King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 2:8 Mean?

Nehemiah 2:8 in the King James Version says “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 p... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Nehemiah 2:8 · KJV


Context

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.

10

When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. Jerusalem's wall (chomah, חוֹמָה) provided security, dignity, and testimony to God's faithfulness. City gates were strategic both defensively and administratively, controlling access and serving as centers of commerce and justice. 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 2:8 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 · 30 words
וְאִגֶּ֡רֶת1 of 30

And a letter

H107

an epistle

אֶל2 of 30
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָסָף֩3 of 30

unto Asaph

H623

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

שֹׁמֵ֨ר4 of 30

the keeper

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הַפַּרְדֵּ֜ס5 of 30

forest

H6508

a park

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 30
H834

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

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ7 of 30

And the king

H4428

a king

אֲשֶׁ֣ר8 of 30
H834

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

וַיִּתֶּן9 of 30

granted

H5414

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

לִ֣י10 of 30
H0
עֵצִ֡ים11 of 30

me timber

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

לְ֠קָרוֹת12 of 30

to make beams

H7136

to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)

אֶת13 of 30
H853

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

שַֽׁעֲרֵ֨י14 of 30

for the gates

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַבִּירָ֤ה15 of 30

of the palace

H1002

a castle or palace

אֲשֶׁר16 of 30
H834

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

וְלַבַּ֖יִת17 of 30

and for the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּלְחוֹמַ֣ת18 of 30

and for the wall

H2346

a wall of protection

הָעִ֔יר19 of 30

of the city

H5892

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

וְלַבַּ֖יִת20 of 30

and for the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֲשֶׁר21 of 30
H834

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

אָב֣וֹא22 of 30

that I shall enter into

H935

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

אֵלָ֑יו23 of 30
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וַיִּתֶּן24 of 30

granted

H5414

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

לִ֣י25 of 30
H0
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ26 of 30

And the king

H4428

a king

כְּיַד27 of 30

hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֱלֹהַ֖י28 of 30

of my 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

הַטּוֹבָ֥ה29 of 30

me according to the good

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

עָלָֽי׃30 of 30
H5921

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


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 2:8 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 2:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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