King James Version
Nehemiah 4:5 in the King James Version says “And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to ange...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.
“And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.”
Nehemiah 4:5 · KJV
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity: despised: Heb. despite
And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up , and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth, were made up: Heb. ascended
KJV Study — Public Domain
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
“And cover”
H3680properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
“and let not their sin”
H2403an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
“from before”
H6440the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
“be blotted out”
H4229properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
“thee for they have provoked thee to anger”
H3707to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
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.
Nehemiah 4:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to Nehemiah 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge