Nehemiah 1:2
What does Nehemiah 1:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 1:2 means
Nehemiah’s concern is proactive and pastoral. When Hanani, called “one of my brethren,” arrives with men from Judah, Nehemiah does not wait for news to be volunteered; he deliberately inquires about “the Jews that had escaped” and “concerning Jerusalem.” His questions reveal a heart tied to God’s people and God’s place. He seeks accurate information, not rumors. The language of those “left of the captivity” highlights a fragile remnant surviving after exile. Jerusalem stands not merely as a city but as the symbol of God’s name among the nations. Nehemiah’s initiative shows that genuine care begins with honest awareness of the flock’s condition and the state of worship at the center.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men out of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, that were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
KJV
King James Version · 1611That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men out of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, that were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949That Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah; and in answer to my request for news of the Jews who had been prisoners and had got away, and of Jerusalem,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and come in doth Hanani, one of my brethren, he and men of Judah, and I ask them concerning the Jews, the escaped part that have been left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752That Hanani one of my brethren came, he and some men of Juda; and I asked them concerning the Jews, that remained and were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890that Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and [certain] men of Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, who were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
Context
Following the introduction, verse 2 moves from setting to catalyst. Messengers arrive from Judah, and Nehemiah’s inquiry opens the door for the report that will define the book’s burden. This verse bridges the court of Shushan and the realities in Jerusalem. The next verse delivers the stark situation on the ground. Understanding that Nehemiah actively sought the facts helps the reader appreciate why the coming prayer is specific, urgent, and grounded in truth rather than vague sentiment.
v.1The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
v.2This passage
v.3And 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 6:9
And those of you that escape shall remember me among the nations whither they shall be carried captive, how that I have been broken with their lewd heart, which hath departed from me, and with their eyes, which play the harlot after their idols: and they shall loathe themselves in their own sight for the evils which they have committed in all their abominations.
- Ezekiel 24:26
that in that day he that escapeth shall come unto thee, to cause thee to hear it with thine ears?
- Nehemiah 7:2
that I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the governor of the castle, charge over Jerusalem; for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
- Ezekiel 7:16
But those of them that escape shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them moaning, every one in his iniquity.
- Psalms 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: They shall prosper that love thee.
- Ezra 9:14
shall we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the peoples that do these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed us, so that there should be no remnant, nor any to escape?
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Nehemiah 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Nehemiah 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Fasting
Fasting in the Bible is a spiritual discipline involving abstinence from food for a period, often coupled with prayer and repentance.
Topic
Bible Verses About Confession of Sin
Confession of sin is an essential step in drawing near to God and receiving His forgiveness and cleansing.
What the Bible says about…