Nehemiah 4:17

17 even of them that were building the wall:—and those who carried the burdens under arms: with one hand wrought his work, and with the other held his dart.

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 came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was made known to us, and God had frustrated their counsel, that we all returned to the wall, man to his work.

16 And it came to pass from that day half of them that had been driven forth, wrought the work, and half of them kept guard; and spears, and shields, and bows, and breast-plates, and rulers behind the whole house of Juda,

17 even of them that were building the wall:—and those who carried the burdens under arms: with one hand wrought his work, and with the other held his dart.

18 And the builders each man having his sword girt upon his loins, and so they built: and the trumpeter with his trumpet next to him.

19 And I said to the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work great and abundant, and we are dispersed upon the wall, each at a great distance from his brother.