King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 6:17 Mean?

Nehemiah 6:17 in the King James Version says “Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. sent...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. sent: Heb. multiplied their letters passing to Tobiah”

Nehemiah 6:17 · KJV

Context

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.

17

Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. sent: Heb. multiplied their letters passing to Tobiah

18

For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.

19

Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear. words: or, matters

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.

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 6:17 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 · 14 words
גַּ֣ם׀1 of 14
H1571

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

בַּיָּמִ֣ים2 of 14

“Moreover in those days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֗ם3 of 14
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מַרְבִּ֞ים4 of 14

“many”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

חֹרֵ֤י5 of 14

“the nobles”

H2715

properly, white or pure (from the cleansing or shining power of fire; hence (figuratively) noble (in rank)

יְהוּדָה֙6 of 14

“of Judah”

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אִגְּרֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם7 of 14

“letters”

H107

an epistle

הֽוֹלְכ֖וֹת8 of 14

“sent”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

עַל9 of 14
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

לְטֽוֹבִיָּ֖ה10 of 14

“and the letters of Tobiah”

H2900

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר11 of 14
H834

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

לְטֽוֹבִיָּ֖ה12 of 14

“and the letters of Tobiah”

H2900

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

בָּא֥וֹת13 of 14

“came”

H935

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

אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃14 of 14
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

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 6:17 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 6:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Matthew 24:10-12Nehemiah 5:7Micah 7:1-6Nehemiah 3:5Nehemiah 13:28

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