NET Bible
"who were rebuilding the wall. Those who were carrying loads did so by keeping one hand on the work and the other on their weapon."
— Nehemiah 4:17, NET Bible
“They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.”
“They that builded the wall and they that bare burdens laded themselves; every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other held his weapon; ”
“They all built the wall and those who bore burdens loaded themselves; everyone with one of his hands worked in the work, and with the other held his weapon;”
“Of them that built on the wall and that carried burdens, and that laded: with one of his hands he did the work, and with the other he held a sword.”
“Those who were building the wall and those who were moving material did their part, everyone working with one hand, with his spear in the other;”
“They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.”
When I had made an inspection, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people,“Don’t be afraid of them. Remember the great and awesome Lord, and fight on behalf of your brothers, your sons, your daughters, your wives, and your families!”
It so happened that when our adversaries heard that we were aware of these matters, God frustrated their intentions. Then all of us returned to the wall, each to his own work.
From that day forward, half of my men were doing the work and half of them were taking up spears, shields, bows, and body armor. Now the officers were behind all the people of Judah
who were rebuilding the wall. Those who were carrying loads did so by keeping one hand on the work and the other on their weapon.
The builders to a man had their swords strapped to their sides while they were building. But the trumpeter remained with me.
I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people,“The work is demanding and extensive, and we are spread out on the wall, far removed from one another.
Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, gather there with us. Our God will fight for us!”