Nehemiah 6:3
Nehemiah 6:3 in Multiple Translations
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?”
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?
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?
And I sent men to them saying, I am doing a great work, so that it is not possible for me to come down: is the work to be stopped while I go away from it and come down to you?
So I sent messengers to tell them, “I'm busy with important work and I can't come down. Why should I stop what I'm doing and leave it to come and see you?”
Therefore I sent messengers vnto them, saying, I haue a great worke to doe, and I can not come downe: why should the worke cease, whiles I leaue it, and come downe to you?
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?'
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?”
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?
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.
So I sent messengers to them, to tell them, “I am doing an important work, and I cannot go down there. ◄Why should I stop doing this work just to go down to talk with you?/I do not want to stop doing this work just to go down to talk with you.►” [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 6:3
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 6:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֶשְׁלְחָ֨/ה
עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם
מַלְאָכִים֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
מְלָאכָ֤ה
גְדוֹלָה֙
אֲנִ֣י
עֹשֶׂ֔ה
וְ/לֹ֥א
אוּכַ֖ל
לָ/רֶ֑דֶת
לָ֣/מָּה
תִשְׁבַּ֤ת
הַ/מְּלָאכָה֙
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אַרְפֶּ֔/הָ
וְ/יָרַדְתִּ֖י
אֲלֵי/כֶֽם
וָ/אֶשְׁלְחָ֨/ה
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
מַלְאָכִים֙
mălʼâk
H4397
messenger
N-mp
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
מְלָאכָ֤ה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
N-fs
גְדוֹלָה֙
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Adj
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
I
Pron
עֹשֶׂ֔ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
לָ/רֶ֑דֶת
yârad
H3381
to go down
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
לָ֣/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Prep | Part
תִשְׁבַּ֤ת
shâbath
H7673
to cease
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
הַ/מְּלָאכָה֙
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
Art | N-fs
כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
אַרְפֶּ֔/הָ
râphâh
H7503
to slacken
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
וְ/יָרַדְתִּ֖י
yârad
H3381
to go down
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
אֲלֵי/כֶֽם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 6:3
וָ/אֶשְׁלְחָ֨/ה
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
עֲלֵי/הֶ֤ם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
מַלְאָכִים֙
mălʼâk
H4397
"messenger"
N-mp
A messenger or representative, often of God, like an angel, prophet, or priest, as seen in Isaiah 42:19 and Haggai 1:13, carrying out God's will.
Definition: : messenger 1) messenger, representative 1a) messenger 1b) angel 1c) the theophanic angel
Usage: Occurs in 196 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, angel, king, messenger. See also: Genesis 16:7; 2 Samuel 24:16; Psalms 34:8.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מְלָאכָ֤ה
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
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.
גְדוֹלָה֙
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
אֲנִ֣י
ʼănîy
H589
"I"
Pron
This Hebrew word is a simple way of saying 'I' or 'me', often used for emphasis. It is used by people like David in the Psalms to express their thoughts and feelings. The word is a basic part of the Hebrew language.
Definition: I (first pers. sing. -usually used for emphasis)
Usage: Occurs in 803 OT verses. KJV: I, (as for) me, mine, myself, we, [idiom] which, [idiom] who. See also: Genesis 6:17; Leviticus 19:36; 1 Samuel 25:24.
עֹשֶׂ֔ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
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.
וְ/לֹ֥א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אוּכַ֖ל
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
לָ/רֶ֑דֶת
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
לָ֣/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
תִשְׁבַּ֤ת
shâbath
H7673
"to cease"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To keep the Sabbath means to rest and stop working, as commanded by God in the book of Exodus. This Hebrew word is used to describe the act of observing the Sabbath day, and is an important part of Jewish tradition and worship.
Definition: 1) to cease, desist, rest 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease 1a2) to rest, desist (from labour) 1b) (Niphal) to cease 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to cease, put an end to 1c2) to exterminate, destroy 1c3) to cause to desist from 1c4) to remove 1c5) to cause to fail
Usage: Occurs in 67 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away. See also: Genesis 2:2; Isaiah 14:4; Psalms 8:3.
הַ/מְּלָאכָה֙
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.
כַּ/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.
אַרְפֶּ֔/הָ
râphâh
H7503
"to slacken"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to slacken or relax, and is used in many contexts, such as feeling disheartened or abandoning something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in Psalms and Proverbs. The word can also mean to let go or be idle.
Definition: 1) to sink, relax, sink down, let drop, be disheartened 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sink down 1a2) to sink, drop 1a3) to sink, relax, abate 1a4) to relax, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) idle (participle) 1c) (Piel) to let drop 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to let drop, abandon, relax, refrain, forsake 1d2) to let go 1d3) to refrain, let alone 1d4) to be quiet 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself slack
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: abate, cease, consume, draw (toward evening), fail, (be) faint, be (wax) feeble, forsake, idle, leave, let alone (go, down), (be) slack, stay, be still, be slothful, (be) weak(-en). See H7495 (רָפָא). See also: Exodus 4:26; Nehemiah 6:3; Psalms 37:8.
וְ/יָרַדְתִּ֖י
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
אֲלֵי/כֶֽם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 6:3
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- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:3
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- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:3
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- Sermons on Nehemiah 6:3
Context — Sanballat’s Conspiracy
1When 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—
2Sanballat 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.
3So 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?”
4Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. 5The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letterCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | John 9:4 | While it is daytime, we must do the works of Him who sent Me. Night is coming, when no one can work. |
| 2 | Matthew 10:16 | Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. |
| 3 | 1 Timothy 4:15–16 | Be diligent in these matters and absorbed in them, so that your progress will be evident to all. Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you. |
| 4 | Proverbs 14:15 | The simple man believes every word, but the prudent man watches his steps. |
| 5 | Luke 14:30 | saying, ‘This man could not finish what he started to build.’ |
| 6 | Ecclesiastes 9:10 | Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, for in Sheol, where you are going, there is no work or planning or knowledge or wisdom. |
Nehemiah 6:3 Summary
[Nehemiah was busy rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem and didn't have time to meet with people who wanted to harm him. He told them that he was doing a great work and couldn't stop to meet with them, as seen in Nehemiah 6:3. This shows us the importance of prioritizing the work God has given us, just like Jesus taught in Luke 9:62. By staying focused on our work for the Lord, we can avoid distractions and fulfill the purpose God has for us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of work was Nehemiah doing that made him unable to meet with his enemies?
Nehemiah was overseeing the rebuilding of the wall of Jerusalem, a great work that required his full attention, as seen in Nehemiah 6:3, and this work was of great importance to God's people, much like the work God gave to the Israelites in Exodus 31:1-11.
Why did Nehemiah's enemies want to meet with him?
Nehemiah's enemies, including Sanballat and Geshem, wanted to meet with him to harm him, as stated in Nehemiah 6:2, and this is a common tactic of the enemy, as seen in 1 Peter 5:8 where Satan seeks to devour God's people.
How did Nehemiah respond to the repeated requests to meet?
Nehemiah gave the same reply each time, stating that he was doing a great work and could not come down, as seen in Nehemiah 6:3-4, and this shows his commitment to the work God had given him, much like the apostle Paul's commitment to the work of the Lord in 1 Corinthians 15:58.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's response about prioritizing our work for the Lord?
Nehemiah's response teaches us to prioritize the work God has given us and not be distracted by the requests or criticisms of others, as seen in Nehemiah 6:3, and this is in line with Jesus' teaching in Luke 9:62 that no one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.
Reflection Questions
- What is the 'great work' that God has called me to, and how can I prioritize it in my life?
- How do I respond to distractions or criticisms that seek to derail my work for the Lord?
- What are some ways that Satan may try to harm or discourage me as I seek to do God's work, and how can I resist him?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, stay focused on the work God has given me and not be swayed by the opinions or requests of others?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:3
And I sent messengers unto them,.... He did not show any open contempt of them, nor did he even return answer by the messenger that came from them, but sent some of his own people to them: saying, I
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 6:3
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? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:3
I am doing a great work: he tells them one, but not the only, nor the principal, reason of his refusal, because his coming might cause the work to cease, not only by the neglect of it during his absence, but by his death, which they by this means might compass, though he thought it not fit to express so much to them.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:3
Nehemiah 6:3 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?Ver. 3. And I sent messengers unto them] He went not, but sent. This was to be wise as a serpent, Matthew 10:16. God calleth us not to a weak simplicity, but alloweth us as much of the serpent as of the dove, and telleth us that a serpent’ s eye in a dove’ s head is a singular accomplishment. Beware of men, Nehemiah 6:18, brutish persons, skilful to destroy, Ezekiel 21:31. Bless yourselves from Machiavellians (those matchless villanies), and pray, with David, to be delivered from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue, Psalms 120:2. The Cardinal of Lorraine (the chief engineer of the French Massacre) sent to Christopher, Duke of Wirtsberg, a prudent and a valiant prince, that he and his brethren, the Guises, would embrace the Protestant religion, and desired to be enrolled in the number of the Protestant princes; but they knew him too well to trust him. I am doiny a great work, so that I cannot come down] I cannot intend it, as having my hands more full of employment than that I can give heed to your compliments. There is a curse to him that doth the work of the Lord negligently or deceitfully. And lata negligentia dolus est, saith the Civilian, Remissness is a kind of perfidiousness.
Why should the work cease?] As it would, or at least go but slowly on, in his absence; he was εργοδιωκτης, the driver on of tbe business; as was likewise Boaz, who, therefore, followed it so closely himself, Rth 2:4; his eyes were upon the servants, reapers, gleaners; he lodged in the midst of his husbandry. Let the tempter ever find us busy, and he will depart discouraged, as Cupid is said to do from the muses, whom he could never take idle. Standing water soon stinks, empty stomachs draw the humour that is next it; so doth the idle heart evil motions. An industrious Nehemiah is not at leisure to parley with Sanballat; lest if he let any water go beside the mill, he should be a great loser by it. His employment is as a guard or good angel, to keep him both right and safe.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:3
Verse 3. I am doing a great work] Though he knew their design, he does not think it prudent to mention it. Had he done so, they would probably have gone to extremities, finding that they were discovered; and perhaps in a formidable body attacked Jerusalem, when ill provided to sustain such a shock. They wished to effect their purpose rather by treachery than by open violence. I know not any language which a man who is employed on important labours can use more suitably, as an answer to the thousand invitations and provocations he may have to remit his work, enter into useless or trivial conferences, or notice weak, wicked, and malicious attacks on his work and his motives: "I am doing a great work, so I cannot stoop to your nonsense, or notice your malevolence. Why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to such as you?"
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:3
3. cease] ‘The great work’ of rebuilding the walls was one for which Nehemiah was responsible; and it was no doubt literally true that if he quitted the city there would at once be a cessation in the prosecution of the work. The LXX. misunderstood the last clause, ὡςἂντελειώσωαὐτὸκαταβήσομαιπρὸςὑμᾶς.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:3
3. Why should the work cease — Though Nehemiah saw through their foul designs he was too wise to utter his suspicions, and maintained a noble dignity of reserve.
Sermons on Nehemiah 6:3
| Sermon | Description | |
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What Distracts Us by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K.P. Ohanan discusses the power of focus and how easily we can lose sight of the most important thing in our lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who faced |
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Road to Reality - What Distracts Us by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, Brother K.P. Ohanan discusses the power of focus and how easily we can lose sight of the most important thing in our lives. He uses the example of Jesus, who faced |
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We Travel an Appointed Way by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God's calling, as exemplified by Nehemiah, who rose from his sorrow to rebuild Jerusalem despite ridicule and opposition. |
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I Am Doing a Great Work by Watchman Nee | Watchman Nee emphasizes the unwavering commitment of Nehemiah to his divine mission, illustrating how he remained focused on the 'great work' of rebuilding Jerusalem despite facing |
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Our Daily Homily - Nehemiah by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer, illustrating how God can use humble individuals for great purposes. Nehemiah's heartfelt prayers and tears |
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The Suburbs of Heaven by Richard Baxter | Richard Baxter preaches about the importance of setting our hearts and minds on heavenly things, emphasizing the need to focus on eternity and the joy of dwelling with God. He urge |
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Lecture Xv. - Hindrances to Revivals. by Charles Finney | Charles Finney emphasizes the critical nature of revivals in the church, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's determination to rebuild Jerusalem despite opposition. He outlines various |