Nehemiah 4:14
And 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, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
Original Language Analysis
וָאֵ֣רֶא
And I looked
H7200
וָאֵ֣רֶא
And I looked
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
1 of 25
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
וָֽאָק֗וּם
and rose up
H6965
וָֽאָק֗וּם
and rose up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
2 of 25
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
הַֽחֹרִ֤ים
unto the nobles
H2715
הַֽחֹרִ֤ים
unto the nobles
Strong's:
H2715
Word #:
5 of 25
properly, white or pure (from the cleansing or shining power of fire; hence (figuratively) noble (in rank)
יֶ֣תֶר
and to the rest
H3499
יֶ֣תֶר
and to the rest
Strong's:
H3499
Word #:
9 of 25
properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
H5971
הָעָ֔ם
of the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
10 of 25
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
11 of 25
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
וְהַנּוֹרָא֙
Be not ye afraid
H3372
וְהַנּוֹרָא֙
Be not ye afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
12 of 25
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
of them
H6440
מִפְּנֵיהֶ֑ם
of them
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
13 of 25
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
14 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַגָּד֤וֹל
which is great
H1419
הַגָּד֤וֹל
which is great
Strong's:
H1419
Word #:
16 of 25
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
וְהַנּוֹרָא֙
Be not ye afraid
H3372
וְהַנּוֹרָא֙
Be not ye afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
17 of 25
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
זְכֹ֔רוּ
remember
H2142
זְכֹ֔רוּ
remember
Strong's:
H2142
Word #:
18 of 25
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
20 of 25
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲחֵיכֶם֙
for your brethren
H251
אֲחֵיכֶם֙
for your brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
21 of 25
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בְּנֵיכֶ֣ם
your sons
H1121
בְּנֵיכֶ֣ם
your sons
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
22 of 25
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
Cross References
2 Samuel 10:12Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.Numbers 14:9Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.Hebrews 13:6So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me.Psalms 20:7Some trust in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.Psalms 66:3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.Psalms 65:5By terrible things in righteousness wilt thou answer us, O God of our salvation; who art the confidence of all the ends of the earth, and of them that are afar off upon the sea:Matthew 10:28And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.Nehemiah 1:5And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:Deuteronomy 10:17For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:Deuteronomy 1:21Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged.
Historical Context
Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The 52-day wall completion represents remarkable achievement given opposition and limited resources. Excavations have confirmed portions of Nehemiah's wall and various gates mentioned in the text. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Nehemiah 4:14 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
- What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
- How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And 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, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
This verse within Nehemiah 4 addresses themes of opposition, perseverance, prayer and work, spiritual warfare. Opposition intensifies as the work progresses, requiring both spiritual response (prayer) and practical measures (armed defense). This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.