Nehemiah 4:17

17 who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other,

Nehemiah 4:17 in Other Translations

17 They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.

17 who were building on the wall. Those who carried burdens were loaded in such a way that each labored on the work with one hand and held his weapon with the other.

17 who were building the wall. The laborers carried on their work with one hand supporting their load and one hand holding a weapon.

17 The common laborers held a tool in one hand and a spear in the other.

17 They all builded the wall and they that bare burdens laded themselves; every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other held his weapon;

17 who were rebuilding the wall. The workers who were carrying loads did the work with one hand and held their weapons with the other,

17 who were rebuilding the wall. The laborers who carried the loads worked with one hand and held a weapon with the other.

17 The people continued to build the wall. Those who carried supplies did their work with one hand. They held a weapon in the other hand.

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 When our enemies heard that we were aware of their plot and that God had frustrated it, we all returned to the wall, each to our own work.

16 From that day on, half of my men did the work, while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. The officers posted themselves behind all the people of Judah

17 who were building the wall. Those who carried materials did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other,

18 and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.

19 Then I said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, “The work is extensive and spread out, and we are widely separated from each other along the wall.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 149:6