Nehemiah 9:31 Meaning and Explanation
“Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Even in exile, for His great mercy's sake, God did not destroy or abandon them, for He is gracious and merciful.
What Does Nehemiah 9:31 Mean?
Even at the lowest point, the prayer clings to mercy. Despite the judgment of exile, God did not 'utterly consume' His people nor forsake them, 'for thou art a gracious and merciful God.'
Judgment never fully extinguishes God's mercy toward His people. He chastened but did not destroy; He scattered but did not abandon. The reason lies not in their worthiness but in His character: He is gracious and merciful. This is the anchor of the whole confession. When everything else has failed, the unchanging mercy of God remains the ground of hope.
Nehemiah 9:31 in the Original Language
rachum (רַחוּם), 'merciful' -- compassionate, tender; a love that pities and spares.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nehemiah 9:31
What does Nehemiah 9:31 mean?
Even in exile, for His great mercy's sake, God did not destroy or abandon them, for He is gracious and merciful.