Nehemiah 2:18 I 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.

◄ Nehemiah 2:18 ►

New International Version
I also told them about the gracious hand of my God on me and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us start rebuilding.” So they began this good work.

New Living Translation
Then I told them about how the gracious hand of God had been on me, and about my conversation with the king. They replied at once, “Yes, let’s rebuild the wall!” So they began the good work.

English Standard Version
And I told them of the hand of my God that had been upon me for good, and also of the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

Berean Standard Bible
I 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.

King James Bible
Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

New King James Version
And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king’s words that he had spoken to me. So they said, “Let us rise up and build.” Then they set their hands to this good work.

New American Standard Bible
And I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let’s arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work.

NASB 1995
I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work.

NASB 1977
And I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me, and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they put their hands to the good work.

Legacy Standard Bible
And I told them how the hand of my God had been good to me and also about the king’s words which he had said to me. Then they said, “Let us arise and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

Amplified Bible
Then I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the words that the king had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they thoroughly supported the good work.

Christian Standard Bible
I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me. They said, “Let’s start rebuilding,” and their hands were strengthened to do this good work.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me. They said, “Let’s start rebuilding,” and they were encouraged to do this good work.

American Standard Version
And I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me, as also of the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

Contemporary English Version
Then I told them how kind God had been and what the king had said. Immediately, they replied, "Let's start building now!" So they got everything ready.

English Revised Version
And I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also of the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then I told them that my God had been guiding me and what the king had told me. They replied, "Let's begin to rebuild." So they encouraged one another to begin this God-pleasing work.

Good News Translation
And I told them how God had been with me and helped me, and what the emperor had said to me. They responded, "Let's start rebuilding!" And they got ready to start the work.

International Standard Version
Then I told them how good my God had been to me, and about what the king had told me. They replied, "Let's get out there and build!" So they encouraged themselves to do good.

Majority Standard Bible
I 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.

NET Bible
Then I related to them how the good hand of my God was on me and what the king had said to me. Then they replied, "Let's begin rebuilding right away!" So they readied themselves for this good project.

New Heart English Bible
I told them of the hand of my God which was good on me, as also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. They said, "Let's rise up and build." So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken to me. And they said, Let us rise and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

World English Bible
I told them about the hand of my God which was good on me, and also about the king’s words that he had spoken to me. They said, “Let’s rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And I declare to them the hand of my God that is good on me, and also the words of the king that he said to me, and they say, “Let us rise, and we have built”; and they strengthen their hands for good.

Young's Literal Translation
And I declare to them the hand of my God that is good upon me, and also the words of the king that he said to me, and they say, 'Let us rise, and we have built;' and they strengthen their hands for good.

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall announce to them the hand of my God that it was good upon me; and also the king's words who said to me. And they will say, We will rise up and build. And they will strengthen their hands for good.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And I shewed them how the hand of my God was good with me, and the king's words, which he had spoken to me, and I said: Let us rise up, and build. And their hands were strengthened in good.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I revealed to them how the hand of my God was with me for good, and the words of the king, which he had spoken to me. And I said: “Let us rise up, and build.” And their hands were strengthened for good.

New American Bible
Then I explained to them how God had shown his gracious favor to me, and what the king had said to me. They replied, “Let us begin building!” And they undertook the work with vigor.

New Revised Standard Version
I told them that the hand of my God had been gracious upon me, and also the words that the king had spoken to me. Then they said, “Let us start building!” So they committed themselves to the common good.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then f told them of the hand of my God which was with me for good, and also the king's words that he had spoken to me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I revealed to them the hand of my God who was with me for good, also the words of the King that were spoken to me, and they said: “We are standing and we are building!” And they strengthened their hands to work hard.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also of the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said: 'Let us rise up and build.' So they strengthened their hands for the good work.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I told them of the hand of God which was good upon me, also about the words of the king which he spoke to me: and I said, Let us arise and build. And their hands were strengthened for the good work.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Nehemiah Inspects the Walls
…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. 19But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Ezra 5:2
Then Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and Jeshua son of Jozadak rose up and began to rebuild the house of God in Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them.

Haggai 1:14
So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God,

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.

Ezra 7:27-28
Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put into the heart of the king to so honor the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, / and who has shown me favor before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officials. And because the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, I took courage and gathered the leaders of Israel to return with me.

2 Chronicles 36:22-23
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’”

Isaiah 41:6-7
Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!” / The craftsman encourages the goldsmith, and he who wields the hammer cheers him who strikes the anvil, saying of the welding, “It is good.” He nails it down so it will not be toppled.

Acts 4:19-20
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

1 Corinthians 15:58
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.

Psalm 126:2-3
Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” / The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

2 Corinthians 8:16-17
But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you. / For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.

1 Samuel 14:6-7
Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” / His armor-bearer replied, “Do all that is in your heart. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul.”

Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?

1 Thessalonians 5:24
The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.

Exodus 35:21
And everyone whose heart stirred him and whose spirit prompted him came and brought an offering to the LORD for the work on the Tent of Meeting, for all its services, and for the holy garments.

Acts 18:9-10
One night the Lord spoke to Paul in a vision: “Do not be afraid; keep on speaking; do not be silent. / For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”

Treasury of Scripture

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good on me; as also the king's words that he had spoken to me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

the hand.

Nehemiah 2:8
And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

So they strengthened

2 Samuel 2:7
Therefore now let your hands be strengthened, and be ye valiant: for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah have anointed me king over them.

1 Chronicles 11:10
These also are the chief of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the LORD concerning Israel.

1 Chronicles 19:13
Be of good courage, and let us behave ourselves valiantly for our people, and for the cities of our God: and let the LORD do that which is good in his sight.

Jump to Previous

Arise Build Building Built Declare Favorable Good Gracious Hand Hands King's Rebuilding Rise Start Strengthen Strengthened Strong Words Work

Jump to Next

Arise Build Building Built Declare Favorable Good Gracious Hand Hands King's Rebuilding Rise Start Strengthen Strengthened Strong Words Work

Nehemiah 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

Berean Study Bible

I also told them
This phrase indicates Nehemiah's role as a communicator and leader. The Hebrew root for "told" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or make known. Nehemiah is not just sharing information; he is declaring God's providence and the king's support, which is crucial for inspiring the people. In a historical context, this reflects the importance of transparency and communication in leadership, especially when rallying people for a common cause.

about the gracious hand of my God upon me
The "gracious hand" signifies divine favor and blessing. The Hebrew word for "gracious" is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), often translated as loving-kindness or mercy. This phrase underscores the belief that God's providence is essential for success. Nehemiah attributes his achievements not to his own abilities but to God's benevolent intervention, a perspective that encourages humility and reliance on divine guidance.

and what the king had said to me
This part highlights the importance of earthly authority and divine orchestration working together. The king's words are significant because they provide the political and social backing needed for the rebuilding project. Historically, this reflects the period of Persian rule, where the king's decree was crucial for any major undertaking. Nehemiah's ability to secure the king's support demonstrates his diplomatic skills and God's favor in softening the king's heart.

'Let us start rebuilding,' they replied
The response of the people shows unity and readiness to act. The Hebrew root for "start" is "חָזַק" (chazaq), meaning to strengthen or take courage. This reflects a collective resolve and determination. The people's willingness to rebuild signifies their hope and faith in God's plan, as well as their trust in Nehemiah's leadership. It is a pivotal moment where vision turns into action.

and they set their hands to this good work
The phrase "set their hands" implies commitment and action. The Hebrew word "יָד" (yad) for "hand" often symbolizes power and action. This indicates that the people were not just passive listeners but active participants in God's work. The "good work" refers to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, a task that is both physically demanding and spiritually significant. It represents restoration and renewal, themes central to the book of Nehemiah and the broader narrative of Israel's return from exile.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(18) Then I told them.--Nehemiah relates his providential call, with the king's commission, and the people were thoroughly enlisted in the good cause.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 18. - Then I told them of the hand of my God. Nehemiah sketched the history of his past life, and showed how God's providence had always shielded him and supported him. This, however, would scarcely have had any great effect had he not been able to appeal further to the king's words that he had spoken. These words clearly contained permission to rebuild the wall, and took away the danger of their so doing being regarded as an act of rebellion by the Persians. What others might think was not of very much account. And they said, Let us rise up and build. Nehemiah's address had all the effect he hoped for from it. He was anxious to carry the nation with him, and induce them, one and. all, to engage heartily in the work, which must be accomplished, if it was to be accomplished at all, by something like a burst of enthusiasm. Such a burst he evokes, and its result is seen in the next chapter. Almost the whole people came forward, and set to work with zeal So they strengthened their hands for this good work. The original is briefer, and more emphatic - "And they strengthened their hands for good." They embraced the good cause, took the good part, set themselves to work heartily on the right side.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

I also told
וָאַגִּ֨יד (wā·’ag·gîḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

them
לָהֶ֜ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

about
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the gracious
טוֹבָ֣ה (ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

hand
יַ֣ד (yaḏ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of my God
אֱלֹהַ֗י (’ĕ·lō·hay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

upon me,
עָלַ֔י (‘ā·lay)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

and
וְאַף־ (wə·’ap̄-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 637: Meaning accession, yea, adversatively though

what
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the king
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

had said
אָֽמַר־ (’ā·mar-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to me.
לִ֑י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

“Let us start
נָק֣וּם (nā·qūm)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common plural
Strong's 6965: To arise, stand up, stand

rebuilding,”
וּבָנִ֔ינוּ (ū·ḇā·nî·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 1129: To build

they replied,
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙ (way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

and they set
וַיְחַזְּק֥וּ (way·ḥaz·zə·qū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 2388: To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquer

their hands
יְדֵיהֶ֖ם (yə·ḏê·hem)
Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural
Strong's 3027: A hand

to [this] good [work].
לַטּוֹבָֽה׃ (laṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

Links

Nehemiah 2:18 NIV
Nehemiah 2:18 NLT
Nehemiah 2:18 ESV
Nehemiah 2:18 NASB
Nehemiah 2:18 KJV

Nehemiah 2:18 BibleApps.com
Nehemiah 2:18 Biblia Paralela
Nehemiah 2:18 Chinese Bible
Nehemiah 2:18 French Bible
Nehemiah 2:18 Catholic Bible

OT History: Nehemiah 2:18 I told them of the hand (Neh Ne)