O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

NEHEMIAH 1:11KJV
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Nehemiah 1:11 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 1:11 mean?

Nehemiah 1:11 is a prayer where Nehemiah asks God to listen carefully to his request and to the prayers of others who respect God, seeking success and mercy as he prepares to speak to the king. Nehemiah ends by explaining his position as the king’s cupbearer, highlighting the importance and risk of his upcoming request.

Nehemiah is speaking directly to God, asking for special attention to his plea because he is about to approach the Persian king with a bold request to help Jerusalem. By mentioning that he is the king’s cupbearer, Nehemiah shows both his trusted role and the seriousness of what he is about to do, since approaching the king could be dangerous or costly.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 1:11

  • "Beseech" (אָנָּא, 'an-na): This word is a strong, humble plea, showing Nehemiah’s deep dependence on God’s willingness to listen and act.
  • "Fear" (יָרֵא, yare): The phrase “who desire to fear thy name” uses a word that means to deeply respect or stand in awe of God, not just to be afraid.
  • "Cupbearer" (מַשְׁקֶה, mashqeh): This term means more than a servant who brings drinks; the cupbearer was a trusted official with close access to the king, which explains why Nehemiah could make such a request but also why it was risky.

Why Nehemiah 1:11 matters

  • Nehemiah’s prayer shows that he is not acting alone or impulsively; he seeks God’s help before taking action, modeling humility and dependence.
  • The verse highlights that Nehemiah is not just praying for himself but also for others who “desire to fear” God, showing a sense of community and shared purpose.
  • By stating his role as cupbearer, Nehemiah sets up the next part of the story, explaining how he is in a unique position to help his people but also faces real danger in speaking to the king.

Where else these words appear

“attentive” Hebrew H7183 · used in 5 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 6:40 Now, my God, let, I beseech thee, thine eyes be open, and let thine ears be attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
  • 2 Chronicles 7:15 Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place.
  • Nehemiah 1:6 Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father's house have sinned.

“desire” Hebrew H2655 · used in 10 verses

  • 1 Kings 13:33 After this thing Jeroboam returned not from his evil way, but made again of the lowest of the people priests of the high places: whosoever would, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places.
  • Psalms 5:4 For thou art not a God that hath pleasure in wickedness: neither shall evil dwell with thee.
  • Psalms 40:14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil.

“beseech” Hebrew H577 · used in 12 verses

  • Genesis 50:17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
  • Nehemiah 1:5 And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
  • Isaiah 38:3 And said, Remember now, O LORD, I beseech thee, how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.

“mercy” Hebrew H7356 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 43:14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.
  • Psalms 25:6 Remember, O LORD, thy tender mercies and thy lovingkindnesses; for they have been ever of old.
  • Isaiah 47:6 I was wroth with my people, I have polluted mine inheritance, and given them into thine hand: thou didst shew them no mercy; upon the ancient hast thou very heavily laid thy yoke.