Old Testament
Nehemiah 2:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Then I said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor with you, please send me to Judah — to the city where my ancestors are buried — so I can rebuild it."
Compare translations
And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.
What Nehemiah 2:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Nehemiah is speaking to the king, expressing his desire to return to Judah to rebuild the city where his ancestors are buried. He begins by seeking the king's favor, showing respect and humility. Nehemiah's request is significant because it reflects his deep connection to his heritage and the importance of Jerusalem to the Jewish people. The act of rebuilding is not just about physical restoration; it symbolizes hope, identity, and the revival of a community. Nehemiah's approach highlights the importance of seeking permission and support from authority figures when undertaking significant tasks. His willingness to return to a place of personal and communal significance demonstrates his commitment to his people and their history. This moment marks a pivotal point in Nehemiah's mission, as he prepares to take action to restore his homeland, showing that personal passion can lead to impactful leadership.
How to apply Nehemiah 2:5 to your life
When faced with challenges, like Nehemiah, we should seek support from those in authority and express our intentions clearly. This teaches us the importance of humility and respect in our requests, as well as the value of pursuing our passions for the benefit of our communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Nehemiah 2:5
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Nehemiah 2:5
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nehemiah 2:5 teach about leadership?
Nehemiah 2:5 illustrates key leadership qualities such as humility, respect, and the importance of seeking support from authority figures. Nehemiah approaches the king with a clear request and acknowledges the king's power, demonstrating that effective leaders recognize the need for collaboration and guidance when pursuing significant goals.
Why is Nehemiah's request to rebuild Jerusalem important?
Nehemiah's request to rebuild Jerusalem is significant because it reflects his deep connection to his heritage and the Jewish people's identity. The act of rebuilding symbolizes hope and restoration for the community, highlighting the importance of preserving cultural and historical ties, especially in times of adversity.
How can we apply Nehemiah 2:5 in our daily lives?
We can apply Nehemiah 2:5 by seeking support and guidance from those in authority when facing challenges. This verse encourages us to express our intentions clearly and respectfully, reminding us that humility and collaboration are essential in pursuing our passions and making a positive impact in our communities.
What does Nehemiah's approach reveal about his character?
Nehemiah's approach in this verse reveals his character as a respectful and strategic leader. He demonstrates humility by seeking the king's favor and shows commitment to his people by prioritizing the restoration of Jerusalem. His willingness to return to his roots underscores his dedication to his heritage and community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.