Nehemiah 6:4
New International Version
Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.

New Living Translation
Four times they sent the same message, and each time I gave the same reply.

English Standard Version
And they sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner.

Berean Standard Bible
Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave the same reply.

King James Bible
Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

New King James Version
But they sent me this message four times, and I answered them in the same manner.

New American Standard Bible
Then they sent messages to me four times worded in this way, and I answered them with the same wording.

NASB 1995
They sent messages to me four times in this manner, and I answered them in the same way.

NASB 1977
And they sent messages to me four times in this manner, and I answered them in the same way.

Legacy Standard Bible
And they sent messages to me four times in this manner, and I responded to them in the same manner.

Amplified Bible
They sent word to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same way.

Christian Standard Bible
Four times they sent me the same proposal, and I gave them the same reply.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Four times they sent me the same proposal, and I gave them the same reply.

American Standard Version
And they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

Contemporary English Version
They invited me four times, but each time I refused to go.

English Revised Version
And they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They sent the same message to me four times, and I answered them the same way.

Good News Translation
They sent me the same message four times, and each time I sent them the same reply.

International Standard Version
They sent me this message four times, and I answered them the same way.

Majority Standard Bible
Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave the same reply.

NET Bible
They contacted me four times in this way, and I responded the same way each time.

New Heart English Bible
They sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them the same way.

Webster's Bible Translation
Yet they sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

World English Bible
They sent to me four times like this; and I answered them the same way.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And they send to me, according to this word, four times, and I return them [word] according to this word.

Young's Literal Translation
and they send unto me, according to this word, four times, and I return them word according to this word.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will send to me according to this word four times; and I shall turn them back according to this word.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they sent to me according to this word, four times: and I answered them after the same manner.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then they sent to me, with this same word, four times. And I responded to them with the same word as before.

New American Bible
Four times they sent me this same proposal, and each time I gave the same reply.

New Revised Standard Version
They sent to me four times in this way, and I answered them in the same manner.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But they sent to me four times in this manner, and I answered them after the same manner.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they sent to me concerning this matter four times, and I gave this answer to them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And they sent to me again to this effect; and I sent them word accordingly.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Sanballat's Conspiracy
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?” 4Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave the same reply. 5The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter…

Cross References
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!”

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.”

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.

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.

Psalm 38:12
Those who seek my life lay snares; those who wish me harm speak destruction, plotting deceit all day long.

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.”

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.”

1 Samuel 18:11
and he hurled it, thinking, “I will pin David to the wall.” But David eluded him twice.

1 Kings 19:2
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!”

Matthew 4:1-11
Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. / After fasting forty days and forty nights, He was hungry. / The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.” ...

Luke 4:1-13
Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, / where for forty days He was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and when they had ended, He was hungry. / The devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, tell this stone to become bread.” ...

Matthew 26:59-60
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

Mark 14:55-56
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.

Acts 5:27-29
They brought them in and made them stand before the Sanhedrin, where the high priest interrogated them. / “We gave you strict orders not to teach in this name,” he said. “Yet you have filled Jerusalem with your teaching and are determined to make us responsible for this man’s blood.” / But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.


Treasury of Scripture

Yet they sent to me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.

four times

Judges 16:6,10,15-20
And Delilah said to Samson, Tell me, I pray thee, wherein thy great strength lieth, and wherewith thou mightest be bound to afflict thee…

Proverbs 7:21
With her much fair speech she caused him to yield, with the flattering of her lips she forced him.

Luke 18:5
Yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.

and I answered

Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Jump to Previous
Four Manner Message Messages Sort Time Times Way Word
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Four Manner Message Messages Sort Time Times Way Word
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














Four times they sent me the same message
This phrase highlights the persistence of Nehemiah's adversaries, Sanballat and Geshem, who repeatedly attempted to lure him away from his work on the walls of Jerusalem. The number four in biblical terms often signifies completeness or universality, suggesting a thorough attempt to disrupt Nehemiah's mission. This persistence can be seen as a tactic of intimidation and distraction, common in ancient Near Eastern political maneuvers. The repeated message underscores the determination of Nehemiah's enemies to halt the rebuilding efforts, reflecting the broader opposition faced by the Israelites during this period of restoration.

and each time I gave the same reply
Nehemiah's consistent response demonstrates his steadfastness and commitment to God's work. His refusal to be swayed by repeated attempts at distraction is a testament to his leadership and faith. This consistency can be seen as a model for spiritual resilience, echoing the biblical theme of standing firm against opposition, as seen in Ephesians 6:13, which encourages believers to stand their ground. Nehemiah's unwavering reply also reflects the wisdom found in Proverbs 26:4-5, which advises on how to deal with foolishness and deceit. His actions prefigure the steadfastness of Christ, who remained focused on His mission despite repeated temptations and opposition.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
The central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is dedicated to rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. He is known for his strong leadership and unwavering faith in God.

2. Sanballat and Geshem
These are adversaries of Nehemiah who repeatedly attempt to distract and intimidate him to halt the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls.

3. Jerusalem
The city where Nehemiah is leading the reconstruction of the walls, symbolizing the restoration of the Jewish community and their faith.

4. The Wall of Jerusalem
The physical structure Nehemiah is focused on rebuilding, representing protection, identity, and the fulfillment of God's promises to His people.

5. The Repeated Message
The persistent attempts by Nehemiah's enemies to lure him away from his work, symbolizing the distractions and opposition believers face in their spiritual journeys.
Teaching Points
Perseverance in the Face of Opposition
Nehemiah's consistent response to his enemies teaches us the importance of steadfastness in our faith and mission, even when faced with repeated distractions or opposition.

Discernment and Focus
Nehemiah's ability to recognize the true intentions of his adversaries and maintain focus on his God-given task highlights the need for discernment in our spiritual lives.

Faithful Response
By giving the same reply each time, Nehemiah demonstrates the power of a consistent, faith-filled response to challenges, reminding us to rely on God's truth rather than be swayed by external pressures.

The Importance of Godly Leadership
Nehemiah's leadership exemplifies how godly leaders can inspire and guide others through challenges by remaining committed to God's purposes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Four
אַרְבַּ֣ע (’ar·ba‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 702: Four

times
פְּעָמִ֑ים (pə·‘ā·mîm)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence

they sent
וַיִּשְׁלְח֥וּ (way·yiš·lə·ḥū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

me the same
הַזֶּ֖ה (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

message,
כַּדָּבָ֥ר (kad·dā·ḇār)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

and each time I gave
וָאָשִׁ֥יב (wā·’ā·šîḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

the same
הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

reply.
כַּדָּבָ֥ר (kad·dā·ḇār)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause


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OT History: Nehemiah 6:4 They sent to me four times after (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 6:3
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