King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 9:27 Mean?

Nehemiah 9:27 in the King James Version says “Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when t...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.”

Nehemiah 9:27 · KJV

Salvation

Context

25

And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness. wells: or, cisterns fruit: Heb. tree of food

26

Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.

27

Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

28

But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies; they did: Heb. they returned to do evil

29

And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear. withdrew: Heb. they gave a withdrawing shoulder

Read Nehemiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.

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. What balance between spiritual response (prayer) and practical action (wise planning) does this passage model?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
תִּתֵּ֤ן1 of 20

“Therefore thou deliveredst”

H5414

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

מִיַּ֥ד2 of 20

“them into the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

צָֽרֵיהֶֽם׃3 of 20

“of their enemies”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

וַיָּצֵ֖רוּ4 of 20

“who vexed”

H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

לָהֶ֑ם5 of 20
H0
וּבְעֵ֤ת6 of 20

“them and in the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

צָֽרָתָם֙7 of 20

“of their trouble”

H6869

transitively, a female rival

יִצְעֲק֣וּ8 of 20

“when they cried”

H6817

to shriek; (by implication) to proclaim (an assembly)

אֵלֶ֔יךָ9 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וְאַתָּה֙10 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מִשָּׁמַ֣יִם11 of 20

“them from heaven”

H8064

the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r

תִּשְׁמָ֔ע12 of 20

“unto thee thou heardest”

H8085

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

וּֽכְרַחֲמֶ֣יךָ13 of 20

“mercies”

H7356

compassion (in the plural)

הָֽרַבִּ֗ים14 of 20

“and according to thy manifold”

H7227

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

תִּתֵּ֤ן15 of 20

“Therefore thou deliveredst”

H5414

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

לָהֶם֙16 of 20
H0
וְיֽוֹשִׁיע֖וּם17 of 20

“them saviours”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

וְיֽוֹשִׁיע֖וּם18 of 20

“them saviours”

H3467

properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor

מִיַּ֥ד19 of 20

“them into the hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

צָֽרֵיהֶֽם׃20 of 20

“of their enemies”

H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

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 9:27 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 9:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 106:41-452 Kings 14:27Daniel 9:10-142 Kings 13:5Judges 2:18Judges 10:15-16

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