But they and our fathers …: The response of the people to God’s promise and to his provisions for them was rebellion. This verse begins with the Hebrew connective conjunction in a contrasting sense (But). It is followed by an independent third person plural masculine pronoun. The conjunction and should be understood with the meaning “that is.” Our fathers explains further what is meant by the pronoun they. New International Version and New English Bible therefore translate “But they, our forefathers” while Good News Translation simplifies and says only “But our ancestors.”

Acted presumptuously: Ironically, this is the same word translated as “acted insolently” in verse 10 where it was used of the Egyptians. “Grew proud” (Good News Translation) or “became arrogant” (New International Version) is a good current English equivalent.

Stiffened their neck is what oxen do when resisting the guidance of the yoke. This expression is a metaphor meaning to act stubbornly (so Good News Translation, Revised English Bible).

Did not obey thy commandments: The word for obey in both verses 16 and 17 has a basic meaning of “listen” (compare New International Version). It has the implication that those who listen will also obey and do what is ordered. Here the Israelites did not listen to God’s commandments (mitswah), that is, they did not obey God’s commands. New Jerusalem Bible expresses this emphatically: “[they] flouted your commands.” “[They] refused to obey your commands” in Good News Translation is simpler and is a good model to follow.

In some languages each of the three actions in this verse may be portrayed idiomatically; for example, “they made themselves big, they made their livers become hard like stone, and they whitened your words [by not obeying them].”

Quoted with permission from Noss, Philip A. and Thomas, Kenneth J. A Handbook on Nehemiah. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 2005. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .