So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.

NEHEMIAH 4:23KJV
Know the Bible

Nehemiah 4:23 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 4:23 mean?

Nehemiah 4:23 describes how Nehemiah, his relatives, his servants, and the guards with him stayed constantly prepared while rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall—they kept their clothes on at all times, only taking them off when they needed to wash. This shows their vigilance and readiness because of the threat of attack.

Nehemiah is speaking about himself and those working closely with him during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. The situation was tense, with enemies nearby, so Nehemiah and his group avoided relaxing their guard, even in small ways like changing clothes. This verse highlights the seriousness of their commitment and the constant danger they faced.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 4:23

  • "brethren" (אַחַי, ʾachai): This word means "my brothers" or close relatives, showing that Nehemiah’s own family was involved in the work and shared the same hardships.
  • "guard" (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, mishmeret): This word refers to those assigned to watch or keep guard, emphasizing the organized effort to protect the workers.
  • "off" (פָּשַׁט, pashat): This word means "to take off" or "strip off," making it clear that removing clothing was only for washing, not for comfort or rest.
  • "washing" (מַיִם, mayim): Literally "water," this word is used here to mean washing or bathing, highlighting that the only exception to their constant readiness was basic hygiene.

Why Nehemiah 4:23 matters

  • Nehemiah 4:23 clears up any idea that the workers were careless or took their safety lightly; instead, they were always prepared for trouble.
  • This verse emphasizes the unity and shared sacrifice among Nehemiah, his family, his servants, and the guards, showing that leadership shared the same risks as everyone else.
  • The verse connects to the larger story of rebuilding under threat, illustrating the practical steps taken to ensure the work could continue despite constant danger.

Where else these words appear

“us” Hebrew H587 · used in 6 verses

  • Genesis 19:13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry of them is waxen great before the face of the LORD; and the LORD hath sent us to destroy it.
  • Numbers 32:17 But we ourselves will go ready armed before the children of Israel, until we have brought them unto their place: and our little ones shall dwell in the fenced cities because of the inhabitants of the land.
  • 2 Chronicles 20:12 O our God, wilt thou not judge them? for we have no might against this great company that cometh against us; neither know we what to do: but our eyes are upon thee.

“off” Hebrew H7973 · used in 8 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 23:10 And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, by the king round about.
  • Nehemiah 4:17 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.
  • Job 36:12 But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.

“guard” Hebrew H4929 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 40:3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
  • Leviticus 24:12 And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them.
  • Nehemiah 12:24 And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.

“off” Hebrew H6584 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:23 And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him;
  • 1 Samuel 27:10 And Achish said, Whither have ye made a road to day? And David said, Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.
  • Job 1:17 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.