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 6:1KJV
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Nehemiah 6:1 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 6:1 mean?

Nehemiah 6:1 describes how Nehemiah’s enemies—Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arabian, and others—learned that the wall around Jerusalem had been rebuilt and there were no gaps left, though the doors for the gates had not yet been installed. This verse sets the stage for the opposition’s next move, showing that the rebuilding work was nearly complete but not fully finished.

Nehemiah is the speaker, recording events during the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls after the Babylonian exile. The verse highlights that the main structure of the wall was done, but the city was still vulnerable because the gates were not secured. The mention of specific enemies and their awareness of the progress shows that Nehemiah’s work was being closely watched by those who opposed the restoration of Jerusalem.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 6:1

  • "Enemies" (אֹיֵב, ’oyev): This word means adversaries or those who are actively hostile. The use of this word emphasizes the real threat Nehemiah and the people faced, not just from rivals but from those intent on stopping their work.
  • "Breach" (פֶּרֶץ, peretz): This word refers to a gap or break in a wall. Its use here underlines that the wall was now solid and continuous, removing a major vulnerability except for the unfinished gates.
  • "Doors" (דֶּלֶת, delet): This word specifically means doors or gates. Mentioning that these had not yet been set up shows that while the wall was standing, the city was not yet fully protected, leaving a final step before completion.

Why Nehemiah 6:1 matters

  • Nehemiah 6:1 clarifies that the opposition’s actions were triggered by the near-completion of the wall, not by rumors or minor progress, but by the real, visible restoration of Jerusalem’s defenses.
  • The verse shows the practical reality that even with the wall built, the city was still at risk until the gates were finished, highlighting the importance of every part of the project.
  • This verse connects to the wider narrative by explaining why Nehemiah’s enemies intensified their efforts at this point, setting up the tension for the events that follow in the chapter.

Where else these words appear

“Geshem” Hebrew H1654 · used in 4 verses

  • 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?
  • Nehemiah 6:2 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.
  • 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.

“Arabian” 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 4:7 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,

“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 4:7 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 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.

“Tobiah” Hebrew H2900 · used in 17 verses

  • 2 Chronicles 17:8 And with them he sent Levites, even Shemaiah, and Nethaniah, and Zebadiah, and Asahel, and Shemiramoth, and Jehonathan, and Adonijah, and Tobijah, and Tobadonijah, Levites; and with them Elishama and Jehoram, priests.
  • Nehemiah 4:7 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 7:62 The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.