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◄ Nehemiah 2:19►

New International Version
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked and ridiculed us. “What is this you are doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?”

New Living Translation
But when Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard of our plan, they scoffed contemptuously. “What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?” they asked.

English Standard Version
But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

Berean Standard Bible
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

King James Bible
But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heardit, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, Whatis this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

New King James Version
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heardof it, they laughed at us and despised us, and said, “Whatis this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?”

New American Standard Bible
But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heardabout it, they mocked us and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

NASB 1995
But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard it, they mocked us and despised us and said, “What is this thing you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

NASB 1977
But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heardit, they mocked us and despised us and said, “What is this thing you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

Legacy Standard Bible
But Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heardit. And they mocked us and despised us and said, “What is this thing you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

Amplified Bible
But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked us and regarded us with contempt and said, “What is this thing you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

Christian Standard Bible
When Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked and despised us, and said, “What is this you’re doing? Are you rebelling against the king? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked and despised us, and said, “What is this you’re doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

American Standard Version
But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

Contemporary English Version
When Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab heard about our plans, they started insulting us and saying, "Just look at you! Do you plan to rebuild the walls of the city and rebel against the king?"

English Revised Version
But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite servant, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they made fun of us and ridiculed us. They asked, "What are you doing? Are you going to rebel against the king?"

Good News Translation
When Sanballat, Tobiah, and an Arab named Geshem heard what we were planning to do, they laughed at us and said, "What do you think you're doing? Are you going to rebel against the emperor?"

International Standard Version
But when Sanballat the Horonite, his servant Tobiah the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they jeered at us and despised us when they said, "What is this thing that you're doing? You're rebelling against the king, aren't you?"

NET Bible
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard all this, they derided us and expressed contempt toward us. They said, "What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?"

New Heart English Bible
But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they ridiculed us, and despised us, and said, "What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?"

Webster's Bible Translation
But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

World English Bible
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite servant, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they ridiculed us and despised us, and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Will you rebel against the king?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Sanballat the Horonite hears, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, and they mock at us, and despise us, and say, “What [is] this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Sanballat the Horonite heareth, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, and they mock at us, and despise us, and say, 'What is this thing that ye are doing? against the king are ye rebelling?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Sanballat the Horonite will hear, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, and they will mock to us and despise us, and say, What this word that ye do? are ye bearing rule against the king?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
But Sanaballat the Horonite, and Tobias the servant, the Ammonite, and Gossem the Arabian heard of it, and they scoffed at us, and despised us, and said: What is this thing that you do? are you going to rebel against the king?

Catholic Public Domain Version
But Sanballat, a Horonite, and the servant Tobiah, an Ammonite, and Geshem, an Arab, heard of it. And they ridiculed and disparaged us, and they said: “What is this thing that you are doing? Could you be rebelling against the king?”

New American Bible
When they heard about this, Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab mocked and ridiculed us. “What are you doing?” they asked. “Are you rebelling against the king?”

New Revised Standard Version
But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they mocked and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and mocked us, saying, What is this thing that you do? Perhaps you are rebelling against the king?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Samblat the Khornite and Tubia the Ammonite men, and Geshum the Arabian heard, and they laughed at us, and they mocked us, and they said: “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the King?”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said: 'What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Sanaballat the Aronite, and Tobia the servant, the Ammonite, and Gesam the Arabian, heardit, and they laughed us to scorn, and came to us, and said, Whatis this thing that ye are doing? are ye revolting against the king?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Nehemiah Inspects the Walls
…18I also told them about the gracious hand of my God upon me, and what the king had said to me. “Let us start rebuilding,” they replied, and they set their hands to this good work.19But when Sanballat the Horonite,Tobiah the Ammonite official,and Geshem the Arab heard about this,they mocked us and ridiculed us,saying,“What is this you are doing?Are you rebelling against the king?”20So I answered them and said, “The God of heaven is the One who will grant us success. We, His servants, will start rebuilding, but you have no portion, right, or claim in Jerusalem.”…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Nehemiah 4:1-3
Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews / before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?” / Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, “If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”

Nehemiah 6:1-2
When Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and not a gap was left—though to that time I had not yet installed the doors in the gates— / Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me.

Ezra 4:1-5
When the enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were building a temple for the LORD, the God of Israel, / they approached Zerubbabel and the heads of the families, saying, “Let us build with you because, like you, we seek your God and have been sacrificing to Him since the time of King Esar-haddon of Assyria, who brought us here.” / But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other heads of the families of Israel replied, “You have no part with us in building a house for our God, since we alone must build it for the LORD, the God of Israel, as Cyrus king of Persia has commanded us.” ...

Psalm 2:1-4
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One: / “Let us break Their chains and cast away Their cords.” ...

Acts 4:25-28
You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of Your servant, our father David: ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against His Anointed One.’ / In fact, this is the very city where Herod and Pontius Pilate conspired with the Gentiles and the people of Israel against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed. ...

Matthew 5:11-12
Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. / Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets before you.

1 Peter 4:14
If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

Luke 6:22-23
Blessed are you when people hate you, and when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil because of the Son of Man. / Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For their fathers treated the prophets in the same way.

Acts 5:41
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.

2 Timothy 3:12
Indeed, all who desire to live godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted,

John 15:18-21
If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first. / If you were of the world, it would love you as its own. Instead, the world hates you, because you are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. / Remember the word that I spoke to you: ‘No servant is greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will persecute you as well; if they kept My word, they will keep yours as well. ...

1 Corinthians 16:9
because a great door for effective work has opened to me, even though many oppose me.

Philippians 1:28-30
without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God. / For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, / since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

2 Corinthians 12:10
That is why, for the sake of Christ, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

Galatians 6:9
Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Treasury of Scripture

But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that you do? will you rebel against the king?

Sanballat

Nehemiah 2:10
When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heardof it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.

Nehemiah 6:1,2
Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, andthat there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) …

Geshem

Nehemiah 6:9
For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore,O God, strengthen my hands.

Gashmu.

Job 30:1
But nowthey that are younger than I have me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock.

Psalm 44:13,14
Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us…

Psalm 79:4
We are become a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and derision to them that are round about us.

will ye rebel

Nehemiah 6:6
Whereinwas written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saithit, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.

Ezra 4:15,16
That search may be made in the book of the records of thy fathers: so shalt thou find in the book of the records, and know that this cityis a rebellious city, and hurtful unto kings and provinces, and that they have moved sedition within the same of old time: for which cause was this city destroyed…

Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse him, saying, We found thisfellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King.

Jump to Previous

Ammonite Arab Arabian Derided Despise Despised Geshem Heard Heareth Hearing Horonite Hor'onite Laughed Mock Mocked Official Rebel Rebelling Ridiculed Sanballat Sanbal'lat Scorn Servant Sport Tobiah Tobi'ah Tobijah

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Nehemiah 2

1.Artaxerxes, understanding the cause of Nehemiah's sadness,
6.sends him with letters and commission to Jerusalem
9.Nehemiah, to the grief of the enemies, comes to Jerusalem
12.He views secretly the ruins of the walls
17.He incites the Jews to build

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this
Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem were regional leaders who opposed Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Sanballat was a Horonite, likely from Beth-Horon, a town in Samaria, indicating his Samaritan ties. Tobiah, an Ammonite, was connected to the ancient enemies of Israel, the Ammonites, who lived east of the Jordan River. Geshem the Arab represents the nomadic tribes from the Arabian Peninsula. Their opposition highlights the political and ethnic tensions surrounding Jerusalem's restoration. This opposition is reminiscent of the adversaries faced by the Israelites throughout their history, such as during the time of Ezra (Ezra 4:1-5).

they mocked us and ridiculed us
Mockery and ridicule were common tactics used by opponents to demoralize and intimidate. This reflects a broader biblical theme where God's people often face scorn from those who oppose His plans (Psalm 22:7,Matthew 27:29). The ridicule here serves to test the resolve and faith of Nehemiah and the Israelites, similar to how Jesus faced mockery during His ministry and crucifixion.

saying, “What is this you are doing?
The question implies disbelief and scorn, challenging the legitimacy and feasibility of Nehemiah's mission. It echoes the skepticism often faced by those undertaking God's work, as seen in the skepticism faced by Moses (Exodus 5:2) and the early church (Acts 17:32).

Are you rebelling against the king?”
This accusation of rebellion is serious, as it suggests treason against the Persian king, Artaxerxes, who had authority over the region. Historically, such accusations could lead to severe consequences, including military intervention. The charge of rebellion is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God's people are often accused of defying earthly authorities when following divine directives (Daniel 6:13,Acts 5:29). This foreshadows the ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom over earthly powers, as exemplified by Jesus Christ, who was also accused of claiming kingship (John 19:12).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Sanballat the Horonite
A prominent opponent of Nehemiah, likely a governor of Samaria. His title "Horonite" suggests he was from Horonaim, a city in Moab.

2.Tobiah the Ammonite official
An Ammonite leader who opposed Nehemiah's efforts. His position as an official indicates he held some authority, possibly as a governor or a high-ranking advisor.

3.Geshem the Arab
Another adversary of Nehemiah, likely a leader of a confederation of Arab tribes. His involvement indicates a broader coalition against Nehemiah's work.

4.Mocking and Despising
The reaction of these leaders to Nehemiah's plans to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Their mockery was intended to discourage and intimidate the Jewish people.

5.Accusation of Rebellion
The claim that Nehemiah's actions were rebellious against the Persian king, an attempt to undermine his authority and create political trouble.

Teaching Points

Expect Opposition
When undertaking God's work, expect resistance. Nehemiah's experience teaches us that opposition is a common response to God's plans.

Discernment in Leadership
Nehemiah's response to his adversaries shows the importance of discernment and wisdom in leadership. He did not let their mockery deter him.

Faithfulness Overcomes Fear
Despite the threats, Nehemiah remained faithful to his mission. This teaches us to trust in God's provision and protection.

Community and Unity
The opposition faced by Nehemiah highlights the need for unity among God's people. Working together strengthens resolve against external threats.

Prayer and Preparation
Nehemiah's account emphasizes the importance of prayer and preparation in the face of opposition. He was ready to respond because he had sought God's guidance.

Lists and Questions

Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 2

Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem in history?

What was Nehemiah's role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls?

How does the temple-advice incident in Nehemiah 6:10–13 align with other biblical laws forbidding unauthorized entry into sacred spaces?

Nehemiah 4:11: Are there any archaeological records to confirm a plot of secret attacks against the builders in Jerusalem at this time?

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(19)Geshem the Arabian.--This name completes the triumvirate of the leaders of the opposition to the mission of Nehemiah. They were not independent chieftains: Tobiah was Sanballat's servant and counsellor, while Geshem was probably the leader of an Arabian company mostly in his service. The account of their contemptuous opposition is given in a few touches, as is the contempt with which it was met They charged Nehemiah with rebellion, as afterwards, in chapter 6:6.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 19. -Geshem the Arabian, elsewhere called Gashmu (Nehemiah 6:6), may have been an independent sheikh possessing authority in Idumea, or in the desert country adjoining upon Ammon; but it seems quite as likely that he was merely the head of a body of Arab troops maintained by Sanballat at Samaria (Nehemiah 4:7). Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem are united so closely, and act so much together (Nehemiah 4:1-7;Nehemiah 6:1, 2, 6, 12, 14), that it is difficult to suppose them to be three chieftains residing on three sides of Judaea, the north, the east, and the south, merely holding diplomatic intercourse with each other, which is the ordinary idea. Note that Tobiah is present with Sanballat in Samaria on one occasion (Nehemiah 4:3), and that Geshem and Sanballat propose a joint interview with Nehemiah on another (Nehemiah 6:2).They laughed us to scorn, and said. Either by messengers, like Sennacherib (2 Kings 18:17-35), or by a formal written communication, as Ewald supposes ('History of Israel,' vol. 5. p. 154, E. Tr.). Will ye rebel? CompareNehemiah 6:6; and see alsoEzra 4:12-16. Had Artaxerxes not granted permission, Nehemiah's proceedings might naturally have borne this interpretation.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

When Sanballat
סַנְבַלַּ֨ט(san·ḇal·laṭ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5571:Sanballat -- a Samaritan leader

the Horonite,
הַחֹרֹנִ֜י(ha·ḥō·rō·nî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2772:Horonite -- a Choronite

Tobiah
וְטֹבִיָּ֣ה ׀(wə·ṭō·ḇî·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2900:Tobiah -- 'Yah is my good', three Israelites, also an Ammonite

the Ammonite
הָֽעַמּוֹנִ֗י(hā·‘am·mō·w·nî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 5984:Ammonite -- descendants of Ammon

official,
הָעֶ֣בֶד(hā·‘e·ḇeḏ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5650:Slave, servant

and Geshem
וְגֶ֙שֶׁם֙(wə·ḡe·šem)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1654:Geshem -- an opponent of Nehemiah

the Arab
הָֽעַרְבִ֔י(hā·‘ar·ḇî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 6163:Arabian -- inhabitant of Arabia

heard about this,
וַיִּשְׁמַע֩(way·yiš·ma‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently

they mocked
וַיַּלְעִ֣גוּ(way·yal·‘i·ḡū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3932:To deride, to speak unintelligibly

us
לָ֔נוּ(lā·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's Hebrew

and ridiculed us,
וַיִּבְז֖וּ(way·yiḇ·zū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 959:To disesteem

saying,
וַיֹּאמְר֗וּ(way·yō·mə·rū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say

“What
מָֽה־(māh-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely what

is this
הַזֶּה֙(haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, that

you are
אַתֶּ֣ם(’at·tem)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you

doing?
עֹשִׂ֔ים(‘ō·śîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 6213:To do, make

Are you
אַתֶּ֥ם(’at·tem)
Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and you

rebelling
מֹרְדִֽים׃(mō·rə·ḏîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 4775:To rebel

against
עָלֵ֑ינוּ(‘ā·lê·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, against

the king??
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A king

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OT History: Nehemiah 2:19 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah (Neh Ne)