King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 2:7 Mean?

Nehemiah 2:7 in the King James Version says “Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that th...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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;”

Nehemiah 2:7 · KJV

Context

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.

9

Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

Read Nehemiah 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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;

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 2:7 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 · 20 words
וָֽאוֹמַר֮1 of 20

“Moreover I said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ2 of 20

“the king”

H4428

a king

אִם3 of 20
H518

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

עַל4 of 20
H5921

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

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ5 of 20

“the king”

H4428

a king

ט֔וֹב6 of 20

“If it please”

H2895

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

אִגְּרוֹת֙7 of 20

“let letters”

H107

an epistle

יִתְּנוּ8 of 20

“be given”

H5414

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

לִ֔י9 of 20
H0
עַֽל10 of 20
H5921

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

פַּחֲו֖וֹת11 of 20

“me to the governors”

H6346

a prefect (of a city or small district)

עֵ֣בֶר12 of 20

“beyond”

H5676

properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning

הַנָּהָ֑ר13 of 20

“the river”

H5104

a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity

אֲשֶׁר֙14 of 20
H834

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

יַֽעֲבִיר֔וּנִי15 of 20

“that they may convey me over”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

עַ֥ד16 of 20
H5704

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

אֲשֶׁר17 of 20
H834

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

אָב֖וֹא18 of 20

“till I come”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל19 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יְהוּדָֽה׃20 of 20

“into Judah”

H3063

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

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 2:7 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 2:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 7:21Nehemiah 2:9Ezra 8:36Ezra 6:6Ezra 8:22

Places in This Verse

Beyond the RiverRegion · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E16 verses across 2 books
View all places in Nehemiah 2 →

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