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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Nehemiah 4:21 So we continued the work, while half of the men held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/4-21.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/16_Neh_04_21.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 4:21 - Discouragement Overcome" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="So we continued the work, while half of the men held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/nehemiah/4-21.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/nehemiah/4-21.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/nehemiah/">Nehemiah</a> > <a href="/nehemiah/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 21</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/nehemiah/4-20.htm" title="Nehemiah 4:20">◄</a> Nehemiah 4:21 <a href="/nehemiah/4-22.htm" title="Nehemiah 4:22">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/4.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/nehemiah/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we continued the work, while half of the men held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So we labored in the work, and half of <i>the men</i> held the spears from daybreak until the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So we kept doing the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars came out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So we carried on with the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars came out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we continued the work, while half of the men were holding spears from daybreak until the stars came out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we continued the work, while half of the men were holding spears from daybreak until the stars came out. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So we wrought in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Every day from dawn to dark, half of the workers rebuilt the walls, while the rest stood guard with their spears. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So we wrought in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So we continued to work. Half of us held spears from early dawn until the stars came out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So every day, from dawn until the stars came out at night, half of us worked on the wall, while the other half stood guard with spears. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So we worked hard, half of us holding spears from dawn to dusk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So we continued the work, while half of the men held spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So we worked on, with half holding spears, from dawn till dusk.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So we worked in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning until the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So we did the work. Half of the people held the spears from the rising of the morning until the stars appeared. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And we are working in the business, and half of them are keeping hold of the spears, from the going up of the dawn until the coming forth of the stars.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And we are working in the business, and half of them are keeping hold of the spears, from the going up of the dawn till the coming forth of the stars.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And we doing in the work: and half of them holding fast upon the spears from the ascending of the dawn even till the coming forth of the stars.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And let us do the work: and let one half of us hold our spears from the rising of the morning, till the stars appear. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so let us accomplish the work. And let one half part of us hold spears, from the ascent of dawn until the stars come out.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Thus we went on with the work, half with spears in hand, from daybreak till the stars came out.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from break of dawn until the stars came out.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And as for us, let us continue in our work; and half of us let them hold the spears from the rising of the sun till the stars appear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And we shall be doing our work, and half of us shall be holding spears, from the rising of the dawn until the stars will come out!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So we wrought in the work; and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So we <i>continued</i> labouring at the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning until the stars appeared.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/4-21.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=980" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/4.htm">Discouragement Overcome</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">20</span>Wherever you hear the sound of the horn, rally to us there. Our God will fight for us!” <span class="reftext">21</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/587.htm" title="587: wa·’ă·naḥ·nū (Conj-w:: Pro-1cp) -- We. Apparently from 'anokiy; we.">So we</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">continued</a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: bam·mə·lā·ḵāh (Prep-b, Art:: N-fs) -- From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment or work; also property.">the work,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2677.htm" title="2677: wə·ḥeṣ·yām (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3mp) -- Half. From chatsah; the half or middle.">while half of the men</a> <a href="/hebrew/2388.htm" title="2388: ma·ḥă·zî·qîm (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong, obstinate; to bind, restrain, conquer.">held</a> <a href="/hebrew/7420.htm" title="7420: bā·rə·mā·ḥîm (Prep-b, Art:: N-mp) -- A spear, lance. From an unused root meaning to hurl; a lance; especially the iron point.">spears</a> <a href="/hebrew/5927.htm" title="5927: mê·‘ă·lō·wṯ (Prep-m:: V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to ascend, intransitively or actively; used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative.">from the break</a> <a href="/hebrew/7837.htm" title="7837: haš·ša·ḥar (Art:: N-ms) -- Dawn. From shachar; dawn.">of dawn</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.">until</a> <a href="/hebrew/3556.htm" title="3556: hak·kō·w·ḵā·ḇîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A star. Probably from the same as Kabbown or kavah; a star; figuratively, a prince.">the stars</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: ṣêṯ (V-Qal-Inf) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">came out.</a> </span><span class="reftext">22</span>At that time I also said to the people, “Let every man and his servant spend the night inside Jerusalem, so that they can stand guard by night and work by day.”…<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="/nehemiah/4-9.htm">Nehemiah 4:9</a></span><br />So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-18.htm">Nehemiah 2:18</a></span><br />I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Nehemiah 6:9</a></span><br />For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Nehemiah 4:17-18</a></span><br />who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried materials worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other. / And each of the builders worked with his sword strapped at his side. But the trumpeter stayed beside me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/4-6.htm">Nehemiah 4:6</a></span><br />So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/5-16.htm">Nehemiah 5:16</a></span><br />Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Nehemiah 2:20</a></span><br />So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-27.htm">Philippians 1:27</a></span><br />Nevertheless, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending together as one for the faith of the gospel,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a></span><br />Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. / Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes. / For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this world’s darkness, and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_thessalonians/5-8.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:8</a></span><br />But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and the helmet of our hope of salvation.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8-9</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/6-7.htm">2 Corinthians 6:7</a></span><br />in truthful speech and in the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left;</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.</p><p class="hdg">So we</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_corinthians/15-10.htm">1 Corinthians 15:10,58</a></b></br> But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which <i>was bestowed</i> upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a></b></br> And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Colossians 1:29</a></b></br> Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/7-12.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-3.htm">Break</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Business</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-22.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/ezra/10-17.htm">First</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Half</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Held</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/nehemiah/1-5.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/joshua/24-13.htm">Laboured</a> <a href="/ezra/3-3.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-15.htm">Rising</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-16.htm">Spears</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-5.htm">Stars</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">Work</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-18.htm">Working</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-17.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/18-15.htm">Appeared</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-27.htm">Break</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-16.htm">Business</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-6.htm">Carried</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-9.htm">Continued</a> <a href="/job/3-9.htm">Dawn</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-5.htm">First</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-15.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-32.htm">Half</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Held</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm">Hold</a> <a href="/job/1-4.htm">Holding</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/2-11.htm">Laboured</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-3.htm">Morning</a> <a href="/job/16-8.htm">Rising</a> <a href="/job/41-7.htm">Spears</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-23.htm">Stars</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-16.htm">Work</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-16.htm">Worked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-22.htm">Working</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-16.htm">Wrought</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/4-1.htm">While the enemies scoff, Nehemiah prays and continues the work</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/4-7.htm">Understanding the wrath and secrets of the enemy, he sets a watch</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/4-13.htm">He arms the laborers</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/4-19.htm">and gives military precepts</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <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/4.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nehemiah/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>So we continued the work</b><br>This phrase highlights the perseverance and determination of Nehemiah and the people of Jerusalem in rebuilding the city walls despite opposition. The context of <a href="/nehemiah/4.htm">Nehemiah 4</a> shows that the Israelites faced significant threats from surrounding enemies, yet they remained steadfast. This determination can be seen as a reflection of faith and commitment to God's purposes, similar to the perseverance encouraged in <a href="/james/1-12.htm">James 1:12</a>, where those who endure trials are blessed.<p><b>while half of the men held spears</b><br>The division of labor here is strategic, with half of the workforce actively engaged in defense. This reflects the practical wisdom of Nehemiah as a leader, ensuring both progress and protection. The use of spears indicates the readiness for battle, a common necessity in ancient times when cities were often under threat. This dual focus on work and defense can be paralleled with the Christian life, where believers are called to be both active in their mission and vigilant against spiritual adversaries, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-10.htm">Ephesians 6:10-18</a>, which speaks of the armor of God.<p><b>from the break of dawn until the stars came out</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the long hours and dedication of the workers, from early morning until nightfall. It reflects the urgency and importance of the task at hand. In the ancient Near East, working from dawn to dusk was typical, especially in critical situations. This commitment can be compared to the diligence encouraged in <a href="/colossians/3-23.htm">Colossians 3:23</a>, where believers are instructed to work heartily as for the Lord. The imagery of working until the stars appear also evokes the idea of God's creation and order, as seen in <a href="/genesis/1-16.htm">Genesis 1:16</a>, where the stars are set in the sky to govern the night.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a></b><br>The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. His leadership and faith were instrumental in overcoming opposition.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_workers.htm">The Workers</a></b><br>The Jewish people who were committed to rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. They worked tirelessly under Nehemiah's leadership, balancing construction with defense against their enemies.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_opponents.htm">The Opponents</a></b><br>Various groups, including the Samaritans, Ammonites, and others, who opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. They sought to discourage and intimidate the workers.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city of great significance to the Jewish people, representing their spiritual and national identity. The rebuilding of its walls was a symbol of restoration and protection.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wall.htm">The Wall</a></b><br>The physical structure being rebuilt, symbolizing security, community, and the re-establishment of Jerusalem as a fortified city.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/diligence_in_work_and_faith.htm">Diligence in Work and Faith</a></b><br><a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21</a> exemplifies the balance between diligent work and faith in God. Believers are called to be industrious in their tasks while trusting in God's protection and provision.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/preparedness_and_vigilance.htm">Preparedness and Vigilance</a></b><br>The dual role of the workers as builders and defenders teaches the importance of being prepared and vigilant in our spiritual lives, ready to face opposition while continuing our God-given missions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_cooperation.htm">Community and Cooperation</a></b><br>The collective effort in rebuilding the wall underscores the power of community and cooperation among believers. Working together towards a common goal strengthens the body of Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_encouragement.htm">Leadership and Encouragement</a></b><br>Nehemiah's leadership highlights the importance of encouraging and motivating others in the face of adversity. Effective leaders inspire perseverance and unity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trust in God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite external threats, the workers' commitment reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty. Believers are reminded to rely on God's control over circumstances.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_about_busyness.htm">What does the Bible say regarding being busy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_were_days_counted_before_the_sun.htm">If Genesis describes the creation of the sun on the fourth day, how were there 'days' before the sun existed?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_physical_trauma.htm">What is physical trauma?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/nehemiah_4_21-23__is_constant_vigilance_feasible.htm">Nehemiah 4:21-23: Does the notion of workers maintaining constant vigilance, day and night, align with practical human limitations and historical labor practices?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(21) <span class= "bld">So we laboured.</span>--This is a general recapitulation, with additional note of the length of the day's work during this pressing season.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 21.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">So we laboured: and half of them held the spears</span>. This is a summary of the main points previously related: "So we continued to work; and one-half of my personal followers continued to keep watch, and to hold the spears" (ver. 16). <span class="cmt_word">From the rising of the morning</span>, etc. This is additional, and shows how early the work commenced each morning, and how late it continued. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/4-21.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 we</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲנַ֖חְנוּ</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·naḥ·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_587.htm">Strong's 587: </a> </span><span class="str2">We</span><br /><br /><span class="word">continued</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹשִׂ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·śîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the work,</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּמְּלָאכָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(bam·mə·lā·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4399.htm">Strong's 4399: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while half of [the men]</span><br /><span class="heb">וְחֶצְיָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ḥeṣ·yām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2677.htm">Strong's 2677: </a> </span><span class="str2">The half, middle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">held</span><br /><span class="heb">מַחֲזִיקִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(ma·ḥă·zî·qîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2388.htm">Strong's 2388: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer</span><br /><br /><span class="word">spears</span><br /><span class="heb">בָּֽרְמָחִ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(bā·rə·mā·ḥîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7420.htm">Strong's 7420: </a> </span><span class="str2">A lance, the iron point</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the break</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵעֲל֣וֹת</span> <span class="translit">(mê·‘ă·lō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5927.htm">Strong's 5927: </a> </span><span class="str2">To ascend, in, actively</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of dawn</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשַּׁ֔חַר</span> <span class="translit">(haš·ša·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7837.htm">Strong's 7837: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dawn</span><br /><br /><span class="word">until</span><br /><span class="heb">עַ֖ד</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the stars</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכּוֹכָבִֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kō·w·ḵā·ḇîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3556.htm">Strong's 3556: </a> </span><span class="str2">A star, a prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came out.</span><br /><span class="heb">צֵ֥את</span> <span class="translit">(ṣêṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/4-21.htm">Nehemiah 4:21 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/4-21.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 4:21 So we worked in the work: (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/4-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 4:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 4:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/4-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 4:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 4:22" /></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>