Devine Scripture

Nehemiah 4:6

What does Nehemiah 4:6 mean?

A plain-English look at Nehemiah 4:6 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Nehemiah 4:6 means

Despite mockery, the builders press on until the entire wall is linked and reaches half its intended height. The phrase “the people had a mind to work” credits unified will and perseverance. Progress itself answers ridicule; joined sections represent joined hearts. The work is still incomplete and vulnerable, but tangible success is undeniable. This verse teaches that morale rooted in shared purpose can overcome external scorn. It also signals a turning point: visible advances now provoke greater hostility. Achieved milestones must be guarded, because enemies hate momentum. Nehemiah notes both the accomplishment and the spirit behind it, honoring the quiet dignity of steadfast labor.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto half the height thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

So we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto half the height thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

So we went on building the wall; and all the wall was joined together half-way up: for the people were working hard.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And we build the wall, and all the wall is joined--unto its half, and the people have a heart to work.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So we built the wall, and joined it all together unto the half thereof: and the heart of the people was excited to work.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But we built the wall; and all the wall was joined together to the half thereof; for the people had a mind to work.

Context

Following Nehemiah’s prayer (verses 4–5), verse 6 offers a progress report: the wall is now continuous and halfway up. This moment of victory is immediately met with escalation in verses 7–8, as surrounding groups become “very wroth” and plot violence. The narrative rhythm alternates between advance and threat, keeping readers alert to the fragile nature of rebuilding in a hostile environment. The next verses will move from taunts to conspiracy, requiring not only prayer but active defense.

v.5and cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee; for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.

v.6This passage

v.7But it came to pass that, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the repairing of the walls of Jerusalem went forward, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Nehemiah 6:15

    So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifthdayofthe monthElul, in fifty and two days.

  • 2 Corinthians 8:16

    But thanks be to God, who putteth the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:17

    I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things: and now have I seen with joy thy people, that are present here, offer willingly unto thee.

  • Hebrews 13:21

    make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • 2 Chronicles 29:36

    And Hezekiah rejoiced, and all the people, because of that which God had prepared for the people: for the thing was done suddenly.

  • 1 Chronicles 29:3

    Moreover also, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, seeing that I have a treasure of mine own of gold and silver, I give it unto the house of my God, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house,

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