King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 9:28 Mean?

Nehemiah 9:28 in the King James Version says “But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so t...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Nehemiah 9:28 · King James Version

Context

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

30

Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands. forbear: Heb. protract over them in thy: Heb. in the hand of thy prophets

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Commentaries3 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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;

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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?

Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּכְנ֣וֹחַ1 of 20

“But after they had rest”

H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

לָהֶ֔ם2 of 20
H0
וַיָּשׁ֙וּבוּ֙3 of 20

“again”

H7725

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

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת4 of 20

“they did”

H6213

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

רַ֖ע5 of 20

“evil”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

לְפָנֶ֑יךָ6 of 20

“before”

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

וַתַּֽעַזְבֵ֞ם7 of 20

“thee therefore leftest”

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

בְּיַ֤ד8 of 20

“thou them in 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

אֹֽיְבֵיהֶם֙9 of 20

“of their enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

וַיִּרְדּ֣וּ10 of 20

“so that they had the dominion”

H7287

to tread down, i.e., subjugate; specifically, to crumble off

בָהֶ֔ם11 of 20
H0
וַיָּשׁ֙וּבוּ֙12 of 20

“again”

H7725

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

וַיִּזְעָק֔וּךָ13 of 20

“and cried”

H2199

to shriek (from anguish or danger); by analogy, (as a herald) to announce or convene publicly

וְאַתָּ֞ה14 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

מִשָּׁמַ֧יִם15 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

תִּשְׁמַ֛ע16 of 20

“unto thee thou heardest”

H8085

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

וְתַצִּילֵ֥ם17 of 20

“didst thou deliver”

H5337

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

כְּֽרַחֲמֶ֖יךָ18 of 20

“them according to thy mercies”

H7356

compassion (in the plural)

רַבּ֥וֹת19 of 20

“and many”

H7227

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

עִתִּֽים׃20 of 20

“times”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, 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 9:28 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 9:28 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Judges 5:31-6:1Judges 3:11-121 Kings 8:33-341 Kings 8:39Judges 4:1Judges 3:30

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