Nehemiah 6:11

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who [is there], that, [being] as I [am], would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.

Complete Jewish Bible:

I replied, "Should a man like me run away? Can a man like me go into the temple to save his life? I refuse to go in."

Berean Standard Bible:

But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go!”

American Standard Version:

And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

And I said^{H559}, Should such^{H3644} a man^{H376} as I flee^{H1272}? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go^{H935} into the temple^{H1964} to save his life^{H2425}? I will not go in^{H935}.

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Commentary for Nehemiah 6:11

Nehemiah 6:11 is a verse that captures a moment of crisis and decision in the life of Nehemiah, a key figure in the post-exilic period of Jewish history. The historical context is the mid-5th century BCE, when Nehemiah, a Jewish official in the court of the Persian king Artaxerxes I, receives permission to return to Jerusalem to rebuild its walls, a task of significant political and religious importance for the returning exiles.

In this verse, Nehemiah is facing intense opposition and intrigue from local adversaries who are trying to stop the wall's reconstruction. These enemies have accused Nehemiah of rebellion against the Persian king and have plotted to harm him. They suggest that he should take refuge in the Temple to save his life, implying that his work is endangering him and that he should seek sanctuary.

Nehemiah's response in this verse reflects his courage and commitment to his divine calling. He dismisses the idea of fleeing to the Temple for personal safety, recognizing that such an act would be cowardly and inconsistent with his role as a leader. He acknowledges the sanctity of the Temple and refuses to use it as a mere hiding place, understanding that doing so would be an improper use of a sacred space dedicated to God. His statement, "Should such a man as I flee?" reveals his sense of duty and his belief that God's protection is more reliable than the physical safety the Temple might offer. Nehemiah's resolve underscores the themes of faith, leadership, and the proper reverence for God's sanctuary amidst adversity.

In summary, Nehemiah 6:11 showcases Nehemiah's steadfast leadership and his unwavering commitment to the task given to him by God, even in the face of danger. His refusal to seek refuge in the Temple demonstrates his understanding of the appropriate use of sacred space and his trust in God's protection over human strategies for self-preservation. This verse encapsulates the broader narrative of Nehemiah's governorship, characterized by resilience, faith, and a clear sense of divine purpose.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H559
   There are 4434 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָמַר
   Transliteration: ʼâmar
   Pronunciation: aw-mar'
   Description: a primitive root; to say (used with great latitude); 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.
   
2. Strong's Number: H3644
   There are 19 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: כְּמוֹ
   Transliteration: kᵉmôw
   Pronunciation: kem-o'
   Description: or כָּמוֹ; (compare כֵּן); a form of the prefix 'k-', but used separately as, thus, so; according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth.
   
3. Strong's Number: H376
   There are 1507 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אִישׁ
   Transliteration: ʼîysh
   Pronunciation: eesh
   Description: contracted for אֱנוֹשׁ (or perhaps rather from an unused root meaning to be extant); a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation); also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare אִשָּׁה.
   
4. Strong's Number: H1272
   There are 64 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בָּרַח
   Transliteration: bârach
   Pronunciation: baw-rakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to bolt, i.e. figuratively, to flee suddenly; chase (away); drive away, fain, flee (away), put to flight, make haste, reach, run away, shoot.
   
5. Strong's Number: H935
   There are 2307 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: בּוֹא
   Transliteration: bôwʼ
   Pronunciation: bo
   Description: a primitive root; to go or come (in a wide variety of applications); abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way.
   
6. Strong's Number: H1964
   There are 76 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הֵיכָל
   Transliteration: hêykâl
   Pronunciation: hay-kawl'
   Description: probably from יָכֹל (in the sense of capacity); a large public building, such as a palace or temple; palace, temple.
   
7. Strong's Number: H2425
   There are 23 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָיַי
   Transliteration: châyay
   Pronunciation: khaw-yah'-ee
   Description: a primitive root (compare חָיָה); to live; causatively to revive; live, save life.