Nehemiah 4:15
What does Nehemiah 4:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 4:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 4:15 means
When the enemies learn their plot is discovered, and that God has frustrated their counsel, the builders return to their posts. The verse attributes the defeat of the conspiracy to God, even as vigilance played a role. This affirms providence without denying prudence: God works through means. With danger exposed, the people refuse to be immobilized. They go back to the wall, each to his work, proving that the best answer to threatened sabotage is steady faithfulness. The rhythm of prayer, planning, and perseverance bears fruit, and the project continues under God’s overruling hand.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when it came to the ears of those who were against us, that we had knowledge of their designs and that God had made their purpose come to nothing, we all went back to the wall, everyone to his work
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And it cometh to pass, when our enemies have heard that it hath been known to us, and God doth frustrate their counsel, and we turn back, all of us, unto the wall, each unto his work;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that the thing had been told us, that God defeated their counsel. And we returned all of us to the walls, every man to his work.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And it came to pass that when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and thatGod had defeated their counsel, we returned all of us to the wall, every one to his work.
Context
This verse follows the exhortation of verse 14, showing its effect. The enemy’s plan collapses, and the builders resume labor. The narrative now transitions (verses 16–18) to describe a new normal: a divided workforce between labor and defense, and workers carrying weapons while building. The flow depicts a sustained strategy for a prolonged threat. Rather than a brief crisis, the rest of the chapter outlines how the community structures daily life under constant risk.
v.14And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the Lord, who is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
v.15This passage
v.16And it came to pass from that time forth, that half of my servants wrought in the work, and half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 12:11
in diligence not slothful; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord;
- Lamentations 3:37
Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
- 2 Samuel 15:31
And one told David, saying, Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom. And David said, O Jehovah, I pray thee, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.
- Isaiah 8:10
Take counsel together, and it shall be brought to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.
- 1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He that taketh the wise in their craftiness:
- Mark 13:34
It is as when a man, sojourning in another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, to each one his work, commanded also the porter to watch.
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