King James Version
What Does Nehemiah 2:4 Mean?
“Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.”
Context
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?
4
Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
5
And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.
6
And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time. queen: Heb. wife
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **So I prayed to the God of heaven.**—The first note of that habit of ejaculatory prayer which is a characteristic of this book.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:4 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 2:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge