King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 6:2 Mean?

Nehemiah 6:2 in the King James Version says “That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of O...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.”

Nehemiah 6:2 · KJV

Context

1

Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)

2

That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

3

And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?

4

Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

Read Nehemiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.

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 6:2 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 · 16 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח1 of 16

“sent”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

סַנְבַלַּ֤ט2 of 16

“That Sanballat”

H5571

sanballat, a persian satrap of samaria

וְגֶ֙שֶׁם֙3 of 16

“and Geshem”

H1654

geshem or gashmu, an arabian

אֵלַ֣י4 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לֵאמֹ֔ר5 of 16

“unto me saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לְכָ֞ה6 of 16
H1980

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

וְנִֽוָּעֲדָ֥ה7 of 16

“let us meet”

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

יַחְדָּ֛ו8 of 16

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

בַּכְּפִירִ֖ים9 of 16

“in some one of the villages”

H3715

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

בְּבִקְעַ֣ת10 of 16

“in the plain”

H1237

properly, a split, i.e., a wide level valley between mountains

אוֹנ֑וֹ11 of 16

“of Ono”

H207

ono, a place in palestine

וְהֵ֙מָּה֙12 of 16
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

חֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים13 of 16

“But they thought”

H2803

properly, to plait or interpenetrate, i.e., (literally) to weave or (generally) to fabricate; figuratively, to plot or contrive (usually in a maliciou

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת14 of 16

“to do”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

לִ֖י15 of 16
H0
רָעָֽה׃16 of 16

“me mischief”

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

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 6:2 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 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Chronicles 8:12Psalms 37:12Nehemiah 11:35Psalms 37:32Proverbs 26:24-26Ezekiel 33:31

Places in This Verse

HakkephirimSettlement · Modern: Kafr Ana · 32.03°N, 34.87°E1 verse across 1 book
OnoSettlement · Modern: Kafr Ana · 32.03°N, 34.87°E5 verses across 3 books
View all places in Nehemiah 6 →

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