King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 6:1 Mean?

Nehemiah 6:1 in the King James Version says “Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had b...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)”

Nehemiah 6:1 · KJV

Context

1

Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

2

That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

3

And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

Read Nehemiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

This verse within Nehemiah 6 addresses themes of deception, completing the work, steadfastness, discernment. Enemies shift tactics from open opposition to subtle deception, requiring spiritual discernment to complete the wall in 52 days. The construction work (banah, בָּנָה) symbolizes restoring what sin and judgment destroyed. Jerusalem's wall (chomah, חוֹמָה) provided security, dignity, and testimony to God's faithfulness. City gates were strategic both defensively and administratively, controlling access and serving as centers of commerce and justice. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The 52-day wall completion represents remarkable achievement given opposition and limited resources. Excavations have confirmed portions of Nehemiah's wall and various gates mentioned in the text. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Nehemiah 6:1 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific contribution can you make to building up Christ's church in your local community?
  3. How does understanding your work as part of God's larger purposes transform your approach to daily responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
וַיְהִ֣י1 of 25
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִשְׁמַ֣ע3 of 25

“heard”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לְסַנְבַלַּ֣ט4 of 25

“Now it came to pass when Sanballat”

H5571

sanballat, a persian satrap of samaria

וְ֠טֽוֹבִיָּה5 of 25

“and Tobiah”

H2900

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

וּלְגֶ֨שֶׁם6 of 25

“and Geshem”

H1654

geshem or gashmu, an arabian

הָֽעַרְבִ֜י7 of 25

“the Arabian”

H6163

an arabian or inhabitant of arab (i.e., arabia)

וּלְיֶ֣תֶר8 of 25

“and the rest”

H3499

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

אֹֽיְבֵ֗ינוּ9 of 25

“of our enemies”

H341

hating; an adversary

כִּ֤י10 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בָנִ֙יתִי֙11 of 25

“that I had builded”

H1129

to build (literally and figuratively)

אֶת12 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַ֣חוֹמָ֔ה13 of 25

“the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

וְלֹא14 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נ֥וֹתַר15 of 25

“left”

H3498

to jut over or exceed; by implication, to excel; (intransitively) to remain or be left; causatively to leave, cause to abound, preserve

בָּ֖הּ16 of 25
H0
פָּ֑רֶץ17 of 25

“and that there was no breach”

H6556

a break (literally or figuratively)

גַּ֚ם18 of 25

“therein (though”

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

עַד19 of 25
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

הָעֵ֣ת20 of 25

“at that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֔יא21 of 25
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

דְּלָת֖וֹת22 of 25

“the doors”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

לֹֽא23 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הֶעֱמַ֥דְתִּי24 of 25

“I had not set up”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

בַשְּׁעָרִֽים׃25 of 25

“upon the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 6:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 6:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 2:19Nehemiah 2:10Nehemiah 4:1Nehemiah 4:6-7Nehemiah 3:1Nehemiah 3:3

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