18 and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked. But the man who sounded the trumpet stayed with me.

Other Translations of Nehemiah 4:18

King James Version

18 For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, by his side: Heb. on his loins and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.

English Standard Version

18 And each of the builders had his sword strapped at his side while he built. The man who sounded the trumpet was beside me.

The Message

18 Each of the builders had a sword strapped to his side as he worked. I kept the trumpeter at my side to sound the alert.

New King James Version

18 Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me.

New Living Translation

18 All the builders had a sword belted to their side. The trumpeter stayed with me to sound the alarm.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:18

Commentary on Nehemiah 4:16-23

(Read Nehemiah 4:16-23)

We must watch always against spiritual enemies, and not expect that our warfare will be over till our work is ended. The word of God is the sword of the Spirit, which we ought to have always at hand, and never to have to seek for it, either in our labours, or in our conflicts, as Christians. Every true Christian is both a labourer and a soldier, working with one hand, and fighting with the other. Good work is likely to go on with success, when those who labour in it, make a business of it. And Satan fears to assault the watchful Christian; or, if attacked, the Lord fights for him. Thus must we wait to the close of life, never putting off our armour till our work and warfare are ended; then we shall be welcomed to the rest and joy of our Lord.