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Nehemiah 6:8

Nehemiah 6:8 in Multiple Translations

Then I sent him this reply: “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.”

Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.

Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.

Then I sent to him, saying, No such things as you say are being done, they are only a fiction you have made up yourself.

I replied, telling him, “Nothing's happening like you're saying! In fact you're just making it all up!”

Then I sent vnto him, saying, It is not done according to these wordes that thou sayest: for thou feynest them of thine owne heart.

And I send unto him, saying, 'It hath not been according to these words that thou art saying, for from thine own heart thou art devising them;'

Then I sent to him, saying, “There are no such things done as you say, but you imagine them out of your own heart.”

Then I sent to him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thy own heart.

And I sent to them, saying: There is no such thing done as thou sayest: but thou feignest these things out of thy own heart.

When I read that message, I sent the messenger back to Sanballat to say, “None of what you are saying is true. You have ◄made this up/concocted this► in your own head/mind.”

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 6:8

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 6:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וָ/אֶשְׁלְחָ֤/ה אֵלָי/ו֙ לֵ/אמֹ֔ר לֹ֤א נִֽהְיָה֙ כַּ/דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה אֲשֶׁ֖ר אַתָּ֣ה אוֹמֵ֑ר כִּ֥י מִֽ/לִּבְּ/ךָ֖ אַתָּ֥ה בוֹדָֽא/ם
וָ/אֶשְׁלְחָ֤/ה shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
אֵלָי/ו֙ ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 to say Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לֹ֤א lôʼ H3808 not Part
נִֽהְיָה֙ hâyâh H1961 to be V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
כַּ/דְּבָרִ֣ים dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-mp
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 these Art | Pron
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel
אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron
אוֹמֵ֑ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj
מִֽ/לִּבְּ/ךָ֖ lêb H3820 heart Prep | N-ms | Suff
אַתָּ֥ה ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Pron
בוֹדָֽא/ם bâdâʼ H908 to devise V-Qal | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 6:8

וָ/אֶשְׁלְחָ֤/ה shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
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.
אֵלָי/ו֙ 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.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
לֹ֤א 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.
נִֽהְיָה֙ hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Niphal-Perf-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.
כַּ/דְּבָרִ֣ים dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-mp
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.
הָ/אֵ֔לֶּה ʼêl-leh H428 "these" Art | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
אֲשֶׁ֖ר ʼăsher H834 "which" 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.
אַתָּ֣ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
אוֹמֵ֑ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal
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.
כִּ֥י 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.
מִֽ/לִּבְּ/ךָ֖ lêb H3820 "heart" Prep | N-ms | Suff
Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage
Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.
אַתָּ֥ה ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
בוֹדָֽא/ם bâdâʼ H908 "to devise" V-Qal | Suff
To devise or invent something, often in a bad sense, is the meaning of this Hebrew word. It can also mean to feign or contrive something. The KJV translates it as devise or feign.
Definition: 1) to devise, contrive, invent (bad sense) 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to devise 1a2) to contrive
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: devise, feign. See also: 1 Kings 12:33; Nehemiah 6:8.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 6:8

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 52:2 Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.
2 Job 13:4 You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians.
3 Matthew 12:34 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks.
4 Psalms 38:12 Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long.
5 Psalms 36:3 The words of his mouth are wicked and deceitful; he has ceased to be wise and well-doing.
6 John 8:44 You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out his desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, refusing to uphold the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, because he is a liar and the father of lies.
7 Daniel 11:27 And the two kings, with their hearts bent on evil, will speak lies at the same table, but to no avail, for still the end will come at the appointed time.
8 Acts 25:7 When Paul arrived, the Jews who had come down from Jerusalem stood around him, bringing many serious charges that they could not prove.
9 Acts 24:12–13 Yet my accusers did not find me debating with anyone in the temple or riling up a crowd in the synagogues or in the city. Nor can they prove to you any of their charges against me.
10 Acts 25:10 Paul replied, “I am standing before the judgment seat of Caesar, where I ought to be tried. I have done nothing wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well.

Nehemiah 6:8 Summary

[Nehemiah 6:8 shows us that Nehemiah stood firm against false rumors and accusations, trusting in God's power and strength. He denied the rumors and continued to do God's work, even when faced with opposition. This verse teaches us to trust in God and not give in to fear or discouragement, just like it says in Psalm 27:1-3. We can apply this to our own lives by standing firm in our faith and continuing to do God's work, even when things get tough.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What rumors was Nehemiah responding to in Nehemiah 6:8?

Nehemiah was responding to rumors that he and the Jews were plotting to revolt and that he would become their king, as mentioned in Nehemiah 6:6-7. These rumors were likely spread by his enemies to discredit him and stop the work on the wall.

Why did Nehemiah's enemies spread these rumors?

Nehemiah's enemies spread these rumors to frighten the Jews and stop the work on the wall, as mentioned in Nehemiah 6:9. They wanted to weaken their hands and prevent the completion of the wall.

How did Nehemiah respond to these rumors?

Nehemiah responded to these rumors by denying them and stating that they were invented by his enemies, as seen in Nehemiah 6:8. He trusted in God and asked for His strength to continue the work, as mentioned in Nehemiah 6:9.

What can we learn from Nehemiah's response to these rumors?

We can learn from Nehemiah's response that we should not give in to fear and rumors, but instead trust in God and continue to do His work, as encouraged in Philippians 4:13 and 1 Corinthians 16:13.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when faced with false accusations or rumors about my faith or work?
  2. What are some ways that I can trust in God's strength and power when faced with opposition or discouragement?
  3. How can I discern between true and false information, and what role does discernment play in my walk with God?
  4. In what ways can I apply Nehemiah's example of standing firm in the face of opposition to my own life and circumstances?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:8

Then I sent unto him,.... Whether a letter, or a messenger, is not said: saying there are no such things done as thou sayest; that there was any scheme formed to rebel, and make him king, or that

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 6:8

Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:8

Nehemiah 6:8 Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.Ver. 8. There are no such things done as thou sayest] Nehemiah is not too careful to clear himself. This was so transparent a lie, that a man might see through it, and was, therefore, best answered with a neglective denial. It falls out often that plain dealing puts craft out of countenance. Animus recti conscius obiecta probra ut visus nocturnos et vanas somniorum imagines digno supplicio punit, festivo scilicet contemptu, et oblivione: vel, si tanti est, misericordia elevat (John Wower).

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:8

Verse 8. There are no such things done] You well know that what you say is false: I shall not, therefore, trouble myself about a false charge.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:8

8. There are no such things done] Literally, ‘it has not happened or it has not been done according to these words.’ Nehemiah contents himself with curtly retorting that there is no sort of foundation for Sanballat’s words. The letters of Artaxerxes to ‘the governor beyond the river’ (Nehemiah 2:9) were well known to all; Nehemiah could not be a rebel; he had royal and official support for his work. And the assertion that he was currently rumoured to be engaged in an insurrectionary movement was a mere pretence. The very rumour, he replies, is of Sanballat’s own making; and such as it is, it has nothing to go upon. Nehemiah saw that the object of the letter was to damage him in the eyes of the people. Compare Sennacherib’s messengers, 2 Chronicles 32:18. thou feignest them out of thine own heart] i.e. your assertion that a rumour of this kind is being circulated is as much your own invention as the statements which you graft upon it. ‘Feignest.’ The Hebrew word so rendered only occurs elsewhere in the O. T. in 1 Kings 12:33, ‘in the month which he had devised of his own heart.’

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:8

8. Thou feignest them… heart — The governor no longer hesitates to charge his enemy with devising a wicked slander.

Sermons on Nehemiah 6:8

SermonDescription
Carter Conlon From a Mess to an Enduring Message by Carter Conlon In this sermon, the speaker discusses the state of the nation and the loss of their ability to protect themselves from evil. The gates are burned with fire, symbolizing their inabi
Mack Tomlinson The Biblical Theology of the Tongue by Mack Tomlinson This sermon delves into the biblical theology of the tongue, emphasizing the power of words to either speak truth or error, highlighting the struggle with words that we all face. I
Thomas Brooks What Is in the Well, Will Be in the Bucket by Thomas Brooks Thomas Brooks emphasizes the significance of our words, warning that every idle word will be accounted for on the day of judgment, as stated in Matthew 12:36. He categorizes variou
Horatius Bonar Follow the Lamb! (Selections) by Horatius Bonar Horatius Bonar emphasizes the continuous journey of following Christ, urging believers to keep their focus on Jesus and His cross for spiritual health and growth. He warns against
Norman Grubb Job, 1975 Part 1 by Norman Grubb In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Job and the conversations that take place within it. The speaker acknowledges that the book contains 41 chapters filled with vario
Theodore Epp Confidence in God, Not Man by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp emphasizes Job's unwavering confidence in God amidst his suffering, as Job refuses to let his friends dictate his faith or understanding of his situation. He asserts h
David Wilkerson Tame Your Tongue by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of taming one's tongue and the dangers of speaking evil. He compares the tongue to a treasure that can bring forth either goo

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