Nehemiah 6:6
6 Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmua saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
Why is Nehemiah’s adversary named Geshem here and Gashmu in Nehemiah 6:6? (KJV)
PROBLEM: As soon as Nehemiah set about to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem, the surrounding enemy mounted an opposition. One of those who opposed the work was identified as Geshem the Arab. However, in Nehemiah 6:6 this same person is identified as Gashmu. Which is the correct spelling?
SOLUTION: Both spellings are correct. The difference lies in the way the Hebrew and Arab languages treat the spelling of proper names. The Arabic pronunciation is preserved in Nehemiah 6:6 with the customary “u” ending. The Hebrew pronunciation is preserved in Nehemiah 2:19 with the elimination of the “u” along with the appropriate short vowels to produce the name “Geshem.” Nehemiah 7:1 ff—Why are many of the numbers in Nehemiah’s list of those who returned to Jerusalem different from those in Ezra 2:1ff? (See comments under Ezra 2:1ff.)