Nehemiah 2:8
New International Version
And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal park, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple and for the city wall and for the residence I will occupy?” And because the gracious hand of my God was on me, the king granted my requests.

New Living Translation
And please give me a letter addressed to Asaph, the manager of the king’s forest, instructing him to give me timber. I will need it to make beams for the gates of the Temple fortress, for the city walls, and for a house for myself.” And the king granted these requests, because the gracious hand of God was on me.

English Standard Version
and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress of the temple, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.

Berean Standard Bible
And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

King James Bible
And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

New King James Version
and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy.” And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.

New American Standard Bible
and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which is by the temple, for the wall of the city, and for the house to which I will go.” And the king granted them to me because the good hand of my God was on me.

NASB 1995
and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress which is by the temple, for the wall of the city and for the house to which I will go.” And the king granted them to me because the good hand of my God was on me.

NASB 1977
and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress which is by the temple, for the wall of the city, and for the house to which I will go.” And the king granted them to me because the good hand of my God was on me.

Legacy Standard Bible
and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress which is by the house of God, for the wall of the city and for the house to which I will go.” And the king granted them to me because the good hand of my God was on me.

Amplified Bible
and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to construct beams for the gates of the fortress which is by the temple, and for the city wall and for the house which I will occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.

Christian Standard Bible
And let me have a letter written to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple’s fortress, the city wall, and the home where I will live.” The king granted my requests, for the gracious hand of my God was on me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
And let me have a letter written to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple’s fortress, the city wall, and the home where I will live.” The king granted my requests, for I was graciously strengthened by my God.

American Standard Version
and a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the castle which appertaineth to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

Contemporary English Version
I will need timber to rebuild the gates of the fortress near the temple and more timber to construct the city wall and to build a place for me to live. And so, I would appreciate a letter to Asaph, who is in charge of the royal forest." God was good to me, and the king did everything I asked.

English Revised Version
and a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the castle which appertaineth to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Also, let me have a letter addressed to Asaph, the supervisor of Your Majesty's forest. In the letter order him to give me wood for the gates of the fortress near the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I'll move into." (The king let me have the letters, because God was guiding me.)

Good News Translation
I asked also for a letter to Asaph, keeper of the royal forests, instructing him to supply me with timber for the gates of the fort that guards the Temple, for the city walls, and for the house I was to live in. The emperor gave me all I asked for, because God was with me.

International Standard Version
along with a letter to Asaph, the royal Commissioner of Forests, so that he will supply me with timber to craft beams for the gatehouses of the Temple, for the city walls, and for the house in which I will be living." The king granted this for me, according to the good hand of my God.

Majority Standard Bible
And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king?s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.? And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

NET Bible
and a letter for Asaph the keeper of the king's nature preserve, so that he will give me timber for beams for the gates of the fortress adjacent to the temple and for the city wall and for the house to which I go." So the king granted me these requests, for the good hand of my God was on me.

New Heart English Bible
and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple, for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into." The king granted my requests, because of the good hand of my God on me.

Webster's Bible Translation
And a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

World English Bible
and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple, for the wall of the city, and for the house that I will occupy.” The king granted my requests, because of the good hand of my God on me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and a letter to Asaph, keeper of the paradise that the king has, that he give to me trees for beams [for] the gates of the palace that the house has, and for the wall of the city, and for the house into which I enter”; and the king gives to me, according to the good hand of my God on me.

Young's Literal Translation
and a letter unto Asaph, keeper of the paradise that the king hath, that he give to me trees for beams for the gates of the palace that the house hath, and for the wall of the city, and for the house into which I enter;' and the king giveth to me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

Smith's Literal Translation
And a letter to Asaph watching the pleasure-grounds to the king, who shall give to me woods to frame the gates of the fortress that is to the house, and for the walls of the city, and for the house which I shall come into it And the king will give to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, to give me timber that I may cover the gates of the tower of the house, and the walls of the city, and the house that I shall enter into. And the king gave me according to the good hand of my God with me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, so that he may give me timber, in order that I may be able to cover the gates of the tower of the house, and the walls of the city, and the house that I will enter.” And the king granted to me in accord with the good hand of my God, who is with me.

New American Bible
also a letter for Asaph, the keeper of the royal woods, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the temple citadel, for the city wall and the house that I will occupy.” Since I enjoyed the good favor of my God, the king granted my requests.

New Revised Standard Version
and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, directing him to give me timber to make beams for the gates of the temple fortress, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall occupy.” And the king granted me what I asked, for the gracious hand of my God was upon me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the temple and for the castle and for the walls of the city and for the house that I shall dwell in it. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a letter to Asaph, Keeper of the Paradise of the King, to give me wood to make the gates of the house and of the palace and of streets of the city, and for the house that I may enter it.” And the King gave to me, according to the hand of my God who did good to me.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's park, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the castle which appertaineth to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into.' And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the garden which belongs to the king, that he may give me timber to cover the gates, and for the wall of the city, and for the house into which I shall enter. And the king gave to me, according as the good hand of God was upon me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem
7I also said to him, “If it pleases the king, may letters be given to me for the governors west of the Euphrates, so that they will grant me safe passage until I reach Judah. 8And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests. 9Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.…

Cross References
Ezra 7:6
this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.

Ezra 7:27-28
Blessed be the LORD, the God of our fathers, who has put into the heart of the king to so honor the house of the LORD in Jerusalem, / and who has shown me favor before the king, his counselors, and all his powerful officials. And because the hand of the LORD my God was upon me, I took courage and gathered the leaders of Israel to return with me.

Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

Psalm 106:46
He made them objects of compassion to all who held them captive.

Daniel 1:9
Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,

Esther 4:11
“All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.”

Esther 5:2
As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Isaiah 45:13
I will raise up Cyrus in righteousness, and I will make all his ways straight. He will rebuild My city and set My exiles free, but not for payment or reward, says the LORD of Hosts.”

1 Kings 8:50
May You forgive Your people who have sinned against You and all the transgressions they have committed against You, and may You grant them compassion in the eyes of their captors to show them mercy.

2 Chronicles 30:12
Moreover, the power of God was on the people in Judah to give them one heart to obey the command of the king and his officials according to the word of the LORD.

Acts 7:10
and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Acts 18:10
For I am with you and no one will lay a hand on you, because I have many people in this city.”

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

2 Corinthians 8:16
But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.

Philippians 2:13
For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose.


Treasury of Scripture

And a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God on me.

the wall

Nehemiah 2:17
Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Nehemiah 3:1
Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.

the house

Nehemiah 3:7
And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.

Nehemiah 7:2
That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.

the king

Nehemiah 2:18
Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Genesis 32:28
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Ezra 5:5
But the eye of their God was upon the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease, till the matter came to Darius: and then they returned answer by letter concerning this matter.

Jump to Previous
Appertained Appertaineth Asaph Beams Castle City Enter Forest Gates Good Granted Hand House Keeper King's Letter Palace Park Timber Wall
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Appertained Appertaineth Asaph Beams Castle City Enter Forest Gates Good Granted Hand House Keeper King's Letter Palace Park Timber Wall
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














And may I have a letter
In the ancient Near Eastern context, letters were crucial for official communication. Nehemiah's request for a letter signifies the importance of having royal authority and legitimacy. The Hebrew word for "letter" (אִגֶּרֶת, iggeret) implies a written document that carries the weight of the king's command. This highlights Nehemiah's wisdom in seeking not just permission but documented proof of his mission, ensuring cooperation from those he would encounter.

to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest
Asaph is identified as the "keeper" (שֹׁמֵר, shomer) of the king's forest, indicating a position of trust and responsibility. The king’s forest, likely located in Lebanon or near Jerusalem, was a valuable resource for timber. This role was significant, as it involved managing resources critical for construction and royal projects. Nehemiah's direct request to Asaph underscores the strategic planning necessary for rebuilding Jerusalem, reflecting his understanding of the logistical needs of his mission.

so that he will give me timber
Timber was a precious commodity in the ancient world, essential for construction. The Hebrew word for "timber" (עֵצִים, etzim) refers to wood used for building. Nehemiah's request for timber demonstrates his foresight in securing materials necessary for the reconstruction efforts. This also reflects the providence of God in providing resources for His people’s needs, as Nehemiah relies on divine favor to obtain what is required.

to make beams for the gates of the citadel by the temple
The "beams" (קֹרוֹת, korot) were structural elements crucial for the stability and security of gates. The "citadel" (בִּירָה, birah) by the temple was a fortified area, indicating the need for protection and defense. This phrase highlights the importance of rebuilding not just for functionality but for the security and sanctity of the temple area, emphasizing the restoration of both physical and spiritual fortifications.

and for the city wall
The "city wall" (חוֹמַת הָעִיר, chomat ha'ir) was vital for the defense and identity of Jerusalem. Walls in ancient cities symbolized strength and protection. Nehemiah’s concern for the city wall reflects his commitment to restoring Jerusalem’s dignity and safety, ensuring that the city could withstand external threats and maintain its cultural and religious identity.

and for the house I will occupy
Nehemiah’s mention of a "house" (בַּיִת, bayit) he will occupy indicates his personal investment in the project. It suggests a long-term commitment to the welfare of Jerusalem, as he plans to reside there. This personal stake in the mission underscores the sincerity and dedication of Nehemiah’s leadership, as he aligns his personal life with the divine calling to rebuild.

And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me
The phrase "gracious hand" (יָד אֱלֹהַי הַטּוֹבָה, yad Elohai hatovah) signifies divine favor and blessing. Nehemiah attributes his success to God’s providence, recognizing that the king’s favorable response is ultimately due to God’s intervention. This acknowledgment of divine sovereignty is a recurring theme in Nehemiah’s narrative, emphasizing that human efforts are fruitful only when aligned with God’s will.

the king granted my requests
The king’s granting of Nehemiah’s requests (שָׁאַל, sha'al) is a testament to the effectiveness of Nehemiah’s prayerful preparation and strategic planning. It reflects the fulfillment of God’s promises to support those who seek His guidance. This outcome serves as an encouragement to believers that God can move the hearts of leaders and authorities to accomplish His purposes, reinforcing the power of faith and prayer in achieving God’s plans.

(8) Keeper of the king's forest.--Asaph, a Jew, was keeper of an artificial park or pleasure ground near Jerusalem: the Persian pardes, whence our "Paradise." It was well planted with trees, as timber was to be supplied from it "for the gates of the palace," rather the fortress, which protected "the house," or temple, and was known in Roman times as Antonia; also for the city walls; also "for the house that I shall enter into," that is, Nehemiah's own house, for his being appointed governor is pre-supposed.

Verse 8. - The king's forest. Patrick supposes the forest on Mount Lebanon to be intended; but Nehemiah would scarcely have desired to transport timber for ordinary building purposes from such a distance. Moreover, the word used is one not applicable to a natural forest, but only to a park, or pleasure-ground planted with trees, and surrounded by a fence or wall. The word is pardes, the Hebrew representative of that Persian term which the Greeks rendered by παράδεισος, whence our "paradise." We must understand a royal park in the vicinity of Jerusalem, of which a Jew, Asaph, was the keeper. The palace which appertained to the house. The "house" here spoken of is undoubtedly the temple; and the birah, appertaining to it is, almost certainly, the fortress at the north-west angle of the temple area, which at once commanded and protected it. Josephus says ('Ant. Jud.,' 15:11, § 4) that this fortress was called Βάρις originally. In Roman times it was known as the "Turris Antonia." The house that I shall enter into. The governor's residence. Nehemiah assumes that the powers for which he asks involve his being appointed governor of Judaea. The king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me. Through God's special favour towards me, the king was induced to grant my request.

CHAPTER 2:9-11 NEHEMIAH'S JOURNEY TO JERUSALEM (Nehemiah 3:9-11). On his way to Jerusalem, Nehemiah would pass through the provinces of various Persian satraps and governors. To those beyond the Euphrates he carried letters, which he took care to deliver, though by doing so he aroused the hostility of San-ballat. Being accompanied by an escort of Persian soldiers, he experienced neither difficulty nor danger by the way, but effected his journey in about three months.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And may I have a letter
וְאִגֶּ֡רֶת (wə·’ig·ge·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 107: An epistle

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

Asaph,
אָסָף֩ (’ā·sāp̄)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 623: Asaph -- 'gatherer', the name of several Israelites

keeper
שֹׁמֵ֨ר (šō·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

of the king’s
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

forest,
הַפַּרְדֵּ֜ס (hap·par·dês)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6508: A preserve, park

so that
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

he will give
יִתֶּן־ (yit·ten-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

me
לִ֣י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew

timber
עֵצִ֡ים (‘ê·ṣîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

to make beams
לְ֠קָרוֹת (lə·qā·rō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7136: To light upon, to bring about, to impose timbers

for
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

the gates
שַׁעֲרֵ֨י (ša·‘ă·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

of the citadel
הַבִּירָ֤ה (hab·bî·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1002: A castle, palace

to the temple,
לַבַּ֙יִת֙ (lab·ba·yiṯ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

for the city
הָעִ֔יר (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

wall,
וּלְחוֹמַ֣ת (ū·lə·ḥō·w·maṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

and for the house
וְלַבַּ֖יִת (wə·lab·ba·yiṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004: A house

I will occupy.”
אָב֣וֹא (’ā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

And because the gracious
הַטּוֹבָ֥ה (haṭ·ṭō·w·ḇāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

hand
כְּיַד־ (kə·yaḏ-)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

of my God
אֱלֹהַ֖י (’ĕ·lō·hay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative

was upon me,
עָלָֽי׃ (‘ā·lāy)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

the king
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

granted
וַיִּתֶּן־ (way·yit·ten-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

my requests.
לִ֣י (lî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT History: Nehemiah 2:8 And a letter to Asaph the keeper (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 2:7
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