Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Meanwhile, the people in Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot rebuild the wall.” New Living Translation Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will never be able to build the wall by ourselves.” English Standard Version In Judah it was said, “The strength of those who bear the burdens is failing. There is too much rubble. By ourselves we will not be able to rebuild the wall.” Berean Standard Bible Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.” Berean Literal Bible And Judah said, “The power of the laborers is failing, and the rubble is abundant, and we are not able to build on the wall.” King James Bible And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. New King James Version Then Judah said, “The strength of the laborers is failing, and there is so much rubbish that we are not able to build the wall.” New American Standard Bible And so in Judah it was said: “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, Yet there is much rubble; And we ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.” NASB 1995 Thus in Judah it was said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, Yet there is much rubbish; And we ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.” NASB 1977 Thus in Judah it was said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, Yet there is much rubbish; And we ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.” Legacy Standard Bible Then Judah said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, Yet there is much rubbish; And we ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.” Amplified Bible Then [the leaders of] Judah said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, And there is much rubble; We ourselves are unable To rebuild the wall.” Berean Annotated Bible Meanwhile, the people of Judah (praised) said (Meanwhile, Judah said): “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall. Christian Standard Bible In Judah, it was said: The strength of the laborer fails, since there is so much rubble. We will never be able to rebuild the wall. Holman Christian Standard Bible In Judah, it was said: The strength of the laborer fails, since there is so much rubble. We will never be able to rebuild the wall. American Standard Version And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. Contemporary English Version Meanwhile, the people of Judah were singing a sorrowful song: "So much rubble for us to haul! Worn out and weary, will we ever finish this wall?" English Revised Version And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the people of Judah said, "The work crews are worn out, and there is too much rubble. We can't continue to rebuild the wall." Good News Translation The people of Judah had a song they sang: "We grow weak carrying burdens; There's so much rubble to take away. How can we build the wall today?" International Standard Version Meanwhile, the people of Judah said, "The builders are tired and there's so much rubble that we can't reconstruct the wall!" NET Bible Then those in Judah said, "The strength of the laborers has failed! The debris is so great that we are unable to rebuild the wall." New Heart English Bible Judah said, "The strength of the bearers of burdens is fading, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall." Webster's Bible Translation And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMeanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.” World English Bible Judah said, “The strength of the bearers of burdens is fading and there is much rubble, so that we are not able to build the wall.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Judah says, “The power of the burden-bearers has become feeble, and the rubbish [is] abundant, and we are not able to build on the wall.” Berean Literal Bible And Judah said, “The power of the laborers is failing, and the rubble is abundant, and we are not able to build on the wall.” Young's Literal Translation And Judah saith, 'The power of the burden-bearers hath become feeble, and the rubbish is abundant, and we are not able to build on the wall.' Smith's Literal Translation And Judah will say, The strength of the bearer was weak, and the dust much; and we shall not be able to build upon the wall. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Juda said: The strength of the bearer of burdens is decayed, and the rubbish is very much, and we shall not be able to build the wall. Catholic Public Domain Version Then Judah said: “The strength of those who carry has diminished, and the amount of material is very great, and so we will not be able to build the wall.” New American Bible Meanwhile the Judahites were saying: “Slackened is the bearers’ strength, there is no end to the rubbish; Never will we be able to rebuild the wall.” New Revised Standard Version But Judah said, “The strength of the burden bearers is failing, and there is too much rubbish so that we are unable to work on the wall.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the Jews said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is diminishing, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the Jews were saying: “The power of the Porters has decreased and the dust has intensified greatly, and we are unable to build the wall! OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Judah said: 'The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Juda said, The strength of the enemies is broken, yet there is much rubbish, and we shall not be able to build the wall. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Discouragement Overcome9So we prayed to our God and posted a guard against them day and night. 10Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: “The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.” 11And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.”… Cross References Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: Ezra 4:4 Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build. Haggai 1:2 that this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “These people say, ‘The time has not yet come to rebuild the house of the LORD.’” 2 Chronicles 20:12 Our God, will You not judge them? For we are powerless before this vast army that comes against us. We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon You.” “The strength of the laborer fails, Lamentations 1:14 My transgressions are bound into a yoke, knit together by His hand; they are draped over my neck, and the Lord has broken my strength. He has delivered me into the hands of those I cannot withstand. Isaiah 40:29-31 He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak. / Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. / But those who wait upon the LORD will renew their strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint. Psalm 73:26 My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. and there is so much rubble Psalm 102:14 For Your servants delight in her stones and take pity on her dust. Isaiah 61:4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins; they will restore the places long devastated; they will renew the ruined cities, the desolations of many generations. Ezekiel 36:33-36 This is what the Lord GOD says: On the day I cleanse you from all your iniquities, I will cause the cities to be resettled and the ruins to be rebuilt. / The desolate land will be cultivated instead of lying desolate in the sight of all who pass through. / Then they will say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden. The cities that were once ruined, desolate, and destroyed are now fortified and inhabited.’ … that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.” 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. Zechariah 4:6-7 So he said to me, “This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit, says the LORD of Hosts. / What are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you will become a plain. Then he will bring forth the capstone accompanied by shouts of ‘Grace, grace to it!’” Psalm 127:1 A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain. Exodus 5:10-11 So the taskmasters and foremen of the people went out and said to them, “This is what Pharaoh says: ‘I am no longer giving you straw. / Go and get your own straw wherever you can find it; but your workload will in no way be reduced.’” Haggai 1:6 You have planted much but harvested little. You eat but never have enough. You drink but never have your fill. You put on clothes but never get warm. You earn wages to put into a bag pierced through.” Psalm 6:6 I am weary from groaning; all night I flood my bed with weeping and drench my couch with tears. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. Treasury of Scripture And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall. The strength Numbers 13:31 But the men that went up with him said, We be not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. Numbers 32:9 For when they went up unto the valley of Eshcol, and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land which the LORD had given them. Psalm 11:1,2 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. In the LORD put I my trust: how say ye to my soul, Flee as a bird to your mountain? … bearers 2 Chronicles 2:18 And he set threescore and ten thousand of them to be bearers of burdens, and fourscore thousand to be hewers in the mountain, and three thousand and six hundred overseers to set the people a work. Ezekiel 29:18 Son of man, Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon caused his army to serve a great service against Tyrus: every head was made bald, and every shoulder was peeled: yet had he no wages, nor his army, for Tyrus, for the service that he had served against it: Jump to Previous Able Abundant Bearers Build Burden Burdens Decayed Faileth Failing Feeble Impossible Judah Laborers Material Meanwhile Ourselves Rebuild Rubbish Rubble Strength Unable Wall Waste Way Work WorkmenJump to Next Able Abundant Bearers Build Burden Burdens Decayed Faileth Failing Feeble Impossible Judah Laborers Material Meanwhile Ourselves Rebuild Rubbish Rubble Strength Unable Wall Waste Way Work WorkmenNehemiah 4 1. While the enemies scoff, Nehemiah prays and continues the work7. Understanding the wrath and secrets of the enemy, he sets a watch 13. He arms the laborers 19. and gives military precepts Meanwhile, the people of Judah said: This phrase indicates a shift in focus to the internal challenges faced by the people of Judah during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. Historically, Judah was the southern kingdom of Israel, and its people had returned from Babylonian exile. The context here is the rebuilding efforts led by Nehemiah, who was appointed by the Persian king Artaxerxes. The people of Judah were experiencing discouragement, a common theme in the post-exilic period, as they faced opposition from surrounding enemies and internal struggles. The strength of the laborer fails, and there is so much rubble that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.” Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahThe central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is instrumental in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. He is known for his leadership, prayerfulness, and dedication to God's work. 2. People of Judah The inhabitants of the region of Judah, who are involved in the rebuilding efforts. They express discouragement and fatigue in this verse. 3. Jerusalem The city whose walls are being rebuilt. It holds significant religious and cultural importance for the Jewish people. 4. The Laborers The workers engaged in the physical task of rebuilding the wall. They are experiencing exhaustion and discouragement due to the enormity of the task. 5. The Rubble The debris and ruins from the previous destruction of Jerusalem's walls, symbolizing the obstacles and challenges faced by the builders. Teaching Points Recognizing Human LimitationsThe laborers' acknowledgment of their failing strength reminds us of our human limitations. It is important to recognize when we are overwhelmed and seek God's strength. Facing Overwhelming Obstacles The rubble represents the obstacles in our lives. Like the laborers, we must confront these challenges with faith and perseverance, trusting in God's provision. The Power of Community Support The people of Judah worked together on the wall. This highlights the importance of community and collective effort in overcoming challenges. Prayer and Dependence on God Nehemiah's leadership was marked by prayer. In times of discouragement, turning to God in prayer is crucial for renewed strength and guidance. Perseverance in God's Work Despite the discouragement, the work continued. This teaches us the importance of perseverance in fulfilling God's purposes, even when the task seems insurmountable. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 4:10?2. How does Nehemiah 4:10 illustrate the importance of perseverance in God's work? 3. What can we learn from Judah's response to challenges in Nehemiah 4:10? 4. How does Nehemiah 4:10 connect to Philippians 4:13 about strength in Christ? 5. In what ways can we overcome discouragement like in Nehemiah 4:10? 6. How can Nehemiah 4:10 inspire us to support fellow believers facing challenges? 7. What does Nehemiah 4:10 reveal about the challenges of rebuilding amidst opposition? 8. How does Nehemiah 4:10 reflect the perseverance required in faith? 9. What historical context surrounds the rebuilding efforts in Nehemiah 4:10? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 4? 11. How can we find joy in the Lord always? 12. How did Nehemiah rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore faith? 13. What does the Bible say about fatigue? 14. Nehemiah 4:1-3: How reliable is the account of mocking enemies if there's limited external historical evidence of such opposition during the wall's rebuilding? What Does Nehemiah 4:10 Mean Meanwhile, the people of Judah said- The timing word “Meanwhile” places this comment right in the middle of fierce external opposition (Nehemiah 4:1–9). - Discouragement often rises from within while enemies press from without, much like Israel’s complaints in the wilderness even as Pharaoh’s army chased them (Exodus 14:10-12). - Internal voices can undermine faith faster than any outside threat, echoing the grief of David’s men at Ziklag before he strengthened himself in the LORD (1 Samuel 30:6). “The strength of the laborer fails” - They were genuinely worn out; forty-two working parties had been laboring from daybreak to nightfall (Nehemiah 4:21-22). - Physical fatigue often feeds spiritual doubt, yet “He gives power to the faint and increases the strength of the weak” (Isaiah 40:29). - Paul later urges, “Be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power” (Ephesians 6:10), reminding us that divine strength, not human stamina, sustains kingdom work. - When our own strength falters, God invites us to exchange weakness for His power (2 Corinthians 12:9-10). “and there is so much rubble” - The broken stones symbolized the shame of Jerusalem’s past defeat (Nehemiah 1:3); every shattered block whispered, “Failure.” - Rubble can feel overwhelming—old sins, bad habits, shattered relationships—yet God can turn ruins into a garden (Isaiah 61:4; Ezekiel 36:35). - Clearing debris is as vital as laying new stones; Hebrews urges, “Let us throw off every encumbrance” (Hebrews 12:1), so the race—and the wall—can progress unhindered. “that we will never be able to rebuild the wall.” - The word “never” reveals hopelessness, sounding like the spies who cried, “We cannot go up against the people” (Numbers 13:31). - Faith sees differently: Nehemiah had already declared, “The God of heaven will give us success” (Nehemiah 2:20). - Jesus answers every “never” with “With God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26), and Paul echoes, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). - Nehemiah responds not by rebuking their feelings but by reorganizing the work, posting guards, and pointing the people back to the LORD (Nehemiah 4:13-14). Discouragement is met with practical help and renewed vision. summary Nehemiah 4:10 captures a moment when exhaustion, overwhelming obstacles, and hopeless words threatened to halt God’s project. The verse reminds us that: - Even faithful workers grow weary. - Fatigue distorts perception, making rubble look bigger than God’s power. - Hopeless conclusions (“we will never…”) must be answered with God’s promises. The same God who strengthened Judah then still empowers believers now to clear rubble, build boldly, and finish the task He assigns. (10) And Judah said.--As hereafter, in the case of the complaints of the people (Nehemiah 5), the writer gives a summary of difficulties. The Jews, or "Judah"--a significant term--complained of their growing feebleness, especially as so many were diverted to the watches.Verse 10. - The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed. The complaint seems to be, that by the drawing off of men from the working parties to act as guards, those parties were so weakened that they could not continue the work, the quantity of rubbish being so great.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Meanwhile, the people of Judahיְהוּדָ֗ה (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites said: וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “The strength כֹּ֣חַ (kō·aḥ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3581: A small reptile (of unknown species) of the laborer הַסַּבָּ֔ל (has·sab·bāl) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5449: Burden bearer fails, כָּשַׁל֙ (kā·šal) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3782: To totter, waver, to falter, stumble, faint, fall and there is so much הַרְבֵּ֑ה (har·bêh) Verb - Hifil - Infinitive absolute Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great rubble וְהֶעָפָ֖ר (wə·he·‘ā·p̄ār) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 6083: Dust, clay, earth, mud that we וַאֲנַ֙חְנוּ֙ (wa·’ă·naḥ·nū) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common plural Strong's 587: We will never לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no be able נוּכַ֔ל (nū·ḵal) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common plural Strong's 3201: To be able, have power to rebuild לִבְנ֖וֹת (liḇ·nō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 1129: To build the wall.” בַּחוֹמָֽה׃ (ba·ḥō·w·māh) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 2346: A wall of protection Links Nehemiah 4:10 NIVNehemiah 4:10 NLT Nehemiah 4:10 ESV Nehemiah 4:10 NASB Nehemiah 4:10 KJV Nehemiah 4:10 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 4:10 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 4:10 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 4:10 French Bible Nehemiah 4:10 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 4:10 Judah said The strength of the bearers (Neh Ne) |
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