Nehemiah 2:9
New International Version
So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.

New Living Translation
When I came to the governors of the province west of the Euphrates River, I delivered the king’s letters to them. The king, I should add, had sent along army officers and horsemen to protect me.

English Standard Version
Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen.

Berean Standard Bible
Then 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.

King James Bible
Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

New King James Version
Then I went to the governors in the region beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

New American Standard Bible
Then I came to the governors of the provinces beyond the Euphrates River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen.

NASB 1995
Then I came to the governors of the provinces beyond the River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen.

NASB 1977
Then I came to the governors of the provinces beyond the River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then I came to the governors of the provinces beyond the River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent with me commanders of the military force and horsemen.

Amplified Bible
Then I came to the governors of the provinces beyond the [Euphrates] River and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent officers of the army and horsemen with me.

Christian Standard Bible
I went to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent officers of the infantry and cavalry with me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I went to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent officers of the infantry and cavalry with me.

American Standard Version
Then I came to the governors beyond the River, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen.

Contemporary English Version
The king sent some army officers and cavalry troops along with me, and as I traveled through the Western Provinces, I gave the letters to the governors.

English Revised Version
Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I went to the governors [of the province] west of the Euphrates River and gave them the king's letters. (The king had sent army officers and cavalry to be with me.)

Good News Translation
The emperor sent some army officers and a troop of cavalry with me, and I made the journey to West-of-Euphrates. There I gave the emperor's letters to the governors.

International Standard Version
So I went to the Trans-Euphrates governors and gave them the king's letters of authorization. The king also sent army officers and cavalry to accompany me.

Majority Standard Bible
Then 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.

NET Bible
Then I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates, and I presented to them the letters from the king. The king had sent with me officers of the army and horsemen.

New Heart English Bible
Then I came to the governors beyond the River, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

World English Bible
Then I came to the governors beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I come to the governors beyond the River, and give to them the letters of the king; and the king sends with me heads of a force, and horsemen;

Young's Literal Translation
And I come in unto the governors beyond the River, and give to them the letters of the king; and the king sendeth with me heads of a force, and horsemen;

Smith's Literal Translation
And I shall come to the prefects beyond the river, and I shall give to them the letter of the king. And the king will send with me chiefs of strength and horsemen.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And I came to the governors of the country beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. And the king had sent wish me captains of soldiers, and horsemen.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I went to the governors of the region beyond the river, and I gave them the letters of the king. Now the king had sent with me military leaders and horsemen.

New American Bible
Thus I proceeded to the governors of West-of-Euphrates and presented the king’s letters to them. The king also sent with me army officers and cavalry.

New Revised Standard Version
Then I came to the governors of the province Beyond the River, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent officers of the army and cavalry with me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then I came to the governor beyond the River, and I gave him the king's letter. Now the king had sent a commander of the horsemen with me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I came to the Ruler of the Crossing of the River, and I gave him the letter of the King, and the King had sent the Commander of the army and horsemen with me.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then I came to the governors beyond the River, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I came to the governors beyond the river, and I gave them the king's letters. (Now the king had sent with me captains of the army and horsemen.)

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem
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. 10But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites.…

Cross References
Ezra 8:22
For I was ashamed to ask the king for an escort of soldiers and horsemen to protect us from our enemies on the road, since we had told him, “The hand of our God is gracious to all who seek Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him.”

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 7:28
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.

Ezra 8:31
On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God was upon us to protect us from the hands of the enemies and bandits along the way.

Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)

Nehemiah 4:23
So neither I nor my brothers nor my servants nor the guards with me changed out of our clothes; each carried his weapon, even to go for water.

Nehemiah 6:17-19
Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them. / For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah. / Moreover, these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds, and they relayed my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

Esther 8:9
At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush—writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language.

Daniel 6:1-2
Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, / and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss.

1 Kings 10:15
not including the revenue from the merchants, traders, and all the Arabian kings and governors of the land.

2 Chronicles 17:12
Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah

Isaiah 60:10
Foreigners will rebuild your walls, and their kings will serve you. Although I struck you in anger, yet in favor I will show you mercy.

Romans 13:1-4
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...

Acts 23:23-24
Then he called two of his centurions and said, “Prepare two hundred soldiers, seventy horsemen, and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea in the third hour of the night. / Provide mounts for Paul to take him safely to Governor Felix.”

Acts 9:15
“Go!” said the Lord. “This man is My chosen instrument to carry My name before the Gentiles and their kings, and before the people of Israel.


Treasury of Scripture

Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

to the governors

Nehemiah 2:7
Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;

Now the

Ezra 8:22
For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him.

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Army Captains Cavalry Force Governors Heads Horsemen King's Letters Officers Province Provinces River Rulers Trans-Euphrates
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Army Captains Cavalry Force Governors Heads Horsemen King's Letters Officers Province Provinces River Rulers Trans-Euphrates
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














Then I went
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in Nehemiah's journey, signifying action and obedience. The Hebrew root for "went" is "halak," which often implies a purposeful journey or mission. Nehemiah's decision to go reflects his commitment to God's calling and the fulfillment of his prayers. It is a reminder of the importance of taking decisive steps in faith when God opens doors.

to the governors of the region beyond the River
The "region beyond the River" refers to the area west of the Euphrates River, a significant geographical and political boundary in the Persian Empire. The governors were local rulers under Persian authority. Nehemiah's approach to these governors demonstrates his respect for established authority and his strategic planning. Historically, this region was a melting pot of cultures and tensions, making Nehemiah's mission both challenging and crucial for the restoration of Jerusalem.

and gave them the king’s letters
The "king’s letters" were official documents granting Nehemiah permission and authority to travel and rebuild Jerusalem. These letters were essential for safe passage and cooperation from local officials. The Hebrew term for "letters" is "iggeret," which underscores the importance of written authority in ancient times. This act highlights the necessity of aligning with earthly authority while pursuing divine missions, reflecting Romans 13:1's call to respect governing authorities.

The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me
The presence of "army officers and cavalry" signifies the king's support and protection for Nehemiah's mission. This military escort not only ensured Nehemiah's safety but also demonstrated the king's favor and the seriousness of the mission. In a historical context, such a display of power would deter potential threats and opposition. Spiritually, it symbolizes God's provision and protection when we step out in faith to fulfill His purposes, echoing the assurance found in Psalm 91:11, where God commands His angels concerning us.

(9-11) His journey to Jerusalem, occupying some three months, and safe under good escort, is passed over in the narrative, as Ezra's had been. It is mentioned, however, that Sanballat, one of the "governors," was roused to hostility. After the laborious travelling Nehemiah rested three days, to review the past and prepare for the future.

Verse 9. - I came to the governors beyond the river. Josephus gives the name of the satrap, of Syria at this time as Adieus ('Ant. Jud., 11:5, § 6, ad fin), but it is uncertain on what authority. The other "governors" he calls Hipparchs.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

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

the governors
פַּֽחֲווֹת֙ (pa·ḥă·wō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6346: A governor

west
עֵ֣בֶר (‘ê·ḇer)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5676: A region across, on the opposite side

of the Euphrates
הַנָּהָ֔ר (han·nā·hār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5104: A stream, prosperity

and gave
וָאֶתְּנָ֣ה (wā·’et·tə·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

them
לָהֶ֔ם (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

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

letters.
אִגְּר֣וֹת (’ig·gə·rō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 107: An epistle

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

had also sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

army
חַ֖יִל (ḥa·yil)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2428: A force, an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength

officers
שָׂ֥רֵי (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

and cavalry
וּפָרָשִֽׁים׃ (ū·p̄ā·rā·šîm)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6571: A steed, a driver, cavalry

with me.
עִמִּי֙ (‘im·mî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 5973: With, equally with


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OT History: Nehemiah 2:9 Then I came to the governors beyond (Neh Ne)
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