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This can be nothing but sadness of heart.&#8221 I was very much afraid,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore the king said unto me, Why <i>is</i> thy countenance sad, seeing thou <i>art</i> not sick? this <i>is</i> nothing <i>else</i> but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore the king said to me, “Why <i>is</i> your face sad, since you <i>are</i> not sick? This <i>is</i> nothing but sorrow of heart.” So I became dreadfully afraid,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So the king said to me, &#8220Why is your face sad though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.&#8221 Then I was very much afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So the king said to me, “Why do you look sad when you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very frightened,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so the king said to me, “Why do you look so sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />so the king said to me, &#8220Why are you sad, when you aren&#8217t sick? This is nothing but depression.&#8221 I was overwhelmed with fear<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So the king said, "Why do you look so sad? You're not sick. Something must be bothering you." Even though I was frightened, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The king asked me, "Why do you look so sad? You aren't sick, are you? You must be troubled about something." (I was really afraid.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />so he asked, "Why are you looking so sad? You aren't sick, so it must be that you're unhappy." I was startled <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The king asked me, "Why do you look so troubled, since you're not ill? This cannot be anything else but troubles of the heart." Then I was filled with fear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />so the king said to me, ?Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.? I was overwhelmed with fear<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So the king said to me, "Why do you appear to be depressed when you aren't sick? What can this be other than sadness of heart?" This made me very fearful. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The king said to me, "Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing else but sorrow of heart." Then I was very much afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore the king said to me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing but sorrow of heart. Then I was very greatly afraid,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing else but sorrow of heart.” Then I was very much afraid. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the king says to me, “Why [is] your face sad, and you not sick? This is nothing except sadness of heart”; and I fear very much,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the king saith to me, 'Wherefore is thy face sad, and thou not sick? this is nothing except sadness of heart;' and I fear very much,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will say to me, Wherefore thy face sad, and thou not being, sick? This nothing but sadness of heart. And I shall be very greatly afraid.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the king said to me: Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou dost not appear to be sick? this is not without cause, but some evil, I know not what, is in thy heart. And I was seized with an exceeding great fear: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the king said to me: “Why is your expression sad, though you do not appear to be sick? This is not without cause, but some evil, I know not what, is in your heart.” And I was struck with an exceedingly great fear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />the king asked me, “Why do you look sad? If you are not sick, you must be sad at heart.” Though I was seized with great fear,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This can only be sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore the king said to me, Why is your countenance sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing else but sorrow of the heart. Then I was exceedingly afraid,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King said to me: “Why is your face sad, and you have not been sick? This is nothing but affliction of heart.” And I was very much afraid.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the king said unto me: 'Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart.' Then I was very sore afraid.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king said to me, Why is thy countenance sad, and dost thou not control thyself? and now this is nothing but sorrow of heart. Then I was very much alarmed,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/2-2.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=157" 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/2.htm">Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>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="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">so the king</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">said</a> <a href="/hebrew/lî (Prep:: 1cs) -- ">to me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: mad·dū·a‘ (Interrog) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">“Why is</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: pā·ne·ḵā (N-cpc:: 2ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">your face</a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: rā·‘îm (Adj-mp) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">sad,</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: wə·’at·tāh (Conj-w:: Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">though you are</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ê·nə·ḵā (Adv:: 2ms) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">not</a> <a href="/hebrew/2470.htm" title="2470: ḥō·w·leh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to be rubbed or worn; hence to be weak, sick, afflicted; or to grieve, make sick; also to stroke, entreat.">ill?</a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: zeh (Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">This</a> <a href="/hebrew/369.htm" title="369: ’ên (Adv) -- As if from a primitive root meaning to be nothing or not exist; a non-entity; generally used as a negative particle.">could only be</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></a> <a href="/hebrew/7455.htm" title="7455: rō·a‘ (N-msc) -- Badness, evil. From ra'a'; badness, physically or morally.">sadness</a> <a href="/hebrew/3820.htm" title="3820: lêḇ (N-ms) -- A form of lebab; the heart; also used very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything.">of the heart.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/3372.htm" title="3372: wā·’î·rā (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs) -- To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten. A primitive root; to fear; morally, to revere; caus. To frighten.">I was overwhelmed with fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/7235.htm" title="7235: har·bêh (V-Hifil-InfAbs) -- To be or become much, many or great. A primitive root; to increase."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”…<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="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Proverbs 15:13</a></span><br />A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/40-7.htm">Genesis 40:7</a></span><br />So he asked the officials of Pharaoh who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so downcast today?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/esther/4-2.htm">Esther 4:2</a></span><br />But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/1-10.htm">Daniel 1:10</a></span><br />but he said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age? You would endanger my head before the king!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-22.htm">Proverbs 17:22</a></span><br />A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/1-8.htm">1 Samuel 1:8</a></span><br />“Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/13-4.htm">2 Samuel 13:4</a></span><br />and he asked Amnon, “Why are you, the son of the king, so depressed morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon replied, “I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/9-27.htm">Job 9:27</a></span><br />If I were to say, ‘I will forget my complaint and change my expression and smile,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/42-11.htm">Psalm 42:11</a></span><br />Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/43-5.htm">Psalm 43:5</a></span><br />Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a></span><br />to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16</a></span><br />When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-6.htm">John 16:6</a></span><br />Instead, your hearts are filled with sorrow because I have told you these things.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-20.htm">John 16:20</a></span><br />Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/16-22.htm">John 16:22</a></span><br />So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why the king said to me, Why is your countenance sad, seeing you are not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,</p><p class="hdg">Why is thy</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/40-7.htm">Genesis 40:7</a></b></br> And he asked Pharaoh's officers that <i>were</i> with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye <i>so</i> sadly to day?</p><p class="hdg">sorrow</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/15-13.htm">Proverbs 15:13</a></b></br> A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/2_kings/8-11.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/31-16.htm">Except</a> <a href="/ezra/9-7.htm">Face</a> <a href="/ezra/7-23.htm">Full</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/ezra/10-4.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-24.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-9.htm">Sadness</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-23.htm">Sick</a> <a href="/ezra/10-1.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-11.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/4-14.htm">Afraid</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Countenance</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-12.htm">Except</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Face</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-7.htm">Full</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-10.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-12.htm">Heart</a> <a href="/job/6-7.htm">Ill</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Sad</a> <a href="/psalms/119-28.htm">Sadness</a> <a href="/psalms/35-13.htm">Sick</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-8.htm">Sore</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-3.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm">Artaxerxes, understanding the cause of Nehemiah's sadness, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/2-6.htm">sends him with letters and commission to Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/2-9.htm">Nehemiah, to the grief of the enemies, comes to Jerusalem</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/2-12.htm">He views secretly the ruins of the walls</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/2-17.htm">He incites the Jews to build</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/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><b>so the king said to me</b><br>This phrase indicates a direct interaction between Nehemiah and King Artaxerxes I of Persia. Nehemiah served as the king's cupbearer, a position of trust and influence. The king's willingness to speak directly to Nehemiah suggests a level of familiarity and concern. In the Persian court, such interactions were significant, as they could lead to opportunities or dangers, depending on the king's disposition.<p><b>“Why is your face sad, though you are not ill?</b><br>The king's observation highlights his attentiveness to Nehemiah's demeanor. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, facial expressions were often seen as reflections of one's inner state. The king's question implies that he knew Nehemiah well enough to notice a change in his usual demeanor. This also suggests that Nehemiah had maintained a positive and professional appearance in the king's presence, making his current sadness notable.<p><b>This could only be sadness of the heart.”</b><br>The king discerns that Nehemiah's sadness is not due to physical illness but an emotional or spiritual burden. This insight reflects the king's perceptiveness and possibly his own experience with matters of the heart. In biblical terms, the heart is often seen as the seat of emotions and intentions (<a href="/proverbs/4-23.htm">Proverbs 4:23</a>). Nehemiah's burden for Jerusalem and its people is a deep, heartfelt concern, aligning with the biblical theme of God's people mourning over the desolation of their homeland (<a href="/psalms/137.htm">Psalm 137:1</a>).<p><b>I was overwhelmed with fear</b><br>Nehemiah's fear is understandable given the context. Approaching the king with a personal request could be dangerous, as Persian kings were known for their absolute authority and could react unpredictably. Nehemiah's fear also reflects the gravity of his request to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. This moment of fear is a turning point, as it precedes Nehemiah's bold step of faith, reminiscent of other biblical figures who faced fear before acting in faith, such as Esther (<a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16</a>).<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 concerned about the state of Jerusalem and its walls. His role as a cupbearer places him in a position of trust and influence.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_artaxerxes.htm">King Artaxerxes</a></b><br>The Persian king who notices Nehemiah's sadness. His inquiry sets the stage for Nehemiah's request to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city whose walls are in ruins, causing Nehemiah's distress. Jerusalem is central to Jewish identity and worship.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/susa.htm">Susa</a></b><br>The location of the king's winter palace where Nehemiah serves. It is a significant city in the Persian Empire.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/sadness_of_heart.htm">Sadness of Heart</a></b><br>Nehemiah's emotional state, which is significant enough to be noticed by the king, indicating the depth of his concern for Jerusalem.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_leadership.htm">God's Sovereignty in Leadership</a></b><br>God can work through secular leaders to accomplish His purposes. Nehemiah's interaction with Artaxerxes shows that God can use anyone to fulfill His plans.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_emotional_honesty.htm">The Importance of Emotional Honesty</a></b><br>Nehemiah's visible sadness opens the door for a crucial conversation. Being honest about our emotions can lead to opportunities for God to work.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_fear.htm">Courage in the Face of Fear</a></b><br>Nehemiah was "very much afraid," yet he proceeded with his request. Courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to act in spite of it.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_prayer_and_preparation.htm">The Power of Prayer and Preparation</a></b><br>Nehemiah's response to the king was likely preceded by prayer and careful planning, as seen in the subsequent verses. Preparation and prayer are vital in addressing significant challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_concern_for_his_people.htm">God's Concern for His People</a></b><br>Nehemiah's sadness reflects God's heart for His people and their welfare. We are called to share in God's concern for the restoration and well-being of His people.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_nehemiah_rebuild_and_restore.htm">How did Nehemiah rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore faith?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_was_a_cupbearer's_role_in_the_bible.htm">What role did a cupbearer serve in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_mention_the_queen_before_the_king.htm">Why does Nehemiah mention the queen’s presence before the king, given Persian court protocols at that time (Nehemiah 2:6)? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_2_kings_23_25_exalt_josiah_over_david.htm">Why does 2 Kings 23:25 suggest Josiah surpassed even David in devotion, seemingly contradicting other texts that exalt David's faithfulness?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(2) <span class= "bld">Then I was very sore afraid.</span>--Waiting on Providence, Nehemiah had discharged his duties for three months without being sad in the king's presence; but on this day his sorrow could not be repressed. His fear sprang from the king's abrupt inquiry. A sad countenance was never tolerated in the royal presence; and, though Artaxerxes was of a milder character than any other Persian monarch, the tone of his question showed that in this respect he was not an exception.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad?</span> This "kindly question" put by the great king to his humble retainer is his best claim to the favourable judgment of later ages. History puts him before us as a weak monarch, one who could compromise the royal dignity by making terms with a revolted subject, while he disgraced it by breaking faith with a conquered enemy. But if weak as a king, as a man he was kind-hearted and gentle. Few Persian monarchs would have been sufficiently interested in their attendants to notice whether they were sad or no; fewer still would have shown sympathy on such an occasion. A Xerxes might have ordered the culprit to instant execution. Longimanus feels compassion, and wishes to assuage the grief of his servant. <span class="cmt_word">Then I was very sore afraid</span>. Notwithstanding the king's kind and compassionate words, Nehemiah feels his danger. He has looked sad in the king's presence. He is about to ask permission to quit the court. These are both sins against the fundamental doctrine of Persian court life, that to bask in the light of the royal countenance is the height of felicity. Will the king be displeased, refuse his request, dismiss him from his post, cast him into prison, or will he pardon his rudeness and allow his request? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/2-2.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">so the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">said</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּאמֶר֩</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to me,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִ֨י</span> <span class="translit">(lî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">“Why [is]</span><br /><span class="heb">מַדּ֣וּעַ ׀</span> <span class="translit">(mad·dū·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> </span><span class="str2">Why? for what reason?</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your face</span><br /><span class="heb">פָּנֶ֣יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(pā·ne·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular<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">sad,</span><br /><span class="heb">רָעִ֗ים</span> <span class="translit">(rā·‘îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">though you [are]</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַתָּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">not</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵֽינְךָ֣</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·nə·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ill?</span><br /><span class="heb">חוֹלֶ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·w·leh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2470.htm">Strong's 2470: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be weak or sick</span><br /><br /><span class="word">This</span><br /><span class="heb">זֶ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">could only be</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֣ין</span> <span class="translit">(’ên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_369.htm">Strong's 369: </a> </span><span class="str2">A non-entity, a negative particle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">sadness</span><br /><span class="heb">רֹ֣עַֽ</span> <span class="translit">(rō·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7455.htm">Strong's 7455: </a> </span><span class="str2">Badness, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the heart.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵ֑ב</span> <span class="translit">(lêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3820.htm">Strong's 3820: </a> </span><span class="str2">The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I was overwhelmed with fear</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאִירָ֖א</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’î·rā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3372.htm">Strong's 3372: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/2-2.htm">Nehemiah 2:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/2-2.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 2:2 The king said to me Why (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/2-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 2:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 2:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/2-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 2:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 2:3" /></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>