But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,

NEHEMIAH 4:7KJV
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Nehemiah 4:7 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 4:7 mean?

Nehemiah 4:7 describes how several groups opposed to the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls became very angry when they heard that the gaps in the walls were being repaired. The verse lists these groups—Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabians, the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites—as hearing about the progress and reacting with strong hostility.

In this part of Nehemiah, the Jewish people are working to rebuild Jerusalem’s defenses after returning from exile. The verse highlights the growing opposition from neighboring peoples who feel threatened by Jerusalem’s restoration. The anger of these groups sets the stage for the challenges and threats Nehemiah and his people will face as they continue their work.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 4:7

  • The word for “heard” is שָׁמַע (shamaʿ), which means to hear or listen. This word often carries the sense of not just hearing a sound, but understanding and reacting to news, which explains the strong response from these groups.
  • The word for “walls” is חוֹמָה (chomah), specifically referring to a protective city wall. The focus on the walls being “made up” shows the practical progress that threatened Jerusalem’s neighbors.
  • The word for “breaches” is פֶּרֶץ (peretz), meaning a break or gap. The fact that these gaps were “began to be stopped” (סָתַם, satam) shows the restoration was actively underway, not just planned.
  • The word for “very wroth” is חָרָה (charah), which means to be kindled with anger. The Hebrew emphasizes an intense emotional reaction, not just mild irritation.

Why Nehemiah 4:7 matters

  • Nehemiah 4:7 clarifies that opposition to Jerusalem’s rebuilding was not just from one or two individuals, but from a coalition of surrounding peoples who felt threatened by the city’s revival.
  • The verse highlights how progress in God’s work often brings increased resistance, a theme that runs throughout Nehemiah’s story.
  • Understanding the specific groups and their anger helps explain the seriousness of the threats Nehemiah’s community faced and why later verses focus on defense and vigilance.

Where else these words appear

“Ashdodites” Hebrew H796 · used in 5 verses

  • Joshua 13:3 From Sihor, which is before Egypt, even unto the borders of Ekron northward, which is counted to the Canaanite: five lords of the Philistines; the Gazathites, and the Ashdothites, the Eshkalonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites:
  • 1 Samuel 5:3 And when they of Ashdod arose early on the morrow, behold, Dagon was fallen upon his face to the earth before the ark of the LORD. And they took Dagon, and set him in his place again.
  • 1 Samuel 5:6 But the hand of the LORD was heavy upon them of Ashdod, and he destroyed them, and smote them with emerods, even Ashdod and the coasts thereof.

“up” Hebrew H724 · used in 6 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 24:13 So the workmen wrought, and the work was perfected by them, and they set the house of God in his state, and strengthened it.
  • Isaiah 58:8 Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward.
  • Jeremiah 30:17 For I will restore health unto thee, and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the LORD; because they called thee an Outcast, saying, This is Zion, whom no man seeketh after.

“Arabians” Hebrew H6163 · used in 9 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
  • 2 Chronicles 22:1 And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah his youngest son king in his stead: for the band of men that came with the Arabians to the camp had slain all the eldest. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram king of Judah reigned.
  • Nehemiah 6:1 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;)

“Sanballat” Hebrew H5571 · used in 10 verses

  • Nehemiah 2:10 When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.
  • Nehemiah 6:1 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;)
  • Nehemiah 6:12 And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.