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Nehemiah 6:5

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Nehemiah 6:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter

King James Version KJV

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;

American Standard Version ASV

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand,

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then Sanballat sent his servant to me a fifth time with an open letter in his hand;

Free Bible Version FBV

Sanballat sent me the same message the fifth time by his servant, who brought in his hand an open letter.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then sent Sanballat his seruant after this sorte vnto me the fift time, with an open letter in his hand,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And Sanballat sendeth unto me, according to this word, a fifth time, his servant, and an open letter in his hand;

World English Bible WEB

Then Sanballat sent his servant to me the same way the fifth time with an open letter in his hand,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then Sanballat sent his servant to me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And Sanaballat sent his servant to me the fifth time according to the former word, and he had a letter in his hand written in this manner:

Translation for Translators T4T

Then Sanballat sent one of his servants to me, bringing a fifth message. This one was written, but it was not sealed. He did that in order that others would read the message that the servant was carrying in his hand.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 6:5

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 6:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֩ אֵלַ֨/י סַנְבַלַּ֜ט כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר הַ/זֶּ֛ה פַּ֥עַם חֲמִישִׁ֖ית אֶֽת נַעֲר֑/וֹ וְ/אִגֶּ֥רֶת פְּתוּחָ֖ה בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֩ shâlach H7971 to send Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֵלַ֨/י ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff
סַנְבַלַּ֜ט Çanballaṭ H5571 Sanballat N-proper
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-ms
הַ/זֶּ֛ה zeh H2088 this Art | Pron
פַּ֥עַם paʻam H6471 beat N-fs
חֲמִישִׁ֖ית chămîyshîy H2549 fifth Adj
אֶֽת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
נַעֲר֑/וֹ naʻar H5288 youth N-ms | Suff
וְ/אִגֶּ֥רֶת ʼiggereth H107 letter Conj | N-fs
פְּתוּחָ֖ה pâthach H6605 to open V-Qal-Inf-c
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ yâd H3027 hand Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 6:5

וַ/יִּשְׁלַח֩ shâlach H7971 "to send" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אֵלַ֨/י 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.
סַנְבַלַּ֜ט 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.
כַּ/דָּבָ֥ר dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הַ/זֶּ֛ה zeh H2088 "this" Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, 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 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
פַּ֥עַם paʻam H6471 "beat" N-fs
This word refers to a beat or stroke, like a footstep or a blow. It can also mean a time or occurrence, and is used in the Bible to describe things like a single step or a repeated action.
Definition: 1) stroke, beat, foot, step, anvil, occurrence 1a) foot, hoof-beat, footfall, footstep 1b) anvil 1c) occurrence, time, stroke, beat 1c1) one time, once, twice, thrice, as time on time, at this repetition, this once, now at length, now...now, at one time...at another
Usage: Occurs in 108 OT verses. KJV: anvil, corner, foot(-step), going, (hundred-) fold, [idiom] now, (this) [phrase] once, order, rank, step, [phrase] thrice, (often-), second, this, two) time(-s), twice, wheel. See also: Genesis 2:23; 1 Samuel 3:10; Psalms 17:5.
חֲמִישִׁ֖ית chămîyshîy H2549 "fifth" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means fifth, referring to something in the fifth position. It appears in Exodus 20:12, where honoring parents is the fifth commandment. This word is used to show order and sequence.
Definition: ordinal number, 5th
Usage: Occurs in 44 OT verses. KJV: fifth (part). See also: Genesis 1:23; 1 Chronicles 2:14; Jeremiah 1:3.
אֶֽת ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
נַעֲר֑/וֹ naʻar H5288 "youth" N-ms | Suff
In the original Hebrew, this word means a young person, either a boy or a girl, from infancy to adolescence. It is used to describe the servants and attendants who worked for kings and other important people in the Old Testament, like King David's servants.
Definition: 1) a boy, lad, servant, youth, retainer 1a) boy, lad, youth 1b) servant, retainer
Usage: Occurs in 221 OT verses. KJV: babe, boy, child, damsel (from the margin), lad, servant, young (man). See also: Genesis 14:24; 1 Samuel 25:5; Psalms 37:25.
וְ/אִגֶּ֥רֶת ʼiggereth H107 "letter" Conj | N-fs
This word refers to a written message or letter, like the ones sent by kings or prophets. In the Bible, it appears in Ezra and Nehemiah, describing official letters. The KJV translates it as letter.
Definition: letter, missive Aramaic equivalent: ig.g.ra (אִגְּרָא "letter" H0104)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: letter. See also: 2 Chronicles 30:1; Nehemiah 6:5; Esther 9:29.
פְּתוּחָ֖ה pâthach H6605 "to open" V-Qal-Inf-c
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ yâd H3027 "hand" Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 6:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Ephesians 6:11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can make your stand against the devil’s schemes.
2 2 Corinthians 2:11 in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
3 2 Corinthians 11:13–15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions.
4 2 Kings 18:26–28 Then Eliakim son of Hilkiah, along with Shebnah and Joah, said to the Rabshakeh, “Please speak to your servants in Aramaic, since we understand it. Do not speak with us in Hebrew in the hearing of the people on the wall.” But the Rabshakeh replied, “Has my master sent me to speak these words only to you and your master, and not to the men sitting on the wall, who are destined with you to eat their own dung and drink their own urine?” Then the Rabshakeh stood and called out loudly in Hebrew: “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria!
5 2 Thessalonians 2:10 and with every wicked deception directed against those who are perishing, because they refused the love of the truth that would have saved them.

Nehemiah 6:5 Summary

In Nehemiah 6:5, we see that Sanballat, an enemy of the Israelites, sent a message to Nehemiah for the fifth time to try to stop him from rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. This time, the message was delivered by a young servant with an unsealed letter, which may have been intended to spread rumors and cause fear. We can learn from Nehemiah's example that when we are doing God's work, we can expect opposition, but we must persevere and trust in God's sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalm 138:8. By trusting in God and staying focused on our mission, we can overcome any obstacle and achieve great things for His glory, just like Nehemiah did in rebuilding the wall, as seen in Nehemiah 6:15-16.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Sanballat send a message to Nehemiah for the fifth time?

Sanballat, an enemy of the Israelites, sent a message to Nehemiah for the fifth time to intimidate and discourage him from continuing the work of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, as seen in Nehemiah 6:5 and similar tactics in Nehemiah 4:1-3.

What was significant about the letter being unsealed?

The unsealed letter, as mentioned in Nehemiah 6:5, may indicate that Sanballat wanted the contents to be known by others, perhaps to spread rumors and cause fear among the people, similar to the tactics used in Esther 3:12-14 to spread a decree throughout the kingdom.

How did Nehemiah respond to the previous messages from Sanballat?

Nehemiah responded to the previous four messages from Sanballat by giving the same reply each time, which was to refuse their request to meet and to continue the work of rebuilding the wall, as seen in Nehemiah 6:4.

What can we learn from Nehemiah's perseverance in the face of opposition?

We can learn from Nehemiah's example that when we are doing God's work, we can expect opposition, but we must persevere and trust in God's sovereignty, as encouraged in Psalm 138:8 and Philippians 1:6.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do I respond when faced with repeated opposition or criticism, and what can I learn from Nehemiah's example?
  2. In what ways can I apply Nehemiah's perseverance and trust in God to my own life and circumstances?
  3. What are some ways that Satan may try to intimidate or discourage me from doing God's work, and how can I prepare myself to resist those tactics?
  4. How can I balance the need to be aware of potential dangers or threats with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and protection, as seen in Psalm 23:4 and Proverbs 3:26?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 6:5

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time,.... In his own name, neither Tobiah nor Geshem joining with him, he being more solicitous and anxious to get him into his hands

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 6:5

Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; Then sent Sanballat his servant ... the fifth time with an open letter in his hand , [ 'igeret

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:5

Thereby bidding open defiance to him, as before he had used secret practices; and intimating that he would do that by manifest force, which he had intended to do by sudden surprise.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:5

Nehemiah 6:5 Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; Ver. 5. Then sent Sanballat … the fifth time] So restless are wicked persons; their souls are violently tossed about, as in a sling, 1 Samuel 25:29, Etsi non aliqua docuissent, &c. although they would not be taught by anything, Satan, their taskmaster, urgeth them; and when thou seest them most importunate and outrageous, Scito quia ab accensore suo daemone perurgentur, saith Bernard, know thou that the devil pricks them, and kicks them on to it. With an open letter in his hand] Not sealed, as the manner is, for secrecy’ sake. The Jews use to write upon the back of their letters Nun, Cheth, Shin; that is, Niddui, Cherem, and Shammatha, all sorts of excommunication to him that shall open them. But this letter was purposely sent open, that whoso would might read it ere it came to Nehemiah’ s hand, and be warned of having a hand in the pretended treason.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:5

(5) The fifth time with an open letter in his hand.—Four times they strive to induce Nehemiah to meet them, under various pretexts, with the intention of doing him personal harm. Each time his reply was to the effect that he was finishing his own work, not without a touch of irony. This answer has an universal application, which preachers have known how to use. In the fifth letter the tactics are changed: the silken bag containing the missive was not sealed, and it was hoped that Nehemiah would be alarmed by the thought that its contents had been read by the people.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:5

Verse 5. With an open letter in his hand] This was an insult to a person of Nehemiah's quality: as letters sent to chiefs and governors in the East are always carefully folded up, and put in costly silken bags, and these carefully sealed. The circumstance is thus marked to show the contempt he (Sanballat) had for him.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 6:5

5. his servant] Cf. Nehemiah 4:22. an open letter in his hand] ‘Open,’ not sealed. The object of this is obvious. It was intended that the contents of the letter should become public property. The servant himself and the adherents of Sanballat within the walls of Jerusalem (Nehemiah 6:17) would possess themselves of its contents long before it reached the hands of Nehemiah. (1) The charge of treason against Nehemiah and the Jews would terrify the timid from active co-operation in the work, and decide those who were wavering to desist altogether (cf. Nehemiah 6:9). The dissemination of the contents of the letter was therefore an attempt to stay the rebuilding of the walls at the last moment. (2) The effect upon the people which the letter was calculated to produce might decide Nehemiah to concede the proposed interview. Sanballat’s challenge being made public, it was hoped that Nehemiah would find himself compelled to rebut the charges, and to meet his adversaries in the way which they proposed (Nehemiah 6:7). Thus the opportunity would be obtained of seizing his person and of employing to their own advantage the interval of his absence from the city.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 6:5

The letter was “open,” in order that the contents might be generally known, and that the Jews, alarmed at the threats contained in it, might refuse to continue the work.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 6:5

5. With an open letter — Having failed in all his secret and crafty measures to entrap Nehemiah, Sanballat now proceeds to treat him with contempt and insult, and sends him an open letter, that any one may read.

Sermons on Nehemiah 6:5

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Jim Cymbala Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He th
J. Sidlow Baxter Victory Over the Flesh by J. Sidlow Baxter J. Sidlow Baxter emphasizes the necessity of living in victory over the flesh by putting on the Lord Jesus Christ and avoiding provisions for sinful desires. He explains that the '
Mark Greening Resist the Devil by Mark Greening In this sermon, the preacher focuses on James 4:7, which instructs believers to submit to God and resist the devil. The sermon emphasizes that although we are in a spiritual battle
Leonard Ravenhill The Whole Armour of God - Part 2 by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker discusses various aspects of the Christian life, including witnessing, worship, and warfare. He emphasizes the importance of fathers in the household, h
Otto Koning The Snake Story by Otto Koning In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of feeling overwhelmed and defeated in his ministry. He confesses to complaining to the Lord and questioning why he was fac
Jonathan Edwards Wrong Revival Principles - Part 1 by Jonathan Edwards In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and watchful in the face of spiritual challenges. He reminds the listeners that despite experiencing di
Leonard Ravenhill Power Over All the Power of the Enemy by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the joy and humor of a lovely little girl and the realization of his own aging as a grandparent. He reminisces about his own childhood and t
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