So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.

NEHEMIAH 4:6KJV
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Nehemiah 4:6 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 4:6 mean?

Nehemiah 4:6 describes how the people of Jerusalem worked together to rebuild the city wall, successfully joining it up to half its height, because they were united and determined to keep working. The verse highlights the community's shared commitment and strong will to complete the task despite challenges.

In this verse, Nehemiah is narrating the progress of the wall’s reconstruction to the reader. The people are facing opposition from outside enemies, but their collective focus and motivation allow them to make significant progress. The phrase “the people had a mind to work” points to their inner resolve and unity, which is central to the story of Nehemiah.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 4:6

  • "built" (בָּנָה, banah): This word means to construct or rebuild. Here, it emphasizes the active effort and progress made by the people in restoring the wall.
  • "wall" (חוֹמָה, chomah): Used twice, this word refers to the physical barrier being rebuilt around Jerusalem, underscoring the importance of security and identity for the community.
  • "together" (קָשַׁר, qashar): This word often means to bind or tie together, suggesting that the sections of the wall were not just built side by side, but were joined into a unified structure.
  • "mind" (לֵב, lev): This word means heart or inner will. The verse uses it to show that the people's motivation came from deep within—they were emotionally and mentally invested in the work.

Why Nehemiah 4:6 matters

  • The verse clarifies that the progress was not just physical but also depended on the people's inner determination and unity, not simply on leadership or resources.
  • It connects to the wider passage by showing that, even in the face of threats and discouragement, shared purpose can lead to real achievement.
  • The emphasis on the wall being “joined together” highlights the importance of cooperation and the idea that the community’s strength came from working as one.

Where else these words appear

“together” Hebrew H7194 · used in 44 verses

  • Genesis 30:41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.
  • 1 Kings 16:16 And the people that were encamped heard say, Zimri hath conspired, and hath also slain the king: wherefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the host, king over Israel that day in the camp.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:26 And these are they that conspired against him; Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess, and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess.

“half” Hebrew H2677 · used in 103 verses

  • Exodus 12:29 And it came to pass, that at midnight the LORD smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh that sat on his throne unto the firstborn of the captive that was in the dungeon; and all the firstborn of cattle.
  • Joshua 13:31 And half Gilead, and Ashtaroth, and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining unto the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to the one half of the children of Machir by their families.
  • 1 Chronicles 6:71 Unto the sons of Gershom were given out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh, Golan in Bashan with her suburbs, and Ashtaroth with her suburbs:

“wall” Hebrew H2346 · used in 123 verses

  • Exodus 14:22 And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.
  • Nehemiah 1:3 And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
  • Isaiah 36:11 Then said Eliakim and Shebna and Joah unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, unto thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not to us in the Jews' language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.