King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 6:7 Mean?

Nehemiah 6:7 in the King James Version says “And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.”

Nehemiah 6:7 · KJV

Context

5

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;

6

Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words. Gashmu: or, Geshem

7

And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

8

Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.

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.

Read Nehemiah 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.

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 6:7 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 · 18 words
וְגַם1 of 18
H1571

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

נְבִיאִ֡ים2 of 18

“prophets”

H5030

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

הֶֽעֱמַ֣דְתָּ3 of 18

“And thou hast also appointed”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לִקְרֹא֩4 of 18

“to preach”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

עָלֶ֨יךָ5 of 18
H5921

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

בִֽירוּשָׁלִַ֜ם6 of 18

“of thee at Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לֵאמֹ֗ר7 of 18

“saying”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ8 of 18

“There is a king”

H4428

a king

בִּֽיהוּדָ֔ה9 of 18

“in Judah”

H3063

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

וְעַתָּה֙10 of 18
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

יִשָּׁמַ֣ע11 of 18

“and now shall it be reported”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ12 of 18

“There is a king”

H4428

a king

כַּדְּבָרִ֣ים13 of 18

“according to these words”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הָאֵ֑לֶּה14 of 18
H428

these or those

וְעַתָּ֣ה15 of 18
H6258

at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive

לְכָ֔ה16 of 18
H1980

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

וְנִֽוָּעֲצָ֖ה17 of 18

“now therefore and let us take counsel”

H3289

to advise; reflexively, to deliberate or resolve

יַחְדָּֽו׃18 of 18

“together”

H3162

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

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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 26:24-261 Kings 1:252 Samuel 15:10-121 Kings 1:341 Kings 1:18Nehemiah 6:12-13

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Nehemiah 6 →

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