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For some days I mourned and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned <i>certain</i> days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So it was, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned <i>for many</i> days; I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now it came about when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened that when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now it came about when I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days; and I was fasting and praying [constantly] before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying before the God of the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When I heard this, I sat down on the ground and cried. Then for several days, I mourned; I went without eating to show my sorrow, and I prayed: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />When I heard this, I sat down and cried. I mourned for days. I continued to fast and pray to the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />When I heard all this, I sat down and wept. For several days I mourned and did not eat. I prayed to God, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />When I heard this, I sat down and cried, mourning for a number of days while I fasted and prayed in the presence of the God of Heaven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When I heard these things I sat down abruptly, crying and mourning for several days. I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It happened, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept, and mourned several days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it comes to pass, at my hearing these words, I have sat down, and I weep and mourn [for] days, and I am fasting and praying before the God of the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it cometh to pass, at my hearing these words, I have sat down, and I weep and mourn for days, and I am fasting and praying before the God of the heavens.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be in my hearing these words, I sat down, and I shall weep and mourn days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of the heavens,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when I had heard these words, I sat down, and wept, and mourned for many days: and I fasted, and prayed before the face of the God of heaven. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And when I had heard this manner of words, I sat down, and I wept and mourned for many days. I fasted and prayed before the face of the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When I heard this report, I began to weep and continued mourning for several days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When I heard these words I sat down and wept, and mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for many days, and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/1.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Then when I heard these words, I was sitting and weeping and mourning for many days, and was fasting and praying before the God of Heaven.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/1.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days; and I fasted and prayed before the God of heaven,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/1.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And it came to pass, when I heard these words, <i>that</i> I sat down and wept, and mourned for <i>several</i> days, and continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/1-4.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=36" 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">3</span>And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><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/8085.htm" title="8085: kə·šā·mə·‘î (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf:: 1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">When I heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/428.htm" title="428: hā·’êl·leh (Art:: Pro-cp) -- These. Prolonged from 'el; these or those.">these</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·də·ḇā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">words,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3427.htm" title="3427: yā·šaḇ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to sit down; by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry.">I sat down</a> <a href="/hebrew/1058.htm" title="1058: wā·’eḇ·keh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To weep, bewail. A primitive root; to weep; generally to bemoan.">and wept.</a> <a href="/hebrew/56.htm" title="56: wā·’eṯ·’ab·bə·lāh (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- To mourn. A primitive root; to bewail.">I mourned</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">for days,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: wā·’ĕ·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- 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/6684.htm" title="6684: ṣām (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To abstain from food, fast. A primitive root; to cover over, i.e. To fast.">fasting</a> <a href="/hebrew/6419.htm" title="6419: ū·miṯ·pal·lêl (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-ms) -- To intervene, interpose. A primitive root; to judge; by extension, to intercede, pray.">and praying</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">before</a> <a href="/hebrew/430.htm" title="430: ’ĕ·lō·hê (N-mpc) -- Plural of 'elowahh; gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used of the supreme God">the God</a> <a href="/hebrew/8064.htm" title="8064: haš·šā·mā·yim (Art:: N-mp) -- Heaven, sky. Dual of an unused singular shameh; from an unused root meaning to be lofty; the sky.">of heaven.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>Then I said: “O LORD, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of loving devotion with those who love Him and keep His commandments,…<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="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a></span><br />So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Ezra 9:3-5</a></span><br />When I heard this report, I tore my tunic and cloak, pulled out some hair from my head and beard, and sat down in horror. / Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel gathered around me because of the unfaithfulness of the exiles, while I sat there in horror until the evening offering. / At the evening offering, I got up from my humiliation with my tunic and cloak torn, and I fell on my knees, spread out my hands to the LORD my God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/126-5.htm">Psalm 126:5-6</a></span><br />Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. / He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a></span><br />and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a></span><br />“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-6.htm">Matthew 6:6</a></span><br />But when you pray, go into your inner room, shut your door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1</a></span><br />Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-2.htm">Acts 13:2-3</a></span><br />While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” / And after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Esther 4:3</a></span><br />In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/29-12.htm">Jeremiah 29:12-13</a></span><br />Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. / You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/102-17.htm">Psalm 102:17</a></span><br />He will turn toward the prayer of the destitute; He will not despise their prayer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a></span><br />Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a></span><br />Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a></span><br />Pray without ceasing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-10.htm">1 Samuel 1:10</a></span><br />In her bitter distress, Hannah prayed to the LORD and wept with many tears.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,</p><p class="hdg">I sat down</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_samuel/4-17.htm">1 Samuel 4:17-22</a></b></br> And the messenger answered and said, Israel is fled before the Philistines, and there hath been also a great slaughter among the people, and thy two sons also, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead, and the ark of God is taken… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/10-1.htm">Ezra 10:1</a></b></br> Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, there assembled unto him out of Israel a very great congregation of men and women and children: for the people wept very sore.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/69-9.htm">Psalm 69:9,10</a></b></br> For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me… </p><p class="hdg">the God</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/2-4.htm">Nehemiah 2:4</a></b></br> Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/5-11.htm">Ezra 5:11,12</a></b></br> And thus they returned us answer, saying, We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth, and build the house that was builded these many years ago, which a great king of Israel builded and set up… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-18.htm">Daniel 2:18</a></b></br> That they would desire mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret; that Daniel and his fellows should not perish with the rest of the wise <i>men</i> of Babylon.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/33-17.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/ezra/8-23.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/ezra/9-5.htm">Fasting</a> <a href="/ezra/8-23.htm">Food</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/ezra/7-23.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/ezra/9-6.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/ezra/10-6.htm">Mourned</a> <a href="/ezra/10-1.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/ezra/6-10.htm">Praying</a> <a href="/ezra/10-16.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-18.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-26.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-27.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/ezra/10-1.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/ezra/10-1.htm">Wept</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-1.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-6.htm">Earth</a> <a href="/psalms/69-10.htm">Fasted</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Fasting</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-2.htm">Food</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-10.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-10.htm">Hearing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">Heavens</a> <a href="/isaiah/3-26.htm">Mourned</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-4.htm">Prayed</a> <a href="/job/21-15.htm">Praying</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-17.htm">Sat</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-6.htm">Seated</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Weep</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Weeping</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-9.htm">Wept</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-18.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>When I heard these words</b><br>Nehemiah's reaction begins with hearing the report about the dire situation in Jerusalem. This reflects the importance of being attentive to the needs and conditions of God's people. The news he received was about the broken walls and burned gates of Jerusalem, symbolizing vulnerability and disgrace. This moment highlights the significance of being informed and responsive to the spiritual and physical state of the community.<p><b>I sat down and wept</b><br>Nehemiah's response is immediate and emotional, showing his deep compassion and connection to his heritage and God's people. Sitting down to weep indicates a profound sense of grief and empathy. This mirrors the biblical tradition of lament, seen in figures like Jeremiah, who also wept over Jerusalem's destruction (<a href="/jeremiah/9.htm">Jeremiah 9:1</a>). It underscores the importance of allowing oneself to feel and express sorrow over sin and its consequences.<p><b>I mourned for days</b><br>The extended period of mourning signifies the depth of Nehemiah's sorrow and his commitment to seeking God's intervention. Mourning in the ancient Near Eastern context often involved wearing sackcloth and ashes, practices that demonstrated humility and repentance. This aligns with the biblical call to mourn over sin and seek God's mercy, as seen in <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a>.<p><b>fasting and praying</b><br>Fasting and prayer are spiritual disciplines that demonstrate dependence on God and a desire for His guidance and intervention. Fasting is often associated with repentance and seeking God's favor, as seen in the practices of Moses (<a href="/exodus/34-28.htm">Exodus 34:28</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a>). Prayer is a central theme in Nehemiah, reflecting his reliance on God throughout his mission. This combination of fasting and prayer indicates a holistic approach to seeking divine help.<p><b>before the God of heaven</b><br>This phrase acknowledges God's sovereignty and His position as the ruler over all creation. Referring to God as the "God of heaven" emphasizes His power and authority, a common theme in post-exilic literature (<a href="/ezra/1-2.htm">Ezra 1:2</a>). It reflects a recognition of God's ability to intervene in earthly matters and aligns with the biblical understanding of God as the ultimate source of help and restoration.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a></b><br>A Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah is deeply moved by the news of Jerusalem's desolation. His role as a cupbearer indicates a position of trust and influence.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The holy city of the Jewish people, Jerusalem is in ruins, which prompts Nehemiah's deep emotional response. The city's condition symbolizes the spiritual and physical state of the Jewish people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_god_of_heaven.htm">The God of Heaven</a></b><br>This title emphasizes God's sovereignty and authority over all creation, highlighting Nehemiah's faith in God's power to intervene in earthly matters.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/f/fasting_and_praying.htm">Fasting and Praying</a></b><br>Nehemiah's response to the news is to engage in spiritual disciplines, showing his dependence on God and his desire for divine intervention.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_report.htm">The Report</a></b><br>The news that Nehemiah receives about Jerusalem's walls being broken down and its gates burned with fire, which triggers his mourning and prayer.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_compassionate_response.htm">The Power of Compassionate Response</a></b><br>Nehemiah's immediate emotional response to the news of Jerusalem's plight shows the importance of having a heart that is sensitive to the needs and sufferings of others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_fasting_and_prayer.htm">The Role of Fasting and Prayer</a></b><br>Nehemiah's decision to fast and pray underscores the significance of seeking God's guidance and strength in times of distress. It is a model for believers to prioritize spiritual disciplines when facing challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_our_dependence.htm">God's Sovereignty and Our Dependence</a></b><br>By addressing "the God of heaven," Nehemiah acknowledges God's ultimate authority and power, reminding us to trust in God's sovereignty over our circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_begins_with_prayer.htm">Leadership Begins with Prayer</a></b><br>Nehemiah's leadership is rooted in prayer, teaching us that effective leadership and decision-making start with seeking God's wisdom and direction.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/m/mourning_as_a_path_to_action.htm">Mourning as a Path to Action</a></b><br>Nehemiah's mourning is not passive but leads to action. It teaches us that genuine sorrow for the state of God's people or work should propel us to seek solutions and take steps toward restoration.<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/what_is_spiritual_mapping.htm">What is spiritual mapping?</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/who_wrote_the_book_of_nehemiah.htm">Who is the author of the Book of Nehemiah?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/bible's_view_on_prayer_and_fasting.htm">What does the Bible say about prayer and fasting?</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>(4-11) Nehemiah's appeal to God. The prayer is a perfect example of the private and individual devotion with which the later Hebrew Scriptures abound. It begins with formal and appropriate invocation (<a href="/context/nehemiah/1-5.htm" title="And said, I beseech you, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keeps covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:">Nehemiah 1:5-8</a>), flows into earnest confession (<a href="/context/nehemiah/1-6.htm" title="Let your ear now be attentive, and your eyes open, that you may hear the prayer of your servant, which I pray before you now, day and night, for the children of Israel your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against you: both I and my father's house have sinned.">Nehemiah 1:6-7</a>), pleads the covenant promises (<a href="/context/nehemiah/1-8.htm" title="Remember, I beseech you, the word that you commanded your servant Moses, saying, If you transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:">Nehemiah 1:8-10</a>), and supplicates a present answer (<a href="/nehemiah/1-11.htm" title="O LORD, I beseech you, let now your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants, who desire to fear your name: and prosper, I pray you, your servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.">Nehemiah 1:11</a>). The extant Scriptures, freely used, are the foundation of all.<p>(4) <span class= "bld">Fasted.</span>--Like Daniel, Esther, and Ezra, Nehemiah fasted: fasting appears in later Judaism a prominent part of individual devotion, as it is in the New Testament.<p>(6) <span class= "bld">Both I and my father's house have sinned.</span>--The supplication was for the nation; and in such cases of personal intercession the individual assumes the sin of all the past.<p>(8) The spirit of many threatenings and promises is summed up, as in the prayer of Nehemiah 9. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When I heard these things, I sat down and wept</span>. The revelation of the actual condition of Jerusalem came upon Nehemiah with a shock. He had perhaps not thought much upon the subject before; he had had no means of exact information; he had supposed the city flourishing under the superintendence of Ezra, whose piety and patriotism were no doubt known to him. It was a bitter grief to him to find that his people were still "a reproach to their neighbours," laughed to scorn by those whose walls had never been destroyed, or who had been allowed to rebuild them. And he may have felt that his city, under the circumstances of the time, was in real danger. As Dean Stanley observes - "In those days rather one may say m those countries of disorder, a city without locked gates and lofty walls was no city at all" ('Lectures on the Jewish Church,' Third Series, p. 124). A few years previously Egypt had been in revolt; she might revolt again, and carry her arms into Syria. Arab tribes from the desert might extend their raids into Judaea, and be tempted by the known value of the temple treasures to swoop upon the unwalled town. Such thoughts occurring to an excitable Oriental, produced not grief and anxiety merely, but a flood of tears (comp. <a href="/ezra/10-1.htm">Ezra 10:1</a>). <span class="cmt_word">And fasted</span>. Fasting had become a frequent practice among the Jews during the captivity. Solemn fasts had been introduced on the anniversaries of the taking of Jerusalem, the burning of the temple, and the murder of Gedaliah (<a href="/zechariah/8-19.htm">Zechariah 8:19</a>). Fasting had also taken a prominent place in the devotions of individuals. Daniel fasted (<a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a>; <a href="/daniel/10-3.htm">Daniel 10:3</a>); Esther fasted (<a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a>); Ezra fasted (<a href="/ezra/10-6.htm">Ezra 10:6</a>); and now Nehemiah fasted. On the grounds of natural piety out of which the practice arises, see the comment on Ezra 10:6. <span class="cmt_word">The God of heaven</span>. See the comment on Ezra 1:2. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/1-4.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">When I heard</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּשָׁמְעִ֣י ׀</span> <span class="translit">(kə·šā·mə·‘î)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">these</span><br /><span class="heb">הָאֵ֗לֶּה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·’êl·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_428.htm">Strong's 428: </a> </span><span class="str2">These, those</span><br /><br /><span class="word">words,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַדְּבָרִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(had·də·ḇā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<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">I sat down</span><br /><span class="heb">יָשַׁ֙בְתִּי֙</span> <span class="translit">(yā·šaḇ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3427.htm">Strong's 3427: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and wept.</span><br /><span class="heb">וָֽאֶבְכֶּ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’eḇ·keh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1058.htm">Strong's 1058: </a> </span><span class="str2">To weep, to bemoan</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I mourned</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֶתְאַבְּלָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’eṯ·’ab·bə·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_56.htm">Strong's 56: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bewail</span><br /><br /><span class="word">for days,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָמִ֑ים</span> <span class="translit">(yā·mîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">fasting</span><br /><span class="heb">צָם֙</span> <span class="translit">(ṣām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6684.htm">Strong's 6684: </a> </span><span class="str2">To abstain from food, fast</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and praying</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמִתְפַּלֵּ֔ל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·miṯ·pal·lêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6419.htm">Strong's 6419: </a> </span><span class="str2">To judge, to intercede, pray</span><br /><br /><span class="word">before</span><br /><span class="heb">לִפְנֵ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(lip̄·nê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> </span><span class="str2">The face</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the God</span><br /><span class="heb">אֱלֹהֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(’ĕ·lō·hê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_430.htm">Strong's 430: </a> </span><span class="str2">gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of heaven.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשָּׁמָֽיִם׃</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šā·mā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8064.htm">Strong's 8064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Heaven, sky</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 1:4 It happened when I heard these words (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 1:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 1:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 1:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 1:5" /></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>