Nehemiah 9:21
Nehemiah 9:21 in Multiple Translations
For forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.
Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
Truly, for forty years you were their support in the waste land, and they were in need of nothing; their clothing did not get old or their feet become tired.
You took care of them for forty years in the desert. Their clothes didn't wear out, they didn't want for anything. Their feet didn't even swell up!
Thou didest also feede them fourtie yeres in ye wildernes: they lacked nothing: their clothes waxed not old, and their feete swelled not.
and forty years Thou hast nourished them in a wilderness; they have not lacked; their garments have not worn out, and their feet have not swelled.
“Yes, forty years you sustained them in the wilderness. They lacked nothing. Their clothes didn’t grow old, and their feet didn’t swell.
Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes grew not old, and their feet swelled not.
Forty years didst thou feed them in the desert, and nothing was wanting to them: their garments did not grow old, and their feet were not worn.
For 40 years you took care of them in the desert. During all that time, they had everything that they needed. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell up even though they were continually walking.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 9:21
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 9:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
שָׁנָ֛ה
כִּלְכַּלְתָּ֥/ם
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
לֹ֣א
חָסֵ֑רוּ
שַׂלְמֹֽתֵי/הֶם֙
לֹ֣א
בָל֔וּ
וְ/רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם
לֹ֥א
בָצֵֽקוּ
וְ/אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
forty
Conj | Adj
שָׁנָ֛ה
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fs
כִּלְכַּלְתָּ֥/ם
kûwl
H3557
to sustain
V-l-Perf-2ms | Suff
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
mouth
Prep | N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
חָסֵ֑רוּ
châçêr
H2637
to lack
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
שַׂלְמֹֽתֵי/הֶם֙
salmâh
H8008
garment
N-fp | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בָל֔וּ
bâlâh
H1086
to become old
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
וְ/רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם
regel
H7272
foot
Conj | N-fd | Suff
לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
בָצֵֽקוּ
bâtsêq
H1216
to swell
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 9:21
וְ/אַרְבָּעִ֥ים
ʼarbâʻîym
H705
"forty"
Conj | Adj
The number forty is what this Hebrew word represents, often used in the Bible to mark significant periods of time, like the 40 days of rain in Genesis or the 40 years of Israel's wilderness journey.
Definition: forty
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: -forty. See also: Genesis 5:13; Judges 13:1; Psalms 95:10.
שָׁנָ֛ה
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fs
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
כִּלְכַּלְתָּ֥/ם
kûwl
H3557
"to sustain"
V-l-Perf-2ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means to sustain or support something, like holding it in or keeping it going, and is used in various senses, such as nourishing or enduring, as seen in Psalm 55:22.
Definition: 1) to seize, contain, measure 1a)(Qal) to measure, calculate 1b) (Pilpel) to sustain, maintain, contain 1b1) to sustain, support, nourish 1b2) to contain, hold in, restrain 1b3) to support, endure 1c) (Polpal) to be supplied 1d) (Hilpil) to contain, hold, hold in, endure 1d1) to contain 1d2) to sustain, endure
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: (be able to, can) abide, bear, comprehend, contain, feed, forbearing, guide, hold(-ing in), nourish(-er), be present, make provision, receive, sustain, provide sustenance (victuals). See also: Genesis 45:11; 2 Chronicles 2:5; Psalms 55:23.
בַּ/מִּדְבָּ֖ר
midbâr
H4057
"mouth"
Prep | N-ms
The wilderness refers to a desert or open field, like the one the Israelites wandered in after leaving Egypt. It can also mean a place of solitude or a region without many people. In the Bible, it is often associated with the journey to the Promised Land.
Definition: 1) mouth 1a) mouth (as organ of speech)
Usage: Occurs in 257 OT verses. KJV: desert, south, speech, wilderness. See also: Genesis 14:6; Joshua 5:4; Psalms 29:8.
לֹ֣א
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.
חָסֵ֑רוּ
châçêr
H2637
"to lack"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To lack or be without something is what this word means. It describes a state of need or shortage, often used in stories of struggle or hardship. The Bible talks about lack in books like Psalms and Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to lack, be without, decrease, be lacking, have a need 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lack 1a2) to be lacking 1a3) to diminish, decrease 1b) (Piel) to cause to lack 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to be lacking
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: be abated, bereave, decrease, (cause to) fail, (have) lack, make lower, want. See also: Genesis 8:3; Psalms 23:1; Psalms 8:6.
שַׂלְמֹֽתֵי/הֶם֙
salmâh
H8008
"garment"
N-fp | Suff
A salmah is a garment or outer clothing in Hebrew, often translated as 'clothes' or 'raiment' in the Bible.
Definition: 1) garment, outer garment, wrapper, mantle 1a) garment, outer garment
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: clothes, garment, raiment. See also: Exodus 22:8; 1 Kings 11:29; Psalms 104:2.
לֹ֣א
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.
בָל֔וּ
bâlâh
H1086
"to become old"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To wear out or become old, like something that's been used up or decayed over time, as seen in the book of Isaiah. This concept is also related to consuming or spending something completely. It implies a sense of depletion or exhaustion.
Definition: 1) to wear out, become old 1a) (Qal) to wear out 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wear out 1b2) to wear out by use, use up completely 1b3) to enjoy, use to the full Aramaic equivalent: be.la (בְּלָא "to wear out" H1080)
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: consume, enjoy long, become (make, wax) old, spend, waste. See also: Genesis 18:12; Job 21:13; Psalms 32:3.
וְ/רַגְלֵי/הֶ֖ם
regel
H7272
"foot"
Conj | N-fd | Suff
This word also means a foot, like when God says he will tread on the wicked in Malachi 4:3. It's used to describe human and animal feet, as well as the base of objects like tables or idols.
Definition: 1) foot 1a) foot, leg 1b) of God (anthropomorphic) 1c) of seraphim, cherubim, idols, animals, table 1d) according to the pace of (with prep) 1e) three times (feet, paces) Aramaic equivalent: re.gal (רְגַל "foot" H7271)
Usage: Occurs in 232 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] be able to endure, [idiom] according as, [idiom] after, [idiom] coming, [idiom] follow, (broken-)foot(-ed, -stool), [idiom] great toe, [idiom] haunt, [idiom] journey, leg, [phrase] piss, [phrase] possession, time. See also: Genesis 8:9; 2 Samuel 22:39; Psalms 8:7.
לֹ֥א
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.
בָצֵֽקוּ
bâtsêq
H1216
"to swell"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to swell or blister, often used to describe skin reactions. It appears in the Bible to describe physical afflictions. In the book of Leviticus, it is used to describe skin diseases.
Definition: (Qal) to swell, become blistered
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: swell. See also: Deuteronomy 8:4; Nehemiah 9:21.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 9:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 9:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:21
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:21
- Sermons on Nehemiah 9:21
Context — The People Confess Their Sins
19You in Your great compassion did not forsake them in the wilderness. By day the pillar of cloud never turned away from guiding them on their path; and by the night the pillar of fire illuminated the way they should go.
20You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst.
21For forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell.
22You gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner of the land. So they took the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and of Og king of Bashan. 23You multiplied their descendants like the stars of heaven and brought them to the land You had told their fathers to enter and possess.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Deuteronomy 2:7 | Indeed, the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. The LORD your God has been with you these forty years, and you have lacked nothing. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 8:4 | Your clothing did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. |
| 3 | Psalms 34:10 | Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. |
| 4 | Deuteronomy 29:5 | For forty years I led you in the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out. |
| 5 | Amos 5:25 | Did you bring Me sacrifices and offerings forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? |
| 6 | Deuteronomy 8:2 | Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments. |
| 7 | Acts 13:18 | He endured their conduct for about forty years in the wilderness. |
| 8 | Exodus 16:35 | The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land where they could settle; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan. |
| 9 | Numbers 14:33–34 | Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. In keeping with the forty days you spied out the land, you shall bear your guilt forty years—a year for each day—and you will experience My alienation. |
Nehemiah 9:21 Summary
This verse reminds us that God is our provider and sustainer, just as He was for the Israelites in the wilderness. For forty years, He took care of their every need, providing food, water, and even keeping their clothes from wearing out. This shows us that God is faithful and will take care of us, even when we're in difficult circumstances (as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Matthew 6:25-34). We can trust in God's goodness and provision, knowing that He will meet all our needs according to His riches in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to sustain His people in the wilderness?
According to Nehemiah 9:21, God sustained the Israelites for forty years in the wilderness, providing for their every need, just as He promised in Deuteronomy 8:3-5. This demonstrates God's faithfulness to care for His people, even in times of hardship.
How did the Israelites' clothes not wear out for forty years?
The Bible doesn't provide a detailed explanation, but it's clear that this was a miraculous provision from God, similar to how He provided manna and water for the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 16:4 and Numbers 20:11. This highlights God's power and care for His people.
What can we learn from the Israelites' experience in the wilderness?
The Israelites' experience in the wilderness teaches us about God's faithfulness, provision, and guidance, as seen in Psalm 78:52-53. We can apply this to our own lives by trusting in God's goodness and provision, even in difficult circumstances, just as the apostle Paul did in Philippians 4:12-13.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that God is our sustainer and provider, just as He was for the Israelites. As the apostle Paul wrote in Philippians 4:19, 'And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.' We can trust in God's faithfulness to provide for us, just as He did for the Israelites in the wilderness.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has sustained you in your own wilderness experiences, and how can you trust Him more deeply in the future?
- How does the fact that the Israelites' clothes did not wear out for forty years challenge your understanding of God's power and provision?
- In what ways can you apply the lesson of God's faithfulness in the wilderness to your own life, and what steps can you take to trust Him more fully?
- What does this verse teach you about God's character, and how can you reflect that character in your own life?
- How can you use this verse to encourage someone who is going through a difficult time, and what promises can you remind them of?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:21
Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing,.... As not for food, so neither for raiment, as follows: their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:21
Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:21
Of which See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:21
Nehemiah 9:21 Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, [so that] they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.Ver. 21. Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them] Sustain them? this is a mere Meiosis, since never was prince so served in his greatest pomp as these rebellious Israelites were in the wilderness: they had their quails and their manna, and the rock to follow them, &c. So that they lacked nothing] Nor more shall they that seek the Lord lack any good thing, Psalms 34:10; Psalms 84:11. God will not be a wilderness to them, or a land of darkness, Jeremiah 2:31. A sufficiency they shall be sure of, if not a superfluity; yea, in the midst of straits they shall be in a sufficiency, 1 Timothy 6:6. The ungodly are not so, Job 20:22. Their clothes waxed not old] They wore not in the wearing. This was wonderful; these men lived in an age of miracles; here was no need of, What shall we put on? For the clothes they had of their own, and that which they borrowed from the Egyptians decayed not; but, as some think, grew up with their persons. See Deuteronomy 8:4; Deuteronomy 29:5.
And their feet swelled not] Nor did any other disease annoy them, while they were in the wilderness. There was not one feeble person among them: this was a sweet mercy. Non est vivere, sed valere, vita; si vales, bene est. Vincentio Pestiom, an Italian gentleman, being asked how old he was? answered, that he was in health. And to another that asked how rich he was? answered, that he was not in debt. This was the happiness of these Israelites in the wilderness.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:21
Verse 21. Their clothes waxed not old] See Clarke on Deuteronomy 8:4.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:21
21. The Forty Years in the Wilderness: Preservationforty years … so that] R.V. forty years … and. The mention of the 40 years and of the fact that ‘they lacked nothing’ shows that the origin of the clause is to be sought in Deuteronomy 2:7 ‘these forty years the Lord thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing.’ their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not] From Deuteronomy 8:4, ‘Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years.’ Cf. Deuteronomy 29:5, ‘And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot.’ The language of the Deuteronomist is doubtless hyperbolical. But his words were employed as a proverbial description of Jehovah’s protection of His people in the wanderings.
Sermons on Nehemiah 9:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 1. the Doom of the People by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of redemption and foreshadowing in the word of God. He emphasizes that even though the nation of Israel faced discipline and conseq |
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Letters: A Friend in Blairgowrie (2) by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar encourages believers to rest in the grace of Jesus, emphasizing that His grace is an inexhaustible source of comfort and strength. He reminds us to draw from this well |
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Walking Through the Wilderness! by James Smith | James Smith preaches about the believer's journey through the world towards the promised rest, likening it to Israel's journey from Egypt to Canaan. He emphasizes the need to walk |
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Conformed to His Image by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the message of Romans 7 in the life of a believer who wants to trust God. He uses the examples of Moses and A |
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Sanctification and Humility by Mack Tomlinson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that all punishment and wrath for our sins were poured out on Christ at the cross. He explains that God disciplines us out of love to correc |
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(Gaining God's Approval) 2. Well-Pleasing to the Father by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the contrast between the Israelites, with whom God was not well-pleased despite witnessing miracles, and Jesus, who was approved by the Father due to His fait |
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2006 Heart-Cry - Journal Reading and Message by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the goodness of God and His plans for believers. He encourages young men to seek and avail themselves of God's promises through prayer and pe |