Nehemiah 6:6
New International Version
in which was written: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem says it is true—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and therefore you are building the wall. Moreover, according to these reports you are about to become their king

New Living Translation
and this is what it said: “There is a rumor among the surrounding nations, and Geshem tells me it is true, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel and that is why you are building the wall. According to his reports, you plan to be their king.

English Standard Version
In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Geshem also says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall. And according to these reports you wish to become their king.

Berean Standard Bible
that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king,

King James Bible
Wherein 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.

New King James Version
In it was written: It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says, that you and the Jews plan to rebel; therefore, according to these rumors, you are rebuilding the wall, that you may be their king.

New American Standard Bible
In it was written: “It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says, that you and the Jews intend to rebel; for that reason you are rebuilding the wall. And you are to be their king, according to these reports.

NASB 1995
In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel; therefore you are rebuilding the wall. And you are to be their king, according to these reports.

NASB 1977
In it was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel; therefore you are rebuilding the wall. And you are to be their king, according to these reports.

Legacy Standard Bible
In it was written, “It is heard among the nations, and Gashmu says, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel; therefore you are rebuilding the wall. And you are to be their king, according to these words.

Amplified Bible
In it was written, “It is reported among the [neighboring] nations, and Gashmu is saying that you and the Jews are planning to revolt, and that is the reason you are rebuilding the wall. And according to these reports, you are to be their king.

Christian Standard Bible
In it was written: It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews plan to rebel. This is the reason you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In it was written: It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews plan to rebel. This is the reason you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king

American Standard Version
wherein was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause thou art building the wall: and thou wouldest be their king, according to these words.

Contemporary English Version
which said: A rumor is going around among the nations that you and the other Jews are rebuilding the wall and planning to rebel, because you want to be their king. And Geshem says it's true!

English Revised Version
wherein was written, It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel; for which cause thou buildest the wall: and thou wouldest be their king, according to these words.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
In it was written: It has been reported throughout the nations, and Geshem has confirmed it, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel. That's why you're rebuilding the wall. According to this report, you want to become their king.

Good News Translation
It read: "Geshem tells me that a rumor is going around among the neighboring peoples that you and the Jewish people intend to revolt and that this is why you are rebuilding the wall. He also says you plan to make yourself king

International Standard Version
in it was written: It is reported among the nations—and Gashmu confirms this—that you and the Jews are planning a revolt, and that you're rebuilding the wall in order to declare yourself king. According to these reports,

Majority Standard Bible
that read: ?It is reported among the nations?and Geshem agrees?that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king,

NET Bible
Written in it were the following words: "Among the nations it is rumored (and Geshem has substantiated this) that you and the Jews have intentions of revolting, and for this reason you are building the wall. Furthermore, according to these rumors you are going to become their king.

New Heart English Bible
in which was written, "It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel. Because of that, you are building the wall. You would be their king, according to these words.

Webster's Bible Translation
In which 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.

World English Bible
in which was written, “It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says it, that you and the Jews intend to rebel. Because of that, you are building the wall. You would be their king, according to these words.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
it is written in it, “Among the nations it has been heard, and Gashmu is saying: You and the Jews are thinking to rebel, therefore you are building the wall, and you have been to them for a king—according to these words!

Young's Literal Translation
it is written in it, 'Among the nations it hath been heard, and Gashmu is saying: Thou and the Jews are thinking to rebel, therefore thou art building the wall, and thou hast been to them for a king -- according to these words!

Smith's Literal Translation
Being written in it, It was heard in the nations, and Geshem said, Thou and the Jews are reckoning to rebel: for this thou buildest the wall, and thou to be to them for king according to these words.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
It is reported amongst the Gentiles, and Gossem hath said it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel, and therefore thou buildest the wall, and hast a mind to set thyself king over them : for which end

Catholic Public Domain Version
“It has been heard among the Gentiles, and Geshem has said it, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel, and because of this, you are building the wall and thinking to raise yourself as a king over them. For this reason,

New American Bible
containing this text: “Among the nations it has been reported—Gashmu is witness to this—that you and the Jews are planning a rebellion; that for this reason you are rebuilding the wall; and that you are to be their king.

New Revised Standard Version
In it was written, “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem also says it—that you and the Jews intend to rebel; that is why you are building the wall; and according to this report you wish to become their king.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Wherein was written, It is reported among the nations, and Geshem says it, that you and the Jews think to rebel; that is why you are building the wall, that you may be their king, according to these words.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And it was written in it: ”It was heard among the Gentiles and Geshum has said, you and the Judeans are planning to rebel. Because of this, you are building a wall, and you are a King to them, according to these words.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
wherein 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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And 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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sanballat's Conspiracy
5The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter 6that read: “It is reported among the nations— and Geshem agrees— that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, 7and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.”…

Cross References
Ezra 4:12-16
Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring its walls and repairing its foundations. / Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. / Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king ...

Nehemiah 2:19
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?”

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!”

Esther 3:8-9
Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. / If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.”

Daniel 6:4-5
Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”

Jeremiah 36:11-16
When Micaiah son of Gemariah, the son of Shaphan, heard all the words of the LORD from the scroll, / he went down to the scribe’s chamber in the king’s palace, where all the officials were sitting: Elishama the scribe, Delaiah son of Shemaiah, Elnathan son of Achbor, Gemariah son of Shaphan, Zedekiah son of Hananiah, and all the other officials. / And Micaiah reported to them all the words he had heard Baruch read from the scroll in the hearing of the people. ...

1 Kings 21:8-13
Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. / In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. / But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” ...

Psalm 2:1-3
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.”

Psalm 31:13
For I hear the slander of many; there is terror on every side. They conspire against me and plot to take my life.

Psalm 41:5-9
My enemies say with malice: “When will he die and be forgotten?” / My visitor speaks falsehood; he gathers slander in his heart; he goes out and spreads it abroad. / All who hate me whisper against me; they imagine the worst for me: ...

Psalm 109:2-4
For wicked and deceitful mouths open against me; they speak against me with lying tongues. / They surround me with hateful words and attack me without cause. / In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.

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.

Matthew 26:59-61
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking false testimony against Jesus in order to put Him to death. / But they did not find any, though many false witnesses came forward. Finally two came forward / and declared, “This man said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and rebuild it in three days.’”

Mark 14:55-59
Now the chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were seeking testimony against Jesus to put Him to death, but they did not find any. / For many bore false witness against Jesus, but their testimony was inconsistent. / Then some men stood up and testified falsely against Him: ...

Luke 23:2
And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this man subverting our nation, forbidding payment of taxes to Caesar, and proclaiming Himself to be Christ, a King.”


Treasury of Scripture

Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu said it, that you and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause you build the wall, that you may be their king, according to these words.

It is reported

Jeremiah 9:3-6
And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD…

Jeremiah 20:10
For I heard the defaming of many, fear on every side. Report, say they, and we will report it. All my familiars watched for my halting, saying, Peradventure he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.

Matthew 5:11
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.

Gashmu

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, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;) …

Geshem.

Nehemiah 2:19
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?

Ezra 4:12,15
Be it known unto the king, that the Jews which came up from thee to us are come unto Jerusalem, building the rebellious and the bad city, and have set up the walls thereof, and joined the foundations…

that thou mayest

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

John 19:13
When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha.

Jump to Previous
Buildest Building Cause Free Geshem Heard Heathen Hoping Intend Jews King's Mayest Nations Planning Plotting Purpose Rebel Rebuilding Recorded Report Reported Reports Revolt Think Thinking True. Wall Wherein Wish Words Wouldest Written Yourselves
Jump to Next
Buildest Building Cause Free Geshem Heard Heathen Hoping Intend Jews King's Mayest Nations Planning Plotting Purpose Rebel Rebuilding Recorded Report Reported Reports Revolt Think Thinking True. Wall Wherein Wish Words Wouldest Written Yourselves
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














It was written
This phrase indicates the formal nature of the accusation against Nehemiah. In ancient times, written documents carried significant weight and authority. The use of writing here suggests an attempt to legitimize the false claims and intimidate Nehemiah. Historically, written accusations were often used to manipulate political situations, reflecting the seriousness of the threat Nehemiah faced.

It is reported among the nations
This phrase suggests widespread rumors or gossip. The Hebrew root for "reported" can imply hearsay or unverified information. The mention of "nations" indicates that the rumors were not confined to Jerusalem but were intended to spread fear and distrust among a broader audience. This tactic of spreading rumors is a common strategy to undermine leadership and create division.

and Geshem agrees
Geshem, an influential Arab leader, is mentioned here to add credibility to the false report. His agreement would have been significant due to his political power and influence. Historically, alliances with regional leaders like Geshem were crucial for maintaining control and stability. The mention of Geshem's agreement is a strategic move to bolster the accusation's credibility.

that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt
This accusation of rebellion is serious, as it implies a threat to the Persian Empire's authority. The Hebrew word for "plotting" suggests a secretive and deliberate plan. Historically, revolts were common in the Persian Empire, and such accusations could lead to severe consequences, including military intervention. This reflects the high stakes Nehemiah faced in his mission to rebuild Jerusalem.

and that is why you are rebuilding the wall
The rebuilding of the wall is portrayed as a military preparation rather than a protective measure. In ancient times, city walls were essential for defense, and their construction could be seen as an act of defiance. This accusation twists Nehemiah's intentions, suggesting a hidden agenda behind his efforts to restore Jerusalem's security and dignity.

According to these reports
This phrase emphasizes the reliance on unverified information. The use of "reports" indicates a lack of concrete evidence, highlighting the baseless nature of the accusations. In a historical context, such reports could easily sway public opinion and incite fear, demonstrating the power of misinformation.

you are to become their king
The ultimate accusation is that Nehemiah seeks to establish himself as a monarch, challenging Persian rule. The Hebrew concept of kingship involves authority, leadership, and divine appointment. This claim is designed to provoke fear in the Persian authorities, as any hint of rebellion or desire for independence would be met with swift retribution. Nehemiah's true leadership, however, is rooted in his faithfulness to God and his commitment to the welfare of his people, not in personal ambition.

(6) It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it.--Nehemiah can quote the very letter, with its dialectical change of Geshem into Gashmu. Sanballat sends Tobiah in his own name, and represents Geshem as circulating a report which, reaching the distant king, would be interpreted as rebellion. It is hinted that the heathen, or the nations, would take the part of the king. And the words of the prophets concerning the future King are referred to as likely to be attributed to Nehemiah's ambition. Finally, the letter suggests the desirableness of friendly counsel to avert the danger.

Verse 6. - Gashmu saith it. "Gashmu" is probably the native Arabic form of the name which in a Hebrew mouth commonly became "Geshem." Thou and the Jews think to rebel. Compare Nehemiah 2:19, and Ezra 4:13, with the Comment. According to these words. i.e. "Agreeably to what is reported."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
that read:
כָּת֣וּב (kā·ṯūḇ)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 3789: To grave, to write

“It is reported
נִשְׁמָע֙ (niš·mā‘)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

among the nations—
בַּגּוֹיִ֤ם (bag·gō·w·yim)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1471: A foreign nation, a Gentile, a troop of animals, a flight of locusts

and Geshem
וְגַשְׁמ֣וּ (wə·ḡaš·mū)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1654: Geshem -- an opponent of Nehemiah

agrees—
אֹמֵ֔ר (’ō·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

that you
אַתָּ֤ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

and the Jews
וְהַיְּהוּדִים֙ (wə·hay·yə·hū·ḏîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3064: Jews -- Jewish

are plotting
חֹשְׁבִ֣ים (ḥō·šə·ḇîm)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 2803: To think, account

to revolt,
לִמְר֔וֹד (lim·rō·wḏ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 4775: To rebel

[and] this is why
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

you
אַתָּ֥ה (’at·tāh)
Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are building
בוֹנֶ֖ה (ḇō·w·neh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1129: To build

the wall.
הַחוֹמָ֑ה (ha·ḥō·w·māh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2346: A wall of protection

According to these
הָאֵֽלֶּה׃ (hā·’êl·leh)
Article | Pronoun - common plural
Strong's 428: These, those

reports,
כַּדְּבָרִ֖ים (kad·də·ḇā·rîm)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

you
וְאַתָּ֗ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are to become
הֹוֶ֤ה (hō·weh)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1933: To fall

their
לָהֶם֙ (lā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's Hebrew

king,
לְמֶ֔לֶךְ (lə·me·leḵ)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


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

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

OT History: Nehemiah 6:6 In which was written It is reported (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 6:5
Top of Page
Top of Page