Nehemiah 5:16
New International Version
Instead, I devoted myself to the work on this wall. All my men were assembled there for the work; we did not acquire any land.

New Living Translation
I also devoted myself to working on the wall and refused to acquire any land. And I required all my servants to spend time working on the wall.

English Standard Version
I also persevered in the work on this wall, and we acquired no land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.

Berean Standard Bible
Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land.

King James Bible
Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

New King James Version
Indeed, I also continued the work on this wall, and we did not buy any land. All my servants were gathered there for the work.

New American Standard Bible
I also applied myself to the work on this wall; we did not buy any land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.

NASB 1995
I also applied myself to the work on this wall; we did not buy any land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.

NASB 1977
And I also applied myself to the work on this wall; we did not buy any land, and all my servants were gathered there for the work.

Legacy Standard Bible
I also took hold of the work on this wall; we did not buy any land, and all my young men were gathered there for the work.

Amplified Bible
I also applied myself to the work on this wall; we did not buy any land, and all my servants were gathered together there for the work.

Christian Standard Bible
Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of this wall, and all my subordinates were gathered there for the work. We didn’t buy any land.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my subordinates were gathered there for the work. We didn’t buy any land.

American Standard Version
Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

Contemporary English Version
I spent all my time getting the wall rebuilt and did not buy any property. Everyone working for me did the same thing.

English Revised Version
Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Instead, I put my best effort into the work on this wall, and we bought no land. All my men gathered here for work.

Good News Translation
I put all my energy into rebuilding the wall and did not acquire any property. Everyone who worked for me joined in the rebuilding.

International Standard Version
Also, as I continued to work on the wall, we purchased no land, and all of my young men were employed in the work.

Majority Standard Bible
Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land.

NET Bible
I gave myself to the work on this wall, without even purchasing a field. All my associates were gathered there for the work.

New Heart English Bible
Yes, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered there to the work.

Webster's Bible Translation
Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither to the work.

World English Bible
Yes, I also continued in the work of this wall. We didn’t buy any land. All my servants were gathered there to the work.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And also, in the work of this wall I have done mightily, even a field we have not bought, and all my servants are gathered there for the work;

Young's Literal Translation
And also, in the work of this wall I have done mightily, even a field we have not bought, and all my servants are gathered there for the work;

Smith's Literal Translation
And also I held fast upon the work of this wall, and we bought not a field: and all my young men being gathered there for the work.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Moreover I built in the work of the wall, and I bought no land, and all my servants were gathered together to the work.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In fact, I preferred to build in the work of the wall, and I bought no land, and all my servants were gathered to do the work.

New American Bible
In addition, though I had acquired no land of my own, I did my part in this work on the wall, and all my attendants were gathered there for the work.

New Revised Standard Version
Indeed, I devoted myself to the work on this wall, and acquired no land; and all my servants were gathered there for the work.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Also I was greatly occupied with the work of this wall, and I bought no fields; and all the Jewish servants were gathered there, supervising the work.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Also in the work of this wall I was greatly strengthened, and I have not bought fields, and all the boys, the sons of the Judeans, were gathered, and they stood there over the work.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Yea, also I set hand to the work of this wall, neither bought we any land; and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Also in the work of the wall I treated them not with rigor, I bought not land: and all that were gathered together came thither to the work.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Nehemiah's Generosity
15The governors before me had heavily burdened the people, taking from them bread and wine plus forty shekels of silver. Their servants also oppressed the people, but I did not do this because of my fear of God. 16Instead, I devoted myself to the construction of the wall, and all my servants were gathered there for the work; we did not acquire any land. 17There were 150 Jews and officials at my table, besides the guests from the surrounding nations.…

Cross References
Acts 20:34-35
You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. / In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

1 Corinthians 9:12
If others have this right to your support, shouldn’t we have it all the more? But we did not exercise this right. Instead, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:9
Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

2 Thessalonians 3:8
nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. Instead, in labor and toil, we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.

Philippians 4:17
Not that I am seeking a gift, but I am looking for the fruit that may be credited to your account.

1 Timothy 5:18
For the Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,” and, “The worker is worthy of his wages.”

1 Corinthians 4:12
We work hard with our own hands. When we are vilified, we bless; when we are persecuted, we endure it;

2 Corinthians 11:9
And when I was with you and in need, I was not a burden to anyone; for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied my needs. I have refrained from being a burden to you in any way, and I will continue to do so.

2 Corinthians 12:14
See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.

1 Peter 5:2-3
Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness; / not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.

Acts 18:3
and he stayed and worked with them because they were tentmakers by trade, just as he was.

1 Corinthians 9:18
What then is my reward? That in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not use up my rights in preaching it.

2 Corinthians 6:3-10
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry. / Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; / in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger; ...

1 Corinthians 10:24
No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.

Romans 15:1-3
We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves. / Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. / For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The insults of those who insult You have fallen on Me.”


Treasury of Scripture

Yes, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither to the work.

I continued

Luke 8:15
But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

Romans 2:7
To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

neither bought

Numbers 16:15
And Moses was very wroth, and said unto the LORD, Respect not thou their offering: I have not taken one ass from them, neither have I hurt one of them.

Acts 20:33-35
I have coveted no man's silver, or gold, or apparel…

1 Thessalonians 2:5,6
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: …

all my

2 Corinthians 12:16-18
But be it so, I did not burden you: nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you with guile…

Philippians 2:20,21
For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state…

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Acquire Acquired Applied Assembled Bought Buy Continued Devoted Field Fields Gathered Hand Held Instead Kept Mightily Ourselves Servants Thither Wall Work
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Acquire Acquired Applied Assembled Bought Buy Continued Devoted Field Fields Gathered Hand Held Instead Kept Mightily Ourselves Servants Thither Wall Work
Nehemiah 5
1. The Jews complain of their debt, mortgage, and bondage
6. Nehemiah rebukes the usurers, and causes them to make a covenant of restitution
14. He forbears his own allowance, and keeps hospitality














Instead
This word marks a contrast to the behavior of others mentioned earlier in the chapter. Nehemiah is setting himself apart from the nobles and officials who were exploiting the people. The Hebrew root here implies a deliberate choice, emphasizing Nehemiah's conscious decision to act differently. This highlights the importance of leadership integrity and the moral responsibility to prioritize communal welfare over personal gain.

I devoted myself
The phrase underscores Nehemiah's personal commitment and dedication. The Hebrew word used here conveys a sense of setting one's heart or mind on something with determination. Nehemiah's devotion is not just a matter of duty but a heartfelt commitment to God's work. This serves as an inspirational model for believers, illustrating the importance of wholehearted service in fulfilling God's purposes.

to the work on this wall
The wall represents not just a physical structure but a symbol of protection, identity, and restoration for the people of Jerusalem. Nehemiah's focus on the wall signifies his dedication to the spiritual and communal restoration of the Jewish people. Historically, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls was crucial for the security and re-establishment of the Jewish community post-exile. This phrase encourages believers to engage in the work of building and restoring God's kingdom in their own contexts.

and we acquired no land
This statement reflects Nehemiah's integrity and selflessness. In a time when leaders often used their positions for personal gain, Nehemiah's refusal to acquire land demonstrates his commitment to justice and equity. The historical context reveals that land acquisition was a common means of increasing wealth and power. Nehemiah's example challenges believers to resist the temptation of materialism and to prioritize the needs of the community over personal enrichment.

All my servants were gathered there for the work
Nehemiah's leadership is further exemplified by his ability to inspire and mobilize his servants for the communal task. The Hebrew term for "servants" can also imply those who are in a position of service or ministry. This phrase highlights the collective effort and unity required in accomplishing God's work. It serves as a reminder of the power of collaborative effort in achieving divine purposes, encouraging believers to work together in harmony for the common good.

(16) I continued.--I repaired: that is, as superintendent. His servants and himself did not take advantage of the people's poverty to acquire their land by mortgage; they were, on the contrary, absorbed in the common work.

Verse 16. - I continued in the work of this wall. Literally, "I repaired," like the others (Nehemiah 3:4-31). I employed myself not in buying up men's fields at low prices, and so enriching myself, but in the restoring and repairing of the wall, over which I exercised a constant superintendence. All my servants were gathered thither. See Nehemiah 4:16.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Instead,
וְ֠גַם (wə·ḡam)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

I devoted myself
הֶחֱזַ֔קְתִּי (he·ḥĕ·zaq·tî)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

to the construction
בִּמְלֶ֜אכֶת (bim·le·ḵeṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

of the
הַזֹּאת֙ (haz·zōṯ)
Article | Pronoun - feminine singular
Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that,

wall,
הַחוֹמָ֤ה (ha·ḥō·w·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

my servants
נְעָרַ֔י (nə·‘ā·ray)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer

were gathered
קְבוּצִ֥ים (qə·ḇū·ṣîm)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine plural
Strong's 6908: To gather, collect

there
שָׁ֖ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

for
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the work;
הַמְּלָאכָֽה׃ (ham·mə·lā·ḵāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4399: Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property

we did not
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

acquire
קָנִ֑ינוּ (qā·nî·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 7069: To erect, create, to procure, by purchase, to own

any land.
וְשָׂדֶ֖ה (wə·śā·ḏeh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7704: Field, land


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OT History: Nehemiah 5:16 Yes also I continued in the work (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 5:15
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