Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 6:11
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
To flee means to run away quickly, as seen in the Bible when people escaped from danger or pursued others, like in the story of David and Absalom.
Definition: 1) to go through, flee, run away, chase, drive away, put to flight, reach, shoot (extend), hurry away 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, pass through 1a2) to flee 1a3) to hasten, come quickly 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to pass through 1b2) to cause to flee, put to flight 1b3) to drive away
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot. See also: Genesis 16:6; 1 Kings 11:17; Psalms 3:1.
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
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.
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
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.
The Hebrew word for a large public building like a palace or temple, used to describe God's temple in Jerusalem. It appears in the Bible to talk about the temple as God's palace. In the Bible, it is translated as 'palace' or 'temple'.
Definition: : temple 1) palace, temple, nave, sanctuary 1a) palace 1b) temple (palace of God as king) 1c) hall, nave (of Ezekiel's temple) 1d) temple (of heavenly temple)
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: palace, temple. See also: 1 Samuel 1:9; Psalms 138:2; Psalms 5:8.
This verb means to have life, to be alive, and to stay alive. It is used in the Bible to talk about living a long and healthy life, and is translated as 'to live' or 'to save life'.
Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiph) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: live, save life. See also: Genesis 3:22; Deuteronomy 19:4; Ezekiel 47:9.
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.
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Context — Sanballat’s Conspiracy
9For they were all trying to frighten us, saying, “Their hands will be weakened in the work, and it will never be finished.” But now, my God, strengthen my hands.
10Later, I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was confined to his house. He said: “Let us meet at the house of God inside the temple. Let us shut the temple doors because they are coming to kill you— by night they are coming to kill you!”
11But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go!”
12I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
13He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would sin by doing as he suggested, so they could give me a bad name in order to discredit me.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) |
| 1 |
Psalms 11:1–2 |
In the LORD I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain! For behold, the wicked bend their bows. They set their arrow on the string to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. |
| 2 |
Acts 21:13 |
Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” |
| 3 |
Proverbs 28:1 |
The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are as bold as a lion. |
| 4 |
Acts 20:24 |
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace. |
| 5 |
Psalms 112:6 |
Surely he will never be shaken; the righteous man will be remembered forever. |
| 6 |
Philippians 2:17 |
But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you. |
| 7 |
Luke 13:31–33 |
At that very hour, some Pharisees came to Jesus and told Him, “Leave this place and get away, because Herod wants to kill You.” But Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox, ‘Look, I will keep driving out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will reach My goal.’ Nevertheless, I must keep going today and tomorrow and the next day, for it is not admissible for a prophet to perish outside of Jerusalem. |
| 8 |
Psalms 112:8 |
His heart is assured; he does not fear, until he looks in triumph on his foes. |
| 9 |
Numbers 32:7–9 |
Why are you discouraging the Israelites from crossing into the land that the LORD has given them? This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh-barnea to inspect the land. For when your fathers went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the Israelites from entering the land that the LORD had given them. |
| 10 |
Ecclesiastes 10:1 |
As dead flies bring a stench to the perfumer’s oil, so a little folly outweighs wisdom and honor. |
Nehemiah 6:11 Summary
Nehemiah 6:11 shows us that Nehemiah was a brave and trusting leader who refused to give in to fear or intimidation. He knew that as a leader, he couldn't just run away and hide, even when his life was in danger. Instead, he trusted in God's protection and provision, just like David did in Psalm 23:4. We can learn from Nehemiah's example by trusting in God's sovereignty and protection, even when things seem scary or uncertain, and by remembering that God is always with us, as promised in Joshua 1:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Nehemiah refuse to go into the temple to save his life?
Nehemiah refused to go into the temple because he knew it was a place of worship, not a place of refuge for personal safety, as seen in Nehemiah 6:11, and he trusted God for his protection, as mentioned in Psalm 23:4.
Was Nehemiah being brave or foolish by not hiding in the temple?
Nehemiah was being brave and trusting in God's sovereignty, as stated in Proverbs 29:25, which says that fear of man is a trap, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be safe.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's response to the threat on his life?
We can learn that as believers, we should trust in God's protection and provision, rather than relying on our own strength or means of escape, as seen in Nehemiah 6:11 and Psalm 91:2.
How did Nehemiah discern that the prophecy was not from God?
Nehemiah discerned that the prophecy was not from God because it went against his calling and the work God had given him to do, as mentioned in Nehemiah 6:9, and he recognized the plot of his enemies to intimidate him, as stated in Nehemiah 6:12-13.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I am tempted to run away from challenges or dangers, and how can I trust in God's protection and provision instead?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, discern between genuine spiritual guidance and manipulation or intimidation from others?
- What are some ways I can apply Nehemiah's courage and trust in God to my own life, especially in situations where I feel threatened or overwhelmed?
- How can I prioritize my relationship with God and trust in His sovereignty, even when faced with difficult circumstances or pressures from others?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:11
And I said, should such a man as I flee?.... The king's commissioner, who had the conducting and management of the whole affair of building the wall of Jerusalem, on whom it wholly depended; for,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 6:11
And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:11
Should such a man as I flee; I the chief governor, upon whose presence, and counsel, and conduct the very life and being of the whole city and nation in a great measure depends; I who have professed such resolution, and courage, and confidence in God; I who have had such eminent experience of God’ s gracious and powerful assistances, of his calling me to this employment, and carrying me through it when our danger was greater than now it is. Shall I now dishonour God and religion, and betray the people and city of God by my cowardice? God forbid. This is not the counsel of God, nor of a friend; but a plot of mine enemies, as it here follows. Who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? as if I had an evil cause or conscience; as if I were a malefactor, who fled thither for refuge; as if I durst not trust God with my preservation except I went into the temple, which it is not lawful for me, being no priest, to do.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:11
Nehemiah 6:11 And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who [is there], that, [being] as I [am], would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.Ver. 11. And I said, Should such a man as I flee?] To the dishonour of God, and the discouraging of the people? to the scandal of the weak, and the scorn of the wicked? Et Turnum fugientem haec terra videbit? There is a Tοπρεπον, a comeliness, a seemliness, a suitableness, appertains to every calling and condition of life; and nature hath taught heathens themselves to argue from dignity to duty, and to scorn to do anything unworthy of themselves. Scipio, when a harlot was offered him, answered, Vellem, si non essem Imperator, I would, were I not a general. Antigonus being invited to a feast where a notable harlot was to be present, asked counsel of Menedemus, what he should do? No more but this, said he, remember that thou art a king’ s son. Themistocles once, after a victory, viewing the spoils and pillage of the field, said to his friend that bare him company, Take thou these rich spoils to thyself; for thou art not Themistocles; it is below me to stoop to them, Aνελουσεαυτωσυγαρουκει Yεμιστοκλης. When Pompey had Caesar and Antony in a ship together, it was suggested to him by Metrodorus, to revenge himself for the death of his father and brother.
To whom he replied, that so to do might happily befit Metrodorus, but in no wise Pompey. It is not for you to be fishing for small fish, but for towns, forts, and castles, said Cleopatra to Mark Antony. It is not for God’ s saints to walk as men; since they are children of the kingdom, and must therefore regnum in pectore gerere, carry themselves accordingly. We usually say, such a man understands himself well; that is, he knows his place, his dignity, and walks accordingly. It is a pusillanimity to do otherwise; Nehemiah will never do it, to die for it. And who is there, that, being as I am] So greatly beloved of God, Daniel 9:23, so highly favoured of the king, Nehemiah 2:2; Nehemiah 2:4, so protected hitherto, so prospered, so intrusted with the government and safety of this people, more dear to me than my very life. Would go into the temple] As a malefactor, to take sanctuary there; or as a coward, to save mine own life with the loss of the lives of many of the precious sons of life. I will not go in] The heavens shall sooner fall than I will forsake the truth, said that martyr, William Flower (Acts & Mon. 1430). Omnia de me praesumas praeter fugam et palinodiam, said Luther to Staupicius, I will rather die than fly; burn than turn. Latimer was wondrous bold and stout in his dealing with Henry VIII, both before and after he was a bishop.
So were Athanasius, Ambrose, Basil, the primitive confessors.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:11
(11) Should such a man as I flee?—First, the expression of personal dignity. Then of fear: “Who, being as I am” (a layman), “would go into the Temple to save his life?” Rather, and live? (Numbers 18:7).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:11
Verse 11. Should such a man as I flee?] Shall I, who am governor of the people, appointed both by God and the king, shall I betray my trust, and leave the flock without a shepherd? Shall I be a traitor, and abandon the office to which I am appointed? - No! Who, in my situation, with such responsibility, and such prospects, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not: I will stand at my post, and be ready to receive my enemies whensoever they come; so let Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem look to themselves.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 6:11
Would go into the temple to save his life - Rather “could go into the temple and live.” For a layman to enter the sanctuary was a capital offence (see Numbers 18:7).
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:11
11. Should such a man as I flee — I, who have nothing to be ashamed of, and am in the path of obedience and duty? Nehemiah had anxiety and alarm, (Nehemiah 6:9,) but no cowardice.
Sermons on Nehemiah 6:11
| Sermon | Description |
|
The Discipline of Danger - 2
by Jack Hibbs
|
In this sermon, the preacher discusses the disciplines of danger that Christians should be aware of in the last days. He emphasizes the importance of the logos of God, which is the |
|
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 |
|
(New Covenant) 3. the Foundation of the New Covenant
by Miki Hardy
|
In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that Christianity is not just about being poor or rich, but about walking in victory, holiness, righteousness, and love. He highlights the i |
|
Having Hope Amidst Great Uncertainty and Fear in Society
by Anna Ng
|
In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the urgency of sharing the hope of Christ with the world. He reminds the audience that God has entrusted them with the ministry of reconcili |
|
What Can the Righteous Do
by Glenn Meldrum
|
In this sermon, the preacher addresses the mindset of individuals who believe that society is beyond repair and that there is no point in trying to change it. He challenges the ide |
|
When the Storm Doesn't Stop
by Shane Idleman
|
Shane Idleman emphasizes the importance of turning to God during life's storms, using David's cries in Psalms 11-13 as a model for expressing our struggles and frustrations. He enc |
|
Teetering on Hopelessness
by David Wilkerson
|
David Wilkerson emphasizes the profound nature of trust in God, illustrating it as an active leap of faith rather than mere resignation to circumstances. He contrasts true trust, w |