King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 6:10 Mean?

Nehemiah 6:10 in the King James Version says “Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let ... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

Nehemiah 6:10 · KJV


Context

8

Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.

9

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.

10

Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

11

And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.

12

And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.

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. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 6:10 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
  2. What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 27 words
וַֽאֲנִי1 of 27
H589

i

בָּאִ֥ים2 of 27

Afterward I came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בֵּ֨ית3 of 27

in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

שְֽׁמַֽעְיָ֧ה4 of 27

of Shemaiah

H8098

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

בֶּן5 of 27

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

דְּלָיָ֛ה6 of 27

of Delaiah

H1806

delajah, the name of five israelites

בֶּן7 of 27

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

מְהֵֽיטַבְאֵ֖ל8 of 27

of Mehetabeel

H4105

mehetabel, the name of an edomitish man and woman

וְה֣וּא9 of 27
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

עָצ֑וּר10 of 27

who was shut up

H6113

to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble

וַיֹּ֡אמֶר11 of 27

and he said

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נִוָּעֵד֩12 of 27

Let us meet together

H3259

to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi

אֶל13 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

בֵּ֨ית14 of 27

in the house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֜ים15 of 27

of God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֶל16 of 27
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

תּ֣וֹךְ17 of 27

within

H8432

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

הַֽהֵיכָ֔ל18 of 27

of the temple

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

וְנִסְגְּרָה֙19 of 27

and let us shut

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

דַּלְת֣וֹת20 of 27

the doors

H1817

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

הַֽהֵיכָ֔ל21 of 27

of the temple

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

כִּ֚י22 of 27
H3588

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

בָּאִ֥ים23 of 27

Afterward I came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְהָרְגֶֽךָ׃24 of 27

to slay

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

וְלַ֖יְלָה25 of 27

thee yea in the night

H3915

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

בָּאִ֥ים26 of 27

Afterward I came

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לְהָרְגֶֽךָ׃27 of 27

to slay

H2026

to smite with deadly intent


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 6:10 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 6:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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