Nehemiah 2:17
What does Nehemiah 2:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 2:17 means
Nehemiah finally speaks to the people, inviting them to see the shared trouble—Jerusalem in ruins, gates burned—and to join him in rebuilding so the city will no longer be a disgrace. He names the problem, states the goal, and ties it to honor: the removal of reproach. His appeal is inclusive and practical, not abstract. He does not blame; he summons. This is leadership that dignifies the people by making them partners in restoration. The verse shows how vision is cast: by truthful description, clear purpose, and a hopeful call to action rooted in the city’s identity and God’s concern for his name among the nations.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then I said to them, You see what a bad condition we are in; how Jerusalem is a waste, and its doorways burned with fire: come, let us get to work, building up the wall of Jerusalem, so that we may no longer be put to shame.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and I say unto them, `Ye are seeing the evil that we are in, in that Jerusalem <FI>is<Fi> 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.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Then 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I said to them, Ye see the distress that we are in, that Jerusalem lies waste, and its gates are burned with fire. Come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.
Context
This follows the period of secrecy and the completed assessment. Nehemiah moves from private planning to public exhortation. The people’s morale is low, and the damage is visible; his words give direction and dignity. The next verse will add testimony of God’s favor and the king’s support, which galvanizes the community’s response. Understanding this sequence clarifies why the people quickly commit: the need is evident and the leader’s plan is credible and God-centered.
v.16And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.
v.17This passage
v.18And 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezekiel 5:14
Moreover I will make thee a desolation and a reproach among the nations that are round about thee, in the sight of all that pass by.
- Jeremiah 24:9
I will even give them up to be tossed to and fro among all the kingdoms of the earth for evil; to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places whither I shall drive them.
- Psalms 89:50
Remember, Lord, the reproach of thy servants; How I do bear in my bosom the reproach of all the mighty peoples,
- Lamentations 2:8
Jehovah hath purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion; He hath stretched out the line, he hath not withdrawn his hand from destroying; And he hath made the rampart and wall to lament; they languish together.
- Ezekiel 22:4
Thou art become guilty in thy blood that thou hast shed, and art defiled in thine idols which thou hast made; and thou hast caused thy days to draw near, and art come even unto thy years: therefore have I made thee a reproach unto the nations, and a mocking to all the countries.
- Ezra 5:1
Now 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 prophesied they unto them.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore Nehemiah 2
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Nehemiah 2.
Topics that quote it
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.
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.
What the Bible says about…