Nehemiah 6:8
What does Nehemiah 6:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 6:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 6:8 means
Nehemiah answered directly: none of the alleged things were happening; the accusers invented them out of their own hearts. He refused to be drawn into long defenses or bargaining sessions. By naming the lies as lies, he deprived them of power. Leaders must sometimes reject false frames rather than argue within them. Nehemiah’s reply also reflects confidence in God’s oversight; he does not panic at the threat of slander but stands on truth. His clarity keeps the community from being distracted or divided by fabricated claims.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then I sent to him, saying, No such things as you say are being done, they are only a fiction you have made up yourself.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And 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;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And I sent to them, saying: There is no such thing done as thou sayest: but thou feignest these things out of thy own heart.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And I sent to him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
Context
After hearing the accusations, Nehemiah gives a concise denial. The effect is to halt the narrative momentum of the open letter and to re-center on the work. The next verse will reveal the enemies’ underlying tactic—fear—and record Nehemiah’s brief prayer for strength. The movement from falsehood to prayer prepares for yet another kind of attack, this time through a supposed prophetic message aimed at luring Nehemiah into disobedience.
v.7And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
v.8This passage
v.9For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. But now, O God, strengthen thou my hands.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 25:10
But Paul said, I am standing before Cæsar’s judgment-seat, where I ought to be judged: to the Jews have I done no wrong, as thou also very well knowest.
- Job 13:4
But ye are forgers of lies; Ye are all physicians of no value.
- Psalms 52:2
Thy tongue deviseth very wickedness, Like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.
- Acts 24:12
and neither in the temple did they find me disputing with any man or stirring up a crowd, nor in the synagogues, nor in the city.
- Psalms 38:12
They also that seek after my life lay snares for me; And they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, And meditate deceits all the day long.
- Acts 25:7
And when he was come, the Jews that had come down from Jerusalem stood round about him, bringing against him many and grievous charges which they could not prove;
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