King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 2:1 Mean?

Nehemiah 2:1 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I to... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

Nehemiah 2:1 · KJV


Context

1

And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

2

Wherefore 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,

3

And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.

This verse within Nehemiah 2 addresses themes of providence, courage, planning, vision. The narrative shows God's providence in moving the king's heart while honoring Nehemiah's faithful preparation through months of prayer. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 2:1 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 · 18 words
וַיְהִ֣י׀1 of 18
H1961

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

בְּחֹ֣דֶשׁ2 of 18

And it came to pass in the month

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

נִיסָ֗ן3 of 18

Nisan

H5212

nisan, the first month of the jewish sacred year

שְׁנַ֥ת4 of 18

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

עֶשְׂרִ֛ים5 of 18

in the twentieth

H6242

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

לְאַרְתַּחְשַׁ֥סְתְּא6 of 18

of Artaxerxes

H783

artachshasta (or artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ7 of 18

it unto the king

H4428

a king

הַיַּ֙יִן֙8 of 18

that wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

לְפָנָֽיו׃9 of 18

in his presence

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וָֽאֶשָּׂ֤א10 of 18

him and I took up

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

אֶת11 of 18
H853

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

הַיַּ֙יִן֙12 of 18

that wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

וָֽאֶתְּנָ֣ה13 of 18

and gave

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ14 of 18

it unto the king

H4428

a king

וְלֹֽא15 of 18
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הָיִ֥יתִי16 of 18
H1961

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

רַ֖ע17 of 18

Now I had not been beforetime sad

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לְפָנָֽיו׃18 of 18

in his presence

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi


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 2:1 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 2:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study