King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 4:14 Mean?

Nehemiah 4:14 in the King James Version says “And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid ...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.”

Nehemiah 4:14 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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

13

Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places , I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. in the: Heb. from the lower parts of the place, etc

14

And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

15

And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.

16

And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

Read Nehemiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.

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). 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 4:14 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 · 25 words
וָאֵ֣רֶא1 of 25

“And I looked”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

וָֽאָק֗וּם2 of 25

“and rose up”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וָֽאֹמַ֞ר3 of 25

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֶל4 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַֽחֹרִ֤ים5 of 25

“unto the nobles”

H2715

properly, white or pure (from the cleansing or shining power of fire; hence (figuratively) noble (in rank)

וְאֶל6 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַסְּגָנִים֙7 of 25

“and to the rulers”

H5461

a prfect of a province

וְאֶל8 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

יֶ֣תֶר9 of 25

“and to the rest”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

הָעָ֔ם10 of 25

“of the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

אַל11 of 25
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

וְהַנּוֹרָא֙12 of 25

“Be not ye afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם13 of 25

“of them”

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

אֶת14 of 25
H853

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

אֲדֹנָ֞י15 of 25

“the Lord”

H136

the lord (used as a proper name of god only)

הַגָּד֤וֹל16 of 25

“which is great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְהַנּוֹרָא֙17 of 25

“Be not ye afraid”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

זְכֹ֔רוּ18 of 25

“remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

וְהִֽלָּחֲמ֗וּ19 of 25

“and fight”

H3898

to feed on; figuratively, to consume

עַל20 of 25
H5921

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

אֲחֵיכֶם֙21 of 25

“for your brethren”

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

בְּנֵיכֶ֣ם22 of 25

“your sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וּבְנֹֽתֵיכֶ֔ם23 of 25

“and your daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

נְשֵׁיכֶ֖ם24 of 25

“your wives”

H802

a woman

וּבָֽתֵּיכֶֽם׃25 of 25

“and your houses”

H1004

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

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 4:14 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 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 10:12Numbers 14:9Isaiah 41:10-14Hebrews 13:6Psalms 66:3Psalms 20:7

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