Nehemiah 6:13

Therefore R.V. For this cause.

and sin i.e. by transgressing -the law," by violating the sanctity of the House of God.

matter for an evil report Literally, -and that it might be to them for an evil name." The Vulgate gives the sense generally -et haberent malum quod exprobrarent mihi." The LXX. goes wrong, καὶ γένωμαι αὐτοῖς εἰς ὄνομα πονηρόν. The phrase -an evil name" occurs also in Deuteronomy 22:14; Deuteronomy 22:19 in the sense -an evil report."

Nehemiah would incur -an evil name" with the priestly class and the strict Jews for consulting his personal safety rather than the sanctity of the law. Such conduct would weaken his hold upon the best people of the nation. Cf. Psalms 38:16, -For I said, Lest they rejoice over me: when my foot slippeth, they magnify themselves against me."