BibleWord.ai› Bible› Nehemiah› Chapter 6› Verse 11

Nehemiah 6:11

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Nehemiah 6:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
Nehemiah 6:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Nehemiah 6

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
9For they all would have made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. But now, [O God], strengthen thou my hands.
10And I went unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabel, 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.
11And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being such as I, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
12And I discerned, and, lo, God had not sent him; but he pronounced this prophecy against me: and Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
13For this cause was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
14Remember, O my God, Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and also the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
← Nehemiah 6:10Nehemiah 6:12 →
← Full Chapter 6 Nehemiah Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And I said, should such a man as I flee? etc.] The king’s commissioner, who had the conducting and management of the whole affair of building the wall of Jerusalem, on whom it wholly depended; for, should he absent himself, the people would depart and leave their work, and the city and wall be left defenceless, which was what was hoped for from this scheme; and who had expressed such confidence in God, and had had such success: and who is there, that, being as I am; in such a post, and in such circumstances, and on whom so much depended: would go into the temple to save his life? or where there was little reason to believe it would be preserved long, should he take such a step as that: I…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Would go into the temple to save his life - Rather “could go into the temple and live.” For a layman to enter the sanctuary was a capital offence (see Numbers 18:7). return to 'Top of Page'”
Read attributed excerpt →
Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“As I - I the chief governor, upon whose presence, the very life of the whole city and nation in a great measure depends: I who have professed such resolution, and courage, and confidence in God. I, who have had such eminent experience of God's assistance, of his calling me to this employment, and carrying me through it when our danger was greater than now it is. Shall I now dishonour God and religion, and betray the people and city of God by my cowardice? Go in - Tho' his life depended upon it. Nehemiah 6:13”
Read attributed excerpt →
Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“6:11 A good leader would not run from danger but would stand as an example to his people.”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Should such: Neh 6:3; Sa1 19:5; Job 4:3-6; Psa 11:1, Psa 11:2, Psa 112:6, Psa 112:8; Pro 28:1; Isa 10:18; Luk 13:31-33; Act 8:1, Act 20:24, Act 21:13; Heb 11:27 would go: Neh 6:9; Num 32:7-9; Ecc 10:1; Phi 2:17, Phi 2:30 Nehemiah 6:12”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Nehemiah 6 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification