Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent his aide to me with the same message, and in his hand was an unsealed letter New Living Translation The fifth time, Sanballat’s servant came with an open letter in his hand, English Standard Version In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. Berean Standard Bible The fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter Berean Literal Bible And Sanballat sent to me according to this word the fifth time, his servant with an open letter in his hand, King James Bible Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; New King James Version Then Sanballat sent his servant to me as before, the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand. New American Standard Bible Then Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way a fifth time with an open letter in his hand. NASB 1995 Then Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same manner a fifth time with an open letter in his hand. NASB 1977 Then Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same manner a fifth time with an open letter in his hand. Legacy Standard Bible Then Sanballat sent his young man to me in the same manner a fifth time with an open letter in his hand. Amplified Bible Then Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way the fifth time, with an open letter in his hand. Berean Annotated Bible The fifth time, Sanballat (strength) sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter Christian Standard Bible Sanballat sent me this same message a fifth time by his aide, who had an open letter in his hand. Holman Christian Standard Bible Sanballat sent me this same message a fifth time by his aide, who had an open letter in his hand. American Standard Version Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand, Contemporary English Version Finally, Sanballat sent an official to me with an unsealed letter, English Revised Version Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; GOD'S WORD® Translation When Sanballat sent me the same message a fifth time, his servant held in his hand an unsealed letter. Good News Translation Then Sanballat sent one of his servants to me with a fifth message, this one in the form of an unsealed letter. International Standard Version Then Sanballat sent his assistant to me the fifth time. But this time the letter was sent unsealed, and NET Bible The fifth time that Sanballat sent his assistant to me in this way, he had an open letter in his hand. New Heart English Bible Then Sanballat sent his servant to me the same way the fifth time with an open letter in his hand, Webster's Bible Translation Then Sanballat sent his servant to me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe fifth time, Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant, who had in his hand an unsealed letter World English Bible Then Sanballat sent his servant to me the same way the fifth time with an open letter in his hand, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Sanballat sends to me, according to this word, a fifth time, his servant, and an open letter in his hand; Berean Literal Bible And Sanballat sent to me according to this word the fifth time, his servant with an open letter in his hand, Young's Literal Translation And Sanballat sendeth unto me, according to this word, a fifth time, his servant, and an open letter in his hand; Smith's Literal Translation And Sanballat will send his young man to me according to this word the fifth time, and a letter opened in his hand; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Sanaballat sent his servant to me the fifth time according to the former word, and he had a letter in his hand written in this manner: Catholic Public Domain Version And Sanballat sent his servant to me a fifth time, with the former word, and he had a letter in his hand written in this manner: New American Bible Then, the fifth time, Sanballat sent me the same message by one of his servants, who bore an unsealed letter New Revised Standard Version In the same way Sanballat for the fifth time sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Sanballat sent his servant to me in like manner the fifth time with a letter in his hand Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Samblat sent his young man to me concerning this matter for the fifth time, and a letter was in his hand OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; Brenton Septuagint Translation Then Sanaballat sent his servant to me with an open letter in his hand. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Sanballat's Conspiracy…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 6that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king,… Cross References The fifth time, Luke 18:1-5 Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: / “In a certain town there was a judge who neither feared God nor respected men. / And there was a widow in that town who kept appealing to him, ‘Give me justice against my adversary.’ … Matthew 26:44 So He left them and went away once more and prayed a third time, saying the same thing. 2 Corinthians 12:8 Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. Sanballat sent me 2 Kings 18:17 Nevertheless, the king of Assyria sent the Tartan, the Rabsaris, and the Rabshakeh, along with a great army, from Lachish to King Hezekiah at Jerusalem. They advanced up to Jerusalem and stationed themselves by the aqueduct of the upper pool, on the road to the Launderer’s Field. Ezra 4:6 At the beginning of the reign of Xerxes, an accusation was lodged against the people of Judah and Jerusalem. Esther 3:13 And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. this same message Philippians 3:1 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again, and it is a safeguard for you. 2 Peter 1:12 Therefore I will always remind you of these things, even though you know them and are established in the truth you now have. Jeremiah 7:25-26 From the day your fathers came out of the land of Egypt until this day, I have sent you all My servants the prophets again and again. / Yet they would not listen to Me or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and did more evil than their fathers. by his young servant, 2 Kings 9:1-3 Now Elisha the prophet summoned one of the sons of the prophets and said to him, “Tuck your cloak under your belt, take this flask of oil, and go to Ramoth-gilead. / When you arrive, look for Jehu son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi. Go in, get him away from his companions, and take him to an inner room. / Then take the flask of oil, pour it on his head, and declare, ‘This is what the LORD says: I anoint you king over Israel.’ Then open the door and run. Do not delay!” 1 Samuel 25:14-17 Meanwhile, one of Nabal’s young men informed Nabal’s wife Abigail, “Look, David sent messengers from the wilderness to greet our master, but he screamed at them. / Yet these men were very good to us. When we were in the field, we were not harassed, and nothing of ours went missing the whole time we lived among them. / They were a wall around us, both day and night, the whole time we were herding our sheep near them. … who had in his hand an unsealed letter Jeremiah 32:10-14 I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales. / Then I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy with its terms and conditions, as well as the open copy— / and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanamel and the witnesses who were signing the purchase agreement and all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. … 2 Samuel 11:14-15 The next morning David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. / In the letter he wrote: “Put Uriah at the front of the fiercest battle; then withdraw from him, so that he may be struck down and killed.” 1 Kings 21:8-10 Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. / In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. / But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” 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.” Treasury of Scripture Then sent Sanballat his servant to me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand; 2 Kings 18:26-28 Then said Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah, unto Rabshakeh, Speak, I pray thee, to thy servants in the Syrian language; for we understand it: and talk not with us in the Jews' language in the ears of the people that are on the wall… 2 Corinthians 2:11 Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices. 2 Corinthians 11:13-15 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ… Jump to Previous Aide Fifth Hand Letter Manner Message Open Sanballat Sanbal'lat Servant Time Unsealed Way WordJump to Next Aide Fifth Hand Letter Manner Message Open Sanballat Sanbal'lat Servant Time Unsealed Way WordNehemiah 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 The fifth time This phrase indicates persistence and determination on the part of Sanballat. In biblical numerology, the number five can symbolize grace, but here it underscores the relentless opposition Nehemiah faced. The repeated attempts to distract and intimidate Nehemiah highlight the spiritual warfare often encountered by those doing God's work. This persistence can be compared to the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8, emphasizing the need for perseverance in the face of opposition. Sanballat sent me this same message by his young servant who had in his hand an unsealed letter Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahThe central figure in the book, Nehemiah is a Jewish leader who is overseeing the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. He is known for his strong leadership and dedication to God's work. 2. Sanballat A persistent adversary of Nehemiah, Sanballat is a Samaritan leader who opposes the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. His actions are characterized by deceit and manipulation. 3. The Young Servant An unnamed messenger sent by Sanballat to deliver the unsealed letter to Nehemiah. His role highlights the persistence of Sanballat's attempts to intimidate Nehemiah. 4. The Unsealed Letter A strategic move by Sanballat to publicly intimidate Nehemiah. In ancient times, an unsealed letter could be read by anyone, increasing the pressure on Nehemiah. 5. Jerusalem The city whose walls Nehemiah is rebuilding. Jerusalem is central to Jewish identity and worship, and its restoration is crucial for the community's spiritual and physical security. Teaching Points Discernment in LeadershipNehemiah's response to Sanballat's tactics teaches us the importance of discernment and wisdom in leadership. Leaders must be vigilant against deceit and manipulation. The Power of Persistence Sanballat's repeated attempts to intimidate Nehemiah highlight the need for persistence in the face of opposition. Believers are called to remain steadfast in their mission. Public Pressure and Integrity The unsealed letter represents public pressure. Nehemiah's integrity and commitment to God's work serve as a model for maintaining one's values despite external pressures. Spiritual Warfare The opposition Nehemiah faces is a reminder of the spiritual warfare believers encounter. We must rely on God's strength and guidance to overcome challenges. Community and Support Nehemiah's leadership is not in isolation; he relies on the support of the Jewish community. This underscores the importance of community in achieving God's purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 6:5?2. How does Nehemiah 6:5 illustrate the persistence of opposition against God's work? 3. What can we learn from Nehemiah's response to repeated threats in Nehemiah 6? 4. How does Nehemiah 6:5 connect with Ephesians 6:11 on spiritual warfare? 5. In what ways can we remain steadfast like Nehemiah amidst persistent challenges? 6. How does Nehemiah's discernment in Nehemiah 6 guide us in recognizing deceit today? 7. What does Nehemiah 6:5 reveal about the tactics of opposition against God's work? 8. How does Nehemiah 6:5 illustrate the theme of perseverance in the face of false accusations? 9. What historical context is essential to understanding Nehemiah 6:5? 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. How do rumors affect relationships and trust? 14. Isaiah 49:8 depicts a grand restoration--how does this align with historical records of Israel's exiles and returns that appear less triumphant? What Does Nehemiah 6:5 Mean The fifth timeSanballat’s persistence shows how relentless opposition can be when God’s people refuse to compromise. • Repeated pressure seeks to wear down resolve much like Delilah’s nagging of Samson (Judges 16:16–17) or the devil’s three-fold temptation of Jesus (Matthew 4:1-11). • Nehemiah’s steadfastness echoes Paul’s exhortation: “Let us not grow weary in well-doing” (Galatians 6:9). Cross references: Nehemiah 6:4; Luke 18:1-5; 1 Peter 5:8-9. Sanballat sent me this same message The enemy doesn’t need new tricks—he repeats lies hoping we’ll finally believe them. • Sanballat first mocked (Nehemiah 4:1-3), then plotted violence (Nehemiah 4:7-8), now he escalates to public accusation. • Jesus warned, “If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first” (John 15:18). Cross references: Nehemiah 2:10; 2 Corinthians 2:11; Revelation 12:10. by his young servant A youthful emissary softens the threat’s appearance yet still carries the hostility. • Enemies often mask malice behind seemingly harmless messengers (2 Samuel 13:3-5; Matthew 26:48-49). • Believers must test every approach, not by age or demeanor but by content (1 John 4:1). Cross references: Proverbs 26:18-19; Acts 16:16-18. who had in his hand an unsealed letter An open scroll meant anyone could read its contents, turning private slander into public scandal. • Unsealed letters invite gossip and fear (Ezra 4:11-16). • Nehemiah’s enemies hoped rumor would halt the work more effectively than soldiers (Psalm 31:13). • God’s servant responds with truth, not retaliation (1 Peter 3:16). Cross references: Proverbs 18:8; Colossians 4:5-6. summary Nehemiah 6:5 reveals a calculated tactic: relentless repetition, a seemingly harmless courier, and an unsealed accusation designed to spread fear. God calls His people to discern the enemy’s persistence, stand firm in truth, and continue the work He assigns, knowing that faithful perseverance triumphs over every scheme. (5) The fifth time with an open letter in his hand.--Four times they strive to induce Nehemiah to meet them, under various pretexts, with the intention of doing him personal harm. Each time his reply was to the effect that he was finishing his own work, not without a touch of irony. This answer has an universal application, which preachers have known how to use. In the fifth letter the tactics are changed: the silken bag containing the missive was not sealed, and it was hoped that Nehemiah would be alarmed by the thought that its contents had been read by the people.Verse 5. - An open letter. Letters in the East are usually placed in silken bags, which are then tied up and carefully sealed. An "open letter" invited perusal; and the object of sending this one "open' must have been to create alarm among the Jews, and to excite them against Nehemiah. Compare the conduct of Sennacherib's ambassadors (2 Kings 18:27-33).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The fifthחֲמִישִׁ֖ית (ḥă·mî·šîṯ) Number - ordinal feminine singular Strong's 2549: Fifth, a fifth time, פַּ֥עַם (pa·‘am) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 6471: A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence Sanballat סַנְבַלַּ֜ט (san·ḇal·laṭ) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 5571: Sanballat -- a Samaritan leader sent וַיִּשְׁלַח֩ (way·yiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out me this הַזֶּ֛ה (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that same message כַּדָּבָ֥ר (kad·dā·ḇār) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause by his young servant, נַעֲר֑וֹ (na·‘ă·rōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 5288: A boy, lad, youth, retainer who had in his hand בְּיָדֽוֹ׃ (bə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand an unsealed פְּתוּחָ֖ה (pə·ṯū·ḥāh) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine singular Strong's 6605: To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve letter וְאִגֶּ֥רֶת (wə·’ig·ge·reṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 107: An epistle Links Nehemiah 6:5 NIVNehemiah 6:5 NLT Nehemiah 6:5 ESV Nehemiah 6:5 NASB Nehemiah 6:5 KJV Nehemiah 6:5 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 6:5 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 6:5 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 6:5 French Bible Nehemiah 6:5 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 6:5 Then sent Sanballat his servant to me (Neh Ne) |



