King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 9:17 Mean?

Nehemiah 9:17 in the King James Version says “And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in th... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. a God: Heb. a God of pardons

Nehemiah 9:17 · KJV


Context

15

And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them. which: Heb. which thou hadst lift up thine hand to give them

16

But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,

17

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not. a God: Heb. a God of pardons

18

Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;

19

Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.

This verse within Nehemiah 9 addresses themes of confession, God's faithfulness, corporate prayer, covenant history. Extended corporate prayer recounts God's faithfulness through Israel's history while honestly confessing persistent covenant violations. 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 spiritual reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah shaped Judaism for centuries, establishing Scripture's centrality and patterns of worship continuing into the intertestamental period and beyond. 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 regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
  2. What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וַיְמָֽאֲנ֣וּ1 of 27

And refused

H3985

to refuse

לִשְׁמֹ֗עַ2 of 27

to obey

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְלֹֽא3 of 27
H3808

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

זָכְר֤וּ4 of 27

neither were mindful

H2142

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

נִפְלְאֹתֶ֙יךָ֙5 of 27

of thy wonders

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 27
H834

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

עָשִׂ֣יתָ7 of 27

that thou didst

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

עִמָּהֶ֔ם8 of 27
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וַיַּקְשׁוּ֙9 of 27

among them but hardened

H7185

properly, to be dense, i.e., tough or severe (in various applications)

אֶת10 of 27
H853

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

עָרְפָּ֔ם11 of 27

their necks

H6203

the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)

וַיִּתְּנוּ12 of 27

appointed

H5414

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

רֹ֛אשׁ13 of 27

a captain

H7218

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

לָשׁ֥וּב14 of 27

to return

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

לְעַבְדֻתָ֖ם15 of 27

to their bondage

H5659

servitude

בְּמִרְיָ֑ם16 of 27

and in their rebellion

H4805

bitterness, i.e., (figuratively) rebellion; concretely, bitter, or rebellious

וְאַתָּה֩17 of 27
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

אֱל֨וֹהַּ18 of 27

but thou art a God

H433

a deity or the deity

סְלִיח֜וֹת19 of 27

ready to pardon

H5547

pardon

חַנּ֧וּן20 of 27

gracious

H2587

gracious

וְרַח֛וּם21 of 27

and merciful

H7349

compassionate

אֶֽרֶךְ22 of 27

slow

H750

long

אַפַּ֥יִם23 of 27

to anger

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

וְרַב24 of 27

and of great

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

וחֶ֖סֶד25 of 27

kindness

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

וְלֹ֥א26 of 27
H3808

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

עֲזַבְתָּֽם׃27 of 27

and forsookest

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, 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 9:17 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 9:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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