Nehemiah 4:19
And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.
Nehemiah 4:19 · King James Version
Meaning
Here, Nehemiah is addressing the nobles, rulers, and the rest of the people, emphasizing the enormity of the task they are undertaking. He acknowledges that the work on the wall is vast and challenging, with each person stationed at a different section, working independently from one another. This verse highlights the importance of unity and collaboration in achieving a common goal. Despite being spread out across the wall, the individuals must work together in harmony to ensure the successful completion of the project. Nehemiah's words serve as a reminder that while each person may have a unique role to play, it is essential to maintain communication, cooperation, and solidarity to overcome the obstacles they face. Through this message, Nehemiah inspires the people to stay focused, diligent, and united in their efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Theological Overview
In this verse, Nehemiah addresses the nobles, rulers, and people, emphasizing the enormity of the task at hand. The word "great" in the phrase "The work is great" is translated from the Hebrew word "rav," which denotes magnitude, extent, or abundance. This highlights the immense scale of the work that needed to be accomplished. The word "large" in the same phrase is translated from the Hebrew word "rachab," which conveys the idea of spaciousness or vastness. It conveys the idea of a task that is not only great in scope but also expansive in nature. The phrase "we are separated upon the wall, one far from another" underscores the physical distance between the workers and the challenges they faced in coordinating their efforts. This separation not only posed logistical difficulties but also symbolized the division and discord among the people. Nehemiah's words serve as a reminder of the obstacles they faced and the need for unity and cooperation to overcome them.
Nehemiah 4:19 in other translations
American Standard Version
And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another:
World English Bible
I said to the nobles, and to the rulers and to the rest of the people, “The work is great and large, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another.
Douay-Rheims
And I said to the nobles, and to the magistrates, and to the rest of the common people: The work is great and wide, and we are separated on the wall one far from another:
Geneva Bible (1599)
Then saide I vnto the Princes, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The worke is great and large, and we are separated vpon the wall, one farre from another.