King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 2:5 Mean?

Nehemiah 2:5 in the King James Version says “And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest s... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Nehemiah 2:5 · KJV


Context

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

7

Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 2:5 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 · 19 words
וָֽאֹמַ֣ר1 of 19

And I said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ2 of 19

the king

H4428

a king

אִם3 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

עַל4 of 19
H5921

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

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ5 of 19

the king

H4428

a king

ט֔וֹב6 of 19

If it please

H2895

to be (transitively, do or make) good (or well) in the widest sense

וְאִם7 of 19
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

יִיטַ֥ב8 of 19

have found favour

H3190

to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)

עַבְדְּךָ֖9 of 19

and if thy servant

H5650

a servant

לְפָנֶ֑יךָ10 of 19

in thy sight

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֲשֶׁ֧ר11 of 19
H834

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

תִּשְׁלָחֵ֣נִי12 of 19

that thou wouldest send

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶל13 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוּדָ֗ה14 of 19

me unto Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אֶל15 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עִ֛יר16 of 19

unto the city

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

קִבְר֥וֹת17 of 19

sepulchres

H6913

a sepulcher

אֲבֹתַ֖י18 of 19

of my fathers

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

וְאֶבְנֶֽנָּה׃19 of 19

that I may build

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)


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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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