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Nehemiah 6:3 So I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?"
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Why should the work stop while I leave it and go down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/6.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />so I replied by sending this message to them: “I am engaged in a great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working to come and meet with you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/6.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/6.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/6.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I <i>am</i> doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/6.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I <i>am</i> doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/6.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and am unable to come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/6.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/6.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/6.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/6.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave to come down to [meet with] you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/6.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing important work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/6.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and go down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/6.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/6.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to tell them, "My work is too important to stop now and go there. I can't afford to slow down the work just to visit with you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/6.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: Why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/6.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I sent messengers to tell them, "I'm working on an important project and can't get away. Why should the work stop while I leave to meet with you?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/6.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I sent messengers to say to them, "I am doing important work and can't go down there. I am not going to let the work stop just to go and see you." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/6.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, replying "I am involved in a great endeavor, so I can't leave. Why should the work stop while I leave it to come down to you?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/6.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, ?I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/6.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them saying, "I am engaged in an important work, and I am unable to come down. Why should the work come to a halt when I leave it to come down to you?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/6.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I sent messengers to them, saying, "I am doing a great work, so that I can't come down. Why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/6.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/6.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I can’t come down. Why should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/6.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I send to them messengers, saying, “A great work I am doing, and I am not able to come down; why does the work cease when I let it alone, and have come down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/6.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I send unto them messengers, saying, 'A great work I am doing, and I am not able to come down; why doth the work cease when I let it alone, and have come down unto you?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/6.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I shall send messengers to them, saying, I do a great work, and I shall not be able to come down: wherefore shall the work cease when I shall desist and come down to you?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/6.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I sent messengers to them, saying: I am doing a great work, and I cannot come down, lest it be neglected whilst I come, and go down to you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/6.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, I sent messengers to them, saying: “I am doing a great work, and I cannot descend, lest perhaps it may be neglected when I go out and descend to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/6.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I sent messengers to them with this reply: “I am engaged in a great enterprise and am unable to come down. Why should the work stop, while I leave it to come down to you?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/6.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and I cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to come down to you?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/6.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And I sent a messenger to them, saying, I am doing a great work so that I cannot come down, lest the work cease, while I leave it and come down to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/6.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I sent them a Messenger and I said to them: “I am doing a great work and I cannot go down, lest it would stop when I leave and come down to join you.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/6.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And I sent messengers unto them, saying: 'I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down; why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/6.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, and I shall not be able to come down, lest the work should cease: as soon as I shall have finished it, I will come down to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=1284" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/6.htm">Sanballat's Conspiracy</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: wā·’eš·lə·ḥāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">So I sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/4397.htm" title="4397: mal·’ā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- A messenger. From an unused root meaning to despatch as a deputy; a messenger; specifically, of God, i.e. An angel.">messengers</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">to them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: lê·mōr (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">saying,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">“I</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śeh (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">am doing</a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh (Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">a great</a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: mə·lā·ḵāh (N-fs) -- From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment or work; also property.">work</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and cannot</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: ’ū·ḵal (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: lā·re·ḏeṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To come or go down, descend. ">come down.</a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: lām·māh (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: ham·mə·lā·ḵāh (Art:: N-fs) -- From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment or work; also property.">should the work</a> <a href="/hebrew/7673.htm" title="7673: ṯiš·baṯ (V-Qal-Imperf-3fs) -- To repose, desist from exertion. A primitive root; to repose, i.e. Desist from exertion; used in many implied relations.">stop</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ka·’ă·šer (Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">while</a> <a href="/hebrew/7503.htm" title="7503: ’ar·pe·hā (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- Sink, relax. A primitive root; to slacken.">I leave it</a> <a href="/hebrew/3381.htm" title="3381: wə·yā·raḏ·tî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To come or go down, descend. ">to go down</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- To, into, towards. ">to you?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave the same reply.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/4-6.htm">Nehemiah 4:6</a></span><br />So we rebuilt the wall until all of it was joined together up to half its height, for the people had a mind to work.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-20.htm">Nehemiah 2:20</a></span><br />So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/4-4.htm">Ezra 4:4-5</a></span><br />Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build. / They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-3.htm">Proverbs 16:3</a></span><br />Commit your works to the LORD and your plans will be achieved.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-6.htm">Philippians 1:6</a></span><br />being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-9.htm">Galatians 6:9</a></span><br />Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/3-13.htm">2 Thessalonians 3:13</a></span><br />But as for you, brothers, do not grow weary in well-doing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-8.htm">1 Peter 5:8-9</a></span><br />Be sober-minded and alert. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. / Resist him, standing firm in your faith and in the knowledge that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10</a></span><br />Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will surely help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/127-1.htm">Psalm 127:1</a></span><br />A song of ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/4-7.htm">2 Timothy 4:7</a></span><br />I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/20-24.htm">Acts 20:24</a></span><br />But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/14-28.htm">Luke 14:28-30</a></span><br />Which of you, wishing to build a tower, does not first sit down and count the cost to see if he has the resources to complete it? / Otherwise, if he lays the foundation and is unable to finish the work, everyone who sees it will ridicule him, / saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/12-1.htm">Hebrews 12:1-2</a></span><br />Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with endurance the race set out for us. / Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?</p><p class="hdg">And I sent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/14-15.htm">Proverbs 14:15</a></b></br> The simple believeth every word: but the prudent <i>man</i> looketh well to his going.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/10-16.htm">Matthew 10:16</a></b></br> Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.</p><p class="hdg">I am doing</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a></b></br> Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do <i>it</i> with thy might; for <i>there is</i> no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/luke/14-30.htm">Luke 14:30</a></b></br> Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/9-4.htm">John 9:4</a></b></br> I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/5-8.htm">Able</a> <a href="/ezra/6-7.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/ezra/4-22.htm">Carrying</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-11.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Great</a> <a href="/ezra/9-12.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-16.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/ezra/10-13.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/ezra/7-9.htm">Project</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-10.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-7.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/judges/6-31.htm">Whilst</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-16.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/nehemiah/7-61.htm">Able</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-6.htm">Alone</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-32.htm">Carrying</a> <a href="/job/3-17.htm">Cease</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-4.htm">Great</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-31.htm">Leave</a> <a href="/job/4-18.htm">Messengers</a> <a href="/esther/8-6.htm">Possible</a> <a href="/ezekiel/43-15.htm">Project</a> <a href="/job/9-12.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-39.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/job/8-12.htm">Whilst</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-9.htm">Work</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 6</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/6-1.htm">Sanballat practices by craft, by rumors, and by hired prophecies, to terrify Nehemiah</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/6-15.htm">The work is finished, to the terror of the enemies</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/6-17.htm">Secret intelligence passes between the enemies and the nobles of Judah</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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By sending messengers, he maintains a level of diplomacy and avoids direct confrontation, which could lead to unnecessary conflict. This approach reflects the wisdom found in <a href="/proverbs/15.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a>, "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." Nehemiah's leadership style is characterized by discernment and prudence, qualities essential for effective governance and conflict resolution.<p><b>“I am doing a great work</b><br>Nehemiah recognizes the significance of his mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This "great work" is not just a construction project but a divine mandate to restore the city and its people. The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls symbolizes the restoration of God's covenant with Israel, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/58-12.htm">Isaiah 58:12</a>, which speaks of rebuilding ancient ruins and raising up age-old foundations. Nehemiah's commitment to this task reflects the importance of prioritizing God's work above personal or political agendas.<p><b>and cannot come down.</b><br>Nehemiah's refusal to leave his work demonstrates his unwavering dedication and focus. This phrase highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of distraction and opposition. In the New Testament, Jesus exemplifies this same determination in <a href="/luke/9-51.htm">Luke 9:51</a>, where He resolutely sets out for Jerusalem despite knowing the challenges ahead. Nehemiah's steadfastness serves as a model for believers to remain committed to their God-given missions.<p><b>Why should the work stop</b><br>Nehemiah's rhetorical question underscores the critical nature of the task at hand. Stopping the work would not only delay the project but also potentially demoralize the people and give the enemies an opportunity to thwart their efforts. This reflects the principle found in <a href="/ecclesiastes/9-10.htm">Ecclesiastes 9:10</a>, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might." Nehemiah's question challenges the notion of abandoning God's work for lesser pursuits.<p><b>while I leave it to go down to you?”</b><br>Nehemiah's decision to not "go down" to his adversaries signifies his refusal to be drawn into their schemes. The phrase "go down" can also imply a descent into compromise or distraction. This mirrors the temptation of Jesus in <a href="/matthew/4.htm">Matthew 4:1-11</a>, where He refuses to be diverted from His mission by Satan's offers. Nehemiah's resolve to stay focused on his divine assignment serves as an example of prioritizing God's calling over worldly distractions.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Nehemiah is the governor of Judah and the leader of the effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. His leadership and dedication to God's work are evident throughout the book.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/s/sanballat_and_geshem.htm">Sanballat and Geshem</a></b><br>These are adversaries of Nehemiah who attempt to distract and intimidate him from completing the work on the wall. They represent opposition to God's plans and the persistence of worldly challenges.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where the wall is being rebuilt. It holds significant spiritual and historical importance for the Jewish people as the center of worship and identity.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_wall.htm">The Wall</a></b><br>The physical structure being rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership. It symbolizes protection, restoration, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_messengers.htm">The Messengers</a></b><br>Individuals sent by Nehemiah to deliver his response to Sanballat and Geshem. They play a role in maintaining communication and ensuring Nehemiah's focus remains on the task at hand.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/focus_on_god's_work.htm">Focus on God's Work</a></b><br>Nehemiah's response to his adversaries teaches us the importance of staying focused on the mission God has given us. Distractions and opposition will come, but our commitment to God's work must remain unwavering.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_leadership.htm">Discernment in Leadership</a></b><br>Nehemiah demonstrates discernment by recognizing the intentions of Sanballat and Geshem. As leaders, we must be wise and discerning, understanding when to engage and when to stand firm.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_a_firm_response.htm">The Power of a Firm Response</a></b><br>Nehemiah's firm and clear response to his adversaries shows the power of standing firm in our convictions. We must be prepared to defend our faith and mission with clarity and confidence.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_prioritization.htm">The Importance of Prioritization</a></b><br>Nehemiah prioritizes the work on the wall over the demands of his adversaries. This teaches us to prioritize God's work in our lives, ensuring that we do not allow lesser things to divert our attention.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/perseverance_in_the_face_of_opposition.htm">Perseverance in the Face of Opposition</a></b><br>The persistence of Nehemiah in the face of opposition is a powerful example of perseverance. We are called to persevere in our faith and mission, trusting that God will see us through challenges.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_6.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 6</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_were_sanballat,_tobiah,_geshem.htm">Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem in history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_all_stop_work_every_7th_day.htm">In Leviticus 23:3, how could an entire population realistically stop all work every seventh day without compromising essential services or survival needs?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_basis_for_angels_stopped_in_dan._10_13.htm">What historical or scientific basis supports the idea of angelic beings physically stopped by the 'prince of Persia' in Daniel 10:13?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_reconcile_jer._30_3_with_incomplete_returns.htm">Jeremiah 30:3 promises the return of all exiled Israelites and Judeans; how do we reconcile this with records showing multiple dispersions and incomplete mass returns?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">So I sent</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֶשְׁלְחָ֨ה</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’eš·lə·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> </span><span class="str2">To send away, for, out</span><br /><br /><span class="word">messengers</span><br /><span class="heb">מַלְאָכִים֙</span> <span class="translit">(mal·’ā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4397.htm">Strong's 4397: </a> </span><span class="str2">A messenger, of God, an angel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to them,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֲלֵיהֶ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(‘ă·lê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">saying,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֵאמֹ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(lê·mōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“I</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲנִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">am doing</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹשֶׂ֔ה</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·śeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a great</span><br /><span class="heb">גְדוֹלָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> </span><span class="str2">Great, older, insolent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">work</span><br /><span class="heb">מְלָאכָ֤ה</span> <span class="translit">(mə·lā·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4399.htm">Strong's 4399: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and cannot</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">come down.</span><br /><span class="heb">לָרֶ֑דֶת</span> <span class="translit">(lā·re·ḏeṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Why</span><br /><span class="heb">לָ֣מָּה</span> <span class="translit">(lām·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">should the work</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמְּלָאכָה֙</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mə·lā·ḵāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4399.htm">Strong's 4399: </a> </span><span class="str2">Deputyship, ministry, employment, work, property</span><br /><br /><span class="word">stop</span><br /><span class="heb">תִשְׁבַּ֤ת</span> <span class="translit">(ṯiš·baṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7673.htm">Strong's 7673: </a> </span><span class="str2">To repose, desist from exertion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">while</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ka·’ă·šer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I leave it</span><br /><span class="heb">אַרְפֶּ֔הָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ar·pe·hā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7503.htm">Strong's 7503: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sink, relax</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to go down</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיָרַדְתִּ֖י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yā·raḏ·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3381.htm">Strong's 3381: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come or go down, descend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you?”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלֵיכֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lê·ḵem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/6-3.htm">Nehemiah 6:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/6-3.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 6:3 I sent messengers to them saying (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/6-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 6:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 6:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/6-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 6:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 6:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>