Nehemiah 6:3
"And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?"

Commentary

Gill's Exposition

And I sent messengers unto them,.... He did not show any open contempt of them, nor did he even return answer by the messenger that came from them, but sent some of his

own people to them: saying, I am doing a great work; was about an affair of great importance, very busy, and not at leisure to give them a meeting: so that I cannot come down; Jerusalem being built on an eminence, and the place proposed to meet at in a plain, going thither is expressed by coming down: why should the work cease, while I leave it, and come down to you? signifying that it would cease if he left it; and it being of greater consequence than anything they could have to converse about, he argues it would be wrong to relinquish it on such an account; this was the reason he thought fit to give, but was not the only, nor the principal reason, which is suggested in the preceding verse.

Source: Gill's Exposition (Public Domain)

Hebrew Word Studies (18 words)

H7971 שָׁלַח
Definition:

18 +; Aramaicשְׁלַךְ,, SoBuhlBaEs 41compare Arabic(r = l),send forth, drivecattle to pasture,send messenger, etc., but then different √ for I.שֶׁלַךְ, Arabic,weapon; Assyrian probablyšalû(send, hurl?) 18 +; Aramaicשְׁלַךְ,, SoBuhlBaEs 41compare Arabic(r = l),send forth, drivecattle to pasture,send messenger, etc., but then different √ for I.שֶׁלַךְ, Arabic,weapon; Assyrian probablyšalû(send, hurl?)

H5921 עַל
Definition:

“The Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters” (Genesis 1:2). From the opening verses, עַל marks God’s sovereignty above the chaotic deep, foreshadowing His orderly governance of the “The Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters” (Genesis 1:2). From the opening verses, עַל marks God’s sovereignty above the chaotic deep, foreshadowing His orderly governance of the

Possible Meanings:
  • upon (semantic_range)
  • on account of (semantic_range)
  • to (semantic_range)
H4397 מֲלְאָךְ
Definition:

2048t.; constructמַלְאַךְGenesis 16:769t.; suffixesמַלְאָכִיExodus 23:233t.;מַלְאָכוֺGenesis 24:7,40; pluralמַלְאָכִיםGenesis 32:463t. +מלאכים2 Samuel 11:1Kt ( Qrמלכים); constructמַלְאֲכֵיGenesis 28:1 2048t.; constructמַלְאַךְGenesis 16:769t.; suffixesמַלְאָכִיExodus 23:233t.;מַלְאָכוֺGenesis 24:7,40; pluralמַלְאָכִיםGenesis 32:463t. +מלאכים2 Samuel 11:1Kt ( Qrמלכים); constructמַלְאֲכֵיGenesis 28:1

Possible Meanings:
  • angel (semantic_range)
H0559 אָמַר
Definition:

1+, etc.;ImperfectיאֹמַרGenesis 31:8+;וַיּאֹ֫מֶרGenesis 1:3+;וַיּאֹמַ֑רGenesis 14:19+; in Job alwaysוַיּאֹ֑מַרJob 3:2+; 3 feminine singularתּאֹמַרGenesis 21:12+;תּאֹמֵר֑Proverbs 1:21; 1singularאֹמַרGe 1+, etc.;ImperfectיאֹמַרGenesis 31:8+;וַיּאֹ֫מֶרGenesis 1:3+;וַיּאֹמַ֑רGenesis 14:19+; in Job alwaysוַיּאֹ֑מַרJob 3:2+; 3 feminine singularתּאֹמַרGenesis 21:12+;תּאֹמֵר֑Proverbs 1:21; 1singularאֹמַרGe

Possible Meanings:
  • lamb (semantic_range)
H4399 מְלָאכָה
Definition:

16102t.;מְלָ֑אכֶת2Chronicles 13:10; constructמְלֶאכֶתExodus 35:2442t.; suffixמְלַאכְתְּךָJonah 1:8;מְלַאכְתֶּ֑ךָExodus 20:92t.;מְלַאכְתּוֺGenesis 2:213t.; plural constructמַלְאֲכוֺת1 Chronicles 28:19; 16102t.;מְלָ֑אכֶת2Chronicles 13:10; constructמְלֶאכֶתExodus 35:2442t.; suffixמְלַאכְתְּךָJonah 1:8;מְלַאכְתֶּ֑ךָExodus 20:92t.;מְלַאכְתּוֺGenesis 2:213t.; plural constructמַלְאֲכוֺת1 Chronicles 28:19;

Possible Meanings:
  • occupation (semantic_range)
  • work (semantic_range)
  • occupation (semantic_range)
  • business (semantic_range)
  • property (semantic_range)
H1419 גָּדוֹל
Definition:

13 279t.;גָּדֹלDeuteronomy 26:822t.; constructגְּדוֺלEzekiel 17:3,7;Jeremiah 32:19,גְּדָלֿProverbs 19:19,גְּדָו֯לֿPsalm 145:8;Nahum 1:3; suffixגְּדוֺלָםJeremiah 6:132t.; pluralגְּדוֺלִיםExodus 7:411t. 13 279t.;גָּדֹלDeuteronomy 26:822t.; constructגְּדוֺלEzekiel 17:3,7;Jeremiah 32:19,גְּדָלֿProverbs 19:19,גְּדָו֯לֿPsalm 145:8;Nahum 1:3; suffixגְּדוֺלָםJeremiah 6:132t.; pluralגְּדוֺלִיםExodus 7:411t.

Possible Meanings:
  • great (semantic_range)
  • loud (semantic_range)
  • do great things (semantic_range)
  • greatness (semantic_range)
H0589 אֲנַי
Definition:

17;Genesis 9:9,12 + often Following a participle as its subject (to express mostly either a true present or the futurum instans [immanent future])Genesis 18:17הַמְכַסֶּה אֲנִיAmos I hidingfrom Abraham 17;Genesis 9:9,12 + often Following a participle as its subject (to express mostly either a true present or the futurum instans [immanent future])Genesis 18:17הַמְכַסֶּה אֲנִיAmos I hidingfrom Abraham

Possible Meanings:
  • ships (semantic_range)
  • fleet (semantic_range)
H6213 עָשָׂה
Definition:

A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application (as follows) -- accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, X certainly, A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application (as follows) -- accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, X certainly,

Possible Meanings:
  • press (semantic_range)
  • squeeze (semantic_range)
H3808 לֹא
Definition:

11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, 11) {lo}; a primitive particle; not (the simple or abs. Negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles (as follows) -- X before, + or else, ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay,

H3201 יָכֹל
Definition:

268t.;יָכוֺל1 Samuel 4:152t.; 3 feminine singularיָ˜כְלָהGenesis 36:7;Exodus 2:3; 2masculine singularוְיָכָלְתָּ֫Exodus 18:23; 1singularיָכֹלְתִּיGenesis 30:82t.; suffixיְכָלְתִּיוPsalm 13:5; 3pluralי 268t.;יָכוֺל1 Samuel 4:152t.; 3 feminine singularיָ˜כְלָהGenesis 36:7;Exodus 2:3; 2masculine singularוְיָכָלְתָּ֫Exodus 18:23; 1singularיָכֹלְתִּיGenesis 30:82t.; suffixיְכָלְתִּיוPsalm 13:5; 3pluralי

Possible Meanings:
  • be able (semantic_range)
H3381 יָרַד
Definition:

18+;יְרַדJudges 5:13(twice in verse) (but readיָרַדorיֵרֵד);רַדJudges 19:11(readיָרַד), etc.;ImperfectיֵרֵדGenesis 42:38+;וַיֵּ֫רֶדGenesis 11:5+;וַיֵּרַ֑ד2 Samuel 22:102t.; 3 feminine singularתֵּ֫רֶד 18+;יְרַדJudges 5:13(twice in verse) (but readיָרַדorיֵרֵד);רַדJudges 19:11(readיָרַד), etc.;ImperfectיֵרֵדGenesis 42:38+;וַיֵּ֫רֶדGenesis 11:5+;וַיֵּרַ֑ד2 Samuel 22:102t.; 3 feminine singularתֵּ֫רֶד

Possible Meanings:
  • come (semantic_range)
  • go down (semantic_range)
  • descend (semantic_range)
  • come (semantic_range)
  • go down (semantic_range)
H4100 מָה
Definition:

43;Joshua 22:16;Judges 8:1),מַהֿ,מַהּ,מֶה,מַּ(Exodus 4:2;Isaiah 3:15;Malachi 1:13;1 Chronicles 15:13; 2Chronicles 30:3),מָ(only inמָהֵםEzekiel 8:6Kt., Qr.מָה הֵם) — on the distinction in the use of th 43;Joshua 22:16;Judges 8:1),מַהֿ,מַהּ,מֶה,מַּ(Exodus 4:2;Isaiah 3:15;Malachi 1:13;1 Chronicles 15:13; 2Chronicles 30:3),מָ(only inמָהֵםEzekiel 8:6Kt., Qr.מָה הֵם) — on the distinction in the use of th

Possible Meanings:
  • what? (semantic_range)
H7673 שָׁבַת
Definition:

A primitive root; to repose, i.e. Desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific) -- (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sab A primitive root; to repose, i.e. Desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific) -- (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sab

Possible Meanings:
  • observe (semantic_range)
H4399 מְלָאכָה
Definition:

16102t.;מְלָ֑אכֶת2Chronicles 13:10; constructמְלֶאכֶתExodus 35:2442t.; suffixמְלַאכְתְּךָJonah 1:8;מְלַאכְתֶּ֑ךָExodus 20:92t.;מְלַאכְתּוֺGenesis 2:213t.; plural constructמַלְאֲכוֺת1 Chronicles 28:19; 16102t.;מְלָ֑אכֶת2Chronicles 13:10; constructמְלֶאכֶתExodus 35:2442t.; suffixמְלַאכְתְּךָJonah 1:8;מְלַאכְתֶּ֑ךָExodus 20:92t.;מְלַאכְתּוֺGenesis 2:213t.; plural constructמַלְאֲכוֺת1 Chronicles 28:19;

Possible Meanings:
  • occupation (semantic_range)
  • work (semantic_range)
  • occupation (semantic_range)
  • business (semantic_range)
  • property (semantic_range)
H0834 אֲשֶׁר
Definition:

1according to TsepreghiDiss. Lugd. p. 171MühlauBö. Lb. ii. 79 n.StaMorg. Forsch. 1875, 188; Lb. § 167HomZMG 1878, 708 ff.Müll§ 153SayceHebraica. ii. 51LagM. i. 255 &especially KraeHebraica. vi. 298 ff 1according to TsepreghiDiss. Lugd. p. 171MühlauBö. Lb. ii. 79 n.StaMorg. Forsch. 1875, 188; Lb. § 167HomZMG 1878, 708 ff.Müll§ 153SayceHebraica. ii. 51LagM. i. 255 &especially KraeHebraica. vi. 298 ff

Possible Meanings:
  • Asher (semantic_range)
  • happy one (semantic_range)
  • Felix (semantic_range)
  • the tribe (semantic_range)
H7503 רָפָה
Definition:

9(yet see below); 3 feminine singularרָֽפִ֑תָהJudges 8:3;Jeremiah 49:24, etc.;Imperfect3masculine singularיִרְמֶּהIsaiah 5:24,וַיִּרֶףExodus 4:26(see below), etc.; —1sink down, of hay in flameIsaiah 5 9(yet see below); 3 feminine singularרָֽפִ֑תָהJudges 8:3;Jeremiah 49:24, etc.;Imperfect3masculine singularיִרְמֶּהIsaiah 5:24,וַיִּרֶףExodus 4:26(see below), etc.; —1sink down, of hay in flameIsaiah 5

Possible Meanings:
  • Hā-Rāphā (semantic_range)
H3381 יָרַד
Definition:

18+;יְרַדJudges 5:13(twice in verse) (but readיָרַדorיֵרֵד);רַדJudges 19:11(readיָרַד), etc.;ImperfectיֵרֵדGenesis 42:38+;וַיֵּ֫רֶדGenesis 11:5+;וַיֵּרַ֑ד2 Samuel 22:102t.; 3 feminine singularתֵּ֫רֶד 18+;יְרַדJudges 5:13(twice in verse) (but readיָרַדorיֵרֵד);רַדJudges 19:11(readיָרַד), etc.;ImperfectיֵרֵדGenesis 42:38+;וַיֵּ֫רֶדGenesis 11:5+;וַיֵּרַ֑ד2 Samuel 22:102t.; 3 feminine singularתֵּ֫רֶד

Possible Meanings:
  • come (semantic_range)
  • go down (semantic_range)
  • descend (semantic_range)
  • come (semantic_range)
  • go down (semantic_range)
H0413 אֶל
Definition:

22;1 Samuel 5:26;1 Samuel 15:22;1 Samuel 29:19), with suffixאֵלַי,אֵלֶיךָ,אֵלַיִךְ, etc.אֵלֵינוּ,אֲלֵיכֶם& (5 t.)אֲלֵכֶם,אֲלֵיהֶם&אֲלֵהֶם(both very often); onceאֵלֵימוֺPsalm 2:5,אֲלֵיהֶן, onceאֲלֵהֶןE 22;1 Samuel 5:26;1 Samuel 15:22;1 Samuel 29:19), with suffixאֵלַי,אֵלֶיךָ,אֵלַיִךְ, etc.אֵלֵינוּ,אֲלֵיכֶם& (5 t.)אֲלֵכֶם,אֲלֵיהֶם&אֲלֵהֶם(both very often); onceאֵלֵימוֺPsalm 2:5,אֲלֵיהֶן, onceאֲלֵהֶןE

Possible Meanings:
  • these (semantic_range)

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