Old Testament
Nehemiah 9:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"Yes, forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not grow old, and their feet did not swell."
Compare translations
Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
What Nehemiah 9:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse highlights God's faithfulness and provision for the Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness. Despite the harsh conditions, God ensured that they had everything they needed. Their clothes remained intact and did not wear out, and they did not suffer from physical ailments like swollen feet. This reflects God's miraculous care and sustenance, demonstrating that He can provide for His people in extraordinary ways, even in challenging circumstances. The mention of their lack of need emphasizes that God was attentive to their needs, both material and physical, throughout their journey. This period in the wilderness was not just a time of wandering but also a time of learning to trust in God's provision and guidance. The verse serves as a reminder of God's unwavering support and the importance of faith in His promises, even when facing difficulties.
How to apply Nehemiah 9:21 to your life
In our own lives, we can trust that God will provide for our needs, just as He did for the Israelites. When facing challenges, we should remember His past faithfulness and rely on Him for support. This encourages us to maintain faith during difficult times, knowing that God cares for us.
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 9:21
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 9:21
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 9:21 mean?
Nehemiah 9:21 emphasizes God's provision for the Israelites during their forty years in the wilderness, highlighting that they lacked nothing. It shows that God took care of their physical needs, ensuring their clothes did not wear out and they did not suffer from ailments.
What is the significance of 'forty years' in Nehemiah 9:21?
The 'forty years' in Nehemiah 9:21 represents the duration of the Israelites' journey in the wilderness, a time of testing and learning to rely on God's provision. It signifies a complete period of preparation before entering the Promised Land.
What does 'their clothes did not grow old' mean in Nehemiah 9:21?
The phrase 'their clothes did not grow old' in Nehemiah 9:21 illustrates God's miraculous care, indicating that the Israelites' clothing remained intact and functional throughout their time in the wilderness, symbolizing divine provision.
How can we apply Nehemiah 9:21 to our lives today?
We can apply Nehemiah 9:21 by trusting that God will provide for our needs, just as He did for the Israelites. It encourages us to rely on His faithfulness during our own challenges, reminding us that He cares for us.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.