Nehemiah 6:4
Nehemiah 6:4 in Multiple Translations
Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave the same reply.
Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
And they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
And four times they sent to me in this way, and I sent them the same answer.
They sent me the same message four times, and every time my reply was the same.
Yet they sent vnto me foure times after this sort. And I answered them after the same maner.
and they send unto me, according to this word, four times, and I return them [word] according to this word.
They sent to me four times like this; and I answered them the same way.
Yet they sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
And they sent to me according to this word, four times: and I answered them after the same manner.
They sent me the same message four times, and each time when I replied to them I said the same thing.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 6:4
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 6:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּשְׁלְח֥וּ
אֵלַ֛/י
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
אַרְבַּ֣ע
פְּעָמִ֑ים
וָ/אָשִׁ֥יב
אוֹתָ֖/ם
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר
הַ/זֶּֽה
וַ/יִּשְׁלְח֥וּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֵלַ֛/י
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
אַרְבַּ֣ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
four
Adj
פְּעָמִ֑ים
paʻam
H6471
beat
N-fp
וָ/אָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs
אוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 6:4
וַ/יִּשְׁלְח֥וּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
אֵלַ֛/י
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
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.
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּ֖ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אַרְבַּ֣ע
ʼarbaʻ
H702
"four"
Adj
The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.
Definition: four
Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.
פְּעָמִ֑ים
paʻam
H6471
"beat"
N-fp
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
וָ/אָשִׁ֥יב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
אוֹתָ֖/ם
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּֽה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 6:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Sanballat’s Conspiracy
2Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me.
3So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?”
4Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave the same reply.
5The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter 6that 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,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Judges 16:15–20 | “How can you say, ‘I love you,’” she asked, “when your heart is not with me? This is the third time you have mocked me and failed to reveal to me the source of your great strength!” Finally, after she had pressed him daily with her words and pleaded until he was sick to death, Samson told her all that was in his heart: “My hair has never been cut, because I have been a Nazirite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaved, my strength will leave me, and I will become as weak as any other man.” When Delilah realized that he had revealed to her all that was in his heart, she sent this message to the lords of the Philistines: “Come up once more, for he has revealed to me all that is in his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came to her, bringing the money in their hands. And having lulled him to sleep on her lap, she called a man to shave off the seven braids of his head. In this way she began to subdue him, and his strength left him. Then she called out, “Samson, the Philistines are here!” When Samson awoke from his sleep, he thought, “I will escape as I did before and shake myself free.” But he did not know that the LORD had departed from him. |
| 2 | Luke 18:5 | yet because this widow keeps pestering me, I will give her justice. Then she will stop wearing me out with her perpetual requests.’” |
| 3 | Galatians 2:5 | We did not give in to them for a moment, so that the truth of the gospel would remain with you. |
| 4 | Judges 16:6 | So Delilah said to Samson, “Please tell me the source of your great strength and how you can be tied up and subdued.” |
| 5 | Judges 16:10 | Then Delilah said to Samson, “You have mocked me and lied to me! Now please tell me how you can be tied up.” |
| 6 | Proverbs 7:21 | With her great persuasion she entices him; with her flattering lips she lures him. |
| 7 | 1 Corinthians 15:58 | Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. |
| 8 | Proverbs 14:15 | The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps. |
Nehemiah 6:4 Summary
[Nehemiah 6:4 tells us that Sanballat and Geshem sent Nehemiah the same message four times, and each time Nehemiah gave the same reply. This shows that Nehemiah was focused on his work and didn't let distractions get in the way. We can learn from Nehemiah's example by staying committed to our tasks and trusting in God's power, as seen in Philippians 4:13, where it is written that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us. By doing so, we can overcome spiritual attacks and stay on track with God's plan for our lives.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Sanballat and Geshem keep sending Nehemiah the same message?
They were trying to distract Nehemiah from his work and lure him into a trap, as seen in Nehemiah 6:2, where it is written that they were planning to harm him.
What was Nehemiah's response to the repeated messages?
Nehemiah gave the same reply each time, which was to decline their invitation and focus on the work he was doing, as stated in Nehemiah 6:3, where he says he is doing a great work and cannot come down.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's persistence in his work?
We can learn the importance of staying focused on our tasks and not getting distracted by unnecessary things, as encouraged in 1 Corinthians 15:58, where it is written to be steadfast and immovable in our work.
How does this verse relate to spiritual warfare?
This verse shows how our enemies, like Sanballat and Geshem, try to distract and discourage us from our spiritual work, but we must persevere and trust in God, as written in Ephesians 6:12, where it is said that we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil.
Reflection Questions
- What are some distractions in my life that are keeping me from focusing on God's work?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, stay persistent in my spiritual journey despite opposition and challenges?
- What are some ways I can prioritize my tasks and stay focused on what God has called me to do?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty and protection when faced with spiritual attacks and distractions?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:4
Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort,.... Being very desirous of getting him into their hands, and therefore were very pressing and importunate: and I answered them after the same manner;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 6:4
And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:4
Nehemiah 6:4 Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.Ver. 4. Yet they sent unto me four times] As thinking to prevail by their importunity. This wicked men have learned from their master Beelzebub, the lord of flies, as the name (απομυιος) signifieth, or master fly, that will not off the bait till beaten, and hardly then. Sin hath painted an impudency in some men’ s faces; and it appears they are past all grace, because shameless, Et pudet non esse impudentes, it is not shameful to be impudent. saith Austin. And I answered them after the same manner] Nehemiah stood immoveable as a rock; he was homo quadratus, man, four-square, not to be altered, but firm to his principles, resolute in his holy purposes. We may style him (as Theodoret doth Athanasius) the bulwark of truth (προβολοντηςαληθειας), the Church’ s champion. Nec tremere, nec timide, may seem to have been his motto, neither temerarious nor timorous.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:4
4. yet] R.V. And. The A.V. suggests the thought which the copula does not express, that in spite of such a rebuff Sanballat and his companions were not daunted. after this sort … after the same manner] The Hebrew phrase is the same in both cases. As it occurs again in the next verse (Nehemiah 6:5, ‘in like manner’), though the nature of the message is different, we clearly must not press the words here to mean a literal repetition of the request and answer. It only indicates a general similarity in the character of the four applications, and in the answers which they elicited. Cf. for the use of this phrase 1 Samuel 17:27; 1 Samuel 17:30; 2 Samuel 15:6.
Sermons on Nehemiah 6:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Church's Strength and Secret by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Samson from the Bible and uses it as a metaphor for the spiritual condition of some believers. He describes how Samson, a powerfu |
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Parables on Legalism - 3 by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker continues their study on the parables, specifically focusing on the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant. They use the parable in Ma |
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On Prayer by St. John Climacus | St. John Climacus preaches about the profound nature of prayer as a dialogue and union with God, emphasizing its role in maintaining harmony in the world and achieving reconciliati |
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Divisions by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker shares an anecdote about encountering a group of individuals who were causing division within a gathering of young people. He emphasizes the danger and |
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Strengthen Me Just Once by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by talking about the distractions and temptations of the world, comparing them to different varieties of ice cream and donuts. He then refers to |
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Revival Series 1 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the current state of America and mankind, stating that they cannot hold together for another five years. He plans to preach on various topics |
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The Enemy of Revival - Part 1 (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher starts by quoting a scripture about the children of Israel doing evil in the sight of the Lord and being delivered into the hands of the Philistines fo |