Devine Scripture

Nehemiah 6:5

What does Nehemiah 6:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Nehemiah 6:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Nehemiah 6:5 means

Sanballat escalated by sending his servant a fifth time, now carrying an open letter. Unlike sealed correspondence, an open letter could be read and spread, designed to stir public opinion and shame. It signals a move from private manipulation to public slander. The choice of an open letter intends to create anxiety among the people and to coerce Nehemiah into compliance, fearing how rumors might reach the Persian court. The enemies will now weaponize reputation and politics when their earlier schemes failed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand,

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand,

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Then Sanballat sent his servant to me a fifth time with an open letter in his hand;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And Sanballat sendeth unto me, according to this word, a fifth time, his servant, and an open letter in his hand;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And Sanaballat sent his servant to me the fifth time according to the former word, and he had a letter in his hand written in this manner:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Then sent Sanballat his servant to me in this manner the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand,

Context

The shift from repeated invitations to an open letter marks the next phase of pressure. Having failed to draw Nehemiah away, the opposition tries to force his hand by making allegations visible to all. The details of the accusation are given in the next two verses, showing how lies can be wrapped in official-sounding language. The reader should expect that Nehemiah will answer plainly and refuse to be guided by fear, which is precisely what follows.

v.4And they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

v.5This passage

v.6wherein was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause thou art building the wall: and thou wouldest be their king, according to these words.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13

    For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:11

    that no advantage may be gained over us by Satan: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

  • 2 Kings 18:26

    Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebnah, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and speak not with us in the Jews’ language, in the ears of the people that are on the wall.

  • Ephesians 6:11

    Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:10

    and with all deceit of unrighteousness for them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.

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