Nehemiah 4:3
Nehemiah 4:3 in Multiple Translations
Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they are building, if a fox go up, he shall break down their stone wall.
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Such is their building that if a fox goes up it, their stone wall will be broken down.
Tobiah the Ammonite, standing beside him, commented, “Even a fox walking on what they're building would knock down their wall of stones!”
And Tobiah the Ammonite was beside him, and said, Although they buylde, yet if a foxe goe vp, he shall euen breake downe their stonie wall.
And Tobiah the Ammonite [is] by him and saith, 'Also, that which they are building — if a fox doth go up, then it hath broken down their stone wall.'
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, “What they are building, if a fox climbed up it, he would break down their stone wall.”
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox should go up, he would even break down their stone wall.
Tobias also the Ammonite who was by him said: Let them build: if a fox go up, he will leap over their stone wall.
Tobiah was standing beside Sanballat. He said, “That stone wall that they are building is very weak; so if even a fox climbed up on it, the wall would fall down!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 4:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Nehemiah 4:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/נִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
אֶל
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
וַ/נַּעֲמִ֨יד
מִשְׁמָ֧ר
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
יוֹמָ֥ם
וָ/לַ֖יְלָה
מִ/פְּנֵי/הֶֽם
וַ/נִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
pâlal
H6419
to pray
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-1cp
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
וַ/נַּעֲמִ֨יד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cp
מִשְׁמָ֧ר
mishmâr
H4929
custody
N-ms
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
יוֹמָ֥ם
yôwmâm
H3119
by day
Adv
וָ/לַ֖יְלָה
layil
H3915
night
Conj | N-ms
מִ/פְּנֵי/הֶֽם
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 4:3
וַ/נִּתְפַּלֵּ֖ל
pâlal
H6419
"to pray"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-1cp
To pray or intercede, as seen in the Bible when people like Moses and David prayed to God for guidance and help, often using this Hebrew word to describe their actions.
Definition: 1) to intervene, interpose, pray 1a) (Piel) to mediate, judge 1b)(Hithpael) 1b1) to intercede 1b2) to pray
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: intreat, judge(-ment), (make) pray(-er, -ing), make supplication. See also: Genesis 20:7; 2 Chronicles 6:34; Psalms 5:3.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וַ/נַּעֲמִ֨יד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
מִשְׁמָ֧ר
mishmâr
H4929
"custody"
N-ms
Mishmar refers to a place of confinement or a guard. It can be a prison, guard post, or a watch, and is about keeping something or someone safe.
Definition: 1) place of confinement, prison, guard, jail, guard post, watch, observance 1a) jail, prison, guard-house 1b) guard, guard post, act of guarding 1c) observances
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: diligence, guard, office, prison, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 40:3; Nehemiah 4:16; Proverbs 4:23.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֛ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
יוֹמָ֥ם
yôwmâm
H3119
"by day"
Adv
The word 'yomam' means 'by day' or 'daily', and is used in the Bible to describe actions or events that happen during the daytime. It can also refer to the daytime itself, as opposed to the nighttime. This word is used to emphasize the daily nature of certain activities or routines.
Definition: adv 1) by day, in the daytime subst 2) daytime
Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: daily, (by, in the) day(-time). See also: Exodus 13:21; Psalms 32:4; Psalms 1:2.
וָ/לַ֖יְלָה
layil
H3915
"night"
Conj | N-ms
Night refers to the time of darkness, opposed to day, and can also symbolize adversity or hardship. It is a period of rest, but also of potential danger or uncertainty.
Definition: 1) night 1a) night (as opposed to day) 1b) of gloom, protective shadow (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: (mid-)night (season). See also: Genesis 1:5; 2 Samuel 17:16; Psalms 1:2.
מִ/פְּנֵי/הֶֽם
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 4:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 4:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:3
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:3
- Sermons on Nehemiah 4:3
Context — The Work Ridiculed
1Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews
2before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?”
3Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”
4Hear us, O God, for we are despised. Turn their scorn back upon their own heads, and let them be taken as plunder to a land of captivity. 5Do not cover up their iniquity or let their sin be blotted out from Your sight, for they have provoked the builders.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 2:19 | But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” |
| 2 | 1 Kings 20:10 | Then Ben-hadad sent another message to Ahab: “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if enough dust remains of Samaria for each of my men to have a handful.” |
| 3 | Nehemiah 2:10 | But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites. |
| 4 | 2 Kings 18:23 | Now, therefore, make a bargain with my master, the king of Assyria. I will give you two thousand horses—if you can put riders on them! |
| 5 | 1 Kings 20:18 | “If they have marched out in peace,” he said, “take them alive. Even if they have marched out for war, take them alive.” |
| 6 | Lamentations 5:18 | because of Mount Zion, which lies desolate, patrolled by foxes. |
| 7 | Nehemiah 6:1 | When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates— |
Nehemiah 4:3 Summary
[Nehemiah 4:3 shows us that when we try to do something for God, there will often be people who ridicule or mock us, like Tobiah did when he said that even a fox could break down the wall the Israelites were building. This kind of opposition can be discouraging, but as Romans 8:31 reminds us, if God is for us, who can be against us? We can trust in God's power and sovereignty, even when faced with challenges or criticism, and remember that our work is not in vain, as seen in 1 Corinthians 15:58. By keeping our eyes fixed on God and His promises, we can persevere and stay focused on the task at hand, just like the Israelites did in Nehemiah 4:6.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Tobiah's statement in Nehemiah 4:3?
Tobiah's statement is an example of ridicule and mockery, similar to what we see in Psalm 1:1, where the blessed man does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, and in 2 Corinthians 10:5, where we are to take every thought captive to obey Christ.
Why did Tobiah use the example of a fox to describe the fragility of the wall?
The use of a fox as an example emphasizes the perceived weakness of the wall, much like the way Jesus used parables, such as in Luke 13:32, to convey a message in a relatable way.
How should we respond to ridicule and mockery, as seen in Nehemiah 4:3?
As believers, we should respond with prayer, as seen in Nehemiah 4:4-5, and trust in God's sovereignty, as expressed in Romans 8:28, where we are told that all things work together for good to those who love God.
What can we learn from Tobiah's character in this verse?
Tobiah's character reveals a heart of opposition to God's work, similar to what we see in Acts 4:28, where the Jewish leaders opposed the apostles, and serves as a reminder to examine our own hearts and motivations, as in 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with ridicule or mockery for my faith, and what can I learn from the example of Nehemiah and the Israelites?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when faced with opposition or challenging circumstances, as seen in Nehemiah 4:3?
- How can I apply the principle of taking every thought captive to obey Christ, as seen in 2 Corinthians 10:5, to my own life and circumstances?
- What are some ways that I can build myself up in the faith, despite the presence of naysayers or critics, as seen in Jude 1:20-21?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:3
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him,.... Who was one of his brethren he spake before, Ne 4:2, and he said; in the like contemptuous and scoffing manner; even that which they build, if a fox go up, he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:3
Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:3
He mentions the foxes, because they were very numerous in those parts, and because in the late desolations the foxes did walk in the mount and city of Zion, , wherewith he seems to upbraid them. He shall even break down their stone wall: it is so low, that a fox can easily get to the top of it; and so weak, and done so hastily and carelessly, that the least thrust will tumble it down.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:3
Nehemiah 4:3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite [was] by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.Ver. 3. Now Tobiah the Ammonite] This was one of Sanballat’ s good brethren, Nehemiah 4:2. A bird of the same feather, a loaf of the same leaven, his fellow scoffer, and so homine peior, saith Chrysostom, worse than a man; as the scoffed that beareth it well, is Angelis par, saith he, an angel’ s peer. Even that which they build, if a fox go up, &c.] It was some such bitter jeer that Remus uttered in contempt of Romulus’ s new wall, and was knocked on the head for it. Hae sannae leniter volant, non leniter violant.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:3
3. Even that which they build &c.] Whatever they are trying to build. a fox] R.V. marg. ‘Or, jackal’. The light tread of some creeping animal was enough to bring down their weak wall stone though it was. The ‘shuâl’ or fox is elsewhere mentioned in Judges 15:4; Psalms 63:10; Ezekiel 13:4; Lamentations 5:18; Son 2:15. In the passages from Ps., Ez., Lam., it is spoken of in connexion with ruined places. The R.V. margin gives the alternative, ‘jackal’ in each case, except in Ezek. and Cant., where the slyness of the animal (cf. Luke 13:32) shows that the fox is clearly intended. The Hebrew language probably does not distinguish between the ‘jackal’ and the ‘fox.’ Perhaps the allusion in Canticles to the depredations committed by foxes in a vineyard throws light upon Tobiah’s sneer. A fox, he seems to say, would have as little difficulty in breaking through the wall of Jerusalem as through a vineyard fence. break down] Vulg. transiliet.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:3
3. Tobiah — See on Nehemiah 2:10. If a fox go up — Thus Tobiah adds derision and contempt to Sanballat’s pitying scorn.
Sermons on Nehemiah 4:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Makes a Man of God by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dedication and hard work of mechanics who work tirelessly for a meager wage, contrasting it with the lack of commitment shown by some Chr |
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Rubbish by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon on Nehemiah chapter 4, the preacher begins by expressing his delight in studying and meditating on this chapter. He highlights the opposition faced by Nehemiah and t |
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Bristol Conference 1975-13 Nehemiah - His Progress by Stan Ford | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the book of Nehemiah and the challenges faced by the people in building for God. The sermon highlights the pain and difficulties encountered |
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Nehemiah 4 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the various forms of opposition that arise when undertaking God's work, as illustrated in Nehemiah 4. He emphasizes that ridicule, anger, discouragement, lure |
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Nehemiah, Esther by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Nehemiah and the importance of having a burden for God's work. He emphasizes the need for one person who is not discouraged by o |
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The Sword and the Trowel by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Nehemiah in the Bible, specifically Nehemiah 4:12-18. The Jews living near Nehemiah warned him multiple times that their enemie |
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Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-01 Nehemiah 1 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being idle in the work of the Lord. He highlights the need for accountability in our assemblies and on the foreign fiel |