Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be in disgrace.” New Living Translation But now I said to them, “You know very well what trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire. Let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem and end this disgrace!” English Standard Version Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer suffer derision.” Berean Standard Bible Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” Berean Literal Bible And I said to them, “You⁺ see the distress that we are in—that Jerusalem is waste and its gates are burned with the fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may not be anymore a reproach.” King James Bible Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. New King James Version Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may no longer be a reproach.” New American Standard Bible Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates have been burned by fire. Come, let’s rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” NASB 1995 Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.” NASB 1977 Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation we are in, that Jerusalem is desolate and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem that we may no longer be a reproach.” Legacy Standard Bible Then I said to them, “You see the calamity we are in, that Jerusalem lies waste and its gates burned by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a reproach.” Amplified Bible Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation that we are in—how Jerusalem is desolate and lies in ruins and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, and let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” Berean Annotated Bible Then I said to them, “You⁺ see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem (city of peace) lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace. Christian Standard Bible So I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned. Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” Holman Christian Standard Bible So I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned down. Come, let’s rebuild Jerusalem’s wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” American Standard Version Then said I unto them, Ye see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Contemporary English Version But when I got back, I said to them, "Jerusalem is truly in a mess! The gates have been torn down and burned, and everything is in ruins. We must rebuild the city wall so that we can again take pride in our city." English Revised Version Then said I unto them, Ye see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then I told them, "You see the trouble we're in. Jerusalem is in ruins, and its gates are burned down. Let's rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, and we will no longer be insulted." Good News Translation But now I said to them, "See what trouble we are in because Jerusalem is in ruins and its gates are destroyed! Let's rebuild the city walls and put an end to our disgrace." International Standard Version Later I told them, "You all are watching the predicament we're in, how Jerusalem lies desolate, with its gates burned by fire. Let's rebuild the Jerusalem wall so we're no longer a disgrace." NET Bible Then I said to them, "You see the problem that we have: Jerusalem is desolate and its gates are burned. Come on! Let's rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that this reproach will not continue." New Heart English Bible Then I said to them, "You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we won't be disgraced." Webster's Bible Translation Then said I to them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and its gates are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we may be no more a reproach. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” World English Bible Then I said to them, “You see the bad situation that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come, let’s build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we won’t be disgraced.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand I say to them, “You are seeing the evil that we are in, in that Jerusalem [is] desolate, and its gates have been burned with fire; come and we build the wall of Jerusalem, and we are not a reproach anymore.” Berean Literal Bible And I said to them, “You⁺ see the distress that we are in—that Jerusalem is waste and its gates are burned with the fire. Come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may not be anymore a reproach.” Young's Literal Translation and I say unto them, 'Ye are seeing the evil that we are in, in that Jerusalem is waste, and its gates have been burnt with fire; come and we build the wall of Jerusalem, and we are not any more a reproach.' Smith's Literal Translation And saying to them, Ye seeing the evil which we are in it, how Jerusalem lay waste, and her gates were burnt with fire: come ye, and we will build the walls of Jerusalem, and we shall be no more a reproach. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen I said to them: You know the affliction wherein we are, because Jerusalem is desolate, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire: come, and let us build up the walls of Jerusalem, and let us be no longer a reproach. Catholic Public Domain Version And so I said to them: “You know the affliction in which we are, because Jerusalem is desolate, and its gates have been consumed by fire. Come, and let us rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, and let us no longer be in disgrace.” New American Bible Afterward I said to them: “You see the trouble we are in: how Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been gutted by fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we may no longer be a reproach!” New Revised Standard Version Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in, how Jerusalem lies in ruins with its gates burned. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we may no longer suffer disgrace.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen I said to them, You see the distress that we are in; for, behold, Jerusalem is lying waste and its gates are burned with fire; come and let us build the wall of Jerusalem, that we may be no longer a reproach. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I said to them: “You see the afflictions that we are in; behold, Jerusalem is desolate and its gates are burned up in fire! Come, we will build up the wall of Jerusalem and therefore we will not be a reproach!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then said I unto them: 'Ye see the evil case that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire; come and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.' Brenton Septuagint Translation Then I said to them, Ye see this evil, in which we are, how Jerusalem is desolate, and her gates have been set on fire: come, and let us build throughout the wall of Jerusalem, and we shall be no longer a reproach. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Nehemiah Inspects the Walls…16The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, for I had not yet told the Jews or priests or nobles or officials or any other workers. 17Then I said to them, “You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” 18I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work.… Cross References Then I said to them, Ezra 10:4 Get up, for this matter is your responsibility, and we will support you. Be strong and take action!” 1 Chronicles 28:20 David also said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and courageous, and do it. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will neither fail you nor forsake you before all the work for the service of the house of the LORD is finished. Haggai 1:8 Go up into the hills, bring down lumber, and build the house, so that I may take pleasure in it and be glorified, says the LORD. “You see the trouble we are in. Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your loving devotion, for You have seen my affliction; You have known the anguish of my soul. Psalm 25:18 Consider my affliction and trouble, and take away all my sins. Lamentations 5:1 Remember, O LORD, what has happened to us. Look and see our disgrace! Jerusalem lies in ruins, Psalm 79:1 A Psalm of Asaph. The nations, O God, have invaded Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple and reduced Jerusalem to rubble. Micah 3:12 Therefore, because of you, Zion will be plowed like a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of rubble, and the temple mount a wooded ridge. Isaiah 64:10 Your holy cities have become a wilderness. Zion has become a wasteland and Jerusalem a desolation. and its gates have been burned down. Nehemiah 1:3 And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Jeremiah 17:27 But if you do not listen to Me to keep the Sabbath day holy by not carrying a load while entering the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle an unquenchable fire in its gates to consume the citadels of Jerusalem.’” 2 Kings 25:9 He burned down the house of the LORD, the royal palace, and all the houses of Jerusalem—every significant building. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, Psalm 51:18 In Your good pleasure, cause Zion to prosper; build up the walls of Jerusalem. Jeremiah 31:38-40 “The days are coming,” declares the LORD, “when this city will be rebuilt for Me, from the tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. / The measuring line will once again stretch out straight to the hill of Gareb and then turn toward Goah. / The whole valley of the dead bodies and ashes, and all the fields as far as the Kidron Valley, to the corner of the Horse Gate to the east, will be holy to the LORD. It will never again be uprooted or demolished.” Isaiah 58:12 Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling. so that we will no longer be a disgrace.” Ezekiel 36:15 I will no longer allow the taunts of the nations to be heard against you, and you will no longer endure the reproach of the peoples or cause your nation to stumble, declares the Lord GOD.” Treasury of Scripture Then said I to them, You see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lies waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach. Ye see Lamentations 2:2,8,9 The Lord hath swallowed up all the habitations of Jacob, and hath not pitied: he hath thrown down in his wrath the strong holds of the daughter of Judah; he hath brought them down to the ground: he hath polluted the kingdom and the princes thereof… Lamentations 3:51 Mine eye affecteth mine heart because of all the daughters of my city. come Ezra 5:1,2 Then the prophets, Haggai the prophet, and Zechariah the son of Iddo, prophesied unto the Jews that were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even unto them… Ezra 10:2-4 And Shechaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said unto Ezra, We have trespassed against our God, and have taken strange wives of the people of the land: yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing… Isaiah 35:3,4 Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees… a reproach Nehemiah 1:3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire. 1 Samuel 11:2 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, On this condition will I make a covenant with you, that I may thrust out all your right eyes, and lay it for a reproach upon all Israel. Psalm 44:13 Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us. Jump to Previous Bad Build Burned Case Disgrace Distress Evil Fire Gates Jerusalem Lies Rebuild Reproach Ruins Situation Suffer Thereof Trouble Wall WasteJump to Next Bad Build Burned Case Disgrace Distress Evil Fire Gates Jerusalem Lies Rebuild Reproach Ruins Situation Suffer Thereof Trouble Wall WasteNehemiah 2 1. Artaxerxes, understanding the cause of Nehemiah's sadness, 6. sends him with letters and commission to Jerusalem 9. Nehemiah, to the grief of the enemies, comes to Jerusalem 12. He views secretly the ruins of the walls 17. He incites the Jews to build Then I said to them Nehemiah is addressing the leaders and people of Jerusalem. This moment follows his secret inspection of the city's walls at night. Nehemiah's leadership is evident as he takes initiative to communicate the dire situation and propose a solution. His approach reflects the biblical principle of wise leadership, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, where guidance and counsel are emphasized. You see the trouble we are in Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned down Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a disgrace Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahA Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, who becomes a leader and governor in Jerusalem. He is deeply concerned about the welfare of his people and the city of Jerusalem. 2. Jerusalem The holy city of the Jewish people, which at this time lies in ruins with its walls broken down and gates burned, symbolizing vulnerability and disgrace. 3. The People of Jerusalem The Jewish inhabitants who are living in a city without protective walls, facing disgrace and insecurity. 4. The Ruins and Burned Gates Symbolic of the physical and spiritual state of Jerusalem, representing the need for restoration and renewal. 5. The Call to Rebuild Nehemiah's rallying cry to the people to take action and restore the city, which is both a physical and spiritual endeavor. Teaching Points Recognizing the Need for RestorationJust as Nehemiah recognized the physical and spiritual ruin of Jerusalem, we must identify areas in our lives that need rebuilding and renewal. Taking Initiative and Leadership Nehemiah's proactive approach teaches us the importance of stepping up to lead and inspire others in times of need. The Power of Community The call to rebuild was not for Nehemiah alone but for the entire community, emphasizing the strength found in unity and collective effort. Overcoming Disgrace with Action The disgrace of Jerusalem's ruins was overcome by decisive action, reminding us that we can address shame and failure through purposeful steps toward restoration. Faith and Dependence on God Nehemiah's mission was undergirded by prayer and reliance on God, teaching us to seek divine guidance and strength in our endeavors. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 2:17?2. How does Nehemiah 2:17 inspire us to address challenges in our communities? 3. What does "rebuild the wall" symbolize in our spiritual and daily lives? 4. How can we identify and act on God's calling, as Nehemiah did? 5. What parallels exist between Nehemiah's mission and Jesus' teachings on restoration? 6. How can we encourage others to join in God's work, like Nehemiah did? 7. What does Nehemiah 2:17 reveal about leadership and responsibility in rebuilding communities? 8. How does Nehemiah 2:17 challenge us to address societal issues today? 9. What historical evidence supports the events described in Nehemiah 2:17? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 2? 11. What was Nehemiah's role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls? 12. How were Jerusalem's walls rebuilt? 13. Zechariah 2:12 – Given the centuries of exile and conflict, what archaeological or historical records confirm that the Lord truly “took possession of Judah” in a lasting, literal sense? 14. Who is Nehemiah in the Bible? What Does Nehemiah 2:17 Mean Then I said to themNehemiah finally breaks his silence after a quiet nighttime survey of the city (Nehemiah 2:12–16). • He speaks when he has facts in hand and God-given confidence in his heart—an example of Proverbs 15:23, “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply.” • Addressing “them” (the officials and workers) shows leadership that is personal and present, not distant (1 Peter 5:2–3). • By stepping forward publicly, Nehemiah moves the vision from private prayer (Nehemiah 1) to communal action, echoing Joshua 1:10–11, where Joshua likewise rallies the people after receiving God’s direction. You see the trouble we are in Nehemiah names the problem and includes himself in it. • “We” language avoids blame and builds unity, as Ezra 9:6 and Daniel 9:5 also model when confessing national sin. • The word “trouble” points to distress both physical and spiritual; Psalm 34:19 reminds that “Many are the afflictions of the righteous,” yet God delivers. • By asking the people to “see,” Nehemiah invites honest acknowledgment—Haggai 1:5–7 does the same, calling Judah to “consider your ways.” Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned down The facts are stark, the damage dating back to Babylon’s assault (2 Kings 25:9–10; Lamentations 2:8–9). • Ruined walls mean no defense, constant fear (Proverbs 25:28), and daily reminder of past judgment. • Burned gates symbolize lost authority and commerce (Ruth 4:1–2 shows city gates as places of decision). • Nehemiah refuses to sugar-coat reality, aligning with the prophetic pattern of truth-telling found in Isaiah 1:7–8. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem A clear, hopeful call replaces despair. • “Come” invites participation; “let us” underscores partnership—see Ezra 5:2 where Zerubbabel and Jeshua “arose and began to rebuild.” • Rebuilding walls is tangible obedience to God’s earlier promise of restoration (Jeremiah 31:4; Isaiah 58:12). • The task unites diverse people around a God-honoring goal, foreshadowing 1 Corinthians 3:9: “We are God’s fellow workers.” So that we will no longer be a disgrace The motive is God’s honor as reflected in His people. • Psalm 79:4 laments, “We have become a reproach to our neighbors”; Nehemiah seeks to reverse that. • When the Lord’s city is mocked, His name is mocked (Ezekiel 36:20–23). • Restored walls mean restored testimony—Isaiah 62:1–2 speaks of Zion’s righteousness shining “like a blazing torch.” • The New Testament echoes this purpose: good works silence slander (1 Peter 2:12). summary Nehemiah 2:17 records a pivotal moment when vision meets action. Nehemiah identifies with the people, states the painful reality, issues a clear plan, and grounds the whole endeavor in the desire to remove reproach from God’s name. The verse teaches candid assessment, shared responsibility, and faith-filled initiative, all aimed at displaying the glory of the Lord through a restored community. (17) Then.--There is no note of time. When his plans were matured, Nehemiah made an earnest appeal to their patriotism.Verse 17. - Then said I unto them. Ewald boldly assumes that this happened the next day; but there is nothing to show that it was so soon. The original contains, no note of time - not even the word "then." Nehemiah simply says, "And I said to them." The distress. Or "affliction," as the word is translated in Nehemiah 1:3. No special suffering seems to be intended, beyond that of lying open to attack, and being a "reproach" in the sight of the heathen. Lieth waste. On this hyperbole see the comment upon ver. 3.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then I saidוָאוֹמַ֣ר (wā·’ō·w·mar) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to them, אֲלֵהֶ֗ם (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to “You אַתֶּ֤ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you see רֹאִים֙ (rō·’îm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7200: To see the trouble הָרָעָה֙ (hā·rā·‘āh) Article | Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil we are in. אֲנַ֣חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural Strong's 587: We Jerusalem יְרוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙ (yə·rū·šā·lim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel lies in ruins, חֲרֵבָ֔ה (ḥă·rê·ḇāh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 2717: To parch, to desolate, destroy, kill and its gates וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ (ū·šə·‘ā·re·hā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate have been burned down. נִצְּת֣וּ (niṣ·ṣə·ṯū) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3341: To burn, set on fire, to desolate Come, לְכ֗וּ (lə·ḵū) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk let us rebuild וְנִבְנֶה֙ (wə·niḇ·neh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural Strong's 1129: To build the wall חוֹמַ֣ת (ḥō·w·maṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 2346: A wall of protection of Jerusalem, יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם (yə·rū·šā·lim) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel so that we will no וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no longer ע֖וֹד (‘ō·wḏ) Adverb Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more be נִהְיֶ֥ה (nih·yeh) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be a disgrace.” חֶרְפָּֽה׃ (ḥer·pāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2781: Contumely, disgrace, the pudenda Links Nehemiah 2:17 NIVNehemiah 2:17 NLT Nehemiah 2:17 ESV Nehemiah 2:17 NASB Nehemiah 2:17 KJV Nehemiah 2:17 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 2:17 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 2:17 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 2:17 French Bible Nehemiah 2:17 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 2:17 Then said I to them You see (Neh Ne) |
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