King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 6:14 Mean?

Nehemiah 6:14 in the King James Version says “My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.”

Nehemiah 6:14 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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.

14

My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

15

So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.

16

And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

Read Nehemiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

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 6:14 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 · 15 words
זָכְרָ֧ה1 of 15

“think”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֱלֹהַ֛י2 of 15

“My 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

לְטֽוֹבִיָּ֥ה3 of 15

“thou upon Tobiah”

H2900

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

וּלְסַנְבַלַּ֖ט4 of 15

“and Sanballat”

H5571

sanballat, a persian satrap of samaria

כְּמַֽעֲשָׂ֣יו5 of 15

“according to these their works”

H4639

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֵ֑לֶּה6 of 15
H428

these or those

וְגַ֨ם7 of 15
H1571

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

לְנֽוֹעַדְיָ֤ה8 of 15

“Noadiah”

H5129

noadjah, the name of an israelite, and a false prophetess

הַנְּבִיאָה֙9 of 15

“and on the prophetess”

H5031

a prophetess or (generally) inspired woman; by implication, a poetess; by association a prophet's wife

וּלְיֶ֣תֶר10 of 15

“and the rest”

H3499

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

הַנְּבִיאִ֔ים11 of 15

“of the prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

אֲשֶׁ֥ר12 of 15
H834

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

הָי֖וּ13 of 15
H1961

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

מְיָֽרְאִ֥ים14 of 15

“that would have put me in fear”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

אוֹתִֽי׃15 of 15
H853

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

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 6:14 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 6:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 13:292 Timothy 4:14-15Jeremiah 14:15Matthew 24:24Isaiah 9:14-15Jeremiah 28:10

Test Your Knowledge

Nehemiah 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNehemiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nehemiah 6 with CommentaryAll Nehemiah ChaptersComplete Nehemiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes