Nehemiah 6:16
And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
Original Language Analysis
וַיְהִ֗י
H1961
וַיְהִ֗י
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 20
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
H834
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
2 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
שָֽׁמְעוּ֙
heard
H8085
שָֽׁמְעוּ֙
heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 20
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
א֣וֹיְבֵ֔ינוּ
And it came to pass that when all our enemies
H341
א֣וֹיְבֵ֔ינוּ
And it came to pass that when all our enemies
Strong's:
H341
Word #:
5 of 20
hating; an adversary
וַיִּֽרְא֗וּ
saw
H7200
וַיִּֽרְא֗וּ
saw
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
6 of 20
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
7 of 20
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הַגּוֹיִם֙
thereof and all the heathen
H1471
הַגּוֹיִם֙
thereof and all the heathen
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
8 of 20
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 20
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
סְבִֽיבֹתֵ֔ינוּ
that were about us
H5439
סְבִֽיבֹתֵ֔ינוּ
that were about us
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
10 of 20
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
וַיִּפְּל֥וּ
cast down
H5307
וַיִּפְּל֥וּ
cast down
Strong's:
H5307
Word #:
11 of 20
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
מְאֹ֖ד
these things they were much
H3966
מְאֹ֖ד
these things they were much
Strong's:
H3966
Word #:
12 of 20
properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or
בְּעֵֽינֵיהֶ֑ם
in their own eyes
H5869
בְּעֵֽינֵיהֶ֑ם
in their own eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
13 of 20
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וַיֵּ֣דְע֔וּ
for they perceived
H3045
וַיֵּ֣דְע֔וּ
for they perceived
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
14 of 20
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּ֚י
H3588
כִּ֚י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
15 of 20
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
מֵאֵ֣ת
H854
מֵאֵ֣ת
Strong's:
H854
Word #:
16 of 20
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
of our God
H430
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
of our God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
17 of 20
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
נֶֽעֶשְׂתָ֖ה
was wrought
H6213
נֶֽעֶשְׂתָ֖ה
was wrought
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
18 of 20
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Joshua 5:1And it came to pass, when all the kings of the Amorites, which were on the side of Jordan westward, and all the kings of the Canaanites, which were by the sea, heard that the LORD had dried up the waters of Jordan from before the children of Israel, until we were passed over, that their heart melted, neither was there spirit in them any more, because of the children of Israel.Psalms 126:2Then was our mouth filled with laughter, and our tongue with singing: then said they among the heathen, The LORD hath done great things for them.Nehemiah 4:7But 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 2:10When 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 4:1But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.Acts 5:38And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought:Numbers 23:23Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!Exodus 14:25And took off their chariot wheels, that they drave them heavily: so that the Egyptians said, Let us flee from the face of Israel; for the LORD fighteth for them against the Egyptians.
Historical Context
Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The 52-day wall completion represents remarkable achievement given opposition and limited resources. Excavations have confirmed portions of Nehemiah's wall and various gates mentioned in the text. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Nehemiah 6:16 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
- What specific contribution can you make to building up Christ's church in your local community?
- How does understanding your work as part of God's larger purposes transform your approach to daily responsibilities?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
This verse within Nehemiah 6 addresses themes of deception, completing the work, steadfastness, discernment. Enemies shift tactics from open opposition to subtle deception, requiring spiritual discernment to complete the wall in 52 days. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.