Nehemiah 4:1
Nehemiah 4:1 in Multiple Translations
Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews
But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
But it came to pass that, when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
Now, Sanballat, hearing that we were building the wall, was very angry, and in his wrath made sport of the Jews.
When Sanballat found out that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious—really mad! He made fun of the Jews
But when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, then was he wroth and sore grieued, and mocked the Iewes,
And it cometh to pass, when Sanballat hath heard that we are building the wall, that it is displeasing to him, and he is very angry and mocketh at the Jews,
But when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was angry, and was very indignant, and mocked the Jews.
But it came to pass that when Sanballat heard that we were building the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
And it came to pass, that when Sanaballat heard that we were building the wall he was angry: and being moved exceedingly he scoffed at the Jews.
When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the city wall, he was very angry. He was enraged/furious. He made fun of us Jews.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 4:1
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Nehemiah 4:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֣י
כַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
שָׁמַ֣ע
סַנְבַלַּ֡ט
וְ֠/טוֹבִיָּה
וְ/הָ/עַרְבִ֨ים
וְ/הָ/עַמֹּנִ֜ים
וְ/הָ/אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֗ים
כִּֽי
עָלְתָ֤ה
אֲרוּכָה֙
לְ/חֹמ֣וֹת
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם
כִּי
הֵחֵ֥לּוּ
הַ/פְּרֻצִ֖ים
לְ/הִסָּתֵ֑ם
וַ/יִּ֥חַר
לָ/הֶ֖ם
מְאֹֽד
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
שָׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
סַנְבַלַּ֡ט
Çanballaṭ
H5571
Sanballat
N-proper
וְ֠/טוֹבִיָּה
Ṭôwbîyâh
H2900
Tobijah
Conj | N-proper
וְ/הָ/עַרְבִ֨ים
ʻĂrâbîy
H6163
Arab
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
וְ/הָ/עַמֹּנִ֜ים
ʻAmmôwnîy
H5984
Ammon
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
וְ/הָ/אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֗ים
ʼAshdôwdîy
H796
Ashdod
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
עָלְתָ֤ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
to ascend
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
אֲרוּכָה֙
ʼărûwkâh
H724
health
N-fs
לְ/חֹמ֣וֹת
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
Prep | N-fp
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
Jerusalem
N-proper
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
הֵחֵ֥לּוּ
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
הַ/פְּרֻצִ֖ים
pârats
H6555
to break through
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
לְ/הִסָּתֵ֑ם
çâtham
H5640
to close
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
וַ/יִּ֥חַר
chârâh
H2734
to be incensed
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
much
Adv
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 4:1
וַ/יְהִ֣י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כַ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
שָׁמַ֣ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
סַנְבַלַּ֡ט
Çanballaṭ
H5571
"Sanballat"
N-proper
Sanballat was a Persian satrap of Samaria who opposed Nehemiah and the returned exiles in their goal of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. His name means strength and he was a Moabite from Horonaim. Sanballat is mentioned in Nehemiah 2:10.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.2.10 § Sanballat = "strength" a Moabite of Horonaim and the opponent of Nehemiah and the returned exiles in their goal of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Sanballat. See also: Nehemiah 2:10; Nehemiah 6:2; Nehemiah 13:28.
וְ֠/טוֹבִיָּה
Ṭôwbîyâh
H2900
"Tobijah"
Conj | N-proper
Tobijah means Jehovah is good, the name of three Israelites and one Samaritan, including a Levite in Jehoshaphat's reign. Tobijah opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem with Sanballat. He is mentioned in Zechariah 6:10.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Zec.6.10 § Tobiah = "Jehovah is good" 1) head of a family who returned from exile with Zerubbabel but who were unable to prove their connection with Israel 2) the Ammonite who with Sanballat opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem 3) a Levite in the reign of Jehoshaphat 4) a chief of the returning exiles
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Tobiah, Tobijah. See also: 2 Chronicles 17:8; Nehemiah 6:14; Zechariah 6:14.
וְ/הָ/עַרְבִ֨ים
ʻĂrâbîy
H6163
"Arab"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
An Arabian refers to someone from the region of Arabia, which includes present-day Saudi Arabia and other parts of the Middle East. In the Bible, Arabians are mentioned as traders and travelers. The term is used to describe people from this region.
Definition: Group of a.rav (עֲרָב "Arabia" H6152B) § Arabian, of Arabia "mixed" steppe-dweller
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: Arabian. See also: 2 Chronicles 17:11; Nehemiah 2:19; Isaiah 13:20.
וְ/הָ/עַמֹּנִ֜ים
ʻAmmôwnîy
H5984
"Ammon"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
An Ammonite is someone from the land of Ammon, descended from Lot. The term is used in the Bible to describe the people and their culture. The Ammonites are mentioned in the books of Judges and Samuel.
Definition: Someone from Ammon, Ammonite, of Ammon "tribal" descendants of Ammon and inhabitants of Ammon Another name of am.mon (עַמּוֹן "Ammon" H5983)
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Ammonite(-s). See also: Deuteronomy 2:20; 2 Chronicles 20:1; Nehemiah 13:23.
וְ/הָ/אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֗ים
ʼAshdôwdîy
H796
"Ashdod"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
An Ashdodite is someone from the city of Ashdod, which was a major city in the Philistine nation. The city's name means 'I will spoil' and its people are often mentioned in the book of Nehemiah.
Definition: Ashdodite = "I will spoil" an inhabitant of Ashdod Another spelling of ash.dod (אַשְׁדּוֹד "Ashdod" H0795)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: Ashdodites, of Ashdod. See also: Joshua 13:3; 1 Samuel 5:6; Nehemiah 13:23.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עָלְתָ֤ה
ʻâlâh
H5927
"to ascend"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To ascend means to go up or rise, like the smoke from an altar going up to God, as described in many Bible passages, including Leviticus and Psalms.
Definition: : rise/go 1) to go up, ascend, climb 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go up, ascend 1a2) to meet, visit, follow, depart, withdraw, retreat 1a3) to go up, come up (of animals) 1a4) to spring up, grow, shoot forth (of vegetation) 1a5) to go up, go up over, rise (of natural phenomenon) 1a6) to come up (before God) 1a7) to go up, go up over, extend (of boundary) 1a8) to excel, be superior to 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be taken up, be brought up, be taken away 1b2) to take oneself away 1b3) to be exalted 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to bring up, cause to ascend or climb, cause to go up 1c2) to bring up, bring against, take away 1c3) to bring up, draw up, train 1c4) to cause to ascend 1c5) to rouse, stir up (mentally) 1c6) to offer, bring up (of gifts) 1c7) to exalt 1c8) to cause to ascend, offer 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be carried away, be led up 1d2) to be taken up into, be inserted in 1d3) to be offered 1e) (Hithpael) to lift oneself
Usage: Occurs in 817 OT verses. KJV: arise (up), (cause to) ascend up, at once, break (the day) (up), bring (up), (cause to) burn, carry up, cast up, [phrase] shew, climb (up), (cause to, make to) come (up), cut off, dawn, depart, exalt, excel, fall, fetch up, get up, (make to) go (away, up); grow (over) increase, lay, leap, levy, lift (self) up, light, (make) up, [idiom] mention, mount up, offer, make to pay, [phrase] perfect, prefer, put (on), raise, recover, restore, (make to) rise (up), scale, set (up), shoot forth (up), (begin to) spring (up), stir up, take away (up), work. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 34:4; Joshua 7:6.
אֲרוּכָה֙
ʼărûwkâh
H724
"health"
N-fs
Describes a state of being whole or healthy, whether physically or spiritually, like being healed or restored to perfection.
Definition: healing, restoration
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: health, made up, perfected. See also: 2 Chronicles 24:13; Jeremiah 8:22; Isaiah 58:8.
לְ/חֹמ֣וֹת
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
Prep | N-fp
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
יְרוּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Yᵉrûwshâlaim
H3389
"Jerusalem"
N-proper
Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.
Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split
Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
הֵחֵ֥לּוּ
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
הַ/פְּרֻצִ֖ים
pârats
H6555
"to break through"
Art | V-Qal-Inf-c
To break through means to burst out or force one's way, like when a baby is born or a wall is broken down. This word is used in many situations, like when God breaks through to help someone or when a crowd breaks out in violence.
Definition: 1) to break through or down or over, burst, breach 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to break or burst out (from womb or enclosure) 1a2) to break through or down, make a breach in 1a3) to break into 1a4) to break open 1a5) to break up, break in pieces 1a6) to break out (violently) upon 1a7) to break over (limits), increase 1a8) to use violence 1a9) to burst open 1a10) to spread, distribute 1b) (Niphal) to be broken through 1c) (Pual) to be broken down 1d) (Hithpael) to break away
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abroad, (make a) breach, break (away, down, -er, forth, in, up), burst out, come (spread) abroad, compel, disperse, grow, increase, open, press, scatter, urge. See also: Genesis 28:14; 2 Chronicles 25:23; Psalms 60:3.
לְ/הִסָּתֵ֑ם
çâtham
H5640
"to close"
Prep | V-Niphal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to stop or block something, like covering a hole. It can also mean to keep a secret. In the Bible, it is used to describe hiding or concealing things, like in Psalm 139:15.
Definition: 1) to stop up, shut up, keep close 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stop up 1a2) to shut up, keep close 1a3) secret (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stopped up 1c) (Piel) to stop up
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: closed up, hidden, secret, shut out (up), stop. See also: Genesis 26:15; Nehemiah 4:1; Psalms 51:8.
וַ/יִּ֥חַר
chârâh
H2734
"to be incensed"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To be incensed means to be very angry or furious, like a fire burning. It describes strong emotions like anger, zeal, or jealousy, and is used to express intense feelings in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to be hot, furious, burn, becomeangry, be kindled 1a) (Qal) to burn, kindle (anger) 1b) (Niphal) to be angry with, be incensed 1c) (Hiphil) to burn, kindle 1d) (Hithpael) to heat oneself in vexation
Usage: Occurs in 87 OT verses. KJV: be angry, burn, be displeased, [idiom] earnestly, fret self, grieve, be (wax) hot, be incensed, kindle, [idiom] very, be wroth. See H8474 (תַּחָרָה). See also: Genesis 4:5; 1 Samuel 15:11; Psalms 18:8.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
מְאֹֽד
mᵉʼôd
H3966
"much"
Adv
Meod means 'much' or 'very' and is used to emphasize something. It can mean 'exceedingly' or 'greatly' and is often used to show strong feelings or actions.
Definition: adv 1) exceedingly, much subst 2) might, force, abundance n m 3) muchness, force, abundance, exceedingly 3a) force, might 3b) exceedingly, greatly, very (idioms showing magnitude or degree) 3b1) exceedingly 3b2) up to abundance, to a great degree, exceedingly 3b3) with muchness, muchness
Usage: Occurs in 278 OT verses. KJV: diligently, especially, exceeding(-ly), far, fast, good, great(-ly), [idiom] louder and louder, might(-ily, -y), (so) much, quickly, (so) sore, utterly, very ([phrase] much, sore), well. See also: Genesis 1:31; 1 Samuel 11:6; Psalms 6:4.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 4:1
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Context — The Work Ridiculed
1Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews
2before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” 3Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 2:10 | But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites. |
| 2 | Hebrews 11:36 | Still others endured mocking and flogging, and even chains and imprisonment. |
| 3 | Psalms 35:15–16 | But when I stumbled, they assembled in glee; they gathered together against me. Assailants I did not know slandered me without ceasing. Like godless jesters at a feast, they gnashed their teeth at me. |
| 4 | Acts 5:17 | Then the high priest and all his associates, who belonged to the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy. They went out |
| 5 | Nehemiah 2:19 | But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” |
| 6 | Matthew 27:29 | And they twisted together a crown of thorns and set it on His head. They put a staff in His right hand and knelt down before Him to mock Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” |
| 7 | Psalms 44:13–14 | You have made us a reproach to our neighbors, a mockery and derision to those around us. You have made us a byword among the nations, a laughingstock among the peoples. |
| 8 | Ezra 4:1–5 | When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, saying, “Let us build with you because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the time of King Esar-haddon of Assyria, who brought us here.” But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of the families of Israel replied, “You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us.” 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. |
Nehemiah 4:1 Summary
Nehemiah 4:1 tells us that when Sanballat heard about the Jews rebuilding the wall, he became furious and ridiculed them. This shows us that when we try to do something good for God, there will be people who oppose us and try to bring us down, as seen in 1 Peter 2:20. But we can trust in God's power and protection, just like the Jews did, and remember that He is our rock and refuge, as promised in Psalm 46:1-3. We can also learn from the example of Jesus, who faced ridicule and opposition but remained faithful and trusting in God, as seen in Matthew 27:39-44 and Hebrews 12:2-3.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Sanballat furious when he heard about the wall rebuilding?
Sanballat was furious because he felt threatened by the Jews' efforts to rebuild the wall, which symbolized their return to power and independence, as seen in Nehemiah 4:1, similar to the opposition faced by the Israelites in Exodus 1:9-10
What can we learn from Sanballat's reaction to the Jews' rebuilding efforts?
We can learn that our actions, especially those that bring glory to God, can provoke opposition and ridicule from others, as seen in Nehemiah 4:1 and 1 Peter 2:20
How does Sanballat's ridicule of the Jews relate to the spiritual battle we face as Christians?
Sanballat's ridicule represents the spiritual forces of darkness that seek to discourage and intimidate believers, as described in Ephesians 6:12 and 1 Peter 5:8-9
What can we do when faced with ridicule or opposition like the Jews in Nehemiah 4:1?
We can pray for courage and perseverance, like Nehemiah did in Nehemiah 4:4-5, and trust in God's sovereignty and protection, as promised in Psalm 23:4 and Romans 8:28
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with ridicule or opposition to my faith, and what can I learn from the Jews' experience in Nehemiah 4:1?
- In what ways can I, like the Jews, trust in God's power and provision to overcome the challenges and opposition I face, as seen in Nehemiah 4:1 and Psalm 121:1-2?
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I'm facing ridicule or opposition, and how can I apply the lessons from Nehemiah 4:1 to those situations, with the help of 2 Corinthians 12:10 and Philippians 4:13?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, prioritize prayer and trust in God's sovereignty when faced with challenges and opposition, as seen in Nehemiah 4:1 and Jeremiah 33:3?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 4:1
But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall,.... Or were building it; for as yet it was not finished, see Ne 4:6, he was wroth, and took great indignation; inwardly,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 4:1
But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews. When Sanballat heard ... he was wroth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:1
CHAPTER 4 The enemies scoff, and are angry, . Nehemiah prayeth against them and continueth the work, . Understanding the wrath and design of their enemies, he setteth a watch, . He armeth and encourageth the labourers, ; and giveth military precepts, . Pretending contempt in his words when he had grief in his heart.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:1
Nehemiah 4:1 But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.Ver. 1. But it came to pass] The devil and his imps have ever been utter enemies to reformation. So do savage beasts bristle up themselves, and make the most fierce assaults, when they are in danger of losing the prey which they had once seized on. Jabeshgilead would send in none to help the Lord against the mighty, Judges 21:9. No more would Meroz, Judges 5:23. Josiah met with much opposition; so did St Paul wherever he came, to set up evangelical and spiritual worship; which is called a reformation, Hebrews 9:10. All the world was against Athanasius in his generation, and Luther in his; rejecting what they attempted, with scorn and slander. Here it is quarrel enough to Nehemiah and his Jews, that they would be no longer miserable. They were not more busy in building than the enemies active in deriding, conspiring, practising to hinder and overthrow them. A double derision is here recorded; and both as full of mischief as profane wit or rancoured malice could make them.
He was wroth] Heb. He was enkindled, and all on a light fire; he was as hot as Nebuchadnezzar’ s oven, very hot, he took great indignation, and was so unreasonably enraged, as if he would have fallen forthwith into a frenzy or apoplexy; as that Roman emperor did, by raging at his servant. He was grieved before, Nehemiah 2:1, but now he was maddened. And mocked the Jews] By word and gesture, fleering and jeering, flouting and scoffing at them, as the Pharisees also did at our Saviour, Luke 16:14; David’ s enemies at him, upon their ale bench; Sir Thomas More and other learned Papists, at the new gospellers. See Nehemiah 2:19. This might have dismayed these poor Jews, and put them out of countenance: for our nature is most impatient with reproaches; there being none so mean but thinks himself worthy of some regard: and a reproachful scorn (such as these here) shows an utter disrespect, which issueth from the very superfluity of malice. If God had not strengthened them, saith one, it would have made them leave their work, and run away.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:1
(1) Mocked the Jews.—The mockery comes afterwards. Here, as often in Nehemiah, a general statement is made which is afterwards expanded.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:1
CHAPTER IV Sanballat and Tobiah mock the Jews, and endeavour to prevent the completing of the wall, 1-3. Nehemiah prays against them, and the people complete one half of the wall, 4-6. The Arabians, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, conspire together, and come to fight against the Jews, 7, 8. The Jews commend themselves to God, and determine to fight for their lives and liberties; on hearing of which their enemies are disheartened, 9-16. The Jews divide themselves into two bands; one half working, and the other standing ready armed to meet their enemies. Even the workmen are obliged to arm themselves, while employed in building, for fear of their enemies, 17, 18. Nehemiah uses all precautions to prevent a surprise; and all labour with great fervour in the work, 19-22. NOTES ON CHAP. IV
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 4:1
Ch. Nehemiah 4:1-23. The Opposition to the Work. (a) 1–6. The ridicule of the Samaritans. (b) 7–23. The menaces of the foe, and the precautions taken by Nehemiah1. The IVth Chapter in ordinary editions of the Hebrew text does not begin till Nehemiah 4:7. and took great indignation] The form of the word here used in the original is of rare occurrence and is found only in late Hebrew, 2 Chronicles 16:10, ‘was in a rage;’ Ezekiel 16:42, ‘be angry;’ Psalms 112:10, ‘be grieved,’ Ecclesiastes 5:17; Ecclesiastes 7:9. For the common use of the word in its causative sense, ‘provoke to anger’ see Nehemiah 4:5.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 4:1
FROM THE , Nehemiah 4:1-23. 1. Sanballat — See on Nehemiah 2:10. That we builded the wall — That is, that we were building it. This chapter describes events that transpired while their work of rebuilding was going on.
Sermons on Nehemiah 4:1
| Sermon | Description | |
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Nehemiah, Esther by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Nehemiah and the importance of having a burden for God's work. He emphasizes the need for one person who is not discouraged by o |
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Standing Firm Under Attack by Skip Heitzig | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the negative mindset of some individuals who only focus on the negative aspects of God's work. He uses the example of Sandballot and Tobias in |
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Nehemiah #2: Chapter 2-6 by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the lack of vision and discernment among the people regarding the state of the city walls. He emphasizes the importance of understanding God's |
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Rubbish by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon on Nehemiah chapter 4, the preacher begins by expressing his delight in studying and meditating on this chapter. He highlights the opposition faced by Nehemiah and t |
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Ten Principles of Warfare by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman discusses the 'Ten Principles of Warfare' based on Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, emphasizing the importance of spiritual warfare in our lives today |
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Rubbish Behind the Wall by George H. Alquist Jr. | George H. Alquist Jr. preaches on Nehemiah and the building of the wall, illustrating the reality of enemies hindering God's work. He emphasizes that wherever God's people work, en |
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Ezra 4:1 by Chuck Smith | Chuck Smith discusses the tactics of Satan in hindering the building of God's temple, emphasizing the danger of unholy alliances, particularly with the Samaritans who sought to ble |