King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 2:20 Mean?

Nehemiah 2:20 in the King James Version says “Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise an...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 2:20 · KJV

Context

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
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.

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. 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 2:20 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 · 20 words
וָֽאָשִׁ֨יב1 of 20

“Then answered”

H7725

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

אוֹתָ֜ם2 of 20
H853

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

דָּבָ֗ר3 of 20
H1697

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

וָֽאוֹמַ֤ר4 of 20

“I them and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶם֙5 of 20
H0
אֱלֹהֵ֣י6 of 20

“unto them The God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הַשָּׁמַ֔יִם7 of 20

“of 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

ה֚וּא8 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

יַצְלִ֣יחַֽ9 of 20

“he will prosper”

H6743

to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive)

לָ֔נוּ10 of 20
H0
וַֽאֲנַ֥חְנוּ11 of 20
H587

we

עֲבָדָ֖יו12 of 20

“us therefore we his servants”

H5650

a servant

נָק֣וּם13 of 20

“will arise”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וּבָנִ֑ינוּ14 of 20

“and build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

וְלָכֶ֗ם15 of 20
H0
אֵֽין16 of 20
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

חֵ֧לֶק17 of 20

“but ye have no portion”

H2506

properly, smoothness (of the tongue)

וּצְדָקָ֛ה18 of 20

“nor right”

H6666

rightness (abstractly), subjectively (rectitude), objectively (justice), morally (virtue) or figuratively (prosperity)

וְזִכָּר֖וֹן19 of 20

“nor memorial”

H2146

a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃20 of 20

“in Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 4:3Acts 8:21Nehemiah 2:4Isaiah 56:5Acts 10:31Psalms 35:27

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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