King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 6:18 Mean?

Nehemiah 6:18 in the King James Version says “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 Jo...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 6:18 · KJV

Context

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

Read Nehemiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 6:18 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 · 20 words
כִּֽי1 of 20
H3588

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

רַבִּ֣ים2 of 20

“For there were many”

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

בִּֽיהוּדָ֗ה3 of 20

“in Judah”

H3063

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

בַּֽעֲלֵ֤י4 of 20

“sworn”

H1167

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

שְׁבוּעָה֙5 of 20
H7621

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

ל֔וֹ6 of 20
H0
כִּֽי7 of 20
H3588

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

חָתָ֥ן8 of 20

“unto him because he was the son in law”

H2860

a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)

ה֖וּא9 of 20
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

לִשְׁכַנְיָ֣ה10 of 20

“of Shechaniah”

H7935

shekanjah, the name of nine israelites

בֶּ֥ן11 of 20

“and his 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

אָרַ֑ח12 of 20

“of Arah”

H733

arach, the name of three israelites

וִֽיהוֹחָנָ֣ן13 of 20

“Johanan”

H3076

jehochanan, the name of eight israelites

בֶּ֥ן14 of 20

“and his 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

לָקַ֕ח15 of 20

“had taken”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

אֶת16 of 20
H853

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

בַּת17 of 20

“the daughter”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם18 of 20

“of Meshullam”

H4918

meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites

בֶּ֥ן19 of 20

“and his 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

בֶּֽרֶכְיָֽה׃20 of 20

“of Berechiah”

H1296

berekjah, the name of six israelites

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 6:18 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 6:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 2:5Nehemiah 7:10Nehemiah 3:4Nehemiah 3:30

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