King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 6:11 Mean?

Nehemiah 6:11 in the King James Version says “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 lif...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 6:11 · KJV

Salvation

Context

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.

13

Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

Read Nehemiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 6:11 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 · 13 words
וָאֹֽמְרָ֗ה1 of 13

“And I said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַאִ֤ישׁ2 of 13

“a man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

כָמ֛וֹנִי3 of 13

“Should such”

H3644

as, thus, so

יִבְרָ֔ח4 of 13

“as I flee”

H1272

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

וּמִ֥י5 of 13
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

כָמ֛וֹנִי6 of 13

“Should such”

H3644

as, thus, so

אֲשֶׁר7 of 13
H834

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

אָבֽוֹא׃8 of 13

“I will not go in”

H935

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

אֶל9 of 13
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַֽהֵיכָ֖ל10 of 13

“into the temple”

H1964

a large public building, such as a palace or temple

וָחָ֑י11 of 13

“to save his life”

H2425

to live; causatively to revive

לֹ֖א12 of 13
H3808

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

אָבֽוֹא׃13 of 13

“I will not go in”

H935

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

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 6:11 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 6:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 11:1-2Acts 21:13Proverbs 28:1Luke 13:31-33Psalms 112:6Acts 20:24

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