Nehemiah 6:16

Nehemiah 6:16 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.

King James Version KJV

And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

American Standard Version ASV

And it came to pass, when all our enemies heard thereof, that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And when our haters had news of this, all the nations round about us were full of fear and were greatly shamed, for they saw that this work had been done by our God.

Free Bible Version FBV

When all our enemies found out they were frightened; all the nations around were very discouraged, for they recognized that this had been done by our God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when all our enemies heard thereof, euen all the heathen that were about vs, they were afraid, and their courage failed them: for they knew, that this worke was wrought by our God.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and it cometh to pass, when all our enemies have heard, and all the nations who are round about us see, that they fall greatly in their own eyes, and know that by our God hath this work been done.

World English Bible WEB

When all our enemies heard of it, all the nations that were around us were afraid, and they lost their confidence; for they perceived that this work was done by our God.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard of it , and all the heathen that were about us saw these things , they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought by our God.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And it came to pass when all our enemies heard of it, that all nations which were round about us, were afraid, and were cast down within themselves, for they perceived that this work was the work of God.

Translation for Translators T4T

When our enemies in the nearby countries heard about that, they realized that they had been humiliated, because everyone knew that it was because God helped us that we had been able to do this work and that they had not been able to force us to quit.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 6:16

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 6:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יְהִ֗י כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ כָּל א֣וֹיְבֵ֔י/נוּ וַ/יִּֽרְא֗וּ כָּל הַ/גּוֹיִם֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר סְבִֽיבֹתֵ֔י/נוּ וַ/יִּפְּל֥וּ מְאֹ֖ד בְּ/עֵינֵי/הֶ֑ם וַ/יֵּ֣דְע֔וּ כִּ֚י מֵ/אֵ֣ת אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ נֶעֶשְׂתָ֖ה הַ/מְּלָאכָ֥ה הַ/זֹּֽאת

וַ/יְהִ֗י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-3cp

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

א֣וֹיְבֵ֔י/נוּ ʼôyêb H341 enemy V-Qal | Suff

וַ/יִּֽרְא֗וּ râʼâh H7200 Provider Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

הַ/גּוֹיִם֙ gôwy H1471 Gentile Art | N-mp

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

סְבִֽיבֹתֵ֔י/נוּ çâbîyb H5439 around N-cp | Suff

וַ/יִּפְּל֥וּ nâphal H5307 to fall Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

מְאֹ֖ד mᵉʼôd H3966 much Adv

בְּ/עֵינֵי/הֶ֑ם ʻayin H5869 eye Prep | N-cd | Suff

וַ/יֵּ֣דְע֔וּ yâdaʻ H3045 to know Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

כִּ֚י kîy H3588 for Conj

מֵ/אֵ֣ת ʼêth H854 with Prep | Prep

אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff

נֶעֶשְׂתָ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Niphal-Perf-3fs

הַ/מְּלָאכָ֥ה mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 work Art | N-fs

הַ/זֹּֽאת zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 6:16

וַ/יְהִ֗י 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.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר 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.

שָֽׁמְעוּ֙ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

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.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

א֣וֹיְבֵ֔י/נוּ ʼôyêb H341 "enemy" V-Qal | Suff

This Hebrew word means enemy or adversary, referring to someone who hates or opposes another person or nation. It is used to describe personal or national enemies in the Bible.

Definition: 1) (Qal) enemy 1a) personal 1b) national

Usage: Occurs in 275 OT verses. KJV: enemy, foe. See also: Genesis 22:17; 2 Samuel 22:1; Psalms 3:8.

וַ/יִּֽרְא֗וּ râʼâh H7200 "Provider" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.

Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after

Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

הַ/גּוֹיִם֙ gôwy H1471 "Gentile" Art | N-mp

This word refers to a Gentile, someone who is not Hebrew or Israeli. It can also describe a large group of animals or a nation of people, emphasizing their unity and shared identity.

Definition: 1) nation, people 1a) nation, people 1a1) usually of non-Hebrew people 1a2) of descendants of Abraham 1a3) of Israel 1b) of swarm of locusts, other animals (fig.) 1c) Goyim? = "nations" Also named: ethnos (ἔθνος "Gentiles" G1484)

Usage: Occurs in 511 OT verses. KJV: Gentile, heathen, nation, people. See also: Genesis 10:5; Judges 4:16; Psalms 2:1.

אֲשֶׁ֣ר ʼăsher H834 "which" 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.

סְבִֽיבֹתֵ֔י/נוּ çâbîyb H5439 "around" N-cp | Suff

This word describes something that surrounds or encompasses, like a circle or neighborhood, and can also mean around or about, as in on every side. It is used to describe physical locations and proximity. The KJV translates it as about or circuit.

Definition: : around/border subst 1) places round about, circuit, round about adv 2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about prep 3) in the circuit, from every side

Usage: Occurs in 282 OT verses. KJV: (place, round) about, circuit, compass, on every side. See also: Genesis 23:17; 1 Kings 7:24; Psalms 3:7.

וַ/יִּפְּל֥וּ nâphal H5307 "to fall" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.

Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall

Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.

מְאֹ֖ד 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.

בְּ/עֵינֵי/הֶ֑ם ʻayin H5869 "eye" Prep | N-cd | Suff

This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.

וַ/יֵּ֣דְע֔וּ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

כִּ֚י 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.

מֵ/אֵ֣ת ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Prep

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

אֱלֹהֵ֔י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 "God" N-mp | Suff

The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.

Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)

Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.

נֶעֶשְׂתָ֖ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Niphal-Perf-3fs

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

הַ/מְּלָאכָ֥ה mᵉlâʼkâh H4399 "work" Art | N-fs

Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.

Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious

Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.

הַ/זֹּֽאת zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 6:16

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 6:16 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:16
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:16
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:16
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:16
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:16
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:16
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:16
Sermons on Nehemiah 6:16

Context — Completion of the Wall

14O my God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me. 15So the wall was completed in fifty-two days, on the twenty-fifth of Elul.

16When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God.

17Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them. 18For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 126:2	Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.”
2	Joshua 5:1	Now when all the Amorite kings west of the Jordan and all the Canaanite kings along the coast heard how the LORD had dried up the waters of the Jordan before the Israelites until they had crossed over, their hearts melted and their spirits failed for fear of the Israelites.
3	Nehemiah 4:7	When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious,
4	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.
5	Nehemiah 4:1	Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews
6	Acts 5:38	So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail.
7	Numbers 23:23	For there is no spell against Jacob and no divination against Israel. It will now be said of Jacob and Israel, ‘What great things God has done!’
8	Nehemiah 6:1–2	When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates— 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.
9	Exodus 14:25	He caused their chariot wheels to wobble, so that they had difficulty driving. “Let us flee from the Israelites,” said the Egyptians, “for the LORD is fighting for them against Egypt!”

Nehemiah 6:16 Summary

Nehemiah 6:16 tells us that when the surrounding nations heard about the completion of the wall, they were afraid and disheartened because they realized that God had been involved in the process. This verse reminds us that our accomplishments are not just the result of our own efforts, but also of God's power and involvement (Psalm 37:5). When we acknowledge God's role in our lives, we can trust in His power and provision, just like the Israelites did in rebuilding the wall (Exodus 14:31). By giving God the glory for our successes, we can experience the same kind of fear and respect from those around us, and we can trust in His power to accomplish great things in our lives (Philippians 4:13).

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the significance of the surrounding nations' fear and discouragement in Nehemiah 6:16?

The fear and discouragement of the surrounding nations in Nehemiah 6:16 signified their recognition of God's power and involvement in the completion of the wall, as stated in the verse, which is similar to the fear that fell on the Philistines in 1 Samuel 14:15 when they realized that God was with the Israelites.

How did the enemies of the Israelites respond to the completion of the wall?

According to Nehemiah 6:16, when the enemies of the Israelites heard about the completion of the wall, they were afraid and disheartened, realizing that the task had been accomplished by the Israelites' God, which is a testament to the power of faith and obedience as seen in Exodus 14:31.

What does this verse reveal about God's role in the completion of the wall?

Nehemiah 6:16 reveals that God was directly involved in the completion of the wall, as the surrounding nations recognized that the task had been accomplished by the Israelites' God, which is consistent with the promise in Psalm 37:5 to commit our ways to God and trust in Him.

How can we apply the lesson of Nehemiah 6:16 to our own lives?

We can apply the lesson of Nehemiah 6:16 by recognizing that our accomplishments are not just the result of our own efforts, but also of God's power and involvement, as stated in Philippians 4:13, and giving Him the glory and credit for our successes.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can acknowledge God's power and involvement in my life, just like the Israelites did in Nehemiah 6:16?
How can I apply the principle of giving God the glory for my accomplishments, as seen in Nehemiah 6:16, to my daily life and relationships?
What are some areas of my life where I need to trust in God's power and involvement, just like the Israelites did in rebuilding the wall?
How can I use Nehemiah 6:16 as a reminder to always give God the credit for my successes, and to trust in His power and involvement in my life?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:16

And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof,.... That the wall was finished: and all the Heathen that were about us saw these things; the neighbouring nations, who not only heard

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:16

In their own eyes, i.e. in their opinion, or themselves being judges; for though ordinarily men are very prone to judge partially, and still to flatter themselves with vain hopes and fancies, yet this case was so clear and remarkable, that they began to despair. Now they saw that all was lost, that their designs were broken, and that their mischief was now likely to fall upon their own heads. They perceived, by that admirable courage, and constancy, and quickness wherewith this work was managed, notwithstanding all their difficulties and discouragements. That this work was wrought of our God; that it was the work of that mighty God of Israel, whom they had great reason to fear; and withal they took it for an ill omen to them, and a sure presage that God would still watch over that city and people, and crush those who should oppose or disturb them. Corresponding with him against Nehemiah, and against their own city and nation.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:16

Nehemiah 6:16 And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard [thereof], and all the heathen that [were] about us saw [these things], they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.Ver. 16. When all our enemies heard thereof] So famous a matter could not be concealed from them who listened with the left ear, and readily received these βλαβαιποδωκεις, as the Greeks call, galling reports. Saw these things] For they ran to the sight of it, as to a miracle; they looked also upon it with an evil and envious eye; like as the Papists do upon the Reformation. They were much cast down in their own eyes] They were crest fallen, and dejected from the high tops of their proud hopes and designs. See what biles and ulcers the antichristian rout are vexed with, and how they are scorched with the sunshine of the gospel, Revelation 16:2; Revelation 16:11. What moan Babel’ s merchants make to see her ruin and the rise of the new Jerusalem, Revelation 18:11. Envy is vitium Diabolicum, the devil’ s disease, saith Austin, in Psalms 139:1-24; and those that are troubled with it can never want woe. For they perceived that this work was wrought of our God] With such incredible swiftness was it carried on and accomplished, that they could not but say among the heathen, "The Lord hath done great things for them; God is with them of a truth."

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:16

(16) The enemies heard of it, and saw the result, and were ashamed.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:16

Verse 16. This work was wrought of our God.] This is an additional reason why we should not wonder at the shortness of the time in which so great a work was done, for God helped them by an especial providence; and this was so very observable, that their carnal enemies could discover it.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:16

16. all our enemies] Cf. Nehemiah 4:1, Nehemiah 5:9, Nehemiah 6:1. that when … and all the heathen … saw these things, they, &c.] R.V. when … that all the heathen … feared, and, &c. Marg. ‘According to another reading, saw’. There is little distinction to be drawn between ‘the enemies’ and ‘the heathen.’ The leaders of the hostile races heard, and then the races themselves feared. The reading ‘feared,’ which is also that of the LXX. ἐφοβήθησαν, and the Vulg. ‘timerent,’ gives a preferable sense to ‘saw.’ The distinction in the A.V. between the ‘seeing’ of ‘the heathen’ and the ‘hearing’ of ‘the enemies’ is quite meaningless, and tells against that reading. The rendering of the R.V. suggests that the news first reached Tobiah, Sanballat and Geshem, and then spread a panic among the Moabites, Samaritans, Arabians, &c. they were much cast down in their own eyes] A peculiar expression which occurs only in this passage; literally, ‘they fell much in their own eyes.’ According to the present text, two explanations have been given: (a) = ‘they were much vexed and disconcerted.’ ‘To fall in one’s eyes’ is then to be compared with the ‘falling’ or ‘lowering’ of the countenance. Cf. Genesis 4:5-6; 1 Samuel 17:32. (b) = ‘they had fallen greatly in their own estimation,’ i.e. they despised themselves. In their own eyes, i.e. in their own opinion, their power had received a heavy blow; they had ‘fallen,’ as it were, and the Jews were exalted. A different text is followed in the three renderings: (a) the LXX. ‘And fear fell upon their eyes exceedingly,’ καὶἐπέπεσενφόβοςσφόδραἐνὀφθαλμοῖςαὐτῶν. (b) the Vulgate ‘et conciderent inter semet ipsos’ (bayneyhem for b’ay-neyhem). (c) ‘And they caused their eyes to fall’, with the same meaning as that given in Jeremiah 3:12, ‘I will not look in anger upon you’ (marg. Heb. ‘cause my countenance to fall upon you’). this work was wrought of our God] In the completion of the wall the special favour of the God of Israel must have been recognised. What else could explain the unexpected commission from Artaxerxes at the beginning, and the frustration of all the machinations of the enemy? Cf. Psalms 126:2, ‘Then said they among the nations, The Lord hath done great things for them.’ For the phrase, cf. Psalms 118:23.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:16

16. They were much cast down — Disappointed and chagrined to find that all their opposition had been futile.

Sermons on Nehemiah 6:16

	Sermon	Description
	What Makes a Man of God by George Verwer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the dedication and hard work of mechanics who work tirelessly for a meager wage, contrasting it with the lack of commitment shown by some Chr
	Nehemiah 6:9 by Chuck Smith	Chuck Smith emphasizes that the believer's strength comes from God, highlighting the necessity of relying on divine power rather than personal strength. He illustrates this through
	Being About the Lord's Business by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of being dedicated to the Lord's work, using Nehemiah as an example of unwavering commitment despite ridicule and opposition. Nehemiah, driven
	Spiritual Sacrifices by William Ray	William Ray emphasizes the significance of offering spiritual sacrifices, particularly the sacrifice of praise and joy, as essential to fulfilling God's will. He illustrates this t
	A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson emphasizes the healing power of joy in his sermon 'A Merry Heart Doeth Good Like a Medicine.' He cites King Solomon's wisdom, asserting that a merry heart acts as a re
	Off for America by D.L. Moody	D.L. Moody shares a poignant story of two boys departing for America, highlighting the emotional farewells from their friends and family, particularly a widow who embraces one boy
	Guilt and Freedom by David Roper	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the book of Joshua and the thrilling days of Israel's conquest of the land. He emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience as crucial