King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 1:9 Mean?

Nehemiah 1:9 in the King James Version says “But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

Nehemiah 1:9 · KJV


Context

7

We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.

8

Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:

9

But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

10

Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.

11

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The post-exilic community had returned to Judah but remained politically subject to Persia, living under imperial administration while attempting to rebuild covenant identity. Archaeological evidence confirms Persian-period occupation of Jerusalem and the wall's route. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Nehemiah 1:9 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וְשַׁבְתֶּ֣ם1 of 22

But if ye turn

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אֵלַ֔י2 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙3 of 22

unto me and keep

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

מִצְוֹתַ֔י4 of 22

my commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם5 of 22

and do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹתָ֑ם6 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִם7 of 22
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִֽהְיֶ֨ה8 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

נִֽדַּחֲכֶ֜ם9 of 22

them though there were of you cast out

H5080

to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)

בִּקְצֵ֤ה10 of 22

unto the uttermost part

H7097

an extremity

הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙11 of 22

of the heaven

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

מִשָּׁ֣ם12 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

אֲקַבְּצֵ֔ם13 of 22

yet will I gather

H6908

to grasp, i.e., collect

וַהֲבִֽואֹתִים֙14 of 22

them from thence and will bring

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל15 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמָּק֔וֹם16 of 22

them unto the place

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 22
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בָּחַ֔רְתִּי18 of 22

that I have chosen

H977

properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select

לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן19 of 22

to set

H7931

to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)

אֶת20 of 22
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

שְׁמִ֖י21 of 22

my name

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שָֽׁם׃22 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 1:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 1:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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