King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 2:17 Mean?

Nehemiah 2:17 in the King James Version says “Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned w...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.”

Nehemiah 2:17 · KJV

Context

15

Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.

16

And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

17

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

18

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

19

But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

Read Nehemiah 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

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. The construction work (banah, בָּנָה) symbolizes restoring what sin and judgment destroyed. Jerusalem's wall (chomah, חוֹמָה) provided security, dignity, and testimony to God's faithfulness. City gates were strategic both defensively and administratively, controlling access and serving as centers of commerce and justice. 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 2:17 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific contribution can you make to building up Christ's church in your local community?
  3. How does understanding your work as part of God's larger purposes transform your approach to daily responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וָֽאוֹמַ֣ר1 of 23

“Then said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֗ם2 of 23
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַתֶּ֤ם3 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

רֹאִים֙4 of 23

“I unto them Ye see”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הָֽרָעָה֙5 of 23

“the distress”

H7451

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 23
H834

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

אֲנַ֣חְנוּ7 of 23
H587

we

בָ֔הּ8 of 23
H0
אֲשֶׁ֤ר9 of 23
H834

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

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם10 of 23

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

חֲרֵבָ֔ה11 of 23

“lieth waste”

H2720

parched or ruined

וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ12 of 23

“and the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

נִצְּת֣וּ13 of 23

“thereof are burned”

H3341

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

בָאֵ֑שׁ14 of 23

“with fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

לְכ֗וּ15 of 23
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וְנִבְנֶה֙16 of 23

“and let us build up”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת17 of 23
H853

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

חוֹמַ֣ת18 of 23

“the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם19 of 23

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וְלֹֽא20 of 23
H3808

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

נִהְיֶ֥ה21 of 23
H1961

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

ע֖וֹד22 of 23
H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

חֶרְפָּֽה׃23 of 23

“that we be no more a reproach”

H2781

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

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 2:17 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 2:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezekiel 5:14Isaiah 35:3-4Psalms 79:4Lamentations 3:51Nehemiah 1:3Lamentations 3:45-46

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Nehemiah 2 →

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