Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Also, in those days the nobles of Judah were sending many letters to Tobiah, and replies from Tobiah kept coming to them. New Living Translation During those fifty-two days, many letters went back and forth between Tobiah and the nobles of Judah. English Standard Version Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. Berean Standard Bible Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them. Berean Literal Bible Also in those days, the nobles of Judah multiplied their letters going to Tobiah, and those of Tobiah came to them. King James Bible Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. New King James Version Also in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them. New American Standard Bible Also in those days many letters went from the nobles of Judah to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. NASB 1995 Also in those days many letters went from the nobles of Judah to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. NASB 1977 Also in those days many letters went from the nobles of Judah to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. Legacy Standard Bible Also in those days many letters went from the nobles of Judah to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. Amplified Bible Moreover, in those days many letters went from the nobles of Judah to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. Berean Annotated Bible Also in those days, the nobles of Judah (praised) sent many letters to Tobiah (YHWH is good), and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them. Christian Standard Bible During those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. Holman Christian Standard Bible During those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. American Standard Version Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. Contemporary English Version All this time the Jewish leaders and Tobiah had been writing letters back and forth. English Revised Version Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. GOD'S WORD® Translation In those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah sent many letters back to them. Good News Translation During all this time the Jewish leaders had been in correspondence with Tobiah. International Standard Version Meanwhile, at that time the nobles of Judah continued to send many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah kept sending letters to them. NET Bible In those days the aristocrats of Judah repeatedly sent letters to Tobiah, and responses from Tobiah were repeatedly coming to them. New Heart English Bible Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah's letters came to them. Webster's Bible Translation Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAlso in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them. World English Bible Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAlso, in those days the nobles of Judah are multiplying their letters going to Tobiah, and those of Tobiah are coming to them; Berean Literal Bible Also in those days, the nobles of Judah multiplied their letters going to Tobiah, and those of Tobiah came to them. Young's Literal Translation Also, in those days the freemen of Judah are multiplying their letters going unto Tobiah, and those of Tobiah are coming in unto them; Smith's Literal Translation Also in these days the nobles of Judah were multiplying their letters going to Tobiah, and those to Tobiah came to them. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleMoreover in those days many letters were sent by the principal men of the Jews to Tobias, and from Tobias there came letters to them. Catholic Public Domain Version But also, in those days, many letters were being sent by the nobles of the Jews to Tobiah, and were arriving from Tobiah to them. New American Bible At that same time, however, many letters were going to Tobiah from the nobles of Judah, and Tobiah’s letters were reaching them, New Revised Standard Version Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came to them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleMoreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Also in those days the Princes of the Jews were multiplying their letters, and they were going to Tobia, and the letters of Tobia were coming to them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them. Brenton Septuagint Translation And in those days letters came to Tobias from many nobles of Juda, and those of Tobias came to them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Completion of the Wall…16When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and disheartened, for they realized that this task had been accomplished by our God. 17Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came back to them. 18For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.… Cross References Also in those days, Nehemiah 4:1 Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews Nehemiah 5:1 About that time there was a great outcry from the people and their wives against their fellow Jews. Nehemiah 5:6 When I heard their outcry and these complaints, I became extremely angry, the nobles of Judah Nehemiah 5:7 and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, “You are exacting usury from your own brothers!” So I called a large assembly against them Nehemiah 5:9 So I continued, “What you are doing is not right. Shouldn’t you walk in the fear of our God to avoid the reproach of our foreign enemies? Nehemiah 5:12 “We will restore it,” they replied, “and will require nothing more from them. We will do as you say.” So I summoned the priests and required of the nobles and officials an oath that they would do what they had promised. sent many letters to Tobiah, Nehemiah 13:4-9 Now before this, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God / and had prepared for Tobiah a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests. / While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king … Nehemiah 13:28 Even one of the sons of Jehoiada son of Eliashib the high priest had become a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I drove him away from me. Nehemiah 2:10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites. and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them. Ezra 4:7 And in the days of Artaxerxes king of Persia, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of his associates wrote a letter to Artaxerxes. It was written in Aramaic and then translated. Ezra 4:11-16 (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: / Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came from you to us have returned to Jerusalem and are rebuilding that rebellious and wicked city. They are restoring its walls and repairing its foundations. / Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. … Esther 8:9-10 At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush—writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. / Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares. 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. 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 9:1-2 After these things had been accomplished, the leaders approached me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the surrounding peoples whose abominations are like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. / Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!” Nehemiah 4:7-8 When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious, / and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance. Treasury of Scripture Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them. the nobles Nehemiah 3:5 And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their Lord. Nehemiah 5:7 Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them. Nehemiah 13:28 And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me. sent many letters unto Tobiah. Jump to Previous Chiefs Freemen Further Judah Kept Letters Moreover Multiplying Nobles Replies Sending Tobiah Tobi'ah Tobiah's TobijahJump to Next Chiefs Freemen Further Judah Kept Letters Moreover Multiplying Nobles Replies Sending Tobiah Tobi'ah Tobiah's TobijahNehemiah 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 Also in those days This phrase situates the events within the broader narrative of Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The phrase "in those days" often indicates a specific period of time, suggesting ongoing challenges during the reconstruction. This period is marked by opposition and internal strife, reflecting the broader theme of perseverance in the face of adversity. the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahThe central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. He faces opposition from various external and internal sources. 2. Nobles of Judah These are influential leaders within the Jewish community who, during the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, maintained correspondence with Tobiah, an adversary of Nehemiah. 3. Tobiah An Ammonite official who opposed Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild Jerusalem's walls. He had familial and political ties with some of the Jewish nobles, which he used to undermine Nehemiah's work. 4. Jerusalem The city whose walls Nehemiah was tasked with rebuilding. It represents the heart of Jewish identity and worship. 5. Letters The correspondence between the nobles of Judah and Tobiah, which signifies the internal betrayal and political intrigue Nehemiah faced. Teaching Points The Danger of CompromiseThe nobles of Judah compromised their integrity by aligning with Tobiah. Believers must be cautious of forming alliances that can undermine their faith and mission. The Importance of Discernment Nehemiah's situation highlights the need for discernment in leadership. Christians should seek wisdom to recognize and address internal threats to their spiritual community. Faithfulness Amidst Opposition Despite the opposition, Nehemiah remained steadfast. Believers are encouraged to remain faithful to God's calling, even when facing internal and external challenges. Guarding Against Division The division caused by the nobles' correspondence with Tobiah serves as a warning to guard against actions that can divide the body of Christ. The Power of Prayer and Perseverance Nehemiah's account is a testament to the power of prayer and perseverance. Christians are reminded to rely on prayer and God's strength in times of trial. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 6:17?2. How does Nehemiah 6:17 illustrate the importance of discernment in leadership? 3. What can we learn from Nehemiah about handling opposition and rumors? 4. How does Nehemiah 6:17 connect with Ephesians 6:11 on spiritual warfare? 5. In what ways can we apply Nehemiah's vigilance to modern Christian life? 6. How does Nehemiah's response to letters inform our approach to external pressures? 7. How does Nehemiah 6:17 reflect the challenges of leadership in a faith-based community? 8. What does Nehemiah 6:17 reveal about the influence of external alliances on spiritual integrity? 9. How does the correspondence in Nehemiah 6:17 illustrate the theme of opposition to God's work? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 6? 11. How did Nehemiah rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore faith? 12. Who were Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem in history? 13. Why would priests allow Tobiah, an Ammonite official, to occupy temple storerooms (Nehemiah 13:4–9) if this risks defiling the sanctuary? 14. In Nehemiah 6:1-2, is there any external evidence indicating the historicity of Sanballat and Geshem's plot in the plain of Ono? What Does Nehemiah 6:17 Mean Also in those days“Also in those days...” (Nehemiah 6:17) grounds the statement in the unfolding story of rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall. It ties directly to Nehemiah’s ongoing opposition. • The phrase reminds us that the enemy’s pressure did not let up once the wall neared completion (cf. Nehemiah 6:15–16). • It signals continuity: the spiritual battle runs parallel to the physical work, echoing earlier episodes in Nehemiah 4:7–9 and 6:1–2, where external threats and schemes surfaced while the wall rose stone by stone. • For us, the timing underscores a lesson: when God’s work advances, resistance often intensifies (see 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Timothy 3:12). the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah “The nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah...” reveals a troubling alliance. • “Nobles” refers to influential leaders who should have been Nehemiah’s allies (compare Nehemiah 2:16–18). • Instead, they maintained an active correspondence with Tobiah, a sworn opponent of the project (Nehemiah 2:10; 4:3). • Their divided loyalties mirror earlier compromises such as the mixed marriages in Ezra 9–10 and the pledge-breaking of Nehemiah 13:4–5. • The stream of outgoing letters indicates intentional, persistent engagement—far more than casual politeness. It suggests shared interests or obligations (Nehemiah 6:18 explains family ties). • Application: spiritual leaders must guard their alliances; friendship with the world can make us spiritual adversaries (James 4:4). and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them “...and Tobiah’s letters kept coming to them.” The traffic was two-way, hinting at Tobiah’s influence inside Judah’s leadership circles. • Continuous incoming letters show Tobiah’s relentless pursuit to sway opinion and gather intelligence, much like the secret plot of Sanballat and Geshem earlier (Nehemiah 6:2–4). • Such correspondence served to undermine Nehemiah’s authority and sow fear (Nehemiah 6:19). • Cross references: 2 Samuel 15:1–6—Absalom steals hearts by subtle, sustained messaging; Galatians 1:6–9—Paul warns of persuasive voices drawing believers away. • The scene is a sober reminder: unchecked communication with ungodly influences can corrode faith from within (1 Corinthians 15:33). • Yet Nehemiah’s steadfastness (Nehemiah 6:3, “I am doing a great work and cannot come down”) shows how godly focus resists such infiltration (Ephesians 6:11–13). summary Nehemiah 6:17 exposes an internal breach: at the very moment victory was near, Judah’s nobles fostered a correspondence network with the enemy. Their letters out, Tobiah’s letters in—each exchange eroded unity and emboldened opposition. God’s people today must remain alert; success in visible ministry can be undercut by unseen loyalties. Steadfast devotion to the work, coupled with discernment in relationships, keeps the wall strong and the testimony clear. (17-19) A supplementary account is here introduced, explaining the intrigues within Jerusalem to which reference has been made.(17) Many letters.--There was a large correspondence between Tobiah and the nobles of Judah. Verse 17. - Moreover in those days. Ewald supposes that the circumstances here related (vers. 17-19) were subsequent to the completion of the wall ('History of Israel,' vol. 5. p. 157); but the expression "in those days" seems rather to throw back the events into the time during which the wall was in building. The passage is a sort of explanatory note, showing us how Tobiah came to be able to raise those intrigues inside Jerusalem which have been mentioned in vers. 12-14. And the letters of Tobiah came unto them. Rather, "and many were the letters of Tobiah which came to them."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Alsoגַּ֣ם ׀ (gam) Conjunction Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and in those הָהֵ֗ם (hā·hêm) Article | Pronoun - third person masculine plural Strong's 1992: They days, בַּיָּמִ֣ים (bay·yā·mîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day the nobles חֹרֵ֤י (ḥō·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 2715: White, pure, noble of Judah יְהוּדָה֙ (yə·hū·ḏāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3063: Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites sent many מַרְבִּ֞ים (mar·bîm) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 7235: To be or become much, many or great letters אִגְּרֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם (’ig·gə·rō·ṯê·hem) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 107: An epistle to עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Tobiah, טוֹבִיָּ֑ה (ṭō·w·ḇî·yāh) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2900: Tobiah -- 'Yah is my good', three Israelites, also an Ammonite and Tobiah’s לְטוֹבִיָּ֖ה (lə·ṭō·w·ḇî·yāh) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2900: Tobiah -- 'Yah is my good', three Israelites, also an Ammonite letters וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר (wa·’ă·šer) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - relative Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that came back בָּא֥וֹת (bā·’ō·wṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine plural Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to them. אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ (’ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to Links Nehemiah 6:17 NIVNehemiah 6:17 NLT Nehemiah 6:17 ESV Nehemiah 6:17 NASB Nehemiah 6:17 KJV Nehemiah 6:17 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 6:17 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 6:17 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 6:17 French Bible Nehemiah 6:17 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 6:17 Moreover in those days the nobles (Neh Ne) |
    |