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Nehemiah 6:13

Nehemiah 6:13 in Multiple Translations

He 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.

Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

For this cause was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

For this reason they had given him money, in order that I might be overcome by fear and do what he said and do wrong, and so they would have reason to say evil about me and put shame on me.

They'd hired him thinking I'd be scared into doing something wrong. Then they'd be able to point the finger and ruin my reputation.

Therefore was he hyred, that I might be afrayde, and doe thus, and sinne, and that they might haue an euill report that they might reproche me.

so that he [is] an hireling, that I may fear and do so, and I had sinned, and it had been to them for an evil name that they may reproach me.

He was hired so that I would be afraid, do so, and sin, and that they might have material for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

For he had taken money, that I being afraid should do this thing, and sin, and they might have some evil to upbraid me withal.

They had bribed him to cause me to be afraid. They wanted me to disobey God’s commands and sin by hiding in the temple. If I did that, they would be able to ruin my reputation [MTY] and discredit me.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 6:13

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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 6:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB לְמַ֤עַן שָׂכוּר֙ ה֔וּא לְמַֽעַן אִירָ֥א וְ/אֶֽעֱשֶׂה כֵּ֖ן וְ/חָטָ֑אתִי וְ/הָיָ֤ה לָ/הֶם֙ לְ/שֵׁ֣ם רָ֔ע לְמַ֖עַן יְחָֽרְפֽוּ/נִי
לְמַ֤עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
שָׂכוּר֙ sâkar H7936 to hire V-Qal-Inf-c
ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 he/she/it Pron
לְמַֽעַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
אִירָ֥א yârêʼ H3372 to fear V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֶֽעֱשֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 to make Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
כֵּ֖ן kên H3651 right Part
וְ/חָטָ֑אתִי châṭâʼ H2398 to sin Conj | V-Qal-1cs
וְ/הָיָ֤ה hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-3ms
לָ/הֶם֙ Prep | Suff
לְ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 name Prep | N-ms
רָ֔ע raʻ H7451 bad Adj
לְמַ֖עַן maʻan H4616 because Prep
יְחָֽרְפֽוּ/נִי châraph H2778 to taunt V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 6:13

לְמַ֤עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
שָׂכוּר֙ sâkar H7936 "to hire" V-Qal-Inf-c
To hire someone or be hired, as seen in the story of Jacob hiring himself out to Laban in Genesis 29. This word is about working for pay. It appears in various forms, such as earning wages or rewarding someone.
Definition: 1) to hire 1a) (Qal) to hire
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: earn wages, hire (out self), reward, [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 30:16; 2 Chronicles 24:12; Proverbs 26:10.
ה֔וּא hûwʼ H1931 "he/she/it" 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.
לְמַֽעַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
אִירָ֥א yârêʼ H3372 "to fear" V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to fear or revere, and is used to describe being afraid or standing in awe of something, like God's power. It appears in the Bible to convey a sense of respect or reverence. In the KJV, it's translated as 'affright' or 'reverence'.
Definition: : frightening(DANGER) 1) to fear, revere, be afraid 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fear, be afraid 1a2) to stand in awe of, be awed 1a3) to fear, reverence, honour, respect 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be fearful, be dreadful, be feared 1b2) to cause astonishment and awe, be held in awe 1b3) to inspire reverence or godly fear or awe 1c) (Piel) to make afraid, terrify 2) (TWOT) to shoot, pour
Usage: Occurs in 318 OT verses. KJV: affright, be (make) afraid, dread(-ful), (put in) fear(-ful, -fully, -ing), (be had in) reverence(-end), [idiom] see, terrible (act, -ness, thing). See also: Genesis 3:10; 1 Samuel 12:18; Psalms 3:7.
וְ/אֶֽעֱשֶׂה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
כֵּ֖ן kên H3651 "right" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
וְ/חָטָ֑אתִי châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.
Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness
Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.
וְ/הָיָ֤ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-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.
לָ/הֶם֙ "" Prep | Suff
לְ/שֵׁ֣ם shêm H8034 "name" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, a name represents a person's identity, honor, and character, like God's name symbolizing His power and authority. It appears in Genesis and other books, often referring to God's name or a person's reputation. This concept is central to understanding biblical identity.
Definition: 1) name 1a) name 1b) reputation, fame, glory 1c) the Name (as designation of God) 1d) memorial, monument Aramaic equivalent: shum (שֻׁם "name" H8036)
Usage: Occurs in 771 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] base, (in-) fame(-ous), named(-d), renown, report. See also: Genesis 2:11; Exodus 3:15; Deuteronomy 16:6.
רָ֔ע raʻ H7451 "bad" Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
לְמַ֖עַן maʻan H4616 "because" Prep
This Hebrew word means because of something or for a specific purpose. It is used to explain why something happens or is done. In the Bible, it is used to describe God's intentions or purposes.
Definition: 1) purpose, intent prep 1a) for the sake of 1b) in view of, on account of 1c) for the purpose of, to the intent that, in order to conj 1d) to the end that
Usage: Occurs in 252 OT verses. KJV: because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to. See also: Genesis 12:13; 2 Kings 13:23; Psalms 5:9.
יְחָֽרְפֽוּ/נִי châraph H2778 "to taunt" V-Piel-Imperf-3mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'châraph' means to acquire or expose something, and can also mean to betroth or defame someone. It is translated as 'betroth', 'blaspheme', or 'reproach' in the KJV Bible.
Definition: 1) to reproach, taunt, blaspheme, defy, jeopardise, rail, upbraid 1a) (Qal) to reproach 1b) (Piel) to reproach, defy, taunt
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: betroth, blaspheme, defy, jeopard, rail, reproach, upbraid. See also: Leviticus 19:20; Psalms 55:13; Psalms 42:11.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 6:13

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Jeremiah 20:10 For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”
2 2 Corinthians 11:12 But I will keep on doing what I am doing, in order to undercut those who want an opportunity to be regarded as our equals in the things of which they boast.
3 2 Timothy 1:7 For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.
4 James 4:17 Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do, yet fails to do it, is guilty of sin.
5 Proverbs 29:5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.
6 Nehemiah 6:6 that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king,
7 Revelation 21:8 But to the cowardly and unbelieving and abominable and murderers and sexually immoral and sorcerers and idolaters and all liars, their place will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur. This is the second death.”
8 Acts 6:13 where they presented false witnesses who said, “This man never stops speaking against this holy place and against the law.
9 Jeremiah 18:18 Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”
10 Matthew 22:15 Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words.

Nehemiah 6:13 Summary

[Nehemiah 6:13 tells us that the prophet had been hired to scare Nehemiah into doing something wrong, so that his enemies could ruin his reputation. This shows us that the enemy often tries to trick us into sinning, just like in 1 Peter 5:8. But Nehemiah trusted in God and refused to give in to fear, just like we are encouraged to do in Psalm 56:3-4. We can learn from Nehemiah's example and trust in God's protection and guidance, even when faced with opposition or intimidation.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the prophet's suggestion to Nehemiah?

The prophet's suggestion was an attempt to intimidate Nehemiah into sinning, so that his enemies could discredit him, as seen in Nehemiah 6:13. This tactic is similar to the schemes of the enemy in other parts of Scripture, such as in 1 Peter 5:8 where Satan seeks to devour God's people.

How did Nehemiah determine that the prophet was not sent by God?

Nehemiah realized that the prophet had been hired by his enemies, Tobiah and Sanballat, as stated in Nehemiah 6:12, and that his prophecy was not from God, but rather a tool to intimidate Nehemiah into sinning, as seen in Nehemiah 6:13.

What can we learn from Nehemiah's response to this situation?

We can learn from Nehemiah's trust in God and his commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of opposition, as seen in Nehemiah 6:11 and Nehemiah 6:13. This is similar to the teaching in Proverbs 3:5-6, where we are encouraged to trust in the Lord and lean not on our own understanding.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of spiritual warfare?

This verse highlights the tactics of the enemy, who seeks to intimidate and deceive God's people into sinning, as seen in Ephesians 6:12, and the importance of trusting in God and standing firm against these attacks, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 16:13.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that the enemy tries to intimidate me into sinning, and how can I stand firm against these attacks?
  2. How can I, like Nehemiah, trust in God's sovereignty and provision, even when faced with opposition and intimidation?
  3. What are some areas in my life where I am vulnerable to the enemy's tactics, and how can I seek God's protection and guidance in these areas?
  4. How can I, like Nehemiah, prioritize my relationship with God and seek to do what is right, even when it is difficult or unpopular?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:13

Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin,.... By distrusting the power and providence of God to protect him, and by going into such a part of the temple, which he, being no

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 6:13

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 6:13

That I should do so, and sin, by going into a place forbidden to me, and that in such a time and manner, and upon such an occasion; which would have been both sinful and shameful: See Poole "". That they might reproach me as a coward, and conscious of my own guilt, that so they might make me contemptible and odious, both to my own people, and to the king of Persia.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:13

Nehemiah 6:13 Therefore [was] he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and [that] they might have [matter] for an evil report, that they might reproach me.Ver. 13. Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid] But they were much mistaken in their aims: this matter was not malleable. Nehemiah was a man of another spirit, of a Caleb-like spirit; he was fide armatus, Deo armatus, soldier by faith and for God, and therefore undaunted; he was full of spiritual mettle, for he knew whom he had trusted. And do so, and sin] Nehemiah feared nothing but sin, and the fruit thereof, shame and reproach, so great was his spirit, so right set were both his judgment and affections. But if anything would have drawn him aside from the straight ways of the Lord, base fear was the likeliest; as we see in David at Gath, and Peter in the high priest’ s hall. See Zephaniah 3:13, Pessimus in dubiis augur Timor. And that they might have matter for an evil report] This wicked men watch for, as a dog doth for a bone; and if they get but the least hint, oh how happy do they hold themselves! what wide mouths do they open! &c. It is our part, therefore (by a Nehemiah-like conversation), to put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, who, like blackamoors, despise beauty; like dogs, bark at the shining of the moon. Of Luther it was said by Erasmus, Nec hostes reperiant quod calumnientur. Of Bishop Hooper it is said, that his life was so good that no kind of slander (although divers went about to reprove it) could fasten any fault upon him (Act. and Mon. 1366). The like is reported of Bradford and Bucer. We should so carry ourselves, ut nemo de nobis maleloqui absque mendacio possit, as Jerome hath it, that none might speak evil of us without a manifest lie.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:13

(13) An evil report.—Nehemiah perceived that not God, but Shemaiah himself, had uttered the prophecy “against me,” and that he was hired to bring the governor into discredit as a violator of law.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:13

13. Therefore] R.V. For this cause.and sin] i.e. by transgressing ‘the law,’ by violating the sanctity of the House of God. matter for an evil report] Literally, ‘and that it might be to them for an evil name.’ The Vulgate gives the sense generally ‘et haberent malum quod exprobrarent mihi.’ The LXX. goes wrong, καὶγένωμαιαὐτοῖςεἰςὄνομαπονηρόν. The phrase ‘an evil name’ occurs also in Deuteronomy 22:14; Deuteronomy 22:19 in the sense ‘an evil report.’ Nehemiah would incur ‘an evil name’ with the priestly class and the strict Jews for consulting his personal safety rather than the sanctity of the law. Such conduct would weaken his hold upon the best people of the nation. Cf. Psalms 38:16, ‘For I said, Lest they rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me.’

Sermons on Nehemiah 6:13

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson So the Wall Was Finished by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that when engaged in a divine mission, one must remain steadfast against the attacks of Satan, who seeks to hinder God's work through distractions and di
E.A. Adeboye Satanic Ministries by E.A. Adeboye E.A. Adeboye warns about the deceptive strategies of Satan in the last days, emphasizing his infiltration into the church through his agents who disguise themselves as believers. H
David Wilkerson A Prophetic Message by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher warns of fearful times ahead and the calamities that will come upon the nation. However, he encourages the listeners not to fear but to run to God in t
Paul Washer "Too Intense?" "Radical?" by Paul Washer In this sermon, the speaker passionately shares his personal experiences of sacrifice and persecution for his faith in Jesus Christ. He recounts witnessing people dying and a young
Corrie Ten Boom Testimony - Part 1 by Corrie Ten Boom In this video, a woman shares her personal experience of being imprisoned by the Nazis for hiding Jewish people in Holland. She spent 11 months in prison, including time in solitar
Corrie Ten Boom Youth for Christ Rally by Corrie Ten Boom In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not waiting until the last week of one's life to surrender to God. He encourages the audience to surrender their lives to
David Wilkerson Overcoming the Spirit of Fear by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the speaker addresses the causes of fear that are prevalent in society. They mention a flood that has occurred in Albania, leading to violence and death among the p

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