14 The participle has a desiderative nuance here, describing the desire of the subject and not necessarily the actual outcome. See also v. 14.
15 The statement “So now, strengthen my hands” is frequently understood as an implied prayer, but is taken differently by (“But instead, I now redoubled my efforts”).

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

For they all wanted to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will drop from the work, and it will not be done.” But now, O God, strengthen my hands.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, “Their hands will get too weak for the work, and it will not be completed.”

But I prayed, “Now strengthen my hands.”

CSBChristian Standard Bible

For they were all trying to intimidate us, saying, “They will drop their hands from the work, and it will never be finished.”

But now, my God, strengthen my hands.

NLTNew Living Translation

They were just trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I continued the work with even greater determination.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

for all of them sought to frighten us, saying, “their hands will not do the work.” And now, God, strengthen my hands.

KJV 1900King James Version

For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.

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