Nehemiah 4:17

17 building in the wall, and bearing burdens, and putting on; with their one hand they made the work, and with the other they held their sword. (who were rebuilding the wall. And for those carrying the loads, with their one hand they did the work, and with the other hand they held their sword.)

Nehemiah 4:17 Meaning and Commentary

Ver. 17 They which builded on the wall
That laid the mortar and stones upon it, and timber where it was necessary:

and they that bore burdens;
that carried the mortar, stones, and timber to the builders, and served them:

with those that laded;
which prepared the above for them, and laid them on their shoulders:

everyone with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other
hand held a weapon;
which is not to be understood strictly and literally, for without both hands they could not well perform either of the above works; but proverbially, signifying that they were intent on both working and fighting, and were ready and prepared to do the latter, as well as the former, having weapons lying by them, or girt about them, as is explained in the following verse.

Nehemiah 4:17 In-Context

15 And it was done, when our enemies had heard that it was told to us, God destroyed their counsel; and then all we turned again to the walls, each man to his work. (And it was done, that our enemies heard that everything had been told to us, and so God destroyed their plans; and then we all returned to rebuilding the wall, each man to his own work.)

16 And it was done from that day, the half part of the young men made the work, and the half part was ready to battle; and (held) spears, and shields, and bows, and habergeons, and (the) princes after them, in all the house of men of Judah, (And so it was done from that day on, that half the young men did the work, and the other half were ready for battle, and held spears, and shields, and bows, and breastplates; and the leaders supported all the men of the house of Judah,)

17 building in the wall, and bearing burdens, and putting on; with their one hand they made the work, and with the other they held their sword. (who were rebuilding the wall. And for those carrying the loads, with their one hand they did the work, and with the other hand they held their sword.)

18 For each of the builders was girded with a sword upon his reins; and they builded the wall, and they sounded with clarions beside me. (And each of the builders was girded with a sword around his waist, as they rebuilt the wall. And the man who sounded with the trumpet was beside me.)

19 And I said to the principal men, and (to the) magistrates, and to the other part of the common people, The work is great and broad, and we be separated far in the wall, one from another; (And I said to the leaders, and the magistrates, and the rest of the people, The work is great and broad, or spread out, and we all be separated on the wall, one far from another);