Old Testament
Nehemiah 6:9
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
For they all tried to make us afraid, saying, 'Their hands will be weakened from the work, so it will not be completed.' Therefore, I prayed, 'O God, strengthen my hands.'
Compare translations
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.
What Nehemiah 6:9 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 6:9, Nehemiah faces intimidation from his enemies who are trying to discourage him and his team from completing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. They spread fear by suggesting that the work will fail and that the people will become too weak to continue. Instead of succumbing to fear, Nehemiah turns to God in prayer, asking for strength to continue the work. This verse highlights the importance of relying on God during challenging times and the need for spiritual fortitude when facing opposition. Nehemiah's response shows that prayer is a powerful tool for overcoming fear and doubt, and it emphasizes the necessity of seeking divine help to accomplish difficult tasks. His determination and faith serve as an example for anyone facing obstacles in their endeavors, reminding us that with God's strength, we can persevere despite external pressures.
How to apply Nehemiah 6:9 to your life
When faced with challenges or discouragement, remember to turn to prayer for strength and guidance. Like Nehemiah, we can seek God's help to overcome fear and continue our work with confidence. Trusting in divine support can empower us to face obstacles head-on.
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 Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. 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.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
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 6:9
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 6:9
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 6:9 mean?
Nehemiah 6:9 describes how Nehemiah faced threats and intimidation from his enemies who wanted to discourage him and his team from rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. Instead of giving in to fear, he prayed to God for strength to continue his work.
What is the significance of prayer in Nehemiah 6:9?
In Nehemiah 6:9, prayer is shown as a vital response to fear and opposition. Nehemiah's prayer for strength highlights the importance of seeking divine help when facing challenges.
How does Nehemiah respond to intimidation in Nehemiah 6:9?
Nehemiah responds to intimidation by turning to God in prayer, asking for strength to keep working despite the threats. This shows his reliance on God rather than succumbing to fear.
What themes are present in Nehemiah 6:9?
Nehemiah 6:9 includes themes of fear and intimidation, the power of prayer for strength, divine assistance, perseverance in the face of opposition, and the challenges of leadership.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.