Nehemiah 6:13
New International Version
He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would commit a sin by doing this, and then they would give me a bad name to discredit me.

New Living Translation
They were hoping to intimidate me and make me sin. Then they would be able to accuse and discredit me.

English Standard Version
For this purpose he was hired, that I should be afraid and act in this way and sin, and so they could give me a bad name in order to taunt me.

Berean Standard Bible
He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would sin by doing as he suggested, so they could give me a bad name in order to discredit me.

King James Bible
Therefore 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.

New King James Version
For this reason he was hired, that I should be afraid and act that way and sin, so that they might have cause for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

New American Standard Bible
He was hired for this reason, that I would become frightened and act accordingly and sin, so that they might have an evil report in order that they could taunt me.

NASB 1995
He was hired for this reason, that I might become frightened and act accordingly and sin, so that they might have an evil report in order that they could reproach me.

NASB 1977
He was hired for this reason, that I might become frightened and act accordingly and sin, so that they might have an evil report in order that they could reproach me.

Legacy Standard Bible
He was hired for this reason, that I might become afraid and act accordingly and sin, so that they could give me a bad name in order that they could reproach me.

Amplified Bible
He was hired for this reason, that I would be frightened and do as he said and sin, so that they would have [grounds to make] a malicious report in order to censure and disgrace me.

Christian Standard Bible
He was hired, so that I would be intimidated, do as he suggested, sin, and get a bad reputation, in order that they could discredit me.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He was hired, so that I would be intimidated, do as he suggested, sin, and get a bad reputation, in order that they could discredit me.

American Standard Version
For 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 reproach me.

Contemporary English Version
and to frighten me into doing something wrong, because they wanted to ruin my good name.

English Revised Version
For 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 reproach me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He was hired to intimidate me into doing this so that I would sin. Then they could give me a bad reputation in order to discredit me.

Good News Translation
They hired him to frighten me into sinning, so that they could ruin my reputation and humiliate me.

International Standard Version
He had been hired to make me afraid so I would sin by doing what he suggested. Then they could create a slanderous report to use against me.

Majority Standard Bible
He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would sin by doing as he suggested, so they could give me a bad name in order to discredit me.

NET Bible
He had been hired to scare me so that I would do this and thereby sin. They would thus bring reproach on me and I would be discredited.

New Heart English Bible
He hired so that I would be afraid, do so, and sin, and that they might have material for an unfavorable report, that they might taunt me.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore 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.

World English Bible
He was hired so that I would be afraid, do so, and sin, and that they might have material for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
so that he [is] a hired worker, that I may fear and do so, and I had sinned, and it had been to them for an evil name that they may reproach me.

Young's Literal Translation
so that he is an hireling, that I may fear and do so, and I had sinned, and it had been to them for an evil name that they may reproach me.

Smith's Literal Translation
So that he was hired that I shall be afraid and do thus, and sin, and it was to them for an evil name, so that they shall reproach me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For he had taken money, that I being afraid should do this thing, and sin, and they might have some evil to upbraid me withal.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For he had accepted money, so that I would be afraid, and would sin, and so that they would have some evil with which to rebuke me.

New American Bible
that I might act on it out of fear and commit this sin. Then they would have had a shameful story with which to discredit me.

New Revised Standard Version
He was hired for this purpose, to intimidate me and make me sin by acting in this way, and so they could give me a bad name, in order to taunt me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore he was hired, that I should be afraid and do so and sin, so that I might become to them an evil report, that they might reproach me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because he was hired so that I would be afraid and I would do so and would sin, and I would be an evil name to them, so that they would reproach me.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For 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.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and 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.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sanballat's Conspiracy
12I realized that God had not sent him, but that he had uttered this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13He had been hired to intimidate me so that I would sin by doing as he suggested, so they could give me a bad name in order to discredit me. 14O my God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me.…

Cross References
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.

Nehemiah 4:8
and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance.

Nehemiah 2:19-20
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?” / So 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.”

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.

Jeremiah 20:10
For I have heard the whispering of many: “Terror is on every side! Report him; let us report him!” All my trusted friends watch for my fall: “Perhaps he will be deceived so that we may prevail against him and take our vengeance upon him.”

Proverbs 29:25
The fear of man is a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is set securely on high.

Isaiah 8:12
“Do not call conspiracy everything these people regard as conspiracy. Do not fear what they fear; do not live in dread.

Psalm 27:1
Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?

2 Samuel 17:2
I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king

1 Kings 19:2-3
So Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “May the gods deal with me, and ever so severely, if by this time tomorrow I have not made your life like the lives of those you killed!” / And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

2 Timothy 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.

Acts 4:29
And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness,

Philippians 1:28
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.

1 Peter 3:14
But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be shaken.”


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore 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.

that I should

Proverbs 29:5
A man that flattereth his neighbour spreadeth a net for his feet.

Isaiah 51:7,12,13
Hearken unto me, ye that know righteousness, the people in whose heart is my law; fear ye not the reproach of men, neither be ye afraid of their revilings…

Isaiah 57:11
And of whom hast thou been afraid or feared, that thou hast lied, and hast not remembered me, nor laid it to thy heart? have not I held my peace even of old, and thou fearest me not?

and sin

James 4:17
Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

and that they

Nehemiah 6:6
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.

Proverbs 22:1
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

Ecclesiastes 7:1
A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth.

report, that

Jeremiah 18:18
Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

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.

Daniel 6:4,5
Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; forasmuch as he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him…

Jump to Previous
Accordingly Act Afraid Bad Cause Commit Discredit Evil Fear Frightened Hired Hireling Intimidate Matter Money Order Overcome Purpose Reason Report Reproach Shame Sin Sinned Spread Taunt Way Wherewith Wrong
Jump to Next
Accordingly Act Afraid Bad Cause Commit Discredit Evil Fear Frightened Hired Hireling Intimidate Matter Money Order Overcome Purpose Reason Report Reproach Shame Sin Sinned Spread Taunt Way Wherewith Wrong
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














He was hired
This phrase indicates a deliberate act of conspiracy against Nehemiah. The Hebrew root for "hired" is "שָׂכַר" (sakar), which implies a transactional relationship, often involving payment for services. In the historical context of Nehemiah, this hiring was a strategic move by Nehemiah's enemies to undermine his leadership and the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem. It reflects the persistent opposition faced by those who stand firm in their God-given missions.

so that I would be intimidated
The intention behind hiring was to instill fear in Nehemiah. The Hebrew word for "intimidated" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which can mean to fear or be afraid. This tactic of intimidation is a common tool used by adversaries to halt progress and sow doubt. In a broader scriptural context, fear is often depicted as a weapon of the enemy, but believers are encouraged to stand firm in faith, as God has not given a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7).

do as he suggested
This phrase reveals the manipulative nature of the plot. The suggestion was likely a trap, designed to lead Nehemiah into compromising his integrity. The Hebrew verb "עָשָׂה" (asah) means to do or make, indicating an action that would have been contrary to Nehemiah's principles. This highlights the importance of discernment and wisdom in leadership, as Nehemiah needed to see through deceitful counsel.

sin
The ultimate goal of the enemy's plot was to cause Nehemiah to sin. The Hebrew word "חָטָא" (chata) means to miss the mark or to transgress. In the context of Nehemiah's mission, sin would have not only been a personal failing but also a setback for the community's spiritual and physical restoration. This underscores the biblical principle that sin has broader implications beyond the individual, affecting the community and God's work.

and then they would give me a bad name
The phrase "give me a bad name" indicates the intent to tarnish Nehemiah's reputation. The Hebrew "שֵׁם רָע" (shem ra) translates to a bad or evil name. Reputation was crucial in the ancient Near Eastern context, as it affected one's ability to lead and influence. This reflects the biblical theme of the importance of a good name, as seen in Proverbs 22:1, which states that a good name is more desirable than great riches.

to discredit me
The ultimate aim was to discredit Nehemiah, undermining his authority and the work he was doing. The Hebrew root "חָרַף" (charaph) can mean to reproach or defame. This reflects the broader spiritual battle faced by God's people, where the enemy seeks to discredit and discourage. However, Nehemiah's reliance on God and his steadfastness serve as an inspiration for believers to remain faithful and trust in God's vindication.

(13) An evil report.--Nehemiah perceived that not God, but Shemaiah himself, had uttered the prophecy "against me," and that he was hired to bring the governor into discredit as a violator of law.

Verse 13. - Therefore was he hired, etc. Their motive for bribing him was, that I might be induced by-fear to do as Shemaiah suggested, and so to commit sin; whereby they would have a just ground for spreading an evil report concerning me, and making my misconduct a constant reproach to me. Nehemiah's influence depended greatly on the weight of his moral character. One false step, and he would have been lost; his influence would have been gone; and the work on which his heart was set would have come to nought.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
He
ה֔וּא (hū)
Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

had been hired
שָׂכוּר֙ (śā·ḵūr)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 7936: To hire

to
לְמַ֤עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Preposition
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

intimidate me
אִירָ֥א (’î·rā)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

so that I would sin
וְחָטָ֑אתִי (wə·ḥā·ṭā·ṯî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2398: To miss, to sin, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, lead astray, condemn

by doing
וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה־ (wə·’e·‘ĕ·śeh-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

as he suggested,
כֵּ֖ן (kên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

so they could give me
וְהָיָ֤ה (wə·hā·yāh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a bad
רָ֔ע (rā‘)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

name
לְשֵׁ֣ם (lə·šêm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8034: A name

in order to
לְמַֽעַן־ (lə·ma·‘an-)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

discredit me.
יְחָֽרְפֽוּנִי׃ (yə·ḥā·rə·p̄ū·nî)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 2778: To pull off, to expose, to betroth, to carp at, defame, to spend the winter


Links
Nehemiah 6:13 NIV
Nehemiah 6:13 NLT
Nehemiah 6:13 ESV
Nehemiah 6:13 NASB
Nehemiah 6:13 KJV

Nehemiah 6:13 BibleApps.com
Nehemiah 6:13 Biblia Paralela
Nehemiah 6:13 Chinese Bible
Nehemiah 6:13 French Bible
Nehemiah 6:13 Catholic Bible

OT History: Nehemiah 6:13 For this cause was he hired that (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 6:12
Top of Page
Top of Page