Question 1

What does Nehemiah 1:5 mean?

Accepted Answer

Nehemiah 1:5 is Nehemiah’s prayer to God, where he addresses God as the powerful and awe-inspiring Lord who keeps His promises and shows steadfast love to those who love Him and keep His commandments. Nehemiah is appealing to God’s faithfulness and mercy as he begins his prayer for help. Nehemiah, a Jewish official serving in Persia, is praying to the God of Israel after hearing about the troubles facing Jerusalem. By calling God “the great and terrible God” and emphasizing God’s covenant and mercy, Nehemiah is showing deep respect and reminding himself (and God) of God’s character and past faithfulness to His people.

Question 2

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 1:5

Accepted Answer

“LORD” (יְהוָה, YHWH): This is God’s personal name in the Hebrew Bible, emphasizing a close, covenant relationship rather than a distant deity. “terrible” (נוֹרָא, nora’): This word often means “awe-inspiring” or “worthy of reverence,” not just frightening. Nehemiah is expressing deep respect and recognizing God’s unmatched power. “mercy” (חֶסֶד, chesed): This word refers to loyal love or steadfast kindness, especially the kind of love God shows in keeping His promises to His people. “keepeth” (שָׁמַר, shamar): This means to guard or watch over. Nehemiah is highlighting that God actively protects and maintains His covenant and mercy.

Question 3

Why Nehemiah 1:5 matters

Accepted Answer

Nehemiah’s prayer starts by focusing on God’s character, not just his own needs, which sets the tone for the rest of his request and shows humility. The verse connects God’s mercy and faithfulness directly to those who love Him and keep His commandments, highlighting the relationship between God and His people. Understanding the original words helps clarify that “terrible” here means awe-inspiring, not cruel or frightening, and that “mercy” is about God’s loyal, covenant-keeping love.

Nehemiah 1:5 (KJV)