Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.
Nehemiah 1:11 · King James Version
Meaning
The verse "O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer" can be found in the book of Nehemiah in the Bible. In this passage, Nehemiah is seeking God's guidance and favor as he prepares to speak to the king on behalf of his people. As the king's cupbearer, Nehemiah held a position of influence and proximity to the ruler, making his requests significant. By asking for God's help, Nehemiah acknowledges his dependence on divine intervention and demonstrates his faith in God's ability to grant him favor in his important task. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of prayer and reliance on God in times of need, showing that even the most powerful individuals can benefit greatly from seeking God's guidance.
Theological Overview
In this verse from the book of Nehemiah, we see the protagonist pleading with the Lord to listen to his prayer as he seeks favor in the eyes of a powerful man. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the humility and dependence on God displayed by the servant. The word "beseech" emphasizes the urgency and sincerity of the request, showing the servant's recognition of his need for divine intervention. The phrase "who desire to fear thy name" underscores the reverence and respect the servants have for God. Additionally, the mention of being the king's cupbearer sheds light on the servant's position of influence and responsibility within the royal court. Through this prayer, the servant acknowledges his reliance on God for guidance and protection in his duties. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking God's favor and mercy in all aspects of life, whether in times of joy or in times of need.
Nehemiah 1:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who delight to fear thy name; and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. Now I was cupbearer to the king.
World English Bible
Lord, I beg you, let your ear be attentive now to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants, who delight to fear your name; and please prosper your servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” Now I was cup bearer to the king.
Douay-Rheims
I beseech thee, O Lord, let thy ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants who desire to fear thy name: and direct thy servant this day, and give him mercy before this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.
Geneva Bible (1599)
O Lord, I beseech thee, let thine eare now hearken to the prayer of thy seruant, and to the prayer of thy seruants, who desire to feare thy Name, and I pray thee, cause thy seruant to prosper this day, and giue him fauour in the presence of this man: for I was the Kings butler.