Nehemiah 4:18
◄  Nehemiah 4:18  ►
New International Version (©2011)
and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.

New Living Translation (©2007)
All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm.

English Standard Version (©2001)
And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
As for the builders, each wore his sword girded at his side as he built, while the trumpeter stood near me.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
Each of the builders had his sword strapped around his waist while he was building, and the trumpeter was beside me.

International Standard Version (©2012)
Each builder worked with a sword strapped to his side, while a trumpeter remained beside me to sound an alarm.

NET Bible (©2006)
The builders to a man had their swords strapped to their sides while they were building. But the trumpeter remained with me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
and each builder had his sword fastened to his side. The man who was supposed to sound the trumpet alarm was with me.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
For the builders, everyone had his sword girded by his side, and so built. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

American King James Version
For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so built. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

American Standard Version
and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For every one of the builders was girded with a sword about his reins. And they built, and sounded with a trumpet by me.

Darby Bible Translation
And the builders had every one his sword girded by his side, and built. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

English Revised Version
and the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

Webster's Bible Translation
For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so built. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

World English Bible
and the builders, everyone wore his sword at his side, and so built. He who sounded the trumpet was by me.

Young's Literal Translation
And the builders are each with his sword, girded on his loins, and building, and he who is blowing with a trumpet is beside me.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

4:16-23 We must watch always against spiritual enemies, and not expect that our warfare will be over till our work is ended. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we ought to have always at hand, and never to have to seek for it, either in our labours, or in our conflicts, as Christians. Every true Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one hand, and fighting with the other. Good work is likely to go on with success, when those who labour in it, make a business of it. And Satan fears to assault the watchful Christian; or, if attacked, the Lord fights for him. Thus must we wait to the close of life, never putting off our armour till our work and warfare are ended; then we shall be welcomed to the rest and joy of our Lord.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. - For the builders. Rather, "and the (actual) builders"- masons, bricklayers, and the like, as distinct from the bearers of burthens, or carriers of material. He that sounded the trumpet. The signalman. Trumpeters appear both in the Egyptian and the Assyrian sculptures (see 'Ancient Monarchies,' vol. 1. p. 539, second ed.; Wilkinson, 'Ancient Egyptians,' vol. 2. p. 260).

Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

For the builders had everyone his sword girded by his side, and so builded,.... Thus accoutred he wrought, and was prepared for either service:

and he that sounded the trumpet was by me; to give the alarm of war, that everyone might lay aside his work, and prepare for the battle: this officer stood by Nehemiah, that when he found it necessary, might give him orders to sound his trumpet, for the men to gather to him.

Nehemiah 4:18 Parallel Commentaries

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Bible Hub: Online Parallel Bible


Discouragement Overcome
…17They which built on the wall, and they that bore burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands worked in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon. 18For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so built. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me. 19And I said to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another. …

Nehemiah 4:13 Therefore I stationed some of the people behind the lowest points of the wall at the exposed places, posting them by families, with their swords, spears and bows.
Nehemiah 4:17 who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other,
Nehemiah 4:19 Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall.
Ezekiel 33:3 and he sees the sword coming against the land and blows the trumpet to warn the people,