And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.

NEHEMIAH 6:11KJV
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Nehemiah 6:11 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 6:11 mean?

Nehemiah 6:11 shows Nehemiah refusing to run away or hide in the temple to save his life, questioning whether someone in his position should act out of fear. Nehemiah insists that he will not go into the temple, making it clear that he will not abandon his responsibilities or act dishonorably.

Nehemiah is speaking in response to a plot against him, where enemies tried to frighten him into seeking safety in the temple. He is the governor overseeing the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls, and his refusal highlights his courage and sense of duty. The verse captures a moment where Nehemiah chooses integrity and trust in God over self-preservation.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 6:11

  • "Flee" (נוּס, nus): This word means to run away or escape. Nehemiah’s use of it shows he is being pressured to abandon his post, but he rejects the idea as unworthy of his calling.
  • "Temple" (הֵיכָל, heikhal): This refers specifically to the main sanctuary building. Entering it was restricted to priests, so Nehemiah’s refusal also shows respect for God’s law, not just personal bravery.
  • "Life" (חַי, chai): This word means "life" or "living." Nehemiah’s concern is not just about physical survival, but about living rightly and honorably in his role.

Why Nehemiah 6:11 matters

  • Nehemiah 6:11 clears up that Nehemiah’s refusal is not just about bravery, but also about respecting God’s law and his leadership responsibilities.
  • The verse emphasizes that Nehemiah will not use his position for personal safety at the expense of his mission or integrity.
  • This moment connects to the wider theme of Nehemiah’s leadership, showing how he faces threats without compromising his values or the work he has been given.

Where else these words appear

“such” Hebrew H3644 · used in 19 verses

  • Genesis 19:15 And when the morning arose, then the angels hastened Lot, saying, Arise, take thy wife, and thy two daughters, which are here; lest thou be consumed in the iniquity of the city.
  • 2 Samuel 18:3 But the people answered, Thou shalt not go forth: for if we flee away, they will not care for us; neither if half of us die, will they care for us: but now thou art worth ten thousand of us: therefore now it is better that thou succour us out of the city.
  • Isaiah 26:18 We have been with child, we have been in pain, we have as it were brought forth wind; we have not wrought any deliverance in the earth; neither have the inhabitants of the world fallen.

“life” Hebrew H2425 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 3:22 And the LORD God said, Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil: and now, lest he put forth his hand, and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live for ever:
  • Leviticus 18:5 Ye shall therefore keep my statutes, and my judgments: which if a man do, he shall live in them: I am the LORD.
  • 1 Samuel 20:31 For as long as the son of Jesse liveth upon the ground, thou shalt not be established, nor thy kingdom. Wherefore now send and fetch him unto me, for he shall surely die.

“flee” Hebrew H1272 · used in 64 verses

  • Genesis 16:6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
  • 1 Samuel 22:20 And one of the sons of Ahimelech the son of Ahitub, named Abiathar, escaped, and fled after David.
  • Job 14:2 He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

“temple” Hebrew H1964 · used in 76 verses

  • 1 Samuel 1:9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.
  • Nehemiah 6:10 Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.
  • Ezekiel 41:1 Afterward he brought me to the temple, and measured the posts, six cubits broad on the one side, and six cubits broad on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle.