Nehemiah 6:4
What does Nehemiah 6:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 6:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 6:4 means
The enemies sent the same request four times, trying to wear Nehemiah down by persistence. He answered each time in the same way. This shows both the unrelenting pressure and Nehemiah’s steady resolve. Consistency under repeated temptation is a mark of faithfulness. The verse also reveals the tactic of attrition—if one appeal fails, repeat it until fatigue produces compromise. Nehemiah would not let persistence pass for legitimacy. His constancy kept the project from stalling and deprived the adversaries of any wedge.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And four times they sent to me in this way, and I sent them the same answer.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and they send unto me, according to this word, four times, and I return them <FI>word<Fi> according to this word.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they sent to me according to this word, four times: and I answered them after the same manner.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And they sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them in the same manner.
Context
After the firm refusal of verse 3, the opposition tries to create momentum by repetition, hoping to alter Nehemiah’s resolve. The narrative stresses that nothing has changed to justify a different answer. This sets the scene for a new strategy in the next verses: when private invitations fail, they will turn to public accusation through an open letter, attempting to pressure Nehemiah through fear of imperial scrutiny and damaged reputation.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 7:21
With her much fair speech she causeth him to yield; With the flattering of her lips she forceth him along.
- Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word; But the prudent man looketh well to his going.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord.
- Judges 16:6
And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee.
- Judges 16:15
And she said unto him, How canst thou say, I love thee, when thy heart is not with me? thou hast mocked me these three times, and hast not told me wherein thy great strength lieth.
- Judges 16:10
And Delilah said unto Samson, Behold, thou hast mocked me, and told me lies: now tell me, I pray thee, wherewith thou mightest be bound.
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