Nehemiah 2:3
Nehemiah 2:3 in Multiple Translations
and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
And I said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
And said to the king, May the king be living for ever: is it not natural for my face to be sad, when the town, the place where the bodies of my fathers are at rest, has been made waste and its doorways burned with fire?
but I replied to the king, “Long live the king! How can I help being sad? The city where my forefathers are buried is in ruins, and its gates have been burned down.”
And I said to the King, God saue the King for euer: why should not my countenance be sad, when the citie and house of the sepulchres of my fathers lieth waste, and the gates thereof are deuoured with fire?
and say to the king, 'Let the king to the age live! wherefore should not my face be sad, when the city, the place of the graves of my fathers, [is] a waste, and its gates have been consumed with fire?'
I said to the king, “Let the king live forever! Why shouldn’t my face be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ tombs, lies waste, and its gates have been consumed with fire?”
And said to the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchers, lieth waste, and its gates are consumed with fire?
And I said to the king: O king, live for ever: why should not my countenance be sorrowful, seeing the city of the place of the sepulchres of my fathers is desolate, and the gates thereof are burnt with fire?
I replied, “Your majesty, I hope you will live a very long time! But ◄how can I prevent myself from being sad, because the city where my ancestors are buried has been destroyed and is in ruins?/I cannot keep myself from looking sad, because the city where my ancestors are buried has been destroyed and is in ruins.► [RHQ] Even the city gates have been completely burned.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 2:3
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 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֹמַ֣ר
לַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
יִחְיֶ֑ה
מַדּ֜וּעַ
לֹא
יֵרְע֣וּ
פָנַ֗/י
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
הָ/עִ֜יר
בֵּית
קִבְר֤וֹת
אֲבֹתַ/י֙
חֲרֵבָ֔ה
וּ/שְׁעָרֶ֖י/הָ
אֻכְּל֥וּ
בָ/אֵֽשׁ
וָ/אֹמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
לַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Prep | N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
forever
Prep | N-ms
יִחְיֶ֑ה
châyâh
H2421
to live
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
מַדּ֜וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
why?
Part
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵרְע֣וּ
râʻaʻ
H7489
be evil
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
פָנַ֗/י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הָ/עִ֜יר
ʻîyr
H5892
excitement
Art | N-fs
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
קִבְר֤וֹת
qeber
H6913
grave
N-mp
אֲבֹתַ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
father
N-mp | Suff
חֲרֵבָ֔ה
chârab
H2717
to dry
Adj
וּ/שְׁעָרֶ֖י/הָ
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Conj | N-mp | Suff
אֻכְּל֥וּ
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Q-Perf-3cp
בָ/אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
fire
Prep | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 2:3
וָ/אֹמַ֣ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ
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.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | 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.
לְ/עוֹלָ֣ם
ʻôwlâm
H5769
"forever"
Prep | N-ms
This word means forever or always, describing something that lasts an eternity. It is used in the Bible to describe God's eternal nature and his lasting promises.
Definition: : old/ancient 1) long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, old, ancient, world 1a) ancient time, long time (of past) 1b) (of future) 1b1) for ever, always 1b2) continuous existence, perpetual 1b3) everlasting, indefinite or unending future, eternity
Usage: Occurs in 413 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), ancient (time), any more, continuance, eternal, (for, (n-)) ever(-lasting, -more, of old), lasting, long (time), (of) old (time), perpetual, at any time, (beginning of the) world ([phrase] without end). Compare H5331 (נֶצַח), H5703 (עַד). See also: Genesis 3:22; 1 Kings 8:13; Psalms 5:12.
יִחְיֶ֑ה
châyâh
H2421
"to live"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.
מַדּ֜וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
"why?"
Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵרְע֣וּ
râʻaʻ
H7489
"be evil"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word means to shatter or break something into pieces, making it useless or bad. It can also mean to afflict or displease someone.
Definition: 1) to be bad, be evil 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to be displeasing 1a2) to be sad 1a3) to be injurious, be evil 1a4) to be wicked, be evil (ethically) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to do an injury or hurt 1b2) to do evil or wickedly 1b3) mischief (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 99 OT verses. KJV: afflict, associate selves (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), break (down, in pieces), [phrase] displease, (be, bring, do) evil (doer, entreat, man), show self friendly (by mistake for H7462 (רָעָה)), do harm, (do) hurt, (behave self, deal) ill, [idiom] indeed, do mischief, punish, still, vex, (do) wicked (doer, -ly), be (deal, do) worse. See also: Genesis 19:7; Psalms 27:2; Psalms 2:9.
פָנַ֗/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
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.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הָ/עִ֜יר
ʻîyr
H5892
"excitement"
Art | N-fs
In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.
Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.
בֵּית
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
קִבְר֤וֹת
qeber
H6913
"grave"
N-mp
A grave or sepulchre is a place where the dead are buried, often a tomb or burial site. This word is used in the Bible to describe the final resting place of individuals, and is translated as burying place or sepulchre in the KJV.
Definition: grave, sepulchre, tomb
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: burying place, grave, sepulchre. See also: Genesis 23:4; 2 Chronicles 32:33; Psalms 5:10.
אֲבֹתַ/י֙
ʼâb
H1
"father"
N-mp | Suff
In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.
Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)
Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.
חֲרֵבָ֔ה
chârab
H2717
"to dry"
Adj
To slay or destroy is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to dry up or desolate something. It is used to describe fighting, attacking, or laying waste.
Definition: 1) to be dry, be dried up 1a) (Qal) to be dried, be dried up 1b) (Pual) to be dried 1c) (Hiphil) to dry up 1d) (Hophal) to be dried up
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: decay, (be) desolate, destroy(-er), (be) dry (up), slay, [idiom] surely, (lay, lie, make) waste. See also: Genesis 8:13; Isaiah 50:2; Psalms 106:9.
וּ/שְׁעָרֶ֖י/הָ
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Conj | N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
אֻכְּל֥וּ
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Q-Perf-3cp
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בָ/אֵֽשׁ
ʼêsh
H784
"fire"
Prep | N-cs
Fire is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing both God's anger and his refining presence, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:24 and Malachi 3:2-3. It is also used for cooking and warmth. This concept is central to many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) fire 1a) fire, flames 1b) supernatural fire (accompanying theophany) 1c) fire (for cooking, roasting, parching) 1d) altar-fire 1e) God's anger (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: esh (אֶשָּׁא "fire" H0785)
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot. See also: Genesis 15:17; Joshua 7:15; Psalms 11:6.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 2:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 2:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:3
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:3
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 2:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:3
- Sermons on Nehemiah 2:3
Context — Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem
1Now 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,
2so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear
3and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”
4“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven 5and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 1:3 | And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are burned with fire.” |
| 2 | Daniel 2:4 | Then the astrologers answered the king in Aramaic, “O king, may you live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will give the interpretation.” |
| 3 | 1 Kings 1:31 | Bathsheba bowed facedown in homage to the king and said, “May my lord King David live forever!” |
| 4 | Psalms 137:6 | May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not exalt Jerusalem as my greatest joy! |
| 5 | Daniel 5:10 | Hearing the outcry of the king and his nobles, the queen entered the banquet hall. “O king, may you live forever!” she said. “Do not let your thoughts terrify you, or your face grow pale. |
| 6 | Lamentations 2:9 | Her gates have sunk into the ground; He has destroyed and shattered their bars. Her king and her princes are exiled among the nations, the law is no more, and even her prophets find no vision from the LORD. |
| 7 | Daniel 6:21 | Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever! |
| 8 | 2 Chronicles 32:33 | And Hezekiah rested with his fathers and was buried in the upper tombs of David’s descendants. All Judah and the people of Jerusalem paid him honor at his death. And his son Manasseh reigned in his place. |
| 9 | 2 Chronicles 21:20 | Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years. He died, to no one’s regret, and was buried in the City of David, but not in the tombs of the kings. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 28:27 | And Ahaz rested with his fathers and was buried in the city of Jerusalem, but he was not placed in the tombs of the kings of Israel. And his son Hezekiah reigned in his place. |
Nehemiah 2:3 Summary
Nehemiah was sad because he was thinking about the city of Jerusalem, which was in ruins, and he wanted to do something to help it. He was honest with the king about his feelings, and this shows that we can be truthful about our emotions and concerns, even in difficult situations, as we see in Nehemiah 2:3. Just like Nehemiah, we can bring our concerns and feelings to God in prayer, as in Psalm 142:2, and trust that He will guide us. By being honest and faithful, we can show our love and loyalty to those around us, just as Nehemiah did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Nehemiah sad when he was serving the king?
Nehemiah was sad because he was thinking about the city of Jerusalem, where his fathers were buried, and how it lay in ruins with its gates destroyed by fire, as he mentions in Nehemiah 2:3, which is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Leviticus 26:31-32.
What does it mean when Nehemiah says 'May the king live forever'?
This is a common expression of respect and loyalty to the king, similar to what we see in Daniel 2:4, where the wise men greet King Nebuchadnezzar with the same phrase, indicating their submission to his authority.
How does Nehemiah's response to the king relate to his faith?
Nehemiah's response shows that his faith is not just about personal happiness, but about his concern for God's people and the city of Jerusalem, as seen in Psalm 122:6, where we are called to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's honesty with the king?
We can learn that honesty and transparency, even in difficult situations, can be a testament to our faith and character, as seen in Proverbs 10:9, where it says that the man of integrity walks securely.
Reflection Questions
- What are some things in my life that cause me sadness, and how can I bring them before God in prayer?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, express my loyalty and respect to those in authority over me, while still being honest about my concerns?
- What are some ways I can show my love and concern for my community, just as Nehemiah showed his love for Jerusalem?
- How can I balance my personal feelings and emotions with my responsibility to serve and honor those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 2:3
And I said unto the king, let the king live for ever,.... Which some think he said to take off the king's suspicion of his having a design upon his life, though it seems to be a common salutation of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 2:3
And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:3
Let the king live forever: my sadness comes not from any discontent with my own condition, or any disaffection to the king, for whom my hearty prayers are that he may live forever; but from another cause. The place of my fathers’ sepulchres, which by all nations are esteemed sacred, and inviolable, and honourable. He saith not a word of the temple, or of religion, for he wisely considered that he spake before a heathen king and court, who cared for none of those things.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:3
Nehemiah 2:3 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, [lieth] waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?Ver. 3. And I said unto the king] After he had pulled up his best heart, and recovered his spirits, he declareth unto the king the cause of his sadness. How ready should our tongues be to lay open our cares to the God of all comfort, when we see Nehemiah so quick in the expressions of his sorrow to an uncertain ear. Let the king live for ever] i.e. Very long. Let him not suspect, by my sadness, that I have any evil intent or treasonable design against him; for I heartily wish his welfare. It was not court holy water (as they call it) wherewith he here besprinkles his prince; it was not counterfeit courtesy; such as was that of Squier the traitor, A.D. 1597, sent by Walpole the Jesuit, to poison the pummel of Queen Elizabeth’ s saddle, when she was to ride abroad; which also he did (but without effect), saying cheerfully at the same time, God save the Queen. Saluta libenter greet gladly, is by many practised, from the teeth outward; but by Nehemiah, heartily. Why should not my countenance be sad?] In time of common calamities there is just cause of a general sadness, "should we then make mirth?" Ezekiel 21:10. The Romans severely punished one that showed himself out of a window with a garland on his head in the time of the Punic war, when it went ill with the commonwealth.
Justinus, the good emperor of Constantinople, took the downfall of the city of Antioch by an earthquake so much to heart, that it caused him a grievous fit of sickness, A.D. 527. When Pope Clement and his cardinals were imprisoned by the duke of Bourbon’ s men in St Angelo, Caesar in Spain forbade all interludes to be played, &c. In France, the duke of Bourbon was condemned of treason, his name and memorial were accursed, his arms pulled down, his lands and goods confiscated. In England, King Henry was extremely displeased. Cardinal Wolsey wept tenderly, and emptied the land of 288,000 pounds to relieve and ransom the distressed pope. When the city, the place of my fathers’ sepalchres] A good argument to a heathen, who set great store by (as now the Papists keep great stir about) their burial places; as if one place were holier than another for that purpose: a mere device to pick poor men’ s purses. And the gates thereof are consumed with fire] The Jews at this day, when they build a house, they are, say the Rabbis, to leave one part of it unfinished, and lying rude, in remembrance that Jerusalem and the temple are, at present, desolate (Hist. of Rites of Jews, by Leo Moden.).
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:3
(3) Nehemiah’s family was of Jerusalem. He does not as yet betray to the king the deepest desire of his heart, but simply refers to the desecration of his fathers’ sepulchres, an appeal which had great force with the Persians, who respected the tomb.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:3
Verse 3. Let the king live for ever] Far from wishing ill to my master, I wish him on the contrary to live and prosper for ever. AELIAN, Hist. Var. lib. i. c. 32, uses the same form of speech in reference to Artaxerxes Mnemon, one of the Persian kings, ΒασιλευΑρταξερξη, δι' αιωνοςβασιλευοις, "O King Artaxerxes, may you reign for ever," when speaking of the custom of presenting them annually with an offering of earth and water; as if they had said, May you reign for ever over these!
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 2:3
3. Let the king live for ever] For this formula opening an address to a king see Daniel 2:4; Daniel 3:9. Cf. 1 Kings 1:31. why should not my countenance be sad?] i.e. how could it be otherwise than sad? the place of my fathers’ sepulchres] ‘the place,’ literally ‘the house:’ compare 1 Samuel 25:1; 1 Kings 2:34, where Samuel and Joab are said to have been buried each ‘in his own house.’ This is explained by comparing 2 Kings 21:18, ‘Manasses … was buried in the garden of his own house,’ with 2 Chronicles 33:20, ‘they buried him (Manasses) in his own house.’ Rich families had their own private places of sepulture (rock-hewn tombs, caves and the like). Nehemiah’s words would be particularly appropriate if he was, as some have supposed, a descendant of the royal house. The tombs of David and the kings of Jerusalem seem to have been cut out of the rock on the S. side of the Ophel hill, cf. Nehemiah 3:16. consumed] Literally ‘eaten up,’ as in Nehemiah 2:13. The more usual phrase is ‘burned,’ as in Nehemiah 1:3, Nehemiah 2:17.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 2:3
The city ... of my fathers’ sepulchres - We may conclude from this that Nehemiah was of the tribe of Judah, as Eusebius and Jerome say that he was.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 2:3
3. Let the king live forever — A common form of royal salutation. Compare marginal references. The city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres — A touching allusion, calculated to affect the hearts both of the king and the queen.
Sermons on Nehemiah 2:3
| Sermon | Description | |
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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 |
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The Wise Man's Eyes by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding God's purpose and following His path. He references Solomon, who briefly understood God's work in the earth b |
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In the Word #14 by Milton Green | This sermon focuses on the importance of repentance, highlighting the sins of the church and the need for a godly repentance. It emphasizes the urgency of turning back to God, ackn |
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Broken Down and Burned Out by Greg Locke | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Nehemiah and the challenges faced by the people of Jerusalem. The walls of Jerusalem were broken down and the gates were burned |
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Hosanna (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spiritual desperation and the need for believers to be vigilant in protecting the church from false teachings. He warns tha |
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Nehemiah #1: Chapter 1, Rebuilding the Wall by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the burden that Nehemiah carried as the cup-bearer to the king. Despite his inner turmoil, Nehemiah had to maintain a joyful appearance before |
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Lukewarm No More - Part 13 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the life of an evangelist named Roy Hesham who was transformed by the East African revival in the 50s and 60s. The revival emphasized personal |