Nehemiah 6:17
What does Nehemiah 6:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 6:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 6:17 means
In those days, the nobles of Judah were exchanging many letters with Tobiah. This correspondence reveals divided loyalties inside the community. While the wall unified the people in labor, some influential figures maintained alliances with a known adversary. Their letters likely included praise, negotiations, and reports. The verse signals that political and social entanglements can undermine spiritual progress. Even after a great victory, vigilance is needed because opposition adapts. The danger now is not siege from outside but influence from within the leadership class.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And further, in those days the chiefs of Judah sent a number of letters to Tobiah, and his letters came to them.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Also, in those days the freemen of Judah are multiplying their letters going unto Tobiah, and those of Tobiah are coming in unto them;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Moreover in those days many letters were sent by the principal men of the Jews to Tobias, and from Tobias there came letters to them.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobijah, and those of Tobijah came to them.
Context
After the enemies’ fear is noted, the story exposes a troubling internal reality. The completion of the wall did not end all pressures. The next verse explains why many were connected to Tobiah—family ties through marriage bound them by oath. Understanding these relationships helps explain the mixed messaging and the flow of information described in verse 19. The chapter concludes by showing how Tobiah exploited these networks to continue intimidation.
v.16And it came to pass, when all our enemies heardthereof, that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
v.17This passage
v.18For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah to wife.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 13:28
And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.
- Matthew 24:10
And then shall many stumble, and shall deliver up one another, and shall hate one another.
- Nehemiah 5:7
Then I consulted with myself, and contended with the nobles and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I held a great assembly against them.
- Nehemiah 3:5
And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their lord.
- Micah 7:1
Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grape gleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat; my soul desireth the first-ripe fig.
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