The Wall Finished Despite Plots
Nehemiah 6
As the wall nears completion, Sanballat and Tobiah try repeatedly to lure Nehemiah into a trap, discredit him with false accusations of rebellion, and frighten him through a hired false prophet, but the wall is finished in fifty-two days despite their schemes and Tobiah's continuing correspondence with nobles in Judah.
About these editions
The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.
Thomson 1808Septuagint
Brenton 1851Septuagint
Greek · BrentonSeptuagint
KJV 1769Masoretic
JPS 1917Masoretic
1
ThomsonNOW when Sanaballat and Tobias and Gesam the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had built the wall, and that there was no opening left therein; (at that time I had not fixed up the doors in the gates),
BrentonNow it came to pass, when Sanaballat, and Tobias, and Gesam the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had built the wall, and that there was no opening left therein; ( but hitherto I had not set up the doors on the gates;)
GreekΚαὶ ἐγένετο καθὼς ἠκούσθη τῷ Σαναβαλλὰτ, καὶ Τωβίᾳ, καὶ τῷ Γησὰμ τῷ Ἀραβὶ, καὶ τοῖς καταλοίποις ἐχθρῶν ἡμῶν, ὅτι ᾠκοδόμησα τὸ τεῖχος, καὶ οὐ κατελείφθη ἐν αὐτοῖς πνοή· ἕως τοῦ καιροῦ ἐκείνου θύρας οὐκ ἐπέστησα ἐν ταῖς πύλαις.
KJVNow 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, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)
JPSNow it came to pass, when it was reported to Sanballat and Tobiah, and to Geshem the Arabian, and unto the rest of our enemies, that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein—though even unto that time I had not set up the doors in the gates—
2
ThomsonSanaballat and Gesam sent to me saying, Come let us have a meeting at the villages in the plain of Ono, intending to do me some mischief.
Brentonthat Sanaballat and Gesam sent to me, saying, Come and let us meet together in the villages in the plain of Ono. But they were plotting to do me mischief.
GreekΚαὶ ἀπέστειλε Σαναβαλλὰτ καὶ Γησὰμ πρὸς μὲ, λέγων, δεῦρο καὶ συναχθῶμεν ἐπιτοαυτὸ ἐν ταῖς κώμαις ἐν πεδίῳ Ὠνώ· καὶ αὐτοὶ λογιζόμενοι ποιῆσαί μοι πονηρίαν.
KJVThat Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
JPSthat Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying: ‘Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono.’ But they thought to do me mischief.
3
ThomsonUpon which I sent messengers to them saying, I am engaged in a great work, and cannot go down, lest the work should stop. Soon as I have completed it, I will go down to you.
BrentonSo I sent messengers to them, saying, I am doing a great work, and I shall not be able to come down, lest the work should cease: as soon as I shall have finished it, I will come down to you.
GreekΚαὶ ἀπέστειλα ἐπʼ αὐτοὺς ἀγγέλους, λέγων, ἔργον μέγα ἐγὼ ποιῶ, καὶ οὐ δυνήσομαι καταβῆναι, μή ποτε καταπαύσῃ τὸ ἔργον· ὡς ἂν τελειώσω αὐτὸ, καταβήσομαι πρὸς ὑμᾶς.
KJVAnd I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
JPSAnd I sent messengers unto them, saying: ‘I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down; why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?’
4
ThomsonAgain they sent to me to the same effect, and I returned them the same answer.
BrentonAnd they sent to me again to this effect; and I sent them word accordingly.
GreekΚαὶ ἀπέστειλαν πρὸς μὲ ὡς τὸ ῥῆμα τοῦτο· καὶ ἀπέστειλα αὐτοῖς κατὰ ταῦτα.
KJVYet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
JPSAnd they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
5
ThomsonThen Sanaballat sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand,
BrentonThen Sanaballat sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand.
GreekΚαὶ ἀπέστειλε πρὸς μὲ Σαναβαλλὰτ τὸν παῖδα αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἐπιστολὴν ἀνεῳγμένην ἐν χειρὶ αὐτοῦ.
KJVThen sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
JPSThen sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
6
Thomsonin which was written, It is reported among the nations that thou and the Jews intend to rebel; that for this purpose thou art rebuilding the wall; and that thou art to be their king:
BrentonAnd in it was written, It has been reported among the Gentiles that thou and the Jews are planning to revolt: therefore thou art building the wall, and thou wilt be a king to them.
GreekΚαὶ ἦν γεγραμμένον ἐν αὐτῇ, ἐν ἔθνεσιν ἠκούσθη ὅτι σὺ καὶ οἱ Ἰουδαῖοι λογίζεσθε ἀποστατῆσαι, διὰ τοῦτο σὺ οἰκοδομεῖς τὸ τεῖχος, καὶ σὺ ἔσῃ αὐτοῖς εἰς βασιλέα.
KJVWherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, 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.
JPSwherein was written: ‘It is reported among the nations, and Geshem saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause thou buildest the wall; and thou wouldest be their king, even according to these words.
7
Thomsonand besides this that thou hast set up prophets for thyself that thou mayst make thyself king in Jerusalem over Juda. Now these reports will be told to the king, now therefore come and let us consult together.
BrentonAnd moreover thou hast appointed prophets to thyself, that thou mightest dwell in Jerusalem as a king over Juda: and now these words will be reported to the king. Now then, come, let us take counsel together.
GreekΚαὶ πρὸς τούτοις προφήτας ἔστησας σεαυτῷ, ἵνα καθίσῃς ἐν Ἰερουσαλὴμ εἰς βασιλέα ἐπὶ Ἰούδα· καὶ νῦν ἀπαγγελήσονται τῷ βασιλεῖ οἱ λόγοι οὗτοι· καὶ νῦν δεῦρο βουλευσώμεθα ἐπιτοαυτό.
KJVAnd thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
JPSAnd thou hast also appointed prophets to proclaim of thee at Jerusalem, saying: There is a king in Judah; and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.'
8
ThomsonIn reply to which I sent to him saying, There is no foundation for the reports as thou mentionest them, for thou thyself feignest them out of thine own heart.
BrentonAnd I sent to him, saying, It has not happened according to these words, even as thou sayest, for thou framest them falsely out of thy heart.
GreekΚαὶ ἀπέστειλα πρὸς αὐτὸν, λέγων, οὐκ ἐγενήθη ὡς οἱ λόγοι οὗτοι ὧς σὺ λέγεις, ὅτι ἀπὸ καρδίας σου σὺ ψεύδῃ αὐτούς.
KJVThen I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
JPSThen I sent unto him, saying: ‘There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.’
9
ThomsonBecause all were trying to terrify us saying, Their hands must be weakened from this work, so that it may not be accomplished, therefore on this occasion I strengthened my hands.
BrentonFor all were trying to alarm us, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from this work, and it shall not be done. Now therefore I have strengthened my hands.
GreekὍτι πάντες φοβερίζουσιν ἡμᾶς, λέγοντες, ἐκλυθήσονται χεῖρες αὐτῶν ἀπὸ τοῦ ἔργου τούτου, καὶ οὐ ποιηθήσεται· καὶ νῦν ἐκραταίωσα τὰς χεῖράς μου.
KJVFor 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.
JPSFor they all would have us afraid, saying: ‘Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done.’ But now, strengthen Thou my hands.
10
ThomsonSo when I went to the house of Semei, son of Dalaia, son of Metabaal, he became panicky and said, Let us repair to the house of God, into the midst thereof, and shut the doors thereof—for they are coming by night to kill us.
BrentonAnd I came into the house of Semei the son of Dalaia the son of Metabeel, and he was shut up; and he said, Let us assemble together in the house of God, in the midst of it, and let us shut the doors of it; for they are coming by night to slay thee.
GreekΚᾀγὼ εἰσῆλθον εἰς οἶκον Σεμεῒ υἱοῦ Δαλαΐα υἱοῦ Μεταβεὴλ, καὶ αὐτὸς συνεχόμενος· καὶ εἶπε, συναχθῶμεν εἰς οἶκον τοῦ Θεοῦ ἐν μέσῳ αὐτοῦ, καὶ κλείσωμεν τὰς θύρας αὐτοῦ, ὅτι ἔρχονται νυκτὸς φονεῦσαί σε.
KJVAfterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.
JPSAnd as for me, I went unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, who was shut up; and he said: ‘Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple; for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.’
11
ThomsonBut I said, What sort of a man must he be who would go into the house of God to save his life!
BrentonAnd I said, Who is the man that shall enter into the house, that he may live?
GreekΚαὶ εἶπα, τίς ἐστιν ὁ ἀνὴρ ὃς εἰσελεύσεται εἰς τὸν οἶκον, καὶ ζήσεται;
KJVAnd I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
JPSAnd I said: ‘Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being such as I, could go into the temple and live? I will not go in.’
12
ThomsonAnd upon inquiry I found that God had not sent him, and that his prophecy was a contrivance against me;
BrentonAnd I observed, and, behold, God had not sent him, for the prophecy was a fable devised against me:
GreekΚαὶ ἐπέγνων, καὶ ἰδοὺ ὁ Θεὸς οὐκ ἀπέστειλεν αὐτὸν, ὅτι ἡ προφητεία λόγος κατʼ ἐμοῦ·
KJVAnd, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
JPSAnd I discerned, and, lo, God had not sent him; for he pronounced this prophecy against me, whereas Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
13
Thomsonand that Tobias and Sanaballat had hired a multitude against me, that I might be frightened, and act in this manner, and take a wrong step, and fall into disrepute, that they might reproach me.
Brentonand Tobias and Sanaballat had hired against me a multitude, that I might be frightened, and do this, and sin, and become to them an ill name, that they might reproach me.
Greekκαὶ Τωβίας καὶ Σαναβαλλὰτ ἐμισθώσαντο ἐπʼ ἐμὲ ὄχλον ὅπως φοβηθῶ, καὶ ποιήσω οὕτως, καὶ ἁμάρτω, καὶ γένωμαι αὐτοῖς εἰς ὄνομα πονηρὸν, ὅπως ὀνειδίσωσί με.
KJVTherefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
JPSFor this cause was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might taunt me.
14
ThomsonRemember, O God, Tobias and Sanaballat, according to these doings of theirs; and Noadias the prophet, and the rest of the prophets, who tried to terrify me.
BrentonRemember, O God, Tobias and Sanaballat, according to these their deeds, and the prophetess Noadia, and the rest of the prophets who tried to alarm me.
GreekΜνήσθητι ὁ Θεὸς Τωβίᾳ καὶ Σαναβαλλάτ, ὡς τὰ ποιήματα αὐτοῦ ταῦτα, καὶ τῷ Νωαδίᾳ τῷ προφήτῃ, καὶ καταλοίποις τῶν προφητῶν οἳ ἦσαν φοβερίζοντές με.
KJVMy God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
JPSRemember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have me put in fear.
15
ThomsonNow the wall was finished on the five and twentieth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.
BrentonSo the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days.
GreekΚαὶ ἐτελέσθη τὸ τεῖχος πέμπτῃ καὶ εἰκάδι τοῦ Ἐλοὺλ μηνὸς εἰς πεντήκοντα καὶ δύο ἡμέρας.
KJVSo the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.
JPSSo the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.
16
ThomsonAnd when all our enemies heard, all the nations around us were terrified, and great fear fell upon them; for they saw plainly that the perfecting of this work was of our God.
BrentonAnd it came to pass, when all our enemies heard of it, that all the nations round about us feared, and great alarm fell upon them, and they knew that it was of our God that this work should be finished.
GreekΚαὶ ἐγένετο ἡνίκα ἤκουσαν πάντες οἱ ἐχθροὶ ἡμῶν, καὶ ἐφοβήθησαν πάντα τὰ ἔθνη τὰ κύκλῳ ἡμῶν, καὶ ἐπέπεσε φόβος σφόδρα ἐν ὀφθαλμοῖς αὐτῶν, καὶ ἔγνωσαν ὅτι παρὰ τοῦ Θεοῦ ἡμῶν ἐγενήθη τελειωθῆναι τὸ ἔργον τοῦτο.
KJVAnd it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
JPSAnd it came to pass, when all our enemies heard thereof, that all the nations that were about us feared, and were much cast down in their own eyes; for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
17
ThomsonIn those days many of the nobles of Juda sent letters to Tobias, and received letters from him;
BrentonAnd in those days letters came to Tobias from many nobles of Juda, and those of Tobias came to them.
Greekκαὶ ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις ἀπὸ πολλῶν ἐντίμων Ἰούδα ἐπιστολαὶ ἐπορεύοντο πρὸς Τωβίαν, καὶ αἱ Τωβία ἤρχοντο πρὸς αὐτούς·
KJVMoreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
JPSMoreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
18
Thomson(for many in Juda were sworn unto him, for he was the son-in-law of Sechenias, son of Erae, and his son Jonan had married a daughter of Mesulam, son of Barachias)
BrentonFor many in Juda were bound to him by oath, because he was son-in-law of Sechenias the son of Herae; and Jonan his son had taken the daughter of Mesulam the son of Barachia to wife.
GreekὍτι πολλοὶ ἐν Ἰούδα ἔνορκοι ἦσαν αὐτῷ, ὅτι γαμβρὸς ἦν τοῦ Σεχενία υἱοῦ Ἡραέ· καὶ Ἰωνὰν υἱὸς αὐτοῦ ἔλαβε τὴν θυγατέρα Μεσουλὰμ υἱοῦ Βαραχία εἰς γυναῖκα.
KJVFor there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.
JPSFor there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son-in-law of Shecaniah the son of Arah; and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah to wife.
19
Thomsonand they kept on, telling me what he said and conveying to him what I said. And Tobias sent letters to frighten me.
BrentonAnd they reported his words to me, and carried out my words to him: and Tobias sent letters to terrify me.
GreekΚαὶ τοὺς λόγους αὐτοῦ ἦσαν λέγοντες πρὸς μὲ, καὶ λόγους μου ἦσαν ἐκφέροντες αὐτῷ· καὶ ἐπιστολὰς ἀπέστειλε Τωβίας φοβερίσαι με.
KJVAlso they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
JPSAlso they spoke of his good deeds before me, and reported my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.