And the king said unto me,(the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.

NEHEMIAH 2:6KJV
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Nehemiah 2:6 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 2:6 mean?

Nehemiah 2:6 describes how the king, with the queen present, asked Nehemiah how long his journey would take and when he would return, and then agreed to send him after Nehemiah gave a specific timeframe. The verse shows that the king was willing to let Nehemiah go, but wanted to know the details and expected Nehemiah to come back.

Nehemiah, a Jewish official serving the Persian king, had just asked permission to travel to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. The king’s question shows careful consideration, and the mention of the queen sitting beside him suggests this was a formal and important moment. Nehemiah’s response, giving the king a set time, reassured the king and led to his approval.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 2:6

  • "Queen" (שֵׁגָל, shegal): This word is used for queen or royal consort, and its mention here is unusual, highlighting the significance of the moment and possibly the influence she had on the king’s decision.
  • "Journey" (מַהֲלָךְ, mahalakh): This word means a journey or travel, emphasizing that Nehemiah was asking for a temporary leave, not a permanent departure.
  • "Pleased" (יָטַב, yatav) and "before" (פָּנִים, panim): The phrase “it pleased the king” uses these words together, often understood as “it was good in the king’s eyes,” showing the king’s favorable attitude toward Nehemiah’s request.
  • "Set" (נָתַן, natan) and "time" (זְמָן, zeman): Nehemiah “set him a time,” meaning he gave the king a definite period for his absence, which was important for the king’s trust and planning.

Why Nehemiah 2:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that Nehemiah did not leave impulsively; he made careful plans and respected the king’s authority by providing a clear timeframe.
  • The presence of the queen and the king’s thoughtful questions show this was a significant and official decision, not a casual conversation.
  • This verse sets up the rest of Nehemiah’s mission, showing that his journey to Jerusalem had the king’s full knowledge and support, which would be important for his authority later.

Where else these words appear

“queen” Hebrew H7694 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 45:9 Kings' daughters were among thy honourable women: upon thy right hand did stand the queen in gold of Ophir.

“journey” Hebrew H4109 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezekiel 42:4 And before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit; and their doors toward the north.
  • Jonah 3:3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD. Now Nineveh was an exceeding great city of three days' journey.
  • Jonah 3:4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.

“time” Hebrew H2165 · used in 4 verses

  • Esther 9:27 The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year;
  • Esther 9:31 To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.
  • Ecclesiastes 3:1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

“him” Hebrew H681 · used in 57 verses

  • Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her.
  • 1 Kings 4:12 Baana the son of Ahilud; to him pertained Taanach and Megiddo, and all Bethshean, which is by Zartanah beneath Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abelmeholah, even unto the place that is beyond Jokneam:
  • Proverbs 8:30 Then I was by him, as one brought up with him: and I was daily his delight, rejoicing always before him;