Nehemiah 6:8

Translation
King James Version
Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
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KJV (with Strong's)
Then I sent H7971 unto him, saying H559, There are H1961 no such things H1697 done H1961 as thou sayest H559, but thou feignest H908 them out of thine own heart H3820.
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Complete Jewish Bible
I sent him this answer; "Nothing like what you are saying is being done. You're making it all up in your head."
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Berean Standard Bible
Then I sent him this reply: “There is nothing to these rumors you are spreading; you are inventing them in your own mind.”
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American Standard Version
Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
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World English Bible Messianic
Then I sent to him, saying, “There are no such things done as you say, but you imagine them out of your own heart.”
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Geneva Bible (1599)
Then I sent vnto him, saying, It is not done according to these wordes that thou sayest: for thou feynest them of thine owne heart.
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Young's Literal Translation
And I send unto him, saying, `It hath not been according to these words that thou art saying, for from thine own heart thou art devising them;'
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See also
Psalms 52:2Job 13:4Isaiah 59:4Daniel 11:27Psalms 36:3John 8:44Acts 25:7
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Opposition to the Rebuilding of Jerusalem
Opposition to the Rebuilding of Jerusalem View full PDF

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In the KJVVerse 12,410 of 31,102

Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Nehemiah 6:8 powerfully captures Nehemiah's resolute and discerning response to Sanballat's escalating campaign of intimidation and slander. Faced with a baseless accusation that he was plotting rebellion and seeking to make himself king, Nehemiah unequivocally denies the charges, exposing them as fabrications born solely from his adversaries' malicious intent. This verse highlights Nehemiah's unshakeable integrity, his wisdom in discerning the true motives behind the opposition, and his unwavering commitment to the divinely appointed task of rebuilding Jerusalem's walls, refusing to be sidetracked by deceitful schemes.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Nehemiah 6:8 is situated within a critical phase of Jerusalem's wall rebuilding project, specifically addressing the intensified opposition from Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem. Chapters 4 and 5 detail earlier forms of opposition, including ridicule, threats of physical attack, and internal social injustices. By chapter 6, the wall is nearing completion, and the adversaries shift tactics from overt military threats to more insidious psychological warfare and deception. Earlier in chapter 6, Sanballat and Geshem repeatedly invite Nehemiah to meet in Ono, a deceptive ruse Nehemiah discerns and rejects, understanding their intent to harm him (Nehemiah 6:2). The immediate context of verse 8 is Sanballat's fifth attempt to lure Nehemiah away, this time through an open letter containing a public accusation of rebellion and kingly aspirations, even claiming that prophets were hired to declare him king (Nehemiah 6:5-7). Nehemiah's response in verse 8 is a direct, firm, and concise refutation of this specific, grave slander, demonstrating his unwavering focus on the work (Nehemiah 6:3).
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah occurred during the Persian period, specifically in the mid-5th century BCE, under King Artaxerxes I. Judea was a satrapy within the vast Persian Empire, and any claim of rebellion or kingly ambition by a governor would be an extremely serious charge, potentially punishable by death and certainly jeopardizing the entire rebuilding project. Sanballat, the governor of Samaria, and Tobiah, an Ammonite official, represented neighboring powers who viewed a strong, fortified Jerusalem as a threat to their own regional influence and control. Their opposition was not merely personal but geopolitical, aiming to prevent the resurgence of Jewish autonomy and strength. The use of an "open letter" was a tactic designed to spread rumors, incite fear among the Jewish populace, and pressure Nehemiah through public opinion, while the accusation of hiring prophets to proclaim him king was a particularly potent charge, tapping into both political treason and religious manipulation.
  • Key Themes: Nehemiah 6:8 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Nehemiah. Firstly, it underscores the persistent opposition to God's work and the various forms it takes, from ridicule and physical threats to deceit and slander. Secondly, it highlights Nehemiah's exemplary leadership qualities, particularly his integrity, discernment, and unwavering focus on his divine mission. He does not allow personal attacks or political maneuvering to distract him from the task at hand (Nehemiah 6:3). Thirdly, the verse exemplifies the theme of trust in God amidst adversity, as Nehemiah relies on divine wisdom to see through the schemes of his enemies and responds with truth rather than fear. Finally, it reinforces the importance of truth and integrity in the face of falsehood, demonstrating that a clear, concise refutation of lies, coupled with an understanding of the accuser's malicious intent, is often the most effective response, as seen in Nehemiah's prayer for strength (Nehemiah 6:9).

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • Feignest (Hebrew, bâdâ', H908): From בָּדָא; (figuratively) to invent; devise, feign. This verb means to invent, fabricate, or devise. Nehemiah uses it to expose Sanballat's accusation as a complete and deliberate fabrication, not based on any truth but solely on his malicious intent to deceive and disrupt God's work. It highlights the calculated nature of the slander.
  • Heart (Hebrew, lêb, H3820): A form of לֵבָב; the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the centre of anything. When Nehemiah states that Sanballat "feignest them out of thine own heart," he is pinpointing the origin of the lies to Sanballat's inner being—his will, intellect, and deepest intentions. This emphasizes that the deceit was not a misunderstanding but a product of Sanballat's inherent wickedness and scheming disposition.

Verse Breakdown

  • "Then I sent unto him, saying": This phrase indicates Nehemiah's direct and immediate response to Sanballat's letter. He doesn't ignore it, nor does he engage in lengthy debate or panic. His response is swift, firm, and to the point, demonstrating his control and confidence in the face of the malicious accusation.
  • "There are no such things done as thou sayest": This is Nehemiah's unequivocal denial of the accusation. It is a clear, concise, and absolute refutation of the specific charges of rebellion and seeking kingship. He does not dignify the lie with extensive explanation but simply states the truth plainly and decisively.
  • "but thou feignest them out of thine own heart": This second clause goes beyond mere denial; it exposes the malicious intent and the true source of the falsehood. Nehemiah not only refutes the claim but also identifies the fabrication as originating from Sanballat's own wicked imagination and deceitful will. This reveals Nehemiah's spiritual discernment, seeing beyond the words to the corrupt heart of his adversary.

Literary Devices

The primary literary device at play in Nehemiah 6:8 is Direct Discourse, as Nehemiah's exact words of rebuttal are quoted, lending immediacy and powerful force to his response. This directness highlights Nehemiah's courage and clarity in the face of slander. There is also an element of Irony, as Sanballat's attempt to discredit Nehemiah by accusing him of deceit ultimately reveals Sanballat's own profound deceitfulness and wicked intentions. Nehemiah's statement also functions as a form of Rebuke, directly confronting and condemning the accuser's malicious intent and exposing the falsehood. The phrase "out of thine own heart" serves as a powerful Metonymy, where "heart" represents the entire inner being, including the will, intentions, and character, emphasizing the internal origin of Sanballat's wickedness and the deliberate nature of his lies.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Nehemiah's response in Nehemiah 6:8 resonates deeply with biblical principles regarding truth, integrity, and the nature of spiritual warfare. It underscores that God's work will inevitably face opposition, often manifesting as slander and deceit, because the enemy of souls seeks to disrupt divine purposes by discrediting God's servants. Nehemiah's unwavering commitment to truth, even when it means directly confronting powerful adversaries, reflects a divine standard for leadership and personal conduct. His discernment, which allows him to see beyond the surface accusation to the malicious "heart" of the accuser, is a gift from God. This incident serves as a powerful reminder that believers are called to stand firm in truth, trusting that God will ultimately vindicate His faithful servants and expose the lies of the wicked.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Nehemiah 6:8 offers profound lessons for believers navigating a world often rife with misinformation, slander, and personal attacks. Nehemiah's response models a balanced approach: he doesn't ignore the accusation, nor does he fall into the trap of endless self-defense or emotional reaction. Instead, he offers a concise, truthful rebuttal that also exposes the malicious intent behind the lie. This teaches us the importance of maintaining integrity, for a reputation built on truthfulness lends weight to one's denials. Furthermore, it highlights the necessity of spiritual discernment to recognize when accusations or rumors are simply fabrications designed to discourage, distract, or derail us from God's calling. Like Nehemiah, we are called to remain steadfast in the work God has given us, refusing to be intimidated or sidetracked by the schemes of those who oppose truth and righteousness. Our focus should remain on the divine purpose, trusting that God is our ultimate vindicator and that His truth will prevail.

Questions for Reflection

  • How do I typically react when faced with false accusations or slander? Do I tend to over-explain, become defensive, or withdraw?
  • In what areas of my life might I need greater discernment to recognize the true motives behind criticism or opposition?
  • What "work" has God called me to do that might be vulnerable to distraction or attack, and how can Nehemiah's steadfastness encourage me?
  • How does my commitment to truth and integrity strengthen my ability to stand firm against falsehoods?

FAQ

What was Sanballat's primary motivation for slandering Nehemiah?

Answer: Sanballat's primary motivation was to stop the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and prevent the re-establishment of a strong, independent Jewish community. A fortified Jerusalem threatened his regional influence as governor of Samaria. By accusing Nehemiah of rebellion and kingly ambitions, Sanballat aimed to achieve several goals: to instill fear among the Jewish people, to discredit Nehemiah in the eyes of the Persian authorities, and to force Nehemiah to abandon the project or flee, thereby halting the work. This was a political and strategic maneuver disguised as a legitimate concern for the Persian king's authority, as seen in his repeated attempts to lure Nehemiah away (Nehemiah 6:2).

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Nehemiah's steadfastness and truthful response in Nehemiah 6:8 foreshadow the ultimate integrity and discernment of Jesus Christ. Just as Nehemiah faced baseless accusations designed to derail God's work, Jesus consistently encountered slander and false witness from those who opposed His divine mission. The religious leaders of His day, like Sanballat, often fabricated charges "out of their own heart" to discredit Him, accusing Him of blasphemy (Matthew 26:65) or sedition against Caesar (Luke 23:2). Yet, Jesus, the embodiment of truth (John 14:6), never succumbed to their schemes. He either responded with profound truth that exposed their hypocrisy (Matthew 22:15-22) or remained silent, trusting in His Father's vindication (Isaiah 53:7). Nehemiah's refusal to be sidetracked by lies points to Christ's unwavering focus on accomplishing the Father's will, even unto death on the cross, knowing that His ultimate vindication would come through resurrection and exaltation (Philippians 2:9-11). Thus, Nehemiah's integrity in the face of fabricated charges is a faint echo of the perfect truth and victorious resolve found in the Lamb of God, who endured all slander for the sake of His redemptive work.

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Commentary on Nehemiah 6 verses 1–9

Two plots upon Nehemiah we have here an account of, how cunningly they were laid by his enemies and how happily frustrated by God's good providence and his prudence.

I. A plot to trepan him into a snare. The enemies had an account of the good forwardness the work was in, that all the breaches of the wall were made up, so that they considered it as good as done, though at that time the doors of the gates were off the hinges (Neh 6:1); they must therefore now or never, by one bold stroke, take off Nehemiah. They heard how well guarded he was, so that there was no attacking him upon the spot; they will therefore try by all the arts of wheedling to get him among them. Observe, 1. With what hellish subtlety they courted him to meet them, not in any city, lest that should excite a suspicion that they intended to secure him, but in a village in the lot of Benjamin: "Come, let us meet together to consult about the common interests of our provinces." Or they would have him think that they coveted his friendship, and would be glad to be better acquainted with him, in order to a good understanding between them and the settling of a good correspondence. But they thought to do him a mischief. It is probable that he had some secret intelligence given him that they designed to imprison or murder him; or he knew them so well that, without breach of charity, he concluded they aimed at his life, and therefore, when they spoke fair, he believed them not. 2. See with what heavenly wisdom he declined the motion. His God did instruct him to give them that prudent answer by messengers of his own: "I am doing a great work, am very busy, and am loth to let the work stand still while I leave it to come down to you," Neh 6:3. His care was that the work might not cease; he knew it would if he left it ever so little; and why should it cease while I come down to you? He says nothing of his jealousies, nor reproaches them for their treacherous design, but gives them a good reason and one of the true reasons why he would not come. Compliment must always give way to business. Let those that are tempted to idle merry meetings by their vain companions thus answer the temptation, "We have work to do, and must not neglect it." Four times they attacked him with the same solicitation, and he as often returned the same answer, which, we may suppose, was very vexatious to them; for really it was the ceasing of the work that they aimed at, and it would make them despair of breaking the undertaking to see the undertaker so intent upon it. I answered them (says he) after the same manner, Neh 6:4. Note, We must never suffer ourselves to be overcome by the greatest importunity to do any thing sinful or imprudent; but, when we are attacked with the same temptation, must still resist it with the same reason and resolution.

II. A plot to terrify him from his work. Could they but drive him off, the work would cease of course. This therefore Sanballat attempts, but in vain. 1. he endeavours to possess Nehemiah with an apprehension that his undertaking to build the walls of Jerusalem was generally represented as factious and seditious, and would be resented accordingly at court, Neh 6:5-7. The best men, even in their most innocent and excellent performances, have lain under this imputation. This is written to him in an open letter, as a thing generally known and talked of, that it was reported among the nations, and Gashmu will aver it for truth, that Nehemiah was aiming to make himself king and to shake off the Persian yoke. Note, It is common for that which is the sense only of the malicious to be falsely represented by them as the sense of the many. Now Sanballat pretends to inform Nehemiah of this as a friend, that he might hasten to court to clear himself, or stay his proceedings, for fear they should be thus misconstrued; at least, upon this surmise, he urges him to give him the meeting - "Let us take counsel together how to quell the report," hoping by this means either to take him off, or at least to take him off from his business. Thus were his words softer than oil, and yet war was in his heart, and he hoped, like Judas, to kiss and kill. But surely in vain is the net spread in the sight of any bird. Nehemiah was soon aware what they aimed at, to weaken their hands from the work (Neh 6:9), and therefore not only denied that such things were true, but that they were reported; he was better known than to be thus suspected. 2. Thus he escaped the snare and kept his ground, nor would he be frightened by winds and clouds from sowing and reaping. Suppose it was thus reported, we must never omit known duty merely for fear it should be misconstrued; but, while we keep a good conscience, let us trust God with our good name. But indeed it was not thus reported. God's people, though sufficiently loaded with reproach, yet are not really so low in reputation as some would have them thought to be.

In the midst of his complaint of their malice, in endeavouring to frighten him, and so weaken his hands, he lifts up his heart to Heaven in this short prayer: Now therefore, O God! strengthen my hands. It is the great support and relief of good people that in all their straits and difficulties they have a good God to go to, from whom, by faith and prayer, they may fetch in grace to silence their fears and strengthen their hands when their enemies are endeavouring to fill them with fears and weaken their hands. When, in our Christian work and warfare, we are entering upon any particular services or conflicts, this is a good prayer for us to put up: "I have such a duty to do, such a temptation to grapple with; now therefore, O God! strengthen my hands." Some read it, not as a prayer, but as a holy resolution (for O God is supplied in our translation): Now therefore I will strengthen my hands. Note, Christian fortitude will be sharpened by opposition. Every temptation to draw us from duty should quicken us so much the more to duty.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–9. Public domain.
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Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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