Nehemiah 2:11
New International Version
I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days

New Living Translation
So I arrived in Jerusalem. Three days later,

English Standard Version
So I went to Jerusalem and was there three days.

Berean Standard Bible
After I had arrived in Jerusalem and had been there three days,

King James Bible
So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

New King James Version
So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days.

New American Standard Bible
So I came to Jerusalem and was there for three days.

NASB 1995
So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days.

NASB 1977
So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days.

Legacy Standard Bible
So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days.

Amplified Bible
So I came to Jerusalem and was there for three days.

Christian Standard Bible
After I arrived in Jerusalem and had been there three days,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
After I arrived in Jerusalem and had been there three days,

American Standard Version
So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

Contemporary English Version
Three days after arriving in Jerusalem,

English Revised Version
So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I went to Jerusalem and was there for three days.

Good News Translation
I went on to Jerusalem, and for three days

International Standard Version
I arrived in Jerusalem and remained there for three days.

NET Bible
So I came to Jerusalem. When I had been there for three days,

New Heart English Bible
So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

Webster's Bible Translation
So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
After I had arrived in Jerusalem and had been there three days,

World English Bible
So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I come to Jerusalem, and I am there three days,

Young's Literal Translation
And I come in unto Jerusalem, and I am there three days,

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall come to Jerusalem, and I shall be there three days.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I arrived at Jerusalem, and I was there for three days.

New American Bible
When I arrived in Jerusalem, and had been there three days,

New Revised Standard Version
So I came to Jerusalem and was there for three days.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I came to Jerusalem, and I was there three days.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Nehemiah Inspects the Walls
11After I had arrived in Jerusalem and had been there three days, 12I set out at night with a few men. I did not tell anyone what my God had laid on my heart to do for Jerusalem. The only animal with me was the one on which I was riding.…

Cross References
Ezra 7:8-9
Ezra arrived in Jerusalem in the fifth month of the seventh year of the king. / He had begun the journey from Babylon on the first day of the first month, and he arrived in Jerusalem on the first day of the fifth month, for the gracious hand of his God was upon him.

Nehemiah 1:1-3
These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, / Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah. So I questioned them about the remnant of the Jews who had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. / And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.”

Nehemiah 6:15-16
So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul. / When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.

Ezra 4:12-13
Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring its walls and repairing its foundations. / Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer.

Daniel 9:25
Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress.

Isaiah 58:12
Your people will rebuild the ancient ruins; you will restore the age-old foundations; you will be called Repairer of the Breach, Restorer of the Streets of Dwelling.

Jeremiah 29:10-14
For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place. / For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, to give you a future and a hope. / Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. ...

2 Chronicles 36:22-23
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’”

Haggai 1:14
So the LORD stirred the spirit of Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua son of Jehozadak, the high priest, as well as the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and began the work on the house of the LORD of Hosts, their God,

Zechariah 1:16
Therefore this is what the LORD says: ‘I will return to Jerusalem with mercy, and there My house will be rebuilt, declares the LORD of Hosts, and a measuring line will be stretched out over Jerusalem.’

Acts 15:36
Some time later Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go back and visit the brothers in every town where we proclaimed the word of the Lord, to see how they are doing.”

Acts 18:23
After Paul had spent some time in Antioch, he traveled from place to place throughout the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples.

Acts 20:1-2
When the uproar had ended, Paul sent for the disciples. And after encouraging them, he said goodbye to them and left for Macedonia. / After traveling through that area and speaking many words of encouragement, he arrived in Greece,

Romans 15:25-26
Now, however, I am on my way to Jerusalem to serve the saints there. / For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem.

1 Corinthians 16:5-9
After I go through Macedonia, however, I will come to you; for I will be going through Macedonia. / Perhaps I will stay with you awhile, or even spend the winter, so that you can help me on my journey, wherever I go. / For I do not want to see you now only in passing; I hope to spend some time with you, if the Lord permits. ...


Treasury of Scripture

So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.

Ezra 8:32
And we came to Jerusalem, and abode there three days.

Jump to Previous
Jerusalem Staying Three
Jump to Next
Jerusalem Staying Three
Nehemiah 2
1. Artaxerxes, understanding the cause of Nehemiah's sadness,
6. sends him with letters and commission to Jerusalem
9. Nehemiah, to the grief of the enemies, comes to Jerusalem
12. He views secretly the ruins of the walls
17. He incites the Jews to build














After I had arrived in Jerusalem
Nehemiah's arrival in Jerusalem marks a significant moment in the restoration of the Jewish community post-exile. Jerusalem, the city of David, holds immense historical and spiritual significance as the center of Jewish worship and identity. Nehemiah's journey from Susa, the Persian capital, to Jerusalem was approximately 900 miles, a testament to his dedication and the providence of God in allowing him to undertake such a mission. This journey echoes the return of the exiles under Zerubbabel and Ezra, highlighting the ongoing fulfillment of God's promise to restore His people to their land (Ezra 1:1-4).

and had been there three days
The mention of three days is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a period of preparation or transition. Nehemiah's three-day stay before taking action suggests a time of rest, reflection, and perhaps prayer, aligning with the biblical pattern of seeking God's guidance before undertaking significant tasks (Joshua 1:11; Esther 4:16). This period also allowed Nehemiah to acclimate to the city and assess the situation firsthand. The number three is frequently associated with completeness and divine intervention, as seen in the resurrection of Jesus Christ on the third day, symbolizing new beginnings and hope.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, Nehemiah is the central figure in this passage. He is a man of prayer, leadership, and action, tasked with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

2. Jerusalem
The holy city of the Jewish people, Jerusalem is in a state of disrepair at this time. It symbolizes the spiritual and physical center of Jewish life and worship.

3. Three Days
This period signifies a time of preparation and reflection. Nehemiah uses these days to rest, pray, and plan before taking action.
Teaching Points
Preparation is Key
Nehemiah's three days in Jerusalem before taking action teach us the importance of preparation. Before embarking on any significant task, we should take time to pray, plan, and seek God's guidance.

The Power of Rest
Nehemiah's pause upon arrival reminds us that rest is a vital part of God's design. It allows us to recharge and gain clarity for the tasks ahead.

Strategic Planning
Nehemiah's approach shows the value of strategic planning. He doesn't rush into action but carefully assesses the situation, teaching us to be thoughtful and deliberate in our endeavors.

Faith in Action
Nehemiah's journey to Jerusalem is an act of faith. It encourages us to step out in faith, trusting that God will provide the resources and strength needed for His work.

Leadership through Service
Nehemiah exemplifies servant leadership. His willingness to leave a comfortable position to serve his people challenges us to lead by serving others.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 2:11?

2. How does Nehemiah 2:11 demonstrate the importance of preparation before taking action?

3. Why did Nehemiah spend "three days" in Jerusalem before starting his mission?

4. How can Nehemiah's approach in 2:11 guide our own spiritual leadership today?

5. What other biblical leaders prepared quietly before acting, similar to Nehemiah 2:11?

6. How does Nehemiah 2:11 inspire patience and discernment in our personal ministries?

7. What was Nehemiah's purpose in visiting Jerusalem according to Nehemiah 2:11?

8. How does Nehemiah 2:11 reflect leadership qualities in challenging circumstances?

9. What historical context surrounds Nehemiah's journey to Jerusalem in Nehemiah 2:11?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 2?

11. Who is the author of the Book of Nehemiah?

12. Why does Micah 4:6–7 claim God will gather the lame and outcasts if no recorded mass restoration event for these groups exists?

13. Who is the author of the Book of Nehemiah?

14. Nehemiah 4:6: Is it physically plausible for the wall to reach “half its height” so quickly with the limited manpower described?
What Does Nehemiah 2:11 Mean
After I had arrived

Nehemiah’s arrival is the tangible proof that God answered months of prayer (Nehemiah 1:4-11).

• Just as Ezra’s safe journey demonstrated God’s hand (Ezra 7:9), Nehemiah’s presence shows that the king’s favor (Nehemiah 2:6-9) was ultimately the Lord’s doing, echoing Proverbs 21:1.

• Like Abraham stepping into Canaan (Genesis 12:5-7) or Paul entering Corinth after a long road (Acts 18:1), this moment marks the transition from planning to obedience.

• The verse reminds us that God moves His servants from burden to action, affirming Philippians 2:13: “for it is God who works in you to will and to act.”


in Jerusalem

Jerusalem is more than a destination; it is God’s chosen place for His name (Psalm 132:13-14).

• Its ruined walls (Nehemiah 1:3) symbolize the spiritual and national vulnerability of God’s people, much like Isaiah 62:6-7 portrays watchmen crying for restoration.

• The city anchors the promises of blessing given to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 22:14). By entering Jerusalem, Nehemiah steps into the center of redemptive history, anticipating prophecies such as Zechariah 8:3: “I will return to Zion and dwell in Jerusalem.”

• The verse highlights the believer’s call to care about what God cares about; Psalm 122:6 invites us to “pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”


and had been there three days

Nehemiah pauses for three days before taking action.

• Ezra followed the same pattern of waiting and settling in (Ezra 8:32), reflecting practical wisdom—resting the weary travelers and quietly observing the situation.

• Three-day intervals often precede decisive works of God: Joshua 1:11; Esther 4:16; and most powerfully, Luke 24:7. Waiting in faith precedes victory.

• In those silent days Nehemiah likely prayed and assessed the city undetected, preparing for the midnight survey described in Nehemiah 2:12-16. The pause models James 1:5—seeking God’s wisdom before acting.


summary

Nehemiah 2:11 teaches that when God burdens a heart, He also paves the way, positions the servant in the right place, and grants time to rest and receive wisdom. Arrival, location, and waiting all serve God’s larger purpose of restoring His people and displaying His faithfulness.

(11) Three days.--For rest and devotion, after the example of Ezra.

Verse 11. - I... was there three days. Compare Ezra 8:32. After the long journey, three days of rest were necessary. STEPS TAKEN BY NEHEMIAH PRELIMINARY TO HIS BUILDING OF THE WALL, AND FIRST APPEARANCE OF OPPOSITION (Nehemiah 2:12-20). Hitherto Nehemiah had communicated his purpose to no one but the king and queen of Persia. He expected opposition, and resolved to baffle his opponents, as long as possible, by concealing his exact designs. Even when further concealment was on the point of becoming impossible, he made his survey of the wall by night, that it might escape observation. At last, the time for action being come, he was obliged to lay the matter before the head men of the city (ver. 17), whom he easily persuaded when he assured them of Artaxerxes' consent and goodwill Preparations then began to be made; and immediately murmurs of opposition arose. Three opponents are now spoken of - Sanballat, Tobiah, and an Arabian, Geshem or Gashmu, not previously mentioned. These persons appear to have sent a formal message to the authorities of Jerualem (ver. 19), taxing them with an intention to rebel Nehemiah made no direct reply to this charge, but boldly stated his resolve to "arise and build," and denied Sanballat's right to interfere with him (ver. 20).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
After I arrived
וָאָב֖וֹא (wā·’ā·ḇō·w)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

in
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

Jerusalem
יְרוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (yə·rū·šā·lim)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

and had been
וָאֱהִי־ (wā·’ĕ·hî-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

there
שָׁ֖ם (šām)
Adverb
Strong's 8033: There, then, thither

three
שְׁלֹשָֽׁה׃ (šə·lō·šāh)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969: Three, third, thrice

days,
יָמִ֥ים (yā·mîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day


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OT History: Nehemiah 2:11 So I came to Jerusalem and was (Neh Ne)
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