Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.” I was very much afraid, New Living Translation So the king asked me, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” Then I was terrified, English Standard Version And the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. Berean Standard Bible so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear King James Bible Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, New King James Version Therefore the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.” So I became dreadfully afraid, New American Standard Bible So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid. NASB 1995 So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid. NASB 1977 So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid. Legacy Standard Bible So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad though you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very much afraid. Amplified Bible So the king said to me, “Why do you look sad when you are not sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” Then I was very frightened, Christian Standard Bible so the king said to me, “Why do you look so sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear Holman Christian Standard Bible so the king said to me, “Why are you sad, when you aren’t sick? This is nothing but depression.” I was overwhelmed with fear American Standard Version And the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid. Contemporary English Version So the king said, "Why do you look so sad? You're not sick. Something must be bothering you." Even though I was frightened, English Revised Version And the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid. GOD'S WORD® Translation The king asked me, "Why do you look so sad? You aren't sick, are you? You must be troubled about something." (I was really afraid.) Good News Translation so he asked, "Why are you looking so sad? You aren't sick, so it must be that you're unhappy." I was startled International Standard Version The king asked me, "Why do you look so troubled, since you're not ill? This cannot be anything else but troubles of the heart." Then I was filled with fear. Majority Standard Bible so the king said to me, ?Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.? I was overwhelmed with fear NET Bible So the king said to me, "Why do you appear to be depressed when you aren't sick? What can this be other than sadness of heart?" This made me very fearful. New Heart English Bible The king said to me, "Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing else but sorrow of heart." Then I was very much afraid. Webster's Bible Translation Wherefore the king said to me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing but sorrow of heart. Then I was very greatly afraid, World English Bible The king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing else but sorrow of heart.” Then I was very much afraid. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the king says to me, “Why [is] your face sad, and you not sick? This is nothing except sadness of heart”; and I fear very much, Young's Literal Translation and the king saith to me, 'Wherefore is thy face sad, and thou not sick? this is nothing except sadness of heart;' and I fear very much, Smith's Literal Translation And the king will say to me, Wherefore thy face sad, and thou not being, sick? This nothing but sadness of heart. And I shall be very greatly afraid. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king said to me: Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou dost not appear to be sick? this is not without cause, but some evil, I know not what, is in thy heart. And I was seized with an exceeding great fear: Catholic Public Domain Version And the king said to me: “Why is your expression sad, though you do not appear to be sick? This is not without cause, but some evil, I know not what, is in your heart.” And I was struck with an exceedingly great fear. New American Bible the king asked me, “Why do you look sad? If you are not sick, you must be sad at heart.” Though I was seized with great fear, New Revised Standard Version So the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This can only be sadness of the heart.” Then I was very much afraid. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleWherefore the king said to me, Why is your countenance sad, seeing you are not sick? This is nothing else but sorrow of the heart. Then I was exceedingly afraid, Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King said to me: “Why is your face sad, and you have not been sick? This is nothing but affliction of heart.” And I was very much afraid. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the king said unto me: 'Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart.' Then I was very sore afraid. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king said to me, Why is thy countenance sad, and dost thou not control thyself? and now this is nothing but sorrow of heart. Then I was very much alarmed, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem1Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, 2so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear 3and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”… Cross References Proverbs 15:13 A joyful heart makes a cheerful countenance, but sorrow of the heart crushes the spirit. Genesis 40:7 So he asked the officials of Pharaoh who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are your faces so downcast today?” Esther 4:2 But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate. Daniel 1:10 but he said to Daniel, “I fear my lord the king, who has assigned your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking thinner than those of the other young men your age? You would endanger my head before the king!” Proverbs 17:22 A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. 1 Samuel 1:8 “Hannah, why are you crying?” her husband Elkanah asked. “Why won’t you eat? Why is your heart so grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” 2 Samuel 13:4 and he asked Amnon, “Why are you, the son of the king, so depressed morning after morning? Won’t you tell me?” Amnon replied, “I am in love with Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.” Job 9:27 If I were to say, ‘I will forget my complaint and change my expression and smile,’ Psalm 42:11 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Psalm 43:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. Isaiah 61:3 to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified. Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. John 16:6 Instead, your hearts are filled with sorrow because I have told you these things. John 16:20 Truly, truly, I tell you, you will weep and wail while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. John 16:22 So also you have sorrow now, but I will see you again and your hearts will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. Treasury of Scripture Why the king said to me, Why is your countenance sad, seeing you are not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid, Why is thy Genesis 40:7 And he asked Pharaoh's officers that were with him in the ward of his lord's house, saying, Wherefore look ye so sadly to day? sorrow Proverbs 15:13 A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. Jump to Previous Afraid Countenance Except Face Full Greatly Heart Ill Sad Sadness Sick Sore Sorrow WhereforeJump to Next Afraid Countenance Except Face Full Greatly Heart Ill Sad Sadness Sick Sore Sorrow WhereforeNehemiah 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 so the king said to me This phrase indicates a direct interaction between Nehemiah and King Artaxerxes I of Persia. Nehemiah served as the king's cupbearer, a position of trust and influence. The king's willingness to speak directly to Nehemiah suggests a level of familiarity and concern. In the Persian court, such interactions were significant, as they could lead to opportunities or dangers, depending on the king's disposition. “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahA Jewish cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah is deeply concerned about the state of Jerusalem and its walls. His role as a cupbearer places him in a position of trust and influence. 2. King Artaxerxes The Persian king who notices Nehemiah's sadness. His inquiry sets the stage for Nehemiah's request to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls. 3. Jerusalem The city whose walls are in ruins, causing Nehemiah's distress. Jerusalem is central to Jewish identity and worship. 4. Susa The location of the king's winter palace where Nehemiah serves. It is a significant city in the Persian Empire. 5. Sadness of Heart Nehemiah's emotional state, which is significant enough to be noticed by the king, indicating the depth of his concern for Jerusalem. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod can work through secular leaders to accomplish His purposes. Nehemiah's interaction with Artaxerxes shows that God can use anyone to fulfill His plans. The Importance of Emotional Honesty Nehemiah's visible sadness opens the door for a crucial conversation. Being honest about our emotions can lead to opportunities for God to work. Courage in the Face of Fear Nehemiah was "very much afraid," yet he proceeded with his request. Courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to act in spite of it. The Power of Prayer and Preparation Nehemiah's response to the king was likely preceded by prayer and careful planning, as seen in the subsequent verses. Preparation and prayer are vital in addressing significant challenges. God's Concern for His People Nehemiah's sadness reflects God's heart for His people and their welfare. We are called to share in God's concern for the restoration and well-being of His people.(2) Then I was very sore afraid.--Waiting on Providence, Nehemiah had discharged his duties for three months without being sad in the king's presence; but on this day his sorrow could not be repressed. His fear sprang from the king's abrupt inquiry. A sad countenance was never tolerated in the royal presence; and, though Artaxerxes was of a milder character than any other Persian monarch, the tone of his question showed that in this respect he was not an exception.Verse 2. - The king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad? This "kindly question" put by the great king to his humble retainer is his best claim to the favourable judgment of later ages. History puts him before us as a weak monarch, one who could compromise the royal dignity by making terms with a revolted subject, while he disgraced it by breaking faith with a conquered enemy. But if weak as a king, as a man he was kind-hearted and gentle. Few Persian monarchs would have been sufficiently interested in their attendants to notice whether they were sad or no; fewer still would have shown sympathy on such an occasion. A Xerxes might have ordered the culprit to instant execution. Longimanus feels compassion, and wishes to assuage the grief of his servant. Then I was very sore afraid. Notwithstanding the king's kind and compassionate words, Nehemiah feels his danger. He has looked sad in the king's presence. He is about to ask permission to quit the court. These are both sins against the fundamental doctrine of Persian court life, that to bask in the light of the royal countenance is the height of felicity. Will the king be displeased, refuse his request, dismiss him from his post, cast him into prison, or will he pardon his rudeness and allow his request? Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew so the kingהַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king said וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say to me, לִ֨י (lî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew “Why [is] מַדּ֣וּעַ ׀ (mad·dū·a‘) Interrogative Strong's 4069: Why? for what reason? your face פָּנֶ֣יךָ (pā·ne·ḵā) Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face sad, רָעִ֗ים (rā·‘îm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 7451: Bad, evil though you [are] וְאַתָּה֙ (wə·’at·tāh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you not אֵֽינְךָ֣ (’ê·nə·ḵā) Adverb | second person masculine singular Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle ill? חוֹלֶ֔ה (ḥō·w·leh) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular Strong's 2470: To be weak or sick This זֶ֔ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that could only be אֵ֣ין (’ên) Adverb Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle sadness רֹ֣עַֽ (rō·a‘) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7455: Badness, evil of the heart.” לֵ֑ב (lêḇ) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre I was overwhelmed with fear וָאִירָ֖א (wā·’î·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten Links Nehemiah 2:2 NIVNehemiah 2:2 NLT Nehemiah 2:2 ESV Nehemiah 2:2 NASB Nehemiah 2:2 KJV Nehemiah 2:2 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 2:2 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 2:2 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 2:2 French Bible Nehemiah 2:2 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 2:2 The king said to me Why (Neh Ne) |
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