Nehemiah 4:16
What does Nehemiah 4:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 4:16 means
From this point, Nehemiah divides responsibilities: half his servants continue construction while the other half hold weapons and armor. Leaders stand behind “all the house of Judah,” providing oversight and encouragement. The arrangement institutionalizes vigilance, embedding defense into the work rhythm. This verse shows a mature, sustainable strategy rather than a temporary reaction. Protection is not left to chance or a few; it is shared across the community. Leadership presence matters—rulers behind the people lend strength and order. The balance keeps the project moving without leaving the workers exposed, acknowledging that long projects require both productivity and security.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And from that time, half of my servants were doing their part of the work, and half kept the spears and body-covers and the bows and the metal war-dresses; and the chiefs were at the back of the men of Judah.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862yea, it cometh to pass, from that day, half of my servants are working in the business, and half of them are keeping hold of both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the coats of mail; and the heads <FI>are<Fi> behind all the house of Judah.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And it came to pass from that day forward, that half of their young men did the work, and half were ready for to fight, with spears, and shields, and bows, and coats of mail, and the rulers were behind them in all the house of Juda.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And from that time forth the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held the spears, and the shields, and the bows, and the corslets; and the captains were behind all the house of Judah.
Context
Having resumed work in verse 15, the chapter now details the new defensive posture. Verse 16 introduces the half-and-half division between builders and armed guards. The following verses (17–18) will expand on this by describing workers carrying weapons even while laboring, with a trumpeter at Nehemiah’s side for rapid coordination. The narrative’s focus shifts from crisis response to ongoing protocol, helping readers see how prudent systems sustain mission under threat.
v.15And 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.
v.16This passage
v.17They that builded the wall and they that bare burdens laded themselves; every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other held his weapon;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 5:15
But the former governors that were before me were chargeable unto the people, and took of them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
- Psalms 101:6
Mine eyes shall be upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: He that walketh in a perfect way, he shall minister unto me.
- Nehemiah 4:23
So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard that followed me, none of us put off our clothes, every one went with his weapon to the water.
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