Definition: For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Nehemiah 6:9. It’s a really important and powerful passage about God’s blessing and our responsibility to Him. Here’s the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is about God wanting to help us do his work – something that requires effort, skill, and dedication – and He wants to strengthen us to do it well. It's a plea for God’s guidance and support. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “For they all made us afraid…” - This suggests that people, maybe even others around us, were feeling uneasy or worried about the work we were doing. They might have felt like it was too difficult, or that we weren’t capable enough. It’s a sense of potential challenge. “…saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work…” - This is the core of the message. It means that the work itself – the effort and labor involved – was causing us to feel tired, weak, or unable to continue. Like muscles getting fatigued. “That it be not done.” - This emphasizes that we shouldn't stop working! We’re meant to carry on with our tasks. “Now therefore, [O God], strengthen my hands.” – This is the plea. We are asking for God’s help and strength to continue. It’s a direct request for divine assistance. What does this mean practically? It means that we shouldn’t give up! Even when things feel hard, or we're tired, it’s important to trust in God and ask for His guidance. We need to be willing to continue working towards our goals because God wants us to succeed. It highlights the idea of relying on Him as a partner in our efforts. In essence, this verse is a reminder that God empowers us through our work, and we should embrace that empowerment. --- To help me explain it even better for you, could you tell me: What’s the context of this verse? (e.g., are you reading it in a specific Bible study or are you trying to understand it more generally?) Are there any particular aspects of this verse that you'd like me to elaborate on?