King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 2:19 Mean?

Nehemiah 2:19 in the King James Version says “But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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?”

Nehemiah 2:19 · KJV

Context

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?

20

Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

Read Nehemiah 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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?

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 2:19 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 · 23 words
וַיִּשְׁמַע֩1 of 23

“heard”

H8085

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

סַנְבַלַּ֨ט2 of 23

“But when Sanballat”

H5571

sanballat, a persian satrap of samaria

הַחֹֽרֹנִ֜י3 of 23

“the Horonite”

H2772

a choronite or inhabitant of choronaim

וְטֹֽבִיָּ֣ה׀4 of 23

“and Tobiah”

H2900

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

הָעֶ֣בֶד5 of 23

“the servant”

H5650

a servant

הָֽעַמּוֹנִ֗י6 of 23

“the Ammonite”

H5984

an ammonite or (the adjective) ammonitish

וְגֶ֙שֶׁם֙7 of 23

“and Geshem”

H1654

geshem or gashmu, an arabian

הָֽעַרְבִ֔י8 of 23

“the Arabian”

H6163

an arabian or inhabitant of arab (i.e., arabia)

וַיַּלְעִ֣גוּ9 of 23

“it they laughed us to scorn”

H3932

to deride; by implication (as if imitating a foreigner) to speak unintelligibly

לָ֔נוּ10 of 23
H0
וַיִּבְז֖וּ11 of 23

“and despised”

H959

to disesteem

עָלֵ֑ינוּ12 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

וַיֹּֽאמְר֗וּ13 of 23

“us and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מָֽה14 of 23
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

הַדָּבָ֤ר15 of 23

“What is this thing”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַזֶּה֙16 of 23
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

אֲשֶׁ֣ר17 of 23
H834

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

אַתֶּ֣ם18 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

עֹשִׂ֔ים19 of 23

“that ye do”

H6213

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

הַעַ֥ל20 of 23
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ21 of 23

“against the king”

H4428

a king

אַתֶּ֥ם22 of 23
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מֹֽרְדִֽים׃23 of 23

“will ye rebel”

H4775

to rebel

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 2:19 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 2:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 6:6Nehemiah 6:1-2Psalms 44:13-14Psalms 80:6Mark 5:40John 19:12

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