezra 4:12-13</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. <a href="/ezra/6-14.htm">Ezra 6:14</a> So the Jewish elders built and prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah son of Iddo. They finished building according to the command of the God of Israel and the decrees of Cyrus, Darius, and Artaxerxes, kings of Persia. <a href="/haggai/1-14.htm">Haggai 1:14</a> So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God, <a href="/zechariah/4-9.htm">Zechariah 4:9</a> “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house, and his hands will complete it. Then you will know that the LORD of Hosts has sent me to you. <a href="/1_chronicles/28-19.htm">1 Chronicles 28:19</a> “All this,” said David, “all the details of this plan, the LORD has made clear to me in writing by His hand upon me.” <a href="/2_chronicles/24-12.htm">2 Chronicles 24:12-13</a> Then the king and Jehoiada would give the money to those who supervised the labor on the house of the LORD to hire stonecutters and carpenters to restore the house of the LORD, as well as workers in iron and bronze to repair the house of the LORD. / So the workmen labored, and in their hands the repair work progressed. They restored the house of God according to its specifications, and they reinforced it. <a href="/proverbs/15-22.htm">Proverbs 15:22</a> Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Proverbs 21:5</a> The plans of the diligent bring plenty, as surely as haste leads to poverty. <a href="/isaiah/58-12.htm">Isaiah 58:12</a> Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling. <a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a> You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a> Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. <a href="/luke/14-28.htm">Luke 14:28-30</a> Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? / Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, / saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And the rulers knew not where I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.the rulers<a href="/nehemiah/2-12.htm">Nehemiah 2:12</a> And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/10-5.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-27.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/1_kings/21-11.htm">Freemen</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-10.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/17-16.htm">Hitherto</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/23-20.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/ezra/10-8.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/ezra/8-21.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-12.htm">Others</a> <a href="/daniel/3-27.htm">Prefects</a> <a href="/ezra/10-18.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-9.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-2.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/ezra/10-13.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/3-5.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-12.htm">Declared</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Freemen</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-27.htm">Great</a> <a href="/job/38-11.htm">Hitherto</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-5.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-5.htm">Ones</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-3.htm">Others</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-40.htm">Prefects</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-1.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-14.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-14.htm">Rulers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-12.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Work</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>The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing Nehemiah's secrecy highlights the importance of discretion in leadership. In the context of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, Nehemiah needed to assess the situation without interference or opposition. This approach reflects the wisdom seen in <a href="/proverbs/21-5.htm">Proverbs 21:5</a>, where careful planning is emphasized. The officials' ignorance underscores the potential for internal opposition, as seen in other biblical narratives like Joseph's brothers in <a href="/genesis/37.htm">Genesis 37</a>.for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers Nehemiah's decision to withhold information from these groups indicates a strategic approach to leadership. The Jews, priests, nobles, and officials represent various societal and religious hierarchies in Jerusalem. By not revealing his plans prematurely, Nehemiah avoided potential sabotage or discouragement, similar to how Jesus often instructed His disciples to keep certain revelations private until the appropriate time (e.g., <a href="/mark/9-9.htm">Mark 9:9</a>). This phrase also highlights the importance of timing and revelation in God's work, as seen in <a href="/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:1</a>, where there is a time for every purpose under heaven.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> The central figure in this passage, Nehemiah is a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. He is on a mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where Nehemiah is planning to rebuild the walls. It holds significant religious and cultural importance for the Jewish people. 3. <a href="/topical/o/officials.htm">Officials</a> These are the leaders and authorities in Jerusalem who were unaware of Nehemiah's plans at this point. 4. <a href="/topical/j/jews,_priests,_nobles,_and_officials.htm">Jews, Priests, Nobles, and Officials</a> These groups represent the various segments of Jewish society who would later be involved in the rebuilding effort. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_work.htm">The Work</a> Refers to the task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem, a significant undertaking for the restoration of the city.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_strategic_planning.htm">The Importance of Strategic Planning</a> Nehemiah's decision to keep his plans secret initially underscores the value of careful planning and timing. In our lives, we should seek God's guidance and wisdom before acting. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_discretion.htm">Leadership and Discretion</a> Nehemiah demonstrates wise leadership by assessing the situation before involving others. Effective leaders know when to speak and when to hold back. <a href="/topical/f/faith_in_action.htm">Faith in Action</a> Nehemiah's faith is evident in his actions. He trusts God but also takes practical steps to ensure success. Our faith should lead us to action, balanced with practical wisdom. <a href="/topical/c/community_involvement.htm">Community Involvement</a> Although Nehemiah starts alone, he plans to involve the community. In our endeavors, we should recognize the importance of involving others and working together. <a href="/topical/f/facing_opposition_with_confidence.htm">Facing Opposition with Confidence</a> Nehemiah's quiet confidence in God's plan prepares him to face opposition. We can learn to trust in God's provision and protection as we pursue His will.<a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) The rest that did the work, that is, afterwards. The caution of this procedure is justified by subsequent events: the city teemed with elements of danger. The nobles and rulers were possessed of no substantial repressive authority.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - The rulers. On Nehemiah's arrival at Jerusalem he found no single individual exercising authority, but a number of persons, a sort of town-council, whom he calls khorim and saganim. It is not clear that he made his commission known to them at first, or indeed that he divulged it before the interview mentioned in vers. 17 and 18. The rest that did the work This seems to be said by anticipation, and to mean those who subsequently built the wall. <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>The officials וְהַסְּגָנִ֗ים (wə·has·sə·ḡā·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5461.htm">Strong's 5461: </a> A prefect of a, province did not לֹ֤א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no know יָדְעוּ֙ (yā·ḏə·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know where אָ֣נָה (’ā·nāh) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> Where?, whither?, when?, hither and thither I had gone הָלַ֔כְתִּי (hā·laḵ·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk or what וּמָ֖ה (ū·māh) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> What?, what!, indefinitely what I אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I was doing, עֹשֶׂ֑ה (‘ō·śeh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make for I had not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no yet עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> As far as, even to, up to, until, while told הִגַּֽדְתִּי׃ (hig·gaḏ·tî) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous the Jews וְלַיְּהוּדִ֨ים (wə·lay·yə·hū·ḏîm) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3064.htm">Strong's 3064: </a> Jews -- Jewish or priests וְלַכֹּהֲנִ֜ים (wə·lak·kō·hă·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> Priest or nobles וְלַחֹרִ֣ים (wə·la·ḥō·rîm) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2715.htm">Strong's 2715: </a> White, pure, noble or officials וְלַסְּגָנִ֗ים (wə·las·sə·ḡā·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5461.htm">Strong's 5461: </a> A prefect of a, province or any others וּלְיֶ֙תֶר֙ (ū·lə·ye·ṯer) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3499.htm">Strong's 3499: </a> An overhanging, an excess, superiority, remainder, a small rope who would be doing עֹשֵׂ֣ה (‘ō·śêh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make the work. הַמְּלָאכָ֔ה (ham·mə·lā·ḵāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4399.htm">Strong's 4399: </a> Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Nehemiah 2:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Nehemiah 2:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Nehemiah 2:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Nehemiah 2:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Nehemiah 2:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Nehemiah 2:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Nehemiah 2:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Nehemiah 2:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Nehemiah 2:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/2-16.htm">Nehemiah 2:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-16.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 2:16 The rulers didn't know where I went (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/2-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 2:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 2:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 2:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 2:17" /></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>