Nehemiah 4:21
 Nehemiah 4:21 
New International Version (©2011)
So we continued the work with half the men holding spears, from the first light of dawn till the stars came out.

New Living Translation (©2007)
We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard.

English Standard Version (©2001)
So we labored at the work, and half of them held the spears from the break of dawn until the stars came out.

New American Standard Bible (©1995)
So we carried on the work with half of them holding spears from dawn until the stars appeared.

King James Bible (Cambridge Ed.)
So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

Holman Christian Standard Bible (©2009)
So we continued the work, while half of the men were holding spears from daybreak until the stars came out.

International Standard Version (©2012)
So we worked hard, half of us holding spears from dawn to dusk.

NET Bible (©2006)
So we worked on, with half holding spears, from dawn till dusk.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (©1995)
So we continued to work. Half of us held spears from early dawn until the stars came out.

King James 2000 Bible (©2003)
So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

American King James Version
So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

American Standard Version
So we wrought in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

Douay-Rheims Bible
And let us do the work: and let one half of us hold our spears from the rising of the morning, till the stars appear.

Darby Bible Translation
And we laboured in the work; and half of them held the spears from the rising of the dawn till the stars appeared.

English Revised Version
So we wrought in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

Webster's Bible Translation
So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

World English Bible
So we worked in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning until the stars appeared.

Young's Literal Translation
And we are working in the business, and half of them are keeping hold of the spears, from the going up of the dawn till the coming forth of the stars.

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 21. - So we laboured: and half of them held the spears. This is a summary of the main points previously related: "So we continued to work; and one-half of my personal followers continued to keep watch, and to hold the spears" (ver. 16). From the rising of the morning, etc. This is additional, and shows how early the work commenced each morning, and how late it continued.


Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible

So we laboured in the work,.... Of building the wall: and half of them held the spears; and other weapons before mentioned, Nehemiah 4:16

from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared; that is, from morning to evening, the space of time the builders and labourers worked.


Nehemiah 4:21 Parallel Commentaries

Nehemiah 4:21 NIV
Nehemiah 4:21 NLT
Nehemiah 4:21 ESV
Nehemiah 4:21 NASB
Nehemiah 4:21 KJV

Bible Hub: Online Parallel Bible


Discouragement Overcome
20In what place therefore you hear the sound of the trumpet, resort you thither to us: our God shall fight for us. 21So we labored in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared. 22Likewise at the same time said I to the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labor on the day.

Nehemiah 4:20 Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, join us there. Our God will fight for us!"
Nehemiah 4:22 At that time I also said to the people, "Have every man and his helper stay inside Jerusalem at night, so they can serve us as guards by night and as workers by day."