Nehemiah 2:2-3 Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem

2 so the king asked me, “Why does your face look so sad when you are not ill? This can be nothing but sadness of heart.”
I was very much afraid,

3 but I said to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should my face not look sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?”

Read the full chapter Nehemiah 2

Meaning of Nehemiah 2:2-3

Nehemiah 2:2 reveals the deep emotional burden Nehemiah carries for Jerusalem. It shows that genuine concern for God's work can visibly affect our countenance. His courage to express this sorrow before a foreign king highlights the importance of carrying God-given missions with transparency and earnestness.

Cross References for Nehemiah 2:2-3

Genesis 40:7 - So he asked Pharaoh’s officials who were in custody with him in his master’s house, “Why are yo... Click to read the verse Genesis 40:7 Click to read the verse Genesis 40:7

1 Kings 21:5 - His wife Jezebel came in and asked him, “Why are you so sullen? Why won’t you eat?” Click to read the verse 1 Kings 21:5 Click to read the verse 1 Kings 21:5

Nehemiah 7:7 - in company with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mi... Click to read the verse Nehemiah 7:7 Click to read the verse Nehemiah 7:7

Proverbs 15:13 - A happy heart makes the face cheerful, but heartache crushes the spirit. Click to read the verse Proverbs 15:13 Click to read the verse Proverbs 15:13

Psalms 13:2 - How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? How long will m... Click to read the verse Psalms 13:2 Click to read the verse Psalms 13:2