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.

NEHEMIAH 1:6KJV
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Nehemiah 1:6 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 1:6 mean?

Nehemiah 1:6 is Nehemiah’s prayer asking God to pay close attention and listen as he confesses the sins of the Israelites, including his own family’s wrongdoing. Nehemiah is pleading with God day and night on behalf of his people, admitting that they have sinned against God.

Nehemiah is speaking directly to God after hearing troubling news about Jerusalem’s ruined state. He humbly calls himself God’s servant and takes responsibility for the sins of Israel, not blaming others but including himself and his ancestors. This verse shows Nehemiah’s deep concern for his people and his honest approach to God, setting the tone for the rest of his prayer and actions in the book.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 1:6

  • "Attentive" (קַשָּׁב, qashshav): This word means to be alert or to pay close attention. Nehemiah is not just asking God to hear, but to be fully engaged with his plea, showing the urgency and seriousness of his prayer.
  • "Confess" (יָדָה, yadah): This word means to acknowledge or admit openly. Nehemiah is not hiding or minimizing the wrongdoing of Israel; he is openly admitting guilt, which is a key part of his approach to God.
  • "Sinned" (חָטָא, chata’): This word means to miss the mark or to do wrong. Nehemiah repeats this word, emphasizing that both he and his family, as well as all Israel, have failed to live up to God’s standards.

Why Nehemiah 1:6 matters

  • Nehemiah 1:6 highlights that Nehemiah includes himself in the confession, showing humility and personal responsibility rather than blaming others for the nation’s troubles.
  • The verse reveals the seriousness with which Nehemiah approaches God, praying persistently “day and night,” which shows both urgency and dedication.
  • This verse sets the stage for the rest of Nehemiah’s actions, showing that honest confession and seeking God’s attention are the foundation for the work he is about to undertake for his people.