For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

NEHEMIAH 6:9KJV
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Nehemiah 6:9 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 6:9 mean?

Nehemiah 6:9 describes how Nehemiah’s enemies tried to frighten him and his workers, hoping that fear would weaken their resolve and stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s wall. In response, Nehemiah prays and asks God to give him strength to continue the work.

Nehemiah is speaking in the first person, describing the pressure and intimidation he and his team faced from opponents who wanted the project to fail. The verse shows Nehemiah’s awareness of the psychological tactics used against him and his choice to turn to God for help rather than give in to fear.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 6:9

  • "afraid" (יָרֵא, yare): This word means to be fearful or terrified. Nehemiah recognizes that the enemy’s main weapon is fear, not physical attack.
  • "weakened" (רָפָה, raphah): This word means to let go, slacken, or become weak. The enemies hoped Nehemiah’s hands (and those of his workers) would lose their determination and energy.
  • "strengthen" (חָזַק, chazaq): This word means to make strong, encourage, or fortify. Nehemiah’s prayer is a direct request for God to counteract the enemy’s efforts by giving him renewed strength.

Why Nehemiah 6:9 matters

  • Nehemiah 6:9 clarifies that the opposition was psychological, aiming to stop the work through fear rather than force, which highlights the importance of inner resolve.
  • The verse connects to the larger story, showing Nehemiah’s consistent habit of responding to threats with prayer rather than panic or retaliation.
  • This verse helps readers see that Nehemiah’s leadership was grounded in dependence on God, not just personal courage or strategy.

Where else these words appear

“weakened” Hebrew H7503 · used in 45 verses

  • Exodus 4:26 So he let him go: then she said, A bloody husband thou art, because of the circumcision.
  • 1 Samuel 15:16 Then Samuel said unto Saul, Stay, and I will tell thee what the LORD hath said to me this night. And he said unto him, Say on.
  • Proverbs 4:13 Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.

“work” Hebrew H4399 · used in 149 verses

  • Genesis 2:2 And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
  • Numbers 28:26 Also in the day of the firstfruits, when ye bring a new meat offering unto the LORD, after your weeks be out, ye shall have an holy convocation; ye shall do no servile work:
  • 2 Chronicles 24:12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to such as did the work of the service of the house of the LORD, and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the LORD, and also such as wrought iron and brass to mend the house of the LORD.