Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing, their clothes did not wear out nor did their feet become swollen. New Living Translation For forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell! English Standard Version Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. Berean Standard Bible For forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. Berean Literal Bible And forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; they did not lack. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell. King James Bible Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not. New King James Version Forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; They lacked nothing; Their clothes did not wear out And their feet did not swell. New American Standard Bible “Indeed, for forty years You provided for them in the wilderness and they were not lacking; Their clothes did not wear out, nor did their feet swell up. NASB 1995 “Indeed, forty years You provided for them in the wilderness and they were not in want; Their clothes did not wear out, nor did their feet swell. NASB 1977 “Indeed, forty years Thou didst provide for them in the wilderness and they were not in want; Their clothes did not wear out, nor did their feet swell. Legacy Standard Bible Indeed, forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, and they did not lack; Their clothes did not wear out, nor did their feet swell. Amplified Bible “Indeed, for forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; they lacked nothing, Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell. Berean Annotated Bible For forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. Christian Standard Bible You provided for them in the wilderness forty years, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell. Holman Christian Standard Bible You provided for them in the wilderness 40 years and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell. American Standard Version Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not. Contemporary English Version You took good care of them, and for forty years they never lacked a thing. Their clothes didn't wear out, and their feet were never swollen. English Revised Version Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not. GOD'S WORD® Translation You provided for them in the desert for 40 years, and they had everything they needed. Their clothes didn't wear out, and their feet didn't swell. Good News Translation Through forty years in the desert you provided all that they needed; their clothing never wore out, and their feet were not swollen with pain. International Standard Version You sustained them in the wilderness for 40 years. They lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell. NET Bible For forty years you sustained them. Even in the desert they never lacked anything. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. New Heart English Bible "Yes, forty years you sustained them in the wilderness. They lacked nothing. Their clothes did not grow old, and their feet did not swell. Webster's Bible Translation Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes grew not old, and their feet swelled not. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. World English Bible “Yes, forty years you sustained them in the wilderness. They lacked nothing. Their clothes didn’t grow old, and their feet didn’t swell. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd forty years You have nourished them in a wilderness; They have not lacked; Their garments have not worn out, "" And their feet have not swelled. Berean Literal Bible And forty years You sustained them in the wilderness; they did not lack. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell. Young's Literal Translation and forty years Thou hast nourished them in a wilderness; they have not lacked; their garments have not worn out, and their feet have not swelled. Smith's Literal Translation And forty years thou didst nourish them in the desert; they wanted not; their garments fell not away, and their feet swelled not. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleForty years didst thou feed them in the desert, and nothing was wanting to them: their garments did not grow old, and their feet were not worn. Catholic Public Domain Version For forty years, you fed them in the desert, and nothing was lacking to them; their garments did not grow old, and their feet were not worn down. New American Bible Forty years in the desert you sustained them: they did not want; Their garments did not become worn, and their feet did not swell. New Revised Standard Version Forty years you sustained them in the wilderness so that they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleYea, for forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing; their clothes did not wear out, and their shoes had no holes in them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And for forty years you withheld nothing from them in the wilderness; their garments were not worn out and their shoes were not broken up. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Yea, forty years didst Thou sustain them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not. Brenton Septuagint Translation And thou didst sustain them forty years in the wilderness; thou didst not allow anything to fail them: their garments did not wax old, and their feet were not bruised. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The People Confess Their Sins…20You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst. 21For forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell. 22You gave them kingdoms and peoples and allotted to them every corner of the land. So they took the land of Sihon king of Heshbon and of Og king of Bashan.… Cross References For forty years Exodus 16:35 The Israelites ate manna forty years, until they came to a land where they could settle; they ate manna until they reached the border of Canaan. Deuteronomy 8:2 Remember that these forty years the LORD your God led you all the way in the wilderness, so that He might humble you and test you in order to know what was in your heart, whether or not you would keep His commandments. Psalm 95:10 For forty years I was angry with that generation, and I said, “They are a people whose hearts go astray, and they have not known My ways.” You sustained them in the wilderness, Deuteronomy 1:31 and in the wilderness, where the LORD your God carried you, as a man carries his son, all the way by which you traveled until you reached this place.” Psalm 78:52 He led out His people like sheep and guided them like a flock in the wilderness. Psalm 105:39 He spread a cloud as a covering and a fire to light up the night. so that they lacked nothing. Deuteronomy 2:7 Indeed, the LORD your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast wilderness. The LORD your God has been with you these forty years, and you have lacked nothing. Deuteronomy 8:3 He humbled you, and in your hunger He gave you manna to eat, which neither you nor your fathers had known, so that you might understand that man does not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. Psalm 34:10 Young lions go lacking and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Their clothes did not wear out Deuteronomy 29:5 For forty years I led you in the wilderness, yet your clothes and sandals did not wear out. Matthew 6:28-30 And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the lilies of the field grow: They do not labor or spin. / Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was adorned like one of these. / If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Luke 12:28 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith! and their feet did not swell. Deuteronomy 8:4 Your clothing did not wear out and your feet did not swell during these forty years. Psalm 121:3 He will not allow your foot to slip; your Protector will not slumber. Psalm 91:12 They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. Psalm 78:24-25 He rained down manna for them to eat; He gave them grain from heaven. / Man ate the bread of angels; He sent them food in abundance. Treasury of Scripture Yes, forty years did you sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not. forty Exodus 16:35 And the children of Israel did eat manna forty years, until they came to a land inhabited; they did eat manna, until they came unto the borders of the land of Canaan. Numbers 14:33,34 And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years, and bear your whoredoms, until your carcases be wasted in the wilderness… Deuteronomy 2:7 For the LORD thy God hath blessed thee in all the works of thy hand: he knoweth thy walking through this great wilderness: these forty years the LORD thy God hath been with thee; thou hast lacked nothing. their Deuteronomy 8:4 Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Deuteronomy 29:5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness: your clothes are not waxen old upon you, and thy shoe is not waxen old upon thy foot. Psalm 34:10 The young lions do lack, and suffer hunger: but they that seek the LORD shall not want any good thing. Jump to Previous Clothes Clothing Desert Feet Forty Garments Grew Grow Indeed Lacked Need Nourished Provided Support Sustain Sustained Swell Swelled Swollen Want Waste Waxed Wear Wilderness WornJump to Next Clothes Clothing Desert Feet Forty Garments Grew Grow Indeed Lacked Need Nourished Provided Support Sustain Sustained Swell Swelled Swollen Want Waste Waxed Wear Wilderness WornNehemiah 9 1. A solemn fast, and repentance of the people4. The Levites make a confession of God's goodness, and their wickedness For forty years The period of forty years is significant in biblical history, often symbolizing a time of testing, trial, and preparation. This duration reflects the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land, a time when God was shaping and refining His people. The number forty appears in other contexts, such as Moses' time on Mount Sinai and Jesus' fasting in the wilderness, indicating a period of divine purpose and transformation. You sustained them in the wilderness so that they lacked nothing Their clothes did not wear out and their feet did not swell Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahA Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people. He is the central figure in the book of Nehemiah. 2. Israelites The people of God who were delivered from slavery in Egypt and wandered in the wilderness for forty years due to their disobedience and lack of faith. 3. Wilderness The desert region where the Israelites wandered for forty years. It symbolizes both a place of testing and divine provision. 4. God's Provision The miraculous sustenance provided by God to the Israelites during their wilderness journey, including manna, quail, and water from the rock. 5. The Covenant The agreement between God and the Israelites, which included promises of blessing for obedience and consequences for disobedience. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in ProvisionGod is faithful to provide for His people, even in the most challenging circumstances. Just as He provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, He will meet our needs today. Trust in God's Sustenance The Israelites' experience teaches us to trust in God's provision and timing. We are called to rely on Him rather than our own understanding or resources. The Importance of Gratitude Recognizing God's provision should lead us to a heart of gratitude. We should regularly thank God for His faithfulness and care in our lives. Spiritual Lessons from the Wilderness The wilderness experience was a time of testing and growth for the Israelites. Similarly, our own "wilderness" experiences can be opportunities for spiritual development and deeper reliance on God. The Unchanging Nature of God God's character and promises remain constant. The same God who provided for the Israelites is with us today, offering His guidance and provision. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 9:21?2. How does Nehemiah 9:21 demonstrate God's provision during Israel's wilderness journey? 3. What lessons on faithfulness can we learn from Nehemiah 9:21? 4. How does God's provision in Nehemiah 9:21 connect to Matthew 6:31-33? 5. How can we apply God's sustaining care in Nehemiah 9:21 to our lives? 6. What does Nehemiah 9:21 teach about God's character and His promises? 7. How does Nehemiah 9:21 demonstrate God's provision during the Israelites' wilderness journey? 8. What historical evidence supports the events described in Nehemiah 9:21? 9. How does Nehemiah 9:21 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 9? 11. Deuteronomy 8:4 – Is it believable, from a physical standpoint, that clothing and footwear remained intact for four decades? 12. (Deut 29:5) How could clothing and sandals remain intact for 40 years in the wilderness without decaying? 13. In Joshua 14:10–11, how can an 85-year-old Caleb realistically maintain the same physical strength he had at 40? 14. Nehemiah 9:21 says the Israelites lacked nothing during 40 years in the wilderness; where is the archaeological evidence that millions of people could survive so long in such harsh conditions? What Does Nehemiah 9:21 Mean For forty years- The duration signals God’s long-term faithfulness, not a momentary rescue. - Cross references: Numbers 14:33-34 highlights the forty-year judgment; Acts 7:36 recalls the same span when recounting Israel’s story. You sustained them in the wilderness - In a barren place, survival depended entirely on the Lord’s daily intervention. - He gave manna each dawn (Exodus 16:35), water from the rock (Numbers 20:11), and guiding cloud and fire (Nehemiah 9:12). - The verse credits God alone—“You sustained,” stressing His active care. So that they lacked nothing - Material, physical, and spiritual needs were fully met. • Food (Exodus 16:18) • Water (Psalm 78:15-16) • Guidance and law (Deuteronomy 29:5-6) - Psalm 34:10 echoes the theme: “those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.” Their clothes did not wear out - Garments endured four decades of desert heat and sand without fraying—an everyday miracle. - Deuteronomy 8:4 testifies, “Your clothing did not wear out on you.” - This preservation underscored God’s covenant faithfulness in the mundane details of life. And their feet did not swell - No edema or crippling blisters despite constant travel—proof of divine health care. - Deuteronomy 29:5: “Your sandals have not worn out, nor have your feet swollen.” - Even physical frailty was held in check so the nation could move forward in obedience. summary Nehemiah 9:21 celebrates a God who shepherds His people through long seasons, providing food, water, clothing, health, and direction so completely that they “lacked nothing.” The verse invites confidence that the Lord who sustained Israel in the wilderness still meets every need of those who trust Him today. Hebrew For fortyוְאַרְבָּעִ֥ים (wə·’ar·bā·‘îm) Conjunctive waw | Number - common plural Strong's 705: Forty years שָׁנָ֛ה (šā·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 8141: A year You sustained them כִּלְכַּלְתָּ֥ם (kil·kal·tām) Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural Strong's 3557: To keep in, to measure, to maintain in the wilderness, בַּמִּדְבָּ֖ר (bam·miḏ·bār) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4057: A pasture, a desert, speech [so that] they lacked חָסֵ֑רוּ (ḥā·sê·rū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 2637: To lack, need, be lacking, decrease nothing. לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no Their clothes שַׂלְמֹֽתֵיהֶם֙ (śal·mō·ṯê·hem) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 8008: A wrapper, mantle did not לֹ֣א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no wear out, בָל֔וּ (ḇā·lū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1086: To fail, to wear out, decay and their feet וְרַגְלֵיהֶ֖ם (wə·raḡ·lê·hem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - fdc | third person masculine plural Strong's 7272: A foot, a step, the pudenda did not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no swell. בָצֵֽקוּ׃ (ḇā·ṣê·qū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 1216: To swell up, blister Links Nehemiah 9:21 NIVNehemiah 9:21 NLT Nehemiah 9:21 ESV Nehemiah 9:21 NASB Nehemiah 9:21 KJV Nehemiah 9:21 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 9:21 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 9:21 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 9:21 French Bible Nehemiah 9:21 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 9:21 Yes forty years did you sustain them (Neh Ne) |
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