Nehemiah 4:17

They which builded on the wall R.V. They that builded the wall. The Hebrew preposition rendered -on" in the A.V. occurs also e.g. in Nehemiah 4:6, -So we built the wall," and merely expresses the object.

(a) These words are sometimes taken in conjunction with the conclusion of the previous verse (R.V. marg.), on account of the mention of them -that builded the wall" in connexion with them -that bare burdens;" whereas Nehemiah 4:18 seems to speak of -the builders" as a different class from them -that bare burdens."

(b) Another explanation takes the first words of this verse as a nominative absolute, standing before the two Nehemiah 4:17-18 which relate respectively to the two classes into which the wall builders would be distributed, i.e. -As for them that builded the wall, as well they that bare burdens, laded themselves &c. (18) as the builders".

(c) The R.V. renders the words quite simply. It makes Nehemiah 4:17 refer both to the builders and to the burden bearers, Nehemiah 4:18 to the builders only. -They that builded on the wall" are then further defined in Nehemiah 4:17 as -they that bare burdens." -The builders" in Nehemiah 4:18, mentioned without further definition, must be limited to those occupied in the construction of the wall.

This makes very good sense. But the language is not without ambiguity, for which it is probable that the text is really accountable.

and they that bare burdens See previous note. These words describe one class of workmen, distinguishing those who removed rubbish and carried material, stones, &c., from those occupied in the construction. If we take into account the enormous size of the stones used in the building of the ancient walls, and bear in mind the Assyrian representations of the moving of heavy weights by rollers, pulleys, mounds, &c., we may realize that the moving of the blocks and placing them in siturequired a distinct class of workmen from those who removed the earth and the rubbish to prepare foundations, or constructed the mounds up which the stones could be drawn. This latter class is here indicated.

with those that laded R.V. laded themselves. The word in the Hebrew is the predicate. It does not denote a third class of workmen.

every one … and with the otherhand held a weapon R.V. every one … and with the other held his weapon. This clause shows that the work men here mentioned had one hand free. They were probably employed in carrying baskets of rubbish over their backs or on their heads.

a weapon The word here employed is not common. It denotes -a missile," and in this case was probably a light javelin.