Nehemiah 6:8

KJV

Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.

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}.

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."

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.”

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 6:8 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 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 ruse Nehemiah discerns and rejects ([Nehemiah 6:2](/nehemiah/6-2 "Nehemiah 6:2 - The Plot to Harm Nehemiah")). 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/6-5 "Nehemiah 6:5-7 - Sanballat's Open Letter of Accusation")). Nehemiah's response in verse 8 is a direct, firm, and concise refutation of this specific, grave slander.
* **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](/nehemiah/6-3 "Nehemiah 6:3 - Nehemiah's Focus on the Work")). 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.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Feignest (Hebrew, _bāḏā'_):** This verb (בָּדָא) means "to invent," "to fabricate," "to devise," or "to make up." In this context, it powerfully conveys that Sanballat's accusations were not based on any facts, misunderstandings, or even twisted truths, but were entirely a product of his own malicious imagination and deceitful intent. It emphasizes the complete falsehood and deliberate nature of the slander.
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lēḇ_):** The Hebrew word (לֵב) here refers not merely to the emotional organ but to the inner being, the seat of thought, will, and intention. When Nehemiah states that Sanballat "feignest them out of thine own heart," he is asserting that the lies originated from Sanballat's deepest, most wicked and scheming disposition, his true character, rather than from external information or legitimate concern. It points to the internal source of the malice.

#### 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.
* **"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.
* **"but thou feignest them out of thine own heart":** This second clause goes beyond mere denial; it exposes the malicious intent and the 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 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. Nehemiah's statement also functions as a form of **Rebuke**, directly confronting and condemning the accuser's malicious intent. 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.

### 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.

* [Proverbs 12:22](/proverbs/12-22 "Proverbs 12:22 - Lying Lips are Abomination to the LORD")
* [Psalm 37:12-13](/psalms/37-12 "Psalm 37:12-13 - The Wicked Plot Against the Righteous")
* [Ephesians 6:14](/ephesians/6-14 "Ephesians 6:14 - Stand Firm with the Belt of Truth")

### 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.

#### 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.

### 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](/matthew/26-65 "Matthew 26:65 - Accusation of Blasphemy")) or sedition against Caesar ([Luke 23:2](/luke/23-2 "Luke 23:2 - Accusation of Sedition")). Yet, Jesus, the embodiment of truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), never succumbed to their schemes. He either responded with profound truth that exposed their hypocrisy ([Matthew 22:15-22](/matthew/22-15 "Matthew 22:15-22 - Paying Taxes to Caesar")) or remained silent, trusting in His Father's vindication ([Isaiah 53:7](/isaiah/53-7 "Isaiah 53:7 - He was Oppressed and Afflicted")). 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](/phil/2-9 "Philippians 2:9-11 - God Exalted Him")). 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.

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

Psalms 52:2

Thy tongue deviseth mischiefs; like a sharp razor, working deceitfully.

Job 13:4

But ye [are] forgers of lies, ye [are] all physicians of no value.

Isaiah 59:4

None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

Daniel 11:27

And both these kings' hearts [shall be] to do mischief, and they shall speak lies at one table; but it shall not prosper: for yet the end [shall be] at the time appointed.

Psalms 36:3

The words of his mouth [are] iniquity and deceit: he hath left off to be wise, [and] to do good.

John 8:44

Ye are of [your] father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.

Acts 25:7

And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove.