King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 2:10 Mean?

Nehemiah 2:10 in the King James Version says “When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there w... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

Nehemiah 2:10 · KJV


Context

8

And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

9

Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

10

When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

11

So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

12

And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

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.

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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 2:10 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 · 17 words
וַיִּשְׁמַ֞ע1 of 17

heard

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

סַנְבַלַּ֣ט2 of 17

When Sanballat

H5571

sanballat, a persian satrap of samaria

הַחֹֽרֹנִ֗י3 of 17

the Horonite

H2772

a choronite or inhabitant of choronaim

וְטֽוֹבִיָּה֙4 of 17

and Tobiah

H2900

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

הָעֶ֣בֶד5 of 17

the servant

H5650

a servant

הָֽעַמֹּנִ֔י6 of 17

the Ammonite

H5984

an ammonite or (the adjective) ammonitish

וַיֵּ֥רַע7 of 17
H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

לָהֶ֖ם8 of 17
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

רָעָ֣ה9 of 17

them exceedingly

H7451

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

גְדֹלָ֑ה10 of 17
H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

אֲשֶׁר11 of 17
H834

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

בָּ֥א12 of 17

that there was come

H935

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

אָדָ֔ם13 of 17

a man

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לְבַקֵּ֥שׁ14 of 17

to seek

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

טוֹבָ֖ה15 of 17

the welfare

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לִבְנֵ֥י16 of 17

of the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵֽל׃17 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity


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 2:10 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 2:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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