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Nehemiah 6:1

Nehemiah 6:1 in Multiple Translations

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—

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;)

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

Now when word was given to Sanballat and Tobiah and to Geshem the Arabian and to the rest of our haters, that I had done the building of the wall and that there were no more broken places in it (though even then I had not put up the doors in the doorways);

When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and our other enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and there were no gaps left—though at that time I still had not put the doors into the gates—

And when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall, and that there were no more breaches therein, (though at that time I had not set vp the doores vpon the gates)

And it cometh to pass, when it hath been heard by Sanballat, and Tobiah, and by Geshem the Arabian, and by the rest of our enemies, that I have builded the wall, and there hath not been left in it a breach, (also, till that time the doors I had not set up in the gates,)

Now when it was reported to Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arabian, and to the rest of our enemies that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left in it (though even to that time I had not set up the doors in the gates),

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

And it came to pass, when Sanaballat, and Tobias, and Gossem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left in it, (though at that time I had not set up the doors in the gates,)

Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, and our other enemies heard a report that we had finished rebuilding the wall, and that now there were no more ◄gaps/places where the wall was not finished► (although we had not yet put the doors in the gates).

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 6:1

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 6:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֣י כַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר נִשְׁמַ֣ע לְ/סַנְבַלַּ֣ט וְ֠/טוֹבִיָּה וּ/לְ/גֶ֨שֶׁם הָֽ/עַרְבִ֜י וּ/לְ/יֶ֣תֶר אֹֽיְבֵ֗י/נוּ כִּ֤י בָנִ֨יתִי֙ אֶת הַ֣/חוֹמָ֔ה וְ/לֹא נ֥וֹתַר בָּ֖/הּ פָּ֑רֶץ גַּ֚ם עַד הָ/עֵ֣ת הַ/הִ֔יא דְּלָת֖וֹת לֹא הֶעֱמַ֥דְתִּי בַ/שְּׁעָרִֽים
וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel
נִשְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
לְ/סַנְבַלַּ֣ט Çanballaṭ H5571 Sanballat Prep | N-proper
וְ֠/טוֹבִיָּה Ṭôwbîyâh H2900 Tobijah Conj | N-proper
וּ/לְ/גֶ֨שֶׁם Geshem H1654 Geshem Conj | Prep | N-proper
הָֽ/עַרְבִ֜י ʻĂrâbîy H6163 Arab Art | Ngmsa
וּ/לְ/יֶ֣תֶר yether H3499 remainder Conj | Prep | N-ms
אֹֽיְבֵ֗י/נוּ ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 for Conj
בָנִ֨יתִי֙ bânâh H1129 to build V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ֣/חוֹמָ֔ה chôwmâh H2346 wall Art | N-fs
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part
נ֥וֹתַר yâthar H3498 to remain V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
בָּ֖/הּ Prep | Suff
פָּ֑רֶץ perets H6556 breach N-ms
גַּ֚ם gam H1571 also DirObjM
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
הָ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 time Art | N-cs
הַ/הִ֔יא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Art | Pron
דְּלָת֖וֹת deleth H1817 door N-fp
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
הֶעֱמַ֥דְתִּי ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
בַ/שְּׁעָרִֽים shaʻar H8179 gate Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 6:1

וַ/יְהִ֣י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
נִשְׁמַ֣ע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לְ/סַנְבַלַּ֣ט Çanballaṭ H5571 "Sanballat" Prep | N-proper
Sanballat was a Persian satrap of Samaria who opposed Nehemiah and the returned exiles in their goal of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. His name means strength and he was a Moabite from Horonaim. Sanballat is mentioned in Nehemiah 2:10.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.2.10 § Sanballat = "strength" a Moabite of Horonaim and the opponent of Nehemiah and the returned exiles in their goal of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Sanballat. See also: Nehemiah 2:10; Nehemiah 6:2; Nehemiah 13:28.
וְ֠/טוֹבִיָּה Ṭôwbîyâh H2900 "Tobijah" Conj | N-proper
Tobijah means Jehovah is good, the name of three Israelites and one Samaritan, including a Levite in Jehoshaphat's reign. Tobijah opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem with Sanballat. He is mentioned in Zechariah 6:10.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Zec.6.10 § Tobiah = "Jehovah is good" 1) head of a family who returned from exile with Zerubbabel but who were unable to prove their connection with Israel 2) the Ammonite who with Sanballat opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem 3) a Levite in the reign of Jehoshaphat 4) a chief of the returning exiles
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Tobiah, Tobijah. See also: 2 Chronicles 17:8; Nehemiah 6:14; Zechariah 6:14.
וּ/לְ/גֶ֨שֶׁם Geshem H1654 "Geshem" Conj | Prep | N-proper
Geshem was a man who lived during the time of the Israelites' return from exile, mentioned in Nehemiah 2:19. His name means rain in Hebrew. He was an Arabian who opposed Nehemiah.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.2.19 § Geshem or Gashmu = "rain" an Arabian foe of Nehemiah
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: Geshem, Gashmu. See also: Nehemiah 2:19; Nehemiah 6:2; Nehemiah 6:6.
הָֽ/עַרְבִ֜י ʻĂrâbîy H6163 "Arab" Art | Ngmsa
An Arabian refers to someone from the region of Arabia, which includes present-day Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East. In the Bible, Arabians are mentioned as traders and travelers. The term is used to describe people from this region.
Definition: Group of a.rav (עֲרָב "Arabia" H6152B) § Arabian, of Arabia "mixed" steppe-dweller
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Arabian. See also: 2 Chronicles 17:11; Nehemiah 2:19; Isaiah 13:20.
וּ/לְ/יֶ֣תֶר yether H3499 "remainder" Conj | Prep | N-ms
A cord or rope, also meaning excess or remainder, as seen in the Bible's descriptions of leftovers or abundant resources.
Definition: 1) remainder, excess, rest, remnant, excellence 1a) remainder, remnant 1b) remainder, rest, other part 1c) excess 1d) abundantly (adv) 1e) abundance, affluence 1f) superiority, excellency
Usage: Occurs in 95 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundant, cord, exceeding, excellancy(-ent), what they leave, that hath left, plentifully, remnant, residue, rest, string, with. See also: Genesis 49:3; 2 Kings 15:26; Psalms 11:2.
אֹֽיְבֵ֗י/נוּ ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff
This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.
Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national
Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.
כִּ֤י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בָנִ֨יתִי֙ bânâh H1129 "to build" V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ֣/חוֹמָ֔ה chôwmâh H2346 "wall" Art | N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נ֥וֹתַר yâthar H3498 "to remain" V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word 'yâthar' means to remain or be left, and can also mean to excel or have more than enough, often translated as 'remain' or 'preserve'.
Definition: 1) to be left over, remain, remain over, leave 1a) (Qal) remainder (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be left over, remain over, be left behind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to leave over, leave 1c2) to save over, preserve alive 1c3) to excel, show pre-eminence 1c4) to show excess, have more than enough, have an excess
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: excel, leave (a remnant), left behind, too much, make plenteous, preserve, (be, let) remain(-der, -ing, -nant), reserve, residue, rest. See also: Genesis 30:36; 2 Samuel 9:1; Psalms 79:11.
בָּ֖/הּ "" Prep | Suff
פָּ֑רֶץ perets H6556 "breach" N-ms
A breach is a break or gap, like a hole in a wall or a sudden outburst of emotion. This word can also mean a burst of God's anger or wrath.
Definition: 1) breach, gap, bursting forth 1a) bursting forth, outburst 1b) breach 1c) broken wall 1d) outburst (fig. of God's wrath)
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: breach, breaking forth (in), [idiom] forth, gap. See also: Genesis 38:29; Job 30:14; Psalms 106:23.
גַּ֚ם gam H1571 "also" DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
הָ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 "time" Art | N-cs
Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.
Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.
הַ/הִ֔יא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
דְּלָת֖וֹת deleth H1817 "door" N-fp
A door is something that swings, like the valve of a door or gate. In the Bible, doors can represent entrance or access, as seen in Psalm 141:3 where David asks God to set a door on his lips.
Definition: door (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 78 OT verses. KJV: door (two-leaved), gate, leaf, lid. (Psalm 141:3). See also: Genesis 19:6; 2 Chronicles 28:24; Psalms 78:23.
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
הֶעֱמַ֥דְתִּי ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
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.
בַ/שְּׁעָרִֽים shaʻar H8179 "gate" Prep | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 6:1

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context — Sanballat’s Conspiracy

Cross References

ReferenceText (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 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.
3 Nehemiah 4:1 Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews
4 Nehemiah 3:1 At the Sheep Gate, Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests began rebuilding. They dedicated it and installed its doors. After building as far as the Tower of the Hundred and the Tower of Hananel, they dedicated the wall.
5 Nehemiah 3:3 The Fish Gate was rebuilt by the sons of Hassenaah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.
6 Nehemiah 4:6–7 So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work. When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious,
7 Nehemiah 3:6 The Jeshanah Gate was repaired by Joiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah. They laid its beams and installed its doors, bolts, and bars.
8 Daniel 9:25 Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem, until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress.

Nehemiah 6:1 Summary

This verse, Nehemiah 6:1, tells us that the enemies of Israel heard that the wall was being rebuilt and that it was almost complete, except for the doors in the gates. This was a big deal because it showed that God was with the Israelites and was helping them to accomplish something amazing, as seen in Ezra 7:27-28. Just like the Israelites, we can trust God to help us overcome challenges and opposition as we seek to do His will, as mentioned in Romans 8:31 and Jeremiah 29:11. As we reflect on this verse, we can be encouraged to persevere and trust in God's faithfulness, just like Nehemiah did.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the enemies of Israel care about the wall being rebuilt?

The enemies of Israel, including Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, cared about the wall being rebuilt because it represented a threat to their power and influence over the region, as seen in Nehemiah 6:1, and also a fulfillment of God's promise to restore Israel, as mentioned in Ezekiel 36:33-36.

What was the significance of the gap being left in the wall?

The fact that not a gap was left in the wall, as mentioned in Nehemiah 6:1, signifies the completion of the wall and the progress made by Nehemiah and the Israelites, despite the opposition they faced, much like the Israelites' obedience to God's command to rebuild the wall, as seen in Deuteronomy 27:1-8.

Why had the doors not been installed in the gates yet?

The doors had not been installed in the gates yet, as mentioned in Nehemiah 6:1, possibly because the focus was on completing the wall first, as seen in Nehemiah 4:6, and the doors were a secondary priority, or it could be that the resources or manpower were not yet available to complete this task, similar to the delay in completing the temple in Haggai 1:2-4.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Nehemiah?

This verse, Nehemiah 6:1, is a pivotal point in the book of Nehemiah as it sets the stage for the opposition and challenges that Nehemiah will face from his enemies, as seen in Nehemiah 6:2-14, and ultimately showcases God's faithfulness and provision for His people, as mentioned in Nehemiah 9:17 and Psalm 106:1.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I am trying to rebuild or restore something, and how can I trust God to provide the strength and resources I need to complete the task?
  2. How do I respond to opposition or criticism when I am trying to do something for God, and what can I learn from Nehemiah's example in this verse?
  3. In what ways can I be a part of rebuilding or restoring something in my community or church, and how can I work together with others to achieve this goal?
  4. What are some 'gaps' in my spiritual life that I need to address, and how can I seek God's help to fill those gaps and become more whole in Him?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:1

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,.... Quite finished it: and that there was no breach left

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 6:1

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

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:1

CHAPTER 6 Sanballat and Tobiah, sending to Nehemiah to meet them, intend to do him mischief, ,2. Nehemiah’ s answer, . They charge him with rebellion, . His answer to it, ,9. Shemaiah’ s false prophecies to discourage Nehemiah, . His reply, . The work is finished to the terror of the enemies, ,16. Secret correspondence between the nobles of Judah and Tobiah, ,18. I had not set up the doors; not all of them. See Poole "".

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:1

Nehemiah 6:1 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;)Ver. 1. Now it came to pass] Lo, here another let to the good work in hand. That in the fourth chapter was external only; that in the fifth internal only; this here is mixed, that is, partly cast in by the enemies without (those cruel crafties), and partly helped on by the perfidious prophets and ignobles within, conspiring with the enemy against the good of their own country. Thus fluctus fluctum trudit. Disorder creates disorder. And the rest of our enemies] The Church’ s enemies are not a few, 1 Corinthians 16:9. She is like unto a silly poor maid, saith Luther, sitting in a wood or wilderness, compassed about with hungry wolves, lions, boars, bears, assaulting her every moment and minute. The ground of all is that old enmity, Genesis 3:15. That I had builded the wall] This wall made Nehemiah, as Winchester tower at Windsor made William Wickham, that is, raised and renowned him; and in a like sense as God is said to have made Moses and Aaron, 1 Samuel 12:6, that is, to have advanced them in the hearts of his people. And that there was no breach left therein] It had been but half-built, Nehemiah 4:6, and the breaches but began to be stopped, Nehemiah 6:6; Nehemiah 6:15, yet now all is finished, amidst much opposition; so shall the work of grace be in our hearts. But whilst here a Christian hath his Ulterius More, still (which was Charles V’ s motto), his Superius, Greatest, as the guest in the Gospel that was bid to sit higher, &c., something is yet wanting to his full and final salvation, which he is still to work out, Philippians 2:12, like as here, the doors were not yet upon their hinges.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:1

(1) And the rest of our enemies.—The Three always have the pre-eminence. The doors upon the gates.—Within the gates. This parenthesis is a note of historical accuracy, and intimates that what had been before said as to the setting up of the doors (see Nehemiah 3) was by way of anticipation.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:1

CHAPTER VI Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem, insidiously desire a conference with Nehemiah, which he refuses, 1-4. They then charge him with the design of rebelling, and causing himself to be made king, 5-7; which he denies, and prays to God for support, 8, 9. A false prophet is hired by Tobiah and Sanballat, to put him in fear; he discovers the imposture, and defeats their design, 10-13. He prays to God against them, 14. The wall is finished in fifty-two days, 15. He discovers a secret and treasonable correspondence between Tobiah and some of the Jewish nobles, 16-19. NOTES ON CHAP. VI

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:1

1. when S.… and the rest of our enemies, heard] R.V. when it was reported to S.…, and unto the rest of our enemies. The R.V. is more literal; the passive verb ‘to be reported’ occurs in Nehemiah 6:6-7, and possibly in chap. Nehemiah 13:27. For the spread of previous rumours, cf. Nehemiah 2:19, Nehemiah 4:1. ‘The rest of our enemies,’ probably the representatives of hostile neighbouring communities, cf. Nehemiah 4:7, where ‘the Arabians and the Ammonites and the Ashdodites’ are associated with Sanballat and Tobiah. no breach left] referring to the description in Nehemiah 1:3, Nehemiah 2:13, Nehemiah 4:7. though at that time] R.V. though even unto that time. Nehemiah introduces this saving clause for the sake of accuracy. The report was not quite true; the walls were indeed finished, but as yet the gates were not in their places. upon the gates] R.V. in the gates, i.e. in the great fortified gateways. The construction of ‘the doors’ is mentioned in chap. Nehemiah 3:3; Nehemiah 3:6; Nehemiah 3:14-15. Why had the doors not yet been ‘set in the gates?’ Perhaps we are to infer that in the hurry of rebuilding the wall the delicate operation of swinging the heavy metal-covered city doors had been postponed. Temporary barricades would be sufficient to block the approaches. When the work on the wall was finished, the doors would be ‘set up’ by skilled workmen. To have set them up before would have caused delay in the repair of the walls. In the Assyrian Room (Upper Floor, Case A) of the British Museum are to be seen the bronze coverings of gates found by Mr Rassam at Balawa in 1879, and the pivots on which these gates turned.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 6:1

Upon the gates - Rather, “in the gates.” This work would naturally be delayed until the last phase.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:1

MORE FROM THE ENEMY, Nehemiah 6:1-19. 1. Upon the gates — Rather, in the gates. The frame-work and walls of the gates were, of course, completed before the doors of the gates were set up.

Sermons on Nehemiah 6:1

SermonDescription
Joshua Daniel Nehemiah 6 - Part 1 by Joshua Daniel This sermon emphasizes the importance of not trivializing God's word or reducing preaching to mere entertainment. It draws insights from Nehemiah 6, highlighting how distractions a
Shane Idleman How to Handle Hate by Shane Idleman Shane Idleman discusses how to handle hate through the lens of Nehemiah's experiences, emphasizing the reality of conspiracies and the importance of responding to hate with love ra
Zac Poonen 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
Paris Reidhead 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
William MacDonald 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
Warren Wiersbe Growth Through Opposition by Warren Wiersbe Warren Wiersbe preaches on the importance of loving both our neighbors and enemies, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's situation where his arrival threatened those who wanted to keep
T. Austin-Sparks The Warfare by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks discusses 'The Warfare', emphasizing the unique and intense spiritual conflict associated with fulfilling God's ultimate purpose. He illustrates this through the o

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