Nehemiah 2:5 and answered the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it."

◄ Nehemiah 2:5 ►

New International Version
and I answered the king, “If it pleases the king and if your servant has found favor in his sight, let him send me to the city in Judah where my ancestors are buried so that I can rebuild it.”

New Living Translation
I replied, “If it please the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.”

English Standard Version
And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ graves, that I may rebuild it.”

Berean Standard Bible
and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”

King James Bible
And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

New King James Version
And I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

New American Standard Bible
Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor before you, I request that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

NASB 1995
I said to the king, “If it please the king, and if your servant has found favor before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

NASB 1977
And I said to the king, “If it please the king, and if your servant has found favor before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

Legacy Standard Bible
I said to the king, “If it is good for the king, and if your servant is good before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may rebuild it.”

Amplified Bible
I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your presence, [I ask] that you send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, so that I may rebuild it.”

Christian Standard Bible
and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”

American Standard Version
And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favor in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

Contemporary English Version
Then I told the king, "Sir, if it's all right with you, please send me back to Judah, so that I can rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried."

English Revised Version
And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
and I asked the king, "If it pleases Your Majesty, and you are willing to grant my request, let me go to Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I can rebuild it."

Good News Translation
and then I said to the emperor, "If Your Majesty is pleased with me and is willing to grant my request, let me go to the land of Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I can rebuild the city."

International Standard Version
and I replied to the king, "If it seems good to you, and if your servant has found favor with you, would you send me to Judah, to the city where my ancestral sepulchers are located, so I can rebuild it?"

Majority Standard Bible
and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”

NET Bible
and said to the king, "If the king is so inclined and if your servant has found favor in your sight, dispatch me to Judah, to the city with the graves of my ancestors, so that I can rebuild it."

New Heart English Bible
I said to the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you would send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may build it."

Webster's Bible Translation
And I said to the king, If it should please the king, and if thy servant hath found favor in thy sight, that thou wouldst send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' sepulchers, that I may build it.

World English Bible
I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you would send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ tombs, that I may build it.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and say to the king, “If [it is] good to the king, and if your servant is pleasing before you, that you send me to Judah, to the city of the graves of my fathers, and I have built it.”

Young's Literal Translation
and say to the king, 'If to the king it be good, and if thy servant be pleasing before thee, that thou send me unto Judah, unto the city of the graves of my fathers, and I built it.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And saying to the king, If good to the king, and if thy servant shall be good before thee, that thou wilt send me to Judah to the city of my fathers' sepulchres, and I will build it,

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And I said to the king: If it seem good to the king, and if thy servant hath found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldst send me into Judea to the city of the sepulchre of my father, and I will build it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And I said to the king: “If it seems good to the king, and if your servant is pleasing before your face: that you would send me into Judea, to the city of the sepulcher of my father. And I will rebuild it.”

New American Bible
and then answered the king: “If it please the king, and if your servant is deserving of your favor, send me to Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, that I may rebuild it.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors’ graves, so that I may rebuild it.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And I said to the king, If it please the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you would send me to Judah, to the city of David, to my fathers' sepulchres, that I may rebuild it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I said to the King: “If I am pleasing to the King, I am your Servant before you. Send me to Yehuda the city of David to the house of burial of my fathers, and I shall build it.”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And I said unto the king: 'If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And I said to the king, If it seem good to the king, and if thy servant shall have found favour in thy sight, I ask that thou wouldest send him into Juda, to the city of the sepulchres of my fathers; then will I rebuild it.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem
…4“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven 5and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” 6Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

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.

Esther 5:8
If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”

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

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

Genesis 18:3
“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.

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.

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

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 29:7
Seek the prosperity of the city to which I have sent you as exiles. Pray to the LORD on its behalf, for if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

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.

Romans 1:10
in my prayers at all times, asking that now at last by God’s will I may succeed in coming to you.

1 Corinthians 16:9
because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Colossians 4:3
as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.

Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Treasury of Scripture

And I said to the king, If it please the king, and if your servant have found favor in your sight, that you would send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' sepulchers, that I may build it.

If it please

Ezra 5:17
Now therefore, if it seem good to the king, let there be search made in the king's treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so, that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem, and let the king send his pleasure to us concerning this matter.

Esther 1:19
If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.

Esther 5:8
If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

and if thy

Ruth 2:13
Then she said, Let me find favour in thy sight, my lord; for that thou hast comforted me, and for that thou hast spoken friendly unto thine handmaid, though I be not like unto one of thine handmaidens.

2 Samuel 14:22
And Joab fell to the ground on his face, and bowed himself, and thanked the king: and Joab said, To day thy servant knoweth that I have found grace in thy sight, my lord, O king, in that the king hath fulfilled the request of his servant.

Proverbs 3:4
So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.

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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

Berean Study Bible

and I answered the king
This phrase marks a pivotal moment of courage and faith for Nehemiah. The Hebrew root for "answered" (עָנָה, 'anah) implies a thoughtful and deliberate response. Nehemiah, a cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, stands in a position of both privilege and risk. His response is not impulsive but is the result of prayerful consideration, as seen in the preceding verses. Historically, approaching a king with a personal request was fraught with danger, yet Nehemiah's faith in God emboldens him to speak.

If it pleases the king
This phrase reflects the diplomatic and respectful approach Nehemiah takes. The Hebrew word for "pleases" (טוֹב, tov) conveys goodness and favor. Nehemiah acknowledges the king's authority and seeks his goodwill, understanding that his mission requires the king's approval. This approach is consistent with the biblical principle of respecting authority while ultimately trusting in God's sovereignty.

and if your servant has found favor in your sight
Nehemiah refers to himself as "your servant," demonstrating humility and respect. The concept of "favor" (חֵן, chen) is significant in the Hebrew Bible, often associated with grace and acceptance. Nehemiah's request is not based on entitlement but on the hope that his faithful service has earned the king's trust. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God's people seek favor not through their own merit but through divine grace.

let him send me to the city in Judah
The request to be "sent" (שָׁלַח, shalach) indicates Nehemiah's willingness to leave his position of comfort for a higher calling. "The city in Judah" refers to Jerusalem, the spiritual and ancestral home of the Jewish people. Historically, Jerusalem had been in ruins since its destruction by the Babylonians, and Nehemiah's desire to return highlights his deep connection to his heritage and his commitment to God's purposes.

where my fathers are buried
This phrase underscores the personal and ancestral significance of Nehemiah's mission. Burial sites were sacred in ancient cultures, representing a connection to one's lineage and identity. Nehemiah's reference to his "fathers" (אָבוֹת, avot) evokes a sense of continuity and responsibility to restore the legacy of his ancestors. It also reflects the biblical theme of honoring one's heritage while seeking God's restoration.

so that I may rebuild it
The word "rebuild" (בָּנָה, banah) is central to Nehemiah's mission. It signifies not only the physical reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls but also the spiritual renewal of the Jewish community. Nehemiah's vision is aligned with God's redemptive plan, as rebuilding the city symbolizes hope, restoration, and the fulfillment of God's promises. This task requires faith, perseverance, and reliance on God's provision, serving as an inspiration for believers to participate in God's work of restoration in their own contexts.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

and answered
וָאֹמַ֣ר (wā·’ō·mar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the king,
לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (lam·me·leḵ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

“If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

it pleases
ט֔וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2895: To be pleasing or good

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

and if
וְאִם־ (wə·’im-)
Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

your servant
עַבְדְּךָ֖ (‘aḇ·də·ḵā)
Noun - masculine singular construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

has found favor
יִיטַ֥ב (yî·ṭaḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

in your sight,
לְפָנֶ֑יךָ (lə·p̄ā·ne·ḵā)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

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

you send me
תִּשְׁלָחֵ֣נִי (tiš·lā·ḥê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

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

Judah,
יְהוּדָ֗ה (yə·hū·ḏāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites

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

the city
עִ֛יר (‘îr)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5892: Excitement

where my fathers
אֲבֹתַ֖י (’ă·ḇō·ṯay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1: Father

are buried,
קִבְר֥וֹת (qiḇ·rō·wṯ)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6913: A grave, sepulcher

so that I may rebuild it.”
וְאֶבְנֶֽנָּה׃ (wə·’eḇ·nen·nāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative if contextual - first person common singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

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OT History: Nehemiah 2:5 I said to the king If it (Neh Ne)