King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 4:23 Mean?

Nehemiah 4:23 in the King James Version says “So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our cloth...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing. saving: or, every one went with his weapon for water”

Nehemiah 4:23 · KJV

Context

21

So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

22

Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day.

23

So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing. saving: or, every one went with his weapon for water

Read Nehemiah 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.

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 4:23 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 · 15 words
וְאֵ֨ין1 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֲנִ֜י2 of 15
H589

i

וְאַחַ֣י3 of 15

“So neither I nor my brethren”

H251

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

וּנְעָרַ֗י4 of 15

“nor my servants”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

וְאַנְשֵׁ֤י5 of 15

“nor the men”

H582

properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)

הַמִּשְׁמָר֙6 of 15

“of the guard”

H4929

a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 15
H834

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

אַֽחֲרַ֔י8 of 15

“which followed”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

אֵין9 of 15
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֲנַ֥חְנוּ10 of 15

“me none of us”

H587

we

פֹֽשְׁטִ֖ים11 of 15

“put off”

H6584

to spread out (i.e., deploy in hostile array); by analogy, to strip (i.e., unclothe, plunder, flay, etc.)

בְּגָדֵ֑ינוּ12 of 15

“our clothes”

H899

a covering, i.e., clothing

אִ֖ישׁ13 of 15

“saving that every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

שִׁלְח֥וֹ14 of 15

“put them off”

H7973

a missile of attack, i.e., spear; also (figuratively) a shoot of growth; i.e., branch

הַמָּֽיִם׃15 of 15

“for washing”

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

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 4:23 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 4:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 15:10Nehemiah 5:16Nehemiah 7:2Judges 5:11Judges 9:48

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