Nehemiah 4:12

KJV

And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us [they will be upon you].

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass, that when the Jews {H3064} which dwelt {H3427} by them {H681} came {H935}, they said {H559} unto us ten {H6235} times {H6471}, From all places {H4725} whence ye shall return {H7725} unto us they will be upon you.

Complete Jewish Bible

And even the Judeans living near them came and must have said to us ten times, "From every place you must come back to us."

Berean Standard Bible

At that time the Jews who lived nearby came and told us ten times over, “Wherever you turn, they will attack us.”

American Standard Version

And it came to pass that, when the Jews that dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times from all places, Ye must return unto us.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 4:12 captures a critical juncture in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, revealing how the relentless external opposition began to infiltrate the Jewish community itself. Jews residing in outlying areas, directly exposed to the adversaries' threats, repeatedly delivered dire warnings to the wall-builders, asserting that danger was ubiquitous and inescapable. This constant barrage of fear-mongering aimed to demoralize the workers, highlighting the psychological dimension of the enemy's tactics and the insidious potential of fear and discouragement to undermine God's people and their sacred mission from within.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 4:12 is situated within a narrative depicting escalating opposition to the reconstruction of Jerusalem's walls. Initially, the adversaries—Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem—resorted to scorn and ridicule ([Nehemiah 4:1-3](/nehemiah/4-1-3 "Nehemiah 4:1-3 - Mockery of the Builders")). However, their tactics quickly intensified into a conspiracy to launch a direct attack and sow confusion among the builders ([Nehemiah 4:7-8](/nehemiah/4-7-8 "Nehemiah 4:7-8 - Conspiracy Against Jerusalem")). Nehemiah's leadership is characterized by a dual response of fervent prayer and practical vigilance, including setting a guard ([Nehemiah 4:9](/nehemiah/4-9 "Nehemiah 4:9 - Prayer and Guarding")). Prior to verse 12, the text describes the growing weariness of the laborers and the explicit threats from the enemies to infiltrate and kill them, thereby halting the work ([Nehemiah 4:10-11](/nehemiah/4-10-11 "Nehemiah 4:10-11 - Weariness and Threat")). Verse 12 serves as a pivotal moment, illustrating how these external threats were amplified and internalized by the very community they sought to protect, introducing a new, potent layer of internal discouragement. This verse directly precipitates Nehemiah's decisive strategic response of arming the people and stationing them by clans ([Nehemiah 4:13-14](/nehemiah/4-13-14 "Nehemiah 4:13-14 - Nehemiah Arms the People")), showcasing his comprehensive leadership in countering both external aggression and internal psychological pressure.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic period was a time of immense challenge for the returned Jewish exiles, as they strove to re-establish their national and religious identity and secure their homeland. Jerusalem, with its broken walls, was not only physically vulnerable but also a stark symbol of their previous humiliation and lack of sovereignty. The surrounding peoples—including the Samaritans, Ammonites, Arabs, and Ashdodites—perceived the re-establishment of a strong, fortified Jewish presence as a direct threat to their regional influence and autonomy. Key figures like Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, and Tobiah, a prominent Ammonite official, spearheaded this opposition. Their efforts extended beyond military threats to include sophisticated psychological warfare, designed to shatter the morale of the Jewish community. The phrase "Jews which dwelt by them" refers to those living in settlements and villages bordering the hostile territories. These individuals were on the front lines, more directly exposed to the intimidation tactics of the adversaries. Their repeated warnings, while perhaps stemming from genuine fear or concern, inadvertently served the enemy's agenda by propagating despair and undermining the resolve of the builders, echoing the challenges faced by the community during [Ezra's efforts to rebuild the temple](/ezra/4 "Ezra 4 - Opposition to Rebuilding").
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 4:12 powerfully illuminates several central themes woven throughout the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **persistent and multi-faceted nature of opposition** to God's work. The enemies employ not only overt physical threats but also insidious psychological warfare, aiming to sow seeds of fear, doubt, and division. Secondly, the verse highlights the critical danger of **internal discouragement and fear**, demonstrating how external pressures can lead to an internal breakdown of resolve if not properly addressed. The incessant warnings from "Jews which dwelt by them" reveal how fear can spread contagiously within a community, potentially becoming a more debilitating threat than external adversaries. Thirdly, this passage sets the stage for Nehemiah's exemplary **leadership in vigilance and faith**. His strategic and prayerful response to these repeated warnings ([Nehemiah 4:13-23](/nehemiah/4-13-23 "Nehemiah 4:13-23 - Nehemiah's Response to Threats")) serves as a model for maintaining focus on God's mission while prudently addressing practical dangers. This echoes the divine imperative to be "strong and courageous" found in passages like [Joshua 1:9](/joshua/1-9 "Joshua 1:9 - Be Strong and Courageous"). The overarching narrative emphasizes that despite overwhelming odds, God's sovereign purpose will ultimately prevail through faithful perseverance and divinely empowered leadership.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **"ten times" (Hebrew, _ʻeser paʻam_):** This phrase, combining H6235 (_ʻeser_) meaning "ten" and H6471 (_paʻam_) meaning "a stroke, time, repetition," functions as an idiomatic expression rather than a literal numerical count. It signifies an overwhelming, incessant, or emphatic repetition. Its use here conveys the relentless barrage of discouraging messages and threats that the builders received. It emphasizes the *intensity* and *frequency* of the warnings, indicating that the fear-mongering was pervasive and designed to wear down their resolve through sheer volume and psychological attrition.
* **"From all places" (Hebrew, _mâqôwm_):** Derived from H4725 (_mâqôwm_), meaning "a standing, i.e. a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific)," this word emphasizes the pervasive nature of the perceived threat. The warnings implied that danger was not confined to one direction or area but emanated "from all places," creating a sense of inescapable vulnerability. This instilled a profound sense of hopelessness, suggesting that no matter where the builders were or went, they would be exposed to attack, aiming to paralyze their work through fear of omnipresent danger.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came,"**: This opening clause establishes the source of the alarming reports: not the immediate adversaries, but fellow Jews living in the surrounding territories. These individuals, likely more directly exposed to the threats and intimidation tactics of Sanballat and his allies, inadvertently became conduits for the enemy's psychological warfare, bringing their fear and despair directly into the heart of the construction site. Their proximity to the hostile regions made them sensitive to every rumor and threat.
* **"they said unto us ten times,"**: This phrase underscores the relentless and overwhelming nature of the warnings. The idiom "ten times" emphasizes the sheer volume and persistence of the discouraging reports, indicating a constant, almost hypnotic, repetition of impending doom. This was not an isolated warning but a continuous stream of demoralizing news, meticulously designed to erode the builders' resolve and convince them that their efforts were futile and dangerously exposed.
* **"From all places whence ye shall return unto us [they will be upon you]."**: This concluding clause conveys the core message of the warnings: an inescapable, pervasive threat. The implication is that no matter where the builders might go for safety, or from which direction they might approach the work, the enemies would be ready to ambush them. The KJV's bracketed addition clarifies the likely intent, suggesting that the danger was everywhere and unavoidable, effectively aiming to paralyze the work through an overwhelming sense of vulnerability and hopelessness.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 4:12 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey the gravity and psychological intensity of the situation. The phrase "ten times" is a clear example of **Hyperbole**, an intentional exaggeration used not to deceive, but to emphatically underscore the sheer frequency and overwhelming intensity of the warnings. This **Repetition** of dire messages creates a palpable sense of **Suspense** and impending doom, significantly escalating the narrative tension. There is also a profound element of **Irony** in that these warnings, originating from fellow Jews, inadvertently served the enemy's strategic purpose by spreading fear and potentially paralyzing the sacred work from within the community. Furthermore, the verse functions as **Foreshadowing**, subtly hinting at the urgent need for increased vigilance and Nehemiah's subsequent strategic defensive measures, as the pervasive threat is no longer abstract but deeply felt and communicated within the very fabric of the community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 4:12 profoundly illustrates the enduring spiritual reality that opposition to God's work often manifests not only through overt external adversaries but also, more insidiously, through internal discouragement and fear, sometimes even propagated by well-meaning but fearful brethren. The emphatic "ten times" underscores the relentless nature of such attacks on morale, reminding believers that the enemy seeks to wear down God's people through attrition and psychological warfare. This passage highlights the critical importance of spiritual discernment—the ability to recognize the source and intent of fear-inducing messages—and the call to stand firm in unwavering faith, understanding that true security and success in God's mission derive from His divine protection, not from succumbing to the enemy's intimidation tactics. It articulates the timeless principle that building God's kingdom requires not only physical labor and strategic planning but, more profoundly, spiritual resilience against the forces that perpetually seek to undermine faith, unity, and perseverance.

* [Psalm 27:1](/psalm/27-1 "Psalm 27:1 - The Lord is my light and my salvation")
* [Proverbs 29:25](/proverbs/29-25 "Proverbs 29:25 - The fear of man lays a snare")
* [Matthew 10:28](/matthew/10-28 "Matthew 10:28 - Do not fear those who kill the body")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 4:12 serves as a potent and timeless reminder that the work of God frequently encounters not only direct, overt opposition but also subtle, persistent attempts to sow fear and paralyze progress from within. In our contemporary lives, whether in personal spiritual growth, ministry endeavors, or community building, we too may encounter persistent "warnings" or negative messages, sometimes originating from within our own trusted circles, that aim to overwhelm us with anxiety or doubt. This verse challenges us to cultivate profound discernment, recognizing that not all counsel, even from those close to us, aligns with God's courageous and empowering call. It compels us to persevere with unwavering steadfastness, trusting implicitly in God's overarching plan and protective hand, rather than allowing fear to dictate our actions or halt our divine assignments. Like Nehemiah, we are called to respond to such pervasive pressures with both prayerful dependence on God and practical vigilance, resolutely refusing to be distracted from the "great work" ([Nehemiah 6:3](/nehemiah/6-3 "Nehemiah 6:3 - Nehemiah's unwavering focus")) to which we are called by divine purpose.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "warnings" or discouraging messages are currently challenging your faith or hindering your spiritual progress in your life or ministry?**
* **How can you discern whether a message of fear is a legitimate caution or a deceptive tactic of the adversary designed to stop God's work in your life?**
* **In what ways might you be inadvertently contributing to a climate of fear or discouragement within your community, family, or church?**
* **What practical steps, inspired by Nehemiah's balanced response of prayer and vigilance, can you take to guard your heart and mind against pervasive negativity and maintain focus on your divine calling?**

### FAQ

**What does "ten times" truly signify in Nehemiah 4:12?**

Answer: The phrase "ten times" (Hebrew: עֶשֶׂר פְּעָמִים, _'eser pe'amim'_) is an idiomatic expression, not a literal numerical count. It signifies an overwhelming, incessant, or emphatic repetition of the warnings. It conveys that the builders were subjected to a relentless barrage of discouraging messages and threats, highlighting the sheer volume and persistence of the fear-mongering. This was a psychological tactic designed to wear down their resolve through constant exposure to the perceived danger, making the threat feel omnipresent and inescapable, as the enemies sought to stop the work on the wall ([Nehemiah 4:11](/nehemiah/4-11 "Nehemiah 4:11 - Enemy's Plan to Attack")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 4:12, with its vivid depiction of relentless opposition and internal discouragement, serves as a powerful foreshadowing of the spiritual warfare faced by the church—the ultimate "building" of God's kingdom—and the definitive victory secured by Christ. Just as the wall-builders faced constant threats and demoralizing whispers, so too does the body of Christ encounter spiritual adversaries who seek to sow fear, division, and doubt. The "ten times" of warning echoes the persistent accusations of the "accuser of our brothers" ([Revelation 12:10](/revelation/12-10 "Revelation 12:10 - The Accuser Cast Down")) and the subtle deceptions of the "father of lies" ([John 8:44](/john/8-44 "John 8:44 - The Devil, Father of Lies")). However, unlike the temporary reprieve found through Nehemiah's vigilance, Christ's finished work on the cross provided the definitive and eternal victory over all spiritual opposition. He disarmed the principalities and powers, triumphing over them by the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), ensuring that "the gates of hell shall not prevail" against His church ([Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession and the Church")). Believers are therefore called to continue building His kingdom, not in fear, but with the profound assurance that Christ, our chief cornerstone ([Ephesians 2:20](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Cornerstone")), has already overcome the world ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Christ Overcomes the World")), and that He who began a good work in us will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ ([Philippians 1:6](/ philippians/1-6 "Philippians 1:6 - God's Work in Us")). Our ultimate security and empowerment are found in the finished work of the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and in the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to stand firm against all the schemes of the devil ([Ephesians 6:11](/ephesians/6-11 "Ephesians 6:11 - The Whole Armor of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 31:41

Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.

Job 19:3

These ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed [that] ye make yourselves strange to me.

Genesis 31:7

And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.

Numbers 14:22

Because all those men which have seen my glory, and my miracles, which I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have tempted me now these ten times, and have not hearkened to my voice;