Nehemiah 4:3 net — Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was close by, said,“If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would br…

NET Bible

"Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was close by, said,“If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”"

— Nehemiah 4:3, NET Bible

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Nehemiah 4:3 in Other Translations

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Nehemiah 4 — Context

1

Opposition to the Work Continues(3:33) Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall he became angry and was quite upset. He derided the Jews,

2

and in the presence of his colleagues and the army of Samaria he said,“What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they be left to themselves? Will they again offer sacrifice? Will they finish this in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones to life again from piles of dust?”

3

Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was close by, said,“If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”

4

Hear, O our God, for we are despised! Return their reproach on their own head! Reduce them to plunder in a land of exile!

5

Do not cover their iniquity, and do not wipe out their sin from your sight. For they have bitterly offended the builders!

6

So we rebuilt the wall, and the entire wall was joined together up to half its height. The people were enthusiastic in their work.

Nehemiah 4:3 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Nehemiah 4:3 say?
Nehemiah 4:3 in the NET Bible reads: “Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was close by, said,“If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!””
Where is Nehemiah 4:3 in the Bible?
Nehemiah 4:3 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Nehemiah, chapter 4, verse 3.
Who wrote Nehemiah?
Nehemiah is traditionally attributed to Nehemiah (largely from his memoirs). It was written c. 445–425 BC.
What is the book of Nehemiah about?
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes, leads the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls against fierce opposition. The book combines stirring leadership with covenant renewal, ending with reform of priesthood, sabbath, and intermarriage.
What are the major themes of Nehemiah?
Nehemiah explores themes including Leadership, Prayer, Rebuilding, Opposition, Covenant Renewal. These themes shape the meaning and context of Nehemiah 4:3.
What translation should I read Nehemiah 4:3 in?
Nehemiah 4:3 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Nehemiah 4:3?
Nehemiah 4:3 reads (NET): “Then Tobiah the Ammonite, who was close by, said,“If even a fox were to climb up on what they are building, it would break down their wall of stones!”” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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