Movatterモバイル変換

◄ Nehemiah 6:19►

New International Version
Moreover, they kept reporting to me his good deeds and then telling him what I said. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

New Living Translation
They kept telling me about Tobiah’s good deeds, and then they told him everything I said. And Tobiah kept sending threatening letters to intimidate me.

English Standard Version
Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.

Berean Standard Bible
Moreover, these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds, and they relayed my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

King James Bible
Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him.And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

New King James Version
Also they reported his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.

New American Standard Bible
Moreover, they were speaking about his good deeds in my presence, and were reporting my words to him. Then Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.

NASB 1995
Moreover, they were speaking about his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. Then Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.

NASB 1977
Moreover, they were speaking about his good deeds in my presence and reported my words to him. Then Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.

Legacy Standard Bible
Moreover, they were speaking about his good deeds in my presence and bringing my words to him. Then Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.

Amplified Bible
Also, they were speaking about Tobiah’s good deeds in my presence, and reporting to him what I said. Then Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.

Christian Standard Bible
These nobles kept mentioning Tobiah’s good deeds to me, and they reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
These nobles kept mentioning Tobiah’s good deeds to me, and they reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

American Standard Version
Also they spake of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Contemporary English Version
The people would always tell me about the good things Tobiah had done, and then they would tell Tobiah everything I had said. So Tobiah kept sending letters, trying to frighten me.

English Revised Version
Also they spake of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The nobles were singing Tobiah's praises to me and reporting to him what I said. Tobiah kept sending letters to intimidate me.

Good News Translation
People would talk in front of me about all the good deeds Tobiah had done and would tell him everything I said. And he kept sending me letters to try to frighten me.

International Standard Version
Furthermore, they kept reporting Tobiah's good deeds to me, and kept repeating what I told him. Tobiah kept sending letters to intimidate me.

NET Bible
They were telling me about his good deeds and then taking back to him the things I said. Tobiah, on the other hand, sent letters in order to scare me.

New Heart English Bible
Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Webster's Bible Translation
Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
Moreover, these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds, and they relayed my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

World English Bible
Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
also, they have been speaking of his good deeds before me, and they have been taking my words out to him; Tobiah has sent letters to make me afraid.

Young's Literal Translation
also, his good deeds they have been saying before me, and my words they have been taking out to him; letters hath Tobiah sent to make me afraid.

Smith's Literal Translation
Also his good things were said before me, and my words were brought forth to him. Tobiah sent letters to cause me to fear.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they praised him also before me, and they related my words to him: And Tobias sent letters to put me in fear.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Moreover, they praised him before me, and they reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters, so that he might make me afraid.

New American Bible
They would praise his good deeds in my presence and relate to him whatever I said; and Tobiah sent letters trying to intimidate me.

New Revised Standard Version
Also they spoke of his good deeds in my presence, and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Also they reported his good words before me, and told him anything I said. And Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Also they were telling his good words before me, and the word that I had said they were saying to him, and Tobia was sending letters to scare me.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Also they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they reported his words to me, and carried out my words to him: and Tobias sent letters to terrify me.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Completion of the Wall
…18For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.19Moreover,these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds,and they relayed my words to him.And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me.

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

Nehemiah 13:28
Even one of the sons of Jehoiada son of Eliashib the high priest had become a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I drove him away from me.

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!”

Ezra 4:4-5
Then the people of the land set out to discourage the people of Judah and make them afraid to build. / They hired counselors against them to frustrate their plans throughout the reign of Cyrus king of Persia and down to the reign of Darius king of Persia.

Ezra 10:18-19
Among the descendants of the priests who had married foreign women were found these descendants of Jeshua son of Jozadak and his brothers: Maaseiah, Eliezer, Jarib, and Gedaliah. / They pledged to send their wives away, and for their guilt they presented a ram from the flock as a guilt offering.

1 Kings 11:1-2
King Solomon, however, loved many foreign women along with the daughter of Pharaoh—women of Moab, Ammon, Edom, and Sidon, as well as Hittite women. / These women were from the nations about which the LORD had told the Israelites, “You must not intermarry with them, for surely they will turn your hearts after their gods.” Yet Solomon clung to these women in love.

2 Chronicles 36:14
Furthermore, all the leaders of the priests and the people multiplied their unfaithful deeds, following all the abominations of the nations, and they defiled the house of the LORD, which He had consecrated in Jerusalem.

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

Proverbs 29:5
A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet.

Jeremiah 9:4-5
“Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. / Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity.

Jeremiah 12:6
Even your brothers—your own father’s household—even they have betrayed you; even they have cried aloud against you. Do not trust them, though they speak well of you.

Matthew 10:36
A man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.’

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Mark 14:10-11
Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted to hear this, and they promised to give him money. So Judas began to look for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Luke 22:3-6
Then Satan entered Judas Iscariot, who was one of the Twelve. / And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money. ...

Treasury of Scripture

Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.

they reported

Proverbs 28:4
They that forsake the law praise the wicked: but such as keep the law contend with them.

John 7:7
The world cannot hate you; but me it hateth, because I testify of it, that the works thereof are evil.

John 15:19
If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.

words.

Nehemiah 6:9,13
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…

Isaiah 37:10-14
Thus shall ye speak to Hezekiah king of Judah, saying, Let not thy God, in whom thou trustest, deceive thee, saying, Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria…

Acts 4:18-21
And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the name of Jesus…

Jump to Previous

Accounts Afraid Deeds Fear Frighten Good Kept Letters Moreover Presence Purpose Reported Reporting Speaking Telling Tobiah Tobi'ah Tobijah Uttered Words

Jump to Next

Accounts Afraid Deeds Fear Frighten Good Kept Letters Moreover Presence Purpose Reported Reporting Speaking Telling Tobiah Tobi'ah Tobijah Uttered Words

Nehemiah 6

1.Sanballat practices by craft, by rumors, and by hired prophecies, to terrify Nehemiah
15.The work is finished, to the terror of the enemies
17.Secret intelligence passes between the enemies and the nobles of Judah

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

Moreover, these nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds
The nobles of Judah were influential leaders within the community, often holding positions of power and wealth. Their allegiance to Tobiah, an Ammonite official, highlights the political and social complexities Nehemiah faced. Tobiah's connection to the Jewish nobles was likely strengthened through marriage alliances, as Tobiah was related to Eliashib the high priest (Nehemiah 13:4). This phrase underscores the internal opposition Nehemiah encountered, as these nobles were more loyal to Tobiah than to Nehemiah's mission. The reporting of Tobiah's "good deeds" suggests an attempt to sway Nehemiah's opinion or undermine his authority by presenting Tobiah in a favorable light, despite his opposition to the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.

and they relayed my words to him
This indicates a breach of trust and confidentiality, as the nobles were acting as informants for Tobiah. Nehemiah's words, likely concerning the rebuilding efforts and strategies, were being communicated to an adversary. This betrayal highlights the challenges of leadership and the need for discernment and wisdom in dealing with internal threats. It also reflects the broader theme of spiritual warfare, where opposition can come from unexpected sources within one's own community.

And Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me
Tobiah's use of letters to intimidate Nehemiah is a tactic of psychological warfare, aiming to instill fear and discourage the work on the wall. This method of intimidation is consistent with other forms of opposition Nehemiah faced, such as mockery and threats (Nehemiah 4:1-3, 4:7-8). The letters represent a direct challenge to Nehemiah's leadership and the divine mission to restore Jerusalem. This scenario echoes the broader biblical theme of God's people facing opposition when fulfilling His purposes, as seen in the stories of Moses, David, and the early church. Nehemiah's response to such intimidation is a model of steadfast faith and reliance on God, as he continually sought divine guidance and strength in prayer (Nehemiah 6:9).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He faces opposition from various adversaries, including Tobiah.

2.Tobiah
An Ammonite official who opposes Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. He is known for his attempts to undermine Nehemiah through intimidation and deceit.

3.Jerusalem
The city whose walls Nehemiah is working to rebuild. It is a central place of worship and identity for the Jewish people.

4.Letters of Intimidation
These are the means by which Tobiah attempts to instill fear and disrupt Nehemiah's work. They represent the broader theme of opposition faced by those doing God's work.

5.Jewish Nobles
Some of the Jewish leaders who were in communication with Tobiah, reporting Nehemiah's words to him and praising Tobiah's deeds, thus creating internal conflict and division.

Teaching Points

Perseverance in the Face of Opposition
Nehemiah's experience teaches us the importance of steadfastness and reliance on God when facing opposition in our spiritual and daily lives.

Discernment and Wisdom
Nehemiah demonstrates discernment by recognizing the true intentions behind Tobiah's actions. We are called to seek God's wisdom to discern truth from deception.

The Danger of Divided Loyalties
The Jewish nobles' divided loyalties serve as a warning against compromising our commitment to God for personal or political gain.

The Power of Prayer and Faith
Nehemiah's account encourages us to turn to prayer and faith as our primary resources when confronted with challenges and threats.

Community and Accountability
The importance of a supportive and accountable community is highlighted, as internal division can weaken efforts to fulfill God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Nehemiah 6:19?

2.How does Nehemiah 6:19 illustrate the danger of divided loyalties among believers?

3.What strategies did Nehemiah use to counteract the nobles' betrayal in Nehemiah 6:19?

4.How can we guard against gossip and betrayal within our church community today?

5.What other biblical examples show the consequences of divided loyalties among God's people?

6.How can Nehemiah 6:19 inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith?

7.How does Nehemiah 6:19 illustrate the challenge of internal betrayal among believers?

8.What does Nehemiah 6:19 reveal about the influence of external enemies on internal affairs?

9.How does Nehemiah 6:19 address the theme of loyalty and trust within a community?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 6?

11.Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem in history?

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

13.How did Nehemiah rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore faith?

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

What Does Nehemiah 6:19 Mean

These nobles kept reporting to me Tobiah’s good deeds

• The “nobles of Judah” were already compromised through family ties and business agreements with Tobiah (Nehemiah 6:17-18; 13:4-5). Their steady flow of compliments about him was meant to soften Nehemiah’s view of an enemy of the work.

• Flattery is a well-known tool of manipulation (Proverbs 29:5;Psalm 12:2-3). By praising Tobiah’s “good deeds,” the nobles disguised the reality that he was opposing God’s rebuilding project (Nehemiah 2:19; 4:7-8).

• The incident warns believers to discern between genuine fruit and a polished reputation (Matthew 7:15-20). Not everyone who appears helpful is aligned with God’s purposes (2 Corinthians 11:13-15).

They relayed my words to him

• The same nobles who applauded Tobiah also carried Nehemiah’s private comments straight back to Tobiah, acting as informants. Compromise always erodes loyalty (Proverbs 17:9;Luke 20:20).

• Nehemiah’s leadership was being undercut from within, echoing earlier betrayals in Israel’s history (Judges 16:18-20;2 Samuel 15:10-12).

• Yet Nehemiah did not abandon transparency; he kept leading openly while trusting God to expose hidden schemes (Psalm 31:20;John 18:20-21).

Tobiah sent letters to intimidate me

• When flattery and espionage didn’t derail the work, Tobiah resorted to threatening letters, just as Sennacherib once wrote intimidating messages to King Hezekiah (2 Kings 19:9-14;Isaiah 37:14-20).

• The pattern is familiar: God’s enemies try deception first, intimidation next (Nehemiah 4:8-11;Acts 4:17-21).

• Nehemiah responded by steadfast prayer and continued building (Nehemiah 6:9). Spiritual courage resists fear tactics because “God has not given us a spirit of fear” (2 Timothy 1:7;Ephesians 6:10-11).

summary

Nehemiah 6:19 exposes three coordinated attacks: flattering words, information leaks, and threatening letters. Each strategy aimed to weaken Nehemiah’s resolve and stall God’s rebuilding plan. By discerning the true nature of “good deeds,” guarding his speech without retreating, and refusing to be intimidated, Nehemiah models how believers can stay faithful when opposition arises from both outside and inside the community. God’s work advances when His people remain watchful, courageous, and anchored in His unfailing Word.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(19)Reported his good deeds.--Besides the correspondence thus carried on. these nobles strove to exalt the character of Tobiah to tne governor, while they made the enemy acquainted with all that went on. This intelligence enabled him to write the disquieting letters which Nehemiah says he was in the habit of receiving.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 19. -Also they reported his good deeds, etc. Rather, "they even reported" - they went so far as to speak to me of his good actions, perhaps representing the bribes which he dispensed (ver. 12) as given from charitable motives. And they uttered my words, or "communicated my affairs, to him. They made him acquainted with all my proceedings.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Moreover,
גַּ֣ם(gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

these nobles kept
הָי֤וּ(hā·yū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be

reporting
אֹמְרִים֙(’ō·mə·rîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 559:To utter, say

to me
לְפָנַ֔י(lə·p̄ā·nay)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440:The face

Tobiah’s good deeds,
טוֹבֹתָ֗יו(ṭō·w·ḇō·ṯāw)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 2896:Pleasant, agreeable, good

and they relayed
מוֹצִיאִ֖ים(mō·w·ṣî·’îm)
Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 3318:To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

my words
וּדְבָרַ֕י(ū·ḏə·ḇā·ray)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a cause

to him.
ל֑וֹ(lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

And Tobiah
טוֹבִיָּ֖ה(ṭō·w·ḇî·yāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2900:Tobiah -- 'Yah is my good', three Israelites, also an Ammonite

sent
שָׁלַ֥ח(šā·laḥ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, out

letters
אִגְּר֛וֹת(’ig·gə·rō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 107:An epistle

to intimidate me.
לְיָֽרְאֵֽנִי׃(lə·yā·rə·’ê·nî)
Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3372:To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

Links

Nehemiah 6:19 NIV
Nehemiah 6:19 NLT
Nehemiah 6:19 ESV
Nehemiah 6:19 NASB
Nehemiah 6:19 KJV

Nehemiah 6:19 BibleApps.com
Nehemiah 6:19 Biblia Paralela
Nehemiah 6:19 Chinese Bible
Nehemiah 6:19 French Bible
Nehemiah 6:19 Catholic Bible

OT History: Nehemiah 6:19 Also they spoke of his good deeds (Neh Ne)