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Nehemiah 1:11

Nehemiah 1:11 in Multiple Translations

O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who delight to fear thy name; and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. Now I was cupbearer to the king.

O Lord, let your ear take note of the prayer of your servant, and of the prayers of your servants, who take delight in worshipping your name: give help, O Lord, to your servant this day, and let him have mercy in the eyes of this man. (Now I was the king's wine-servant.)

Lord, please respond to my prayer and to the prayers of those who love to worship you. Please let me be successful today and make the king sympathetic to me.’” I was the king's cupbearer.

O Lord, I beseech thee, let thine eare now hearken to the prayer of thy seruant, and to the prayer of thy seruants, who desire to feare thy Name, and I pray thee, cause thy seruant to prosper this day, and giue him fauour in the presence of this man: for I was the Kings butler.

'I beseech Thee, O Lord, let, I pray Thee, Thine ear be attentive unto the prayer of Thy servant, and unto the prayer of Thy servants, those delighting to fear Thy Name; and give prosperity, I pray Thee, to Thy servant to-day, and give him for mercies before this man;' and I have been butler to the king.

Lord, I beg you, let your ear be attentive now to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name; and please prosper your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cup bearer to the king.

O LORD, I beseech thee, let now thy ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cup-bearer.

I beseech thee, O Lord, let thy ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants who desire to fear thy name: and direct thy servant this day, and give him mercy before this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.

Yahweh, please hear this prayer of mine, and the prayers of all your people who are delighted to revere you [MTY]. Today I will go to the king, to request that he do me a great favor. Please motivate him to act kindly toward me, in order that I will be successful in obtaining what I want.” At that time, I was the one whose work was to taste all the food and drink before it was served to the king, to be sure that no one had put poison in it.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 1:11

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 1:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB אָנָּ֣א אֲדֹנָ֗/י תְּהִ֣י נָ֣א אָזְנְ/ךָֽ קַ֠שֶּׁבֶת אֶל תְּפִלַּ֨ת עַבְדְּ/ךָ֜ וְ/אֶל תְּפִלַּ֣ת עֲבָדֶ֗י/ךָ הַֽ/חֲפֵצִים֙ לְ/יִרְאָ֣ה אֶת שְׁמֶ֔/ךָ וְ/הַצְלִֽיחָ/ה נָּ֤א לְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֙ הַ/יּ֔וֹם וּ/תְנֵ֣/הוּ לְ/רַחֲמִ֔ים לִ/פְנֵ֖י הָ/אִ֣ישׁ הַ/זֶּ֑ה וַ/אֲנִ֛י הָיִ֥יתִי מַשְׁקֶ֖ה לַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ
אָנָּ֣א ʼânnâʼ H577 Please! Part
אֲדֹנָ֗/י ʼĂdônây H136 Lord N-mp | Suff
תְּהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Juss-3fs
נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 please Part
אָזְנְ/ךָֽ ʼôzen H241 ear N-fs | Suff
קַ֠שֶּׁבֶת qashshâb H7183 attentive Adj
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
תְּפִלַּ֨ת tᵉphillâh H8605 prayer N-fs
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֜ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Conj | Prep
תְּפִלַּ֣ת tᵉphillâh H8605 prayer N-fs
עֲבָדֶ֗י/ךָ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave N-mp | Suff
הַֽ/חֲפֵצִים֙ châphêts H2655 delighting Art | Adj
לְ/יִרְאָ֣ה yârêʼ H3372 to fear Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
שְׁמֶ֔/ךָ shêm H8034 name N-ms | Suff
וְ/הַצְלִֽיחָ/ה tsâlach H6743 to rush Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
נָּ֤א nâʼ H4994 please Part
לְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֙ ʻebed H5650 servant/slave Prep | N-ms | Suff
הַ/יּ֔וֹם yôwm H3117 day Art | N-ms
וּ/תְנֵ֣/הוּ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
לְ/רַחֲמִ֔ים racham H7356 womb Prep | N-mp
לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 face Prep | N-cp
הָ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
וַ/אֲנִ֛י ʼănîy H589 I Conj | Pron
הָיִ֥יתִי hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-1cs
מַשְׁקֶ֖ה mashqeh H4945 cupbearer N-ms
לַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's Prep | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 1:11

אָנָּ֣א ʼânnâʼ H577 "Please!" Part
This Hebrew word is a polite way of saying please, used to show respect when making a request. It is often translated as I beseech you.
Definition: ah now! I/we beseech you, oh now!, pray now! (participle of entreaty usually followed by the imperative verb)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: I (me) beseech (pray) thee, O. See also: Genesis 50:17; Psalms 116:16; Psalms 116:4.
אֲדֹנָ֗/י ʼĂdônây H136 "Lord" N-mp | Suff
Adonay is a title used to refer to God, spoken in place of Yahweh as a sign of reverence and respect. It is used throughout the Bible to address God or refer to Him in a formal way. Adonay is a term of worship and devotion.
Definition: Lord - a title, spoken in place of Yahweh in Jewish display of reverence Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 430 OT verses. KJV: (my) Lord. See also: Genesis 15:2; Isaiah 3:17; Psalms 2:4.
תְּהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Juss-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
אָזְנְ/ךָֽ ʼôzen H241 "ear" N-fs | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
קַ֠שֶּׁבֶת qashshâb H7183 "attentive" Adj
Being attentive or careful is what this Hebrew word means, describing someone who is paying close attention. It's used in Bible verses like Proverbs to encourage people to be careful listeners. The KJV translates it as 'attentive'.
Definition: attentive Another spelling of qash.shuv (קַשֻּׁב "attentive" H7183B)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: attent(-ive). See also: 2 Chronicles 6:40; Nehemiah 1:6; Psalms 130:2.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
תְּפִלַּ֨ת tᵉphillâh H8605 "prayer" N-fs
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
עַבְדְּ/ךָ֜ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
וְ/אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
תְּפִלַּ֣ת tᵉphillâh H8605 "prayer" N-fs
In the Bible, this word means prayer or supplication, often used to describe requests to God. It appears in many Psalms, highlighting the importance of prayer in worship.
Definition: 1) prayer 1a) prayer 1b) pray a prayer 1c) house of prayer 1d) hear prayer 1e) in Ps titles (of poetic or liturgical prayer)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: prayer. See also: 2 Samuel 7:27; Psalms 66:19; Psalms 4:2.
עֲבָדֶ֗י/ךָ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" N-mp | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
הַֽ/חֲפֵצִים֙ châphêts H2655 "delighting" Art | Adj
This word describes someone who delights in something, like a person who takes pleasure in following God's commands. It's about having a strong desire or liking for something.
Definition: desiring, delighting in, having pleasure in
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: delight in, desire, favour, please, have pleasure, whosoever would, willing, wish. See also: 1 Kings 13:33; Psalms 34:13; Psalms 5:5.
לְ/יִרְאָ֣ה yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
שְׁמֶ֔/ךָ shêm H8034 "name" N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
וְ/הַצְלִֽיחָ/ה tsâlach H6743 "to rush" Conj | V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
To prosper or succeed, as seen in the story of Joseph in Genesis, who rose to power in Egypt. This Hebrew word means to push forward and make progress. It is used to describe success and prosperity.
Definition: (Qal) to rush
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously). See also: Genesis 24:21; 2 Chronicles 26:5; Psalms 1:3.
נָּ֤א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
לְ/עַבְדְּ/ךָ֙ ʻebed H5650 "servant/slave" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a servant or slave, often in the context of serving God or a human master. It can also describe a prophet or Levite. The KJV translates it as bondage, bondman, or servant.
Definition: 1) slave, servant 1a) slave, servant, man-servant 1b) subjects 1c) servants, worshippers (of God) 1d) servant (in special sense as prophets, Levites etc) 1e) servant (of Israel) 1f) servant (as form of address between equals) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (עֲבַד "servant/slave" H5649)
Usage: Occurs in 714 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] bondage, bondman, (bond-) servant, (man-) servant. See also: Genesis 9:25; Exodus 11:3; 1 Samuel 8:16.
הַ/יּ֔וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
וּ/תְנֵ֣/הוּ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/רַחֲמִ֔ים racham H7356 "womb" Prep | N-mp
This word refers to compassion or tender love, often describing God's feelings towards people. It can also mean the womb, symbolizing care and nurturing. The KJV translates it as compassion, mercy, or pity.
Definition: womb Another spelling of re.chem (רֶ֫חֶם "womb" H7358)
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: bowels, compassion, damsel, tender love, (great, tender) mercy, pity, womb. See also: Genesis 43:14; Psalms 106:46; Psalms 25:6.
לִ/פְנֵ֖י pânîym H6440 "face" Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
הָ/אִ֣ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
הַ/זֶּ֑ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
וַ/אֲנִ֛י ʼănîy H589 "I" Conj | Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
הָיִ֥יתִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מַשְׁקֶ֖ה mashqeh H4945 "cupbearer" N-ms
In the original Hebrew, this word means to give drink or water, and can also refer to a butler or cupbearer. In the Bible, it appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often describing a well-watered region or a person who serves drinks.
Definition: butler, cup-bearer
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: butler(-ship), cupbearer, drink(-ing), fat pasture, watered. See also: Genesis 13:10; Genesis 41:9; Isaiah 32:6.
לַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 1:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — Nehemiah’s Prayer

9but if you return to Me and keep and practice My commandments, then even if your exiles have been banished to the farthest horizon, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as a dwelling for My Name.’ 10They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed them by Your great power and mighty hand.

11O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Nehemiah 1:6 let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned.
2 Nehemiah 2:8 And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.
3 Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
4 Nehemiah 2:1 Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence,
5 Hebrews 13:18 Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way.
6 Ezra 7:6 this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.
7 Psalms 130:2 O Lord, hear my voice; let Your ears be attentive to my plea for mercy.
8 Psalms 86:6 Hear my prayer, O LORD, and attend to my plea for mercy.
9 Ezra 7:27–28 Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put into the heart of the king to so honor the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, and who has shown me favor before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officials. And because the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, I took courage and gathered the leaders of Israel to return with me.
10 Ezra 1:1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows:

Nehemiah 1:11 Summary

[Nehemiah is asking God to listen to his prayer and to help him be successful in his role as cupbearer to the king. He wants to serve God and the king well, and he knows that he needs God's help to do so. This is similar to how we might ask God for help in our own roles or responsibilities, as seen in Psalm 119:36, where the psalmist asks God to turn his heart towards God's statutes. By asking for God's attention and blessing, Nehemiah is showing that he values his relationship with God and wants to honor Him in all that he does, just like Jesus taught us to prioritize our relationship with God in Matthew 6:33.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Nehemiah asking God for in Nehemiah 1:11?

Nehemiah is asking God to listen to his prayer and the prayers of other servants who reverence God's name, and to give him success and mercy in his role as cupbearer to the king, as seen in his position of influence, similar to that of Joseph in Genesis 41:1, who also used his position to serve God.

Why does Nehemiah mention the prayers of other servants?

Nehemiah mentions the prayers of other servants to show that he is not alone in his reverence for God and to emphasize the collective desire for God's attention and blessing, much like the collective prayer of the early church in Acts 4:24-31.

What does it mean to 'revere' God's name?

To revere God's name means to have a deep respect and awe for who God is and what He represents, as seen in Psalm 86:11, where David asks God to teach him His ways and to give him an undivided heart, that he may fear God's name.

How does Nehemiah's role as cupbearer relate to his prayer?

As cupbearer, Nehemiah had a position of influence and access to the king, and he is asking God for success and mercy in this role, so that he can effectively serve God and the king, similar to how Daniel served God and the king in Daniel 1:19-20.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can demonstrate my reverence for God's name in my daily life?
  2. How can I, like Nehemiah, use my position or influence to serve God and others?
  3. What are some prayers or requests that I have been hesitant to bring before God, and how can I, like Nehemiah, approach God with confidence and humility?
  4. In what ways can I, like Nehemiah, show respect and awe for who God is and what He represents in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant,.... To the prayer of Nehemiah, put up at this time: and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:11

In the sight of this man, the king; who though a god by office, is but a man by nature, and therefore his heart is wholly at thy disposal. I was the king’ s cup-bearer; whereby I had opportunity to speak to him, and some favour and freedom with him; which encouraged me to make this prayer, and to hope for some success.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:11

Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’ s cupbearer.Ver. 11. O Lord, I beseech thee] He ends as he began, see Nehemiah 1:5, praying in the Holy Ghost, whose creature prayer is. And to the prayer of thy servants] Whose necessities prick them on to prayer in all places; and who pray for the peace of Jerusalem incessantly, Psalms 137:1-9. Who desire to fear thy name] The whole life of a true Christian is nothing else but sanctum desiderium, saith Austin, a holy desire. "Willing to live honestly," Hebrews 13:18, wishing well to an exact keeping of God’ s commandments, Psalms 119:4-5, affecting that perfection which yet we cannot effect. Prosper, I pray thee] Prosperity given in as an answer to prayer is very sweet; as the cipher, when it followeth the figure, adds to the number, though it be nothing in itself. For I was the king’ s cupbearer] And so might take mollissima fandi tempora, my fittest opportunity to help my people.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:11

(4-11) Nehemiah’s appeal to God. The prayer is a perfect example of the private and individual devotion with which the later Hebrew Scriptures abound. It begins with formal and appropriate invocation (Nehemiah 1:5-8), flows into earnest confession (Nehemiah 1:6-7), pleads the covenant promises (Nehemiah 1:8-10), and supplicates a present answer (Nehemiah 1:11). The extant Scriptures, freely used, are the foundation of all. (4) Fasted.—Like Daniel, Esther, and Ezra, Nehemiah fasted: fasting appears in later Judaism a prominent part of individual devotion, as it is in the New Testament. (6) Both I and my father’s house have sinned.—The supplication was for the nation; and in such cases of personal intercession the individual assumes the sin of all the past. (8) The spirit of many threatenings and promises is summed up, as in the prayer of Nehemiah 9. (11) This day . . . this man.—During his “certain days” of mourning Nehemiah had fixed upon his plan, suggested by his God. “This day” is “this occasion”: the appeal itself was deferred for some months. The king becomes “this man” in the presence of the “God of heaven.” For I was the king’s cupbearer.—One of his cupbearers, therefore in high authority, having confidential access to him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:11

Verse 11. Mercy in the sight of this man.] Favour before the king, Ahasuerus. He seems then to have been giving him the cup. For I was the king's cup-bearer.] The king's butler, (the Persians call him [Arabic] saky,) which gave him the opportunity of being frequently with the king; and to be in such a place of trust, he must be in the king's confidence. No Eastern potentate would have a cup-bearer with whom he could not trust his life, poison being frequently administered in this way. This verse seems to have been a mental prayer, which Nehemiah now put up as he was delivering the cup into the king's hand.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 1:11

11. The special Intercession (a) generally, that the prayer of Nehemiah and his countrymen might be heard, (b) particularly, that Nehemiah’s application to the king might be successful. O Lord] The Hebrew word ‘Adonai’ is also used for the Divine name in Neh. (Nehemiah 3:5) Nehemiah 8:10, Nehemiah 10:29 : see also note on Ezra 10:3. The use of ‘Adonai’ by itself as a Divine title is common in poetry and in prophetical writings (e.g. Job 28:28; Psalms 16:2; Psalms 35:23; Psalms 37:13 &c.; Isaiah 3:17-18; Isaiah 8:7 &c.; Jeremiah 2:22; Ezekiel 18:25; Ezekiel 18:29; Amos 1:8; Amos 5:16; Micah 1:2, and in Lamentations chaps. 2, 3. passim). It is generally used in prayer or humble address, as in Genesis 18:3; Genesis 18:27; Genesis 18:30-32; Exodus 4:10; Exodus 4:13; Exodus 5:22; Exodus 34:9; Numbers 14:17; Joshua 7:8; Judges 6:15; Judges 13:8; 2 Samuel 7:19; 1 Kings 8:53; Psalms 39:7; Psalms 51:15; Daniel 9:4; Daniel 9:7-8; Daniel 9:16-17; Daniel 9:19. I beseech thee] see note on Nehemiah 1:5. who desire to fear thy name] R.V. who delight &c. The R.V. gives the true rendering. The Hebrew word is more generally used of ‘delight in’ a person or a thing, e.g. 1 Samuel 19:2; Psalms 22:8; Psalms 112:1; Isaiah 1:11; but it is also found with an infin., e.g. Psalms 40:8 ‘I delight to do thy will, O God.’ Isaiah 58:2 ‘delight to know my ways.’ Esther 6:6 &c. ‘the king delighteth to honour.’ ‘delight to fear.’ The union of fear and joy is the paradox of spiritual service. Cf. Psalms 2:11 ‘Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling,’ Psalms 22:23 ‘Ye that fear the Lord praise him.’ thy name] i.e. Thy nature and Thy attributes. As often in the O. T. For ‘fear thy name,’ comp. Psalms 86:11; Malachi 4:2. this day] The same word as in Nehemiah 1:6 ‘at this time,’ and to be understood here in the same sense. There is an obvious interval of time between ch. 1. and ch. 2. and grant him mercy] The idiom here employed, literally ‘and give him to mercy’ occurs with the word here used for ‘mercy’ (rachamim = ‘bowels’ or ‘mercies,’ τὰσπλάγχνα) in 1 Kings 8:50; Psalms 106:46. The sense strictly is ‘and give him over for purposes, or as an object, of mercy and kindness,’ just as in Nehemiah 4:4 ‘give them up to spoiling’ represents an opposite thought. in the sight of this man] i.e. the king; the final words of the prayer are explained by the parenthetical clause which follows. The word ‘this’ shows that the prayer was the petition of Nehemiah at the king’s court, not necessarily in his presence. For I was &c.] R.V. (Now I was, &c.) The clause in the Hebrew is parenthetical. the king’s cupbearer] R.V. cupbearer to the king. The article is wanting before ‘cupbearer.’ Nehemiah stood in the relation of ‘cupbearer’ to the Persian king, but there were others holding the same office.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 1:11

A Persian king had numerous cup-bearers, each of whom probably discharged the office in his turn.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 1:11

11. Mercy in the sight of this man — Favour before king Artaxerxes.

Sermons on Nehemiah 1:11

SermonDescription
Warren Wiersbe Just Before the Battle by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Joshua and his encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ. Joshua made four important discoveries that night. Firstly, he realized tha
Warren Wiersbe The High Cost of Caring by Warren Wiersbe In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of caring and having a compassionate heart. He mentions that in today's world, it is easy to become immune to the problems and
William MacDonald Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-01 Nehemiah 1 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being idle in the work of the Lord. He highlights the need for accountability in our assemblies and on the foreign fiel
Kevin Horton The Order of the Grain of Mustard Seed by Kevin Horton In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being tuned into God's kingdom and being broken by our own sin and the sin of God's people. He uses the example of a Christ
Wesley Duewel The Role of a Prayer Burden by Wesley Duewel In this sermon, the speaker recounts a story of a coup in Indonesia where top generals were assassinated. The speaker then transitions to the story of Nehemiah in the Bible, who wa
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - Nehemiah by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer, illustrating how God can use humble individuals for great purposes. Nehemiah's heartfelt prayers and tears
James Smith On Desires by James Smith James Smith preaches about the power of desires in our relationship with Jesus, emphasizing that even when we fall short in our actions, our sincere desires to love, honor, and glo

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