King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 2:6 Mean?

Nehemiah 2:6 in the King James Version says “And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Nehemiah 2:6 · KJV


Context

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;

8

And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 2:6 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 · 19 words
וַיֹּאמֶר֩1 of 19

said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לִ֨י2 of 19
H0
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙3 of 19

And the king

H4428

a king

וְהַשֵּׁגַ֣ל׀4 of 19

unto me (the queen

H7694

a queen (from cohabitation)

יוֹשֶׁ֣בֶת5 of 19

also sitting

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

אֶצְל֗וֹ6 of 19

by him

H681

a side; (as a preposition) near

עַד7 of 19
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

מָתַ֛י8 of 19
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

יִֽהְיֶ֥ה9 of 19
H1961

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

מַֽהֲלָכֲךָ֖10 of 19

For how long shall thy journey

H4109

a walk, i.e., a passage or a distance

וּמָתַ֣י11 of 19
H4970

properly, extent (of time); but used only adverbially (especially with other particle prefixes), when (either relative or interrogative)

תָּשׁ֑וּב12 of 19

be and when wilt thou return

H7725

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

וַיִּיטַ֤ב13 of 19

So it pleased

H3190

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

לִפְנֵֽי14 of 19
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

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙15 of 19

And the king

H4428

a king

וַיִּשְׁלָחֵ֔נִי16 of 19

to send

H7971

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

וָֽאֶתְּנָ֥ה17 of 19

me and I set

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֖וֹ18 of 19
H0
זְמָֽן׃19 of 19

him a time

H2165

an appointed occasion


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 2:6 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 2:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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