King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 4:10 Mean?

Nehemiah 4:10 in the King James Version says “And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.”

Nehemiah 4:10 · KJV

Strength

Context

8

And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it. to hinder: Heb. to make an error to it

9

Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.

10

And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

11

And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.

12

And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you. From all: or, That from all places ye must return to us

Read Nehemiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.

This verse within Nehemiah 4 addresses themes of opposition, perseverance, prayer and work, spiritual warfare. Opposition intensifies as the work progresses, requiring both spiritual response (prayer) and practical measures (armed defense). The construction work (banah, בָּנָה) symbolizes restoring what sin and judgment destroyed. Jerusalem's wall (chomah, חוֹמָה) provided security, dignity, and testimony to God's faithfulness. 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 52-day wall completion represents remarkable achievement given opposition and limited resources. Excavations have confirmed portions of Nehemiah's wall and various gates mentioned in the text. 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 4:10 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 · 12 words
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר1 of 12

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

יְהוּדָ֗ה2 of 12

“And Judah”

H3063

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

כָּשַׁל֙3 of 12

“is decayed”

H3782

to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall

כֹּ֣חַ4 of 12

“The strength”

H3581

vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)

הַסַּבָּ֔ל5 of 12

“of the bearers of burdens”

H5449

a porter

וְהֶֽעָפָ֖ר6 of 12

“rubbish”

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

הַרְבֵּ֑ה7 of 12

“and there is much”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

וַֽאֲנַ֙חְנוּ֙8 of 12
H587

we

לֹ֣א9 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נוּכַ֔ל10 of 12

“so that we are not able”

H3201

to be able, literally (can, could) or morally (may, might)

לִבְנ֖וֹת11 of 12

“to build”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

בַּֽחוֹמָֽה׃12 of 12

“the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

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 4:10 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 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 32:9Haggai 1:2Psalms 11:1-2Numbers 13:31Ezekiel 29:182 Chronicles 2:18

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