Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version 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 scheming to harm me; New Living Translation So Sanballat and Geshem sent a message asking me to meet them at one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But I realized they were plotting to harm me, English Standard Version Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together at Hakkephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible that Sanballat sent, and Geshem, to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together among the villages on the plain of Ono.” And they were thinking to do to me harm. King James Bible That 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. New King James Version that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together among the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they thought to do me harm. New American Standard Bible Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, “Come, let’s meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were plotting to harm me. NASB 1995 then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. NASB 1977 that Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. Legacy Standard Bible that Sanballat and Geshem sent a message to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to do me harm. Amplified Bible Sanballat and Geshem sent word to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. Berean Annotated Bible Sanballat (strength) and Geshem (rain) sent me this message: “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages (in Kephirim) on the plain (in the valley) of Ono (vigorous). But they were planning to harm me. Christian Standard Bible Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message: “Come, let’s meet together in the villages of the Ono Valley.” They were planning to harm me. Holman Christian Standard Bible Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message: “Come, let’s meet together in the villages of the Ono Valley.” But they were planning to harm me. American Standard Version that 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. Contemporary English Version Then Sanballat and Geshem sent a message, asking me to meet with them in one of the villages in Ono Valley. I knew they were planning to harm me in some way. English Revised Version that 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. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Sanballat and Geshem sent this message to me: "Let's meet in Hakkephirim on the plain of Ono." They were planning to harm me. Good News Translation So Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message, suggesting that I meet with them in one of the villages in the Plain of Ono. This was a trick of theirs to try to harm me. International Standard Version Sanballat and Geshem sent word to me, saying "Come, let's meet together at Kephirim on the Ono Plain." But they were just trying to do me harm. NET Bible Sanballat and Geshem sent word to me saying, "Come on! Let's set up a time to meet together at Kephirim in the plain of Ono." Now they intended to do me harm. New Heart English Bible that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, "Come, let us meet together at Ha-Kephirim in the plain of Ono." But they intended to harm me. Webster's Bible Translation That Sanballat and Geshem sent to 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSanballat 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. World English Bible Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come! Let’s meet together in the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to harm me. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionthat Sanballat sends, also Geshem, to me, saying, “Come and we meet together in the villages, in the Valley of Ono”; and they are thinking to do to me evil. Berean Literal Bible that Sanballat sent, and Geshem, to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together among the villages on the plain of Ono.” And they were thinking to do to me harm. Young's Literal Translation that Sanballat sendeth, also Geshem, unto me, saying, 'Come and we meet together in the villages, in the valley of Ono;' and they are thinking to do to me evil. Smith's Literal Translation And Sanballat sent to me and Geshem, saying, Come, and we will pass over together in the villages in the valley of Ono. And they reckoned to do evil to me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleSanaballat and Gossem Rent to me, saying: Come, and let us make a league together in the villages, in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief. Catholic Public Domain Version Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying: “Come, and let us strike a pact together in the villages, on the plain of Ono.” But they were thinking that they would do me harm. New American Bible Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: “Come, let us hold council together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono.” They were planning to do me harm. New Revised Standard Version Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come and let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they intended to do me harm. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleSanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, Come, let us go together and encamp as a troop in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me harm. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Samblat and Geshum sent to me and they were saying to me: “Come, let us go as one and camp as a band of robbers in the plain of Einu.” And they were contemplating doing evil to me. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917that 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. Brenton Septuagint Translation that 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. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sanballat's Conspiracy1When 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— 2Sanballat 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. 3So I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it to go down to you?”… Cross References Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: Matthew 22:15-18 Then the Pharisees went out and conspired to trap Jesus in His words. / They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. / So tell us what You think: Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” … Luke 20:20-26 So they watched Him closely and sent spies who pretended to be sincere. They were hoping to catch Him in His words in order to hand Him over to the rule and authority of the governor. / “Teacher,” they inquired, “we know that You speak and teach correctly. You show no partiality but teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. / Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?” … 1 Kings 21:8-10 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.” “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” Genesis 4:8 Then Cain said to his brother Abel, “Let us go out to the field.” And while they were in the field, Cain rose up against his brother Abel and killed him. Proverbs 1:10-15 My son, if sinners entice you, do not yield to them. / If they say, “Come along, let us lie in wait for blood, let us ambush the innocent without cause, / let us swallow them alive like Sheol, and whole like those descending into the Pit. … 2 Samuel 13:28-29 Now Absalom had ordered his young men, “Watch Amnon until his heart is merry with wine, and when I order you to strike Amnon down, you are to kill him. Do not be afraid. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and valiant!” / So Absalom’s young men did to Amnon just as Absalom had ordered. Then all the other sons of the king got up, and each one fled on his mule. But they were planning to harm me. Psalm 64:2-4 Hide me from the scheming of the wicked, from the mob of workers of iniquity, / who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, / ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear. Psalm 55:20-21 My companion attacks his friends; he violates his covenant. / His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed. Jeremiah 11:18-19 And the LORD informed me, so I knew. Then You showed me their deeds. / For I was like a gentle lamb led to slaughter; I did not know that they had plotted against me: “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit; let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may be remembered no more.” 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.” … 2 Samuel 15:10-12 Then Absalom sent spies throughout the tribes of Israel with this message: “When you hear the sound of the horn, you are to say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron!’” / Two hundred men from Jerusalem accompanied Absalom. They had been invited as guests and they went along innocently, for they knew nothing about the matter. / While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing. Proverbs 26:24-26 A hateful man disguises himself with his speech, but he lays up deceit in his heart. / When he speaks graciously, do not believe him, for seven abominations fill his heart. / Though his hatred is concealed by deception, his wickedness will be exposed in the assembly. Jeremiah 41:1-3 In the seventh month, Ishmael son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, who was a member of the royal family and one of the king’s chief officers, came with ten men to Gedaliah son of Ahikam at Mizpah, and they ate a meal together there. / Then Ishmael son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him got up and struck down Gedaliah son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword, killing the one whom the king of Babylon had appointed to govern the land. / Ishmael also killed all the Jews who were with Gedaliah at Mizpah, as well as the Chaldean soldiers who were there. Matthew 10:16 Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ. / And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. / It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will correspond to their actions. Psalm 28:3 Do not drag me away with the wicked, and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors while malice is in their hearts. Treasury of Scripture That Sanballat and Geshem sent to 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. 2 Samuel 3:27 And when Abner was returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly, and smote him there under the fifth rib, that he died, for the blood of Asahel his brother. 2 Samuel 20:9 And Joab said to Amasa, Art thou in health, my brother? And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. Psalm 37:12 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth. Ono Nehemiah 11:35 Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen. 1 Chronicles 8:12 The sons of Elpaal; Eber, and Misham, and Shamed, who built Ono, and Lod, with the towns thereof: they thought Psalm 12:2 They speak vanity every one with his neighbour: with flattering lips and with a double heart do they speak. Psalm 37:12,32 The wicked plotteth against the just, and gnasheth upon him with his teeth… Jeremiah 41:2 Then arose Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and the ten men that were with him, and smote Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan with the sword, and slew him, whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land. Jump to Previous Evil Geshem Harm Intended Little Meet Meeting Message Mischief Ono Plain Planning Purpose Sanballat Sanbal'lat Scheming Thinking Thought Together Towns Valley VillagesJump to Next Evil Geshem Harm Intended Little Meet Meeting Message Mischief Ono Plain Planning Purpose Sanballat Sanbal'lat Scheming Thinking Thought Together Towns Valley VillagesNehemiah 6 1. Sanballat practices by craft, by rumors, and by hired prophecies, to terrify Nehemiah15. The work is finished, to the terror of the enemies 17. Secret intelligence passes between the enemies and the nobles of Judah Sanballat and Geshem sent me this message: Sanballat and Geshem were leaders of opposition against Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. Sanballat was the governor of Samaria, and Geshem was an Arab leader. Their opposition represents the external threats faced by the Israelites. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God's people facing opposition from surrounding nations, as seen in the stories of Moses, David, and others. “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” But they were planning to harm me. Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahThe central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader and cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes. He is tasked with rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. 2. Sanballat A persistent adversary of Nehemiah, Sanballat is a Samaritan leader who opposes the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. 3. Geshem Also known as Gashmu, he is an Arab leader allied with Sanballat in opposing Nehemiah's efforts. 4. The Plain of Ono A location mentioned in the text, it is a region northwest of Jerusalem. It is significant as a place where Nehemiah's enemies sought to lure him away from his work. 5. The Plot to Harm Nehemiah Sanballat and Geshem's invitation to meet was a ruse intended to harm Nehemiah and disrupt the rebuilding efforts. Teaching Points Discernment in LeadershipNehemiah's ability to recognize the deceitful intentions of his enemies highlights the importance of discernment in leadership. Leaders must be vigilant and wise in assessing the motives of others. Staying Focused on God's Work Nehemiah's refusal to be distracted from his mission serves as a reminder to remain steadfast in the work God has called us to, despite external pressures and temptations. The Reality of Opposition The opposition faced by Nehemiah is a common experience for those doing God's work. Believers should be prepared for resistance and rely on God's strength to persevere. The Importance of Prayer and Planning Nehemiah's account underscores the necessity of prayer and strategic planning in overcoming challenges and fulfilling God's purposes. Trusting God's Protection Nehemiah's confidence in God's protection encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and care, even when facing threats. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 6:2?2. Why did Sanballat and Geshem want to meet Nehemiah in Ono's plain? 3. How does Nehemiah 6:2 demonstrate discernment in leadership? 4. What other biblical figures faced similar deceptive schemes from enemies? 5. How can Christians today recognize and avoid distractions from God's work? 6. How does Nehemiah's response in Nehemiah 6:2 inspire steadfastness in faith? 7. What is the significance of Nehemiah's refusal to meet in Nehemiah 6:2? 8. How does Nehemiah 6:2 illustrate the theme of discernment in leadership? 9. What historical context surrounds the events in Nehemiah 6:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 6? 11. Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem in history? 12. In Nehemiah 6:12, what historical or textual basis supports Nehemiah’s claim that God revealed the prophet’s deception? 13. What was Nehemiah's role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls? 14. Nehemiah 4:11: Are there any archaeological records to confirm a plot of secret attacks against the builders in Jerusalem at this time? What Does Nehemiah 6:2 Mean Sanballat and Geshem sent me this messageSanballat the Horonite and Geshem the Arab had already “mocked and ridiculed” the rebuilding work (Nehemiah 2:19) and “conspired together to fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance” (Nehemiah 4:8). Their names at the head of a friendly-sounding invitation reveal: • persistent opposition dressed in politeness • a calculated strategy to derail the work when open threats had failed (compare Acts 23:12-15, where another conspiracy forms when intimidation does not stop God’s servant) “Come, let us meet together” The wording mimics diplomacy, but Nehemiah detects it as manipulation. Similar lures appear when: • Delilah repeatedly coaxes Samson to “come and tell me” his strength (Judges 16:5-6) • Enemies flatter Ezra’s contemporaries with “Let us build with you,” though intent on weakening the hands of the people (Ezra 4:1-4) • Spies pose respectful questions to Jesus “in order to catch Him in His words” (Luke 20:20) Wise leaders test every invitation against God’s assignment (Proverbs 27:6; 1 John 4:1). “in one of the villages on the plain of Ono.” Ono lay about twenty-five miles northwest of Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 8:12). • Distance: Nehemiah would be pulled away from the wall, stalling progress (compare 2 Samuel 11:1) • Isolation: outside Judea’s fortified heartland, making an ambush easy (Psalm 10:8-9) • Distraction: shifting the focus from God-given priorities to human negotiations (Luke 10:40-42) “But they were planning to harm me.” Nehemiah’s discernment rests on: • previous patterns—“When Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites heard…” (Nehemiah 4:7-9) • prayerful alertness—he had already stationed guards “day and night” (Nehemiah 4:9) • spiritual insight—the Lord “reveals the deep and hidden things” (Daniel 2:22) By refusing their request he models: 1. vigilance (Proverbs 1:10-16) 2. courage (2 Timothy 1:7) 3. steadfast purpose (1 Corinthians 15:58) summary Nehemiah 6:2 spotlights a subtle tactic: enemies shift from open hostility to seductive diplomacy. Their invitation, location, and hidden agenda aimed to halt God’s work by removing the leader. Nehemiah counters with discernment, staying at his post and exposing the scheme. The verse urges believers today to recognize friendly-sounding distractions, measure every opportunity against God’s call, and remain steadfast, “for we are not unaware of Satan’s schemes” (2 Corinthians 2:11). (2) Sanballat and Geshem.--In the original of Nehemiah 6:1, Tobiah is not distinguished from Sanballat by another preposition, as Geshem is; and here he is omitted, as not to appear in the conference otherwise than as Sanballat's secretary.In some one of the villages in the plain of Ono.--Probably, in Hahkiphirem, the name of a village in the plain of Ono, which was on the borders of Philistia, more than twenty miles from Jerusalem. Verse 2. - In some one of the villages. The Hebrew has "in the villages," which seems too vague. Bertheau therefore suggests, "in Hakkiphirim," taking the word as the name of a particular village, which is probably right. Ono was near Lydda, in the plain country bordering on Philistia. They thought to do me mischief. A euphemism for "they thought to murder me."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Sanballatסַנְבַלַּ֤ט (san·ḇal·laṭ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5571: Sanballat -- a Samaritan leader and Geshem וְגֶ֙שֶׁם֙ (wə·ḡe·šem) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1654: Geshem -- an opponent of Nehemiah sent וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out me this message: לֵאמֹ֔ר (lê·mōr) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 559: To utter, say “Come, לְכָ֞ה (lə·ḵāh) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk let us meet וְנִֽוָּעֲדָ֥ה (wə·niw·wā·‘ă·ḏāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common plural Strong's 3259: To fix upon, to meet, to summon, to direct, to engage together יַחְדָּ֛ו (yaḥ·dāw) Adverb Strong's 3162: A unit, unitedly in [one of] the villages בַּכְּפִירִ֖ים (bak·kə·p̄î·rîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3715: A village, a young lion on the plain בְּבִקְעַ֣ת (bə·ḇiq·‘aṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1237: A split, a wide level valley between mountains of Ono.” אוֹנ֑וֹ (’ō·w·nōw) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 207: Ono -- 'vigorous', a city in Benjamin But they וְהֵ֙מָּה֙ (wə·hêm·māh) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They were planning חֹֽשְׁבִ֔ים (ḥō·šə·ḇîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 2803: To think, account to harm לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 6213: To do, make me. רָעָֽה׃ (rā·‘āh) Adjective - feminine singular Strong's 7451: Bad, evil Links Nehemiah 6:2 NIVNehemiah 6:2 NLT Nehemiah 6:2 ESV Nehemiah 6:2 NASB Nehemiah 6:2 KJV Nehemiah 6:2 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 6:2 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 6:2 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 6:2 French Bible Nehemiah 6:2 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 6:2 That Sanballat and Geshem sent to me (Neh Ne) |
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