Nehemiah 12:30
Nehemiah 12:30 in Multiple Translations
After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.
And the priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.
And the priests and the Levites made themselves clean; and they made the people clean, and the doorways and the wall.
Once the priests and the Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
And the Priests and Leuites were purified, and clensed the people, and the gates, and the wall.
and the priests and the Levites are cleansed, and they cleanse the people, and the gates, and the wall.
The priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.
And the priests and the Levites purified, and they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.
When they came to Jerusalem, the priests and other descendants of Levi who help the priests performed rituals to cause themselves to be acceptable to God, and then they performed similar rituals to purify the other people, the gates, and the wall.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 12:30
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Nehemiah 12:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יִּֽטַּהֲר֔וּ
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם
וַֽ/יְטַהֲרוּ֙
אֶת
הָ/עָ֔ם
וְ/אֶת
הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֖ים
וְ/אֶֽת
הַ/חוֹמָֽה
וַ/יִּֽטַּהֲר֔וּ
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Art | N-mp
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
וַֽ/יְטַהֲרוּ֙
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Art | N-ms
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֖ים
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Art | N-mp
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
הַ/חוֹמָֽה
chôwmâh
H2346
wall
Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 12:30
וַ/יִּֽטַּהֲר֔וּ
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Conj | V-Hithpael-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
הַ/כֹּהֲנִ֖ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּ֑ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
וַֽ/יְטַהֲרוּ֙
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ/עָ֔ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֖ים
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
וְ/אֶֽת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/חוֹמָֽה
chôwmâh
H2346
"wall"
Art | N-fs
A wall of protection, like the walls of Jerusalem, provided safety and security for the people. It appears in the Bible as a physical barrier. The Israelites built walls around their cities for defense.
Definition: wall
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: wall, walled. See also: Exodus 14:22; Nehemiah 6:15; Psalms 51:20.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 12:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 12:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:30
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:30
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:30
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:30
- Sermons on Nehemiah 12:30
Context — The Dedication of the Wall
28The singers were also assembled from the region around Jerusalem, from the villages of the Netophathites,
29from Beth-gilgal, and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth, for they had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem.
30After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
31Then I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and I appointed two great thanksgiving choirs. One was to proceed along the top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate. 32Hoshaiah and half the leaders of Judah followed,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 1:5 | And when the days of feasting were over, Job would send for his children to purify them, rising early in the morning to offer burnt offerings for all of them. For Job thought, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular practice. |
| 2 | Exodus 19:10 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. They must wash their clothes |
| 3 | 2 Chronicles 29:5 | “Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity. |
| 4 | Ezra 6:21 | The Israelites who had returned from exile ate it, together with all who had separated themselves from the uncleanness of the peoples of the land to seek the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 5 | Nehemiah 13:22 | Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion. |
| 6 | Genesis 35:2 | So Jacob told his household and all who were with him, “Get rid of the foreign gods that are among you. Purify yourselves and change your garments. |
| 7 | Numbers 19:2–20 | “This is the statute of the law that the LORD has commanded: Instruct the Israelites to bring you an unblemished red heifer that has no defect and has never been placed under a yoke. Give it to Eleazar the priest, and he will have it brought outside the camp and slaughtered in his presence. Eleazar the priest is to take some of its blood on his finger and sprinkle it seven times toward the front of the Tent of Meeting. Then the heifer must be burned in his sight. Its hide, its flesh, and its blood are to be burned, along with its dung. The priest is to take cedar wood, hyssop, and scarlet wool and throw them onto the burning heifer. Then the priest must wash his clothes and bathe his body in water; after that he may enter the camp, but he will be ceremonially unclean until evening. The one who burned the heifer must also wash his clothes and bathe his body in water, and he too will be ceremonially unclean until evening. Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to gather up the ashes of the heifer and store them in a ceremonially clean place outside the camp. They must be kept by the congregation of Israel for preparing the water of purification; this is for purification from sin. The man who has gathered up the ashes of the heifer must also wash his clothes, and he will be ceremonially unclean until evening. This is a permanent statute for the Israelites and for the foreigner residing among them. Whoever touches any dead body will be unclean for seven days. He must purify himself with the water on the third day and on the seventh day; then he will be clean. But if he does not purify himself on the third and seventh days, he will not be clean. Anyone who touches a human corpse and fails to purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the LORD. That person must be cut off from Israel. He remains unclean, because the water of purification has not been sprinkled on him, and his uncleanness is still on him. This is the law when a person dies in a tent: Everyone who enters the tent and everyone already in the tent will be unclean for seven days, and any open container without a lid fastened on it is unclean. Anyone in the open field who touches someone who has been killed by the sword or has died of natural causes, or anyone who touches a human bone or a grave, will be unclean for seven days. For the purification of the unclean person, take some of the ashes of the burnt sin offering, put them in a jar, and pour fresh water over them. Then a man who is ceremonially clean is to take some hyssop, dip it in the water, and sprinkle the tent, all the furnishings, and the people who were there. He is also to sprinkle the one who touched a bone, a grave, or a person who has died or been slain. The man who is ceremonially clean is to sprinkle the unclean person on the third day and on the seventh day. After he purifies the unclean person on the seventh day, the one being cleansed must wash his clothes and bathe in water, and that evening he will be clean. But if a person who is unclean does not purify himself, he will be cut off from the assembly, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the LORD. The water of purification has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean. |
| 8 | Hebrews 5:1 | Every high priest is appointed from among men to represent them in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. |
| 9 | Hebrews 5:3 | That is why he is obligated to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. |
| 10 | 2 Chronicles 29:34 | However, since there were not enough priests to skin all the burnt offerings, their Levite brothers helped them until the work was finished and until the priests had been consecrated. For the Levites had been more diligent in consecrating themselves than the priests had been. |
Nehemiah 12:30 Summary
[Nehemiah 12:30 shows us that spiritual leaders must first purify themselves before helping others become clean before God, just like in Ezekiel 44:19. The priests and Levites purified the people, gates, and wall to make them holy and set apart for God's service. This reminds us that we too need to prioritize our own spiritual cleanliness, as seen in 1 John 1:9, to be effective in serving and honoring God. By following the example of the priests and Levites, we can dedicate our lives and surroundings to God, making them holy and pleasing to Him.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the priests and Levites need to purify themselves before purifying the people, gates, and wall?
The priests and Levites needed to purify themselves to ensure they were spiritually clean before leading the people in purification, as seen in Ezekiel 44:19 and Numbers 8:21, where purification is a prerequisite for ministry and service to God.
What does it mean to purify the gates and the wall?
Purifying the gates and the wall symbolized the dedication of the city and its structures to God, making them holy and set apart for His service, similar to the consecration of the altar in Numbers 7:1 and the cleansing of the temple in 2 Chronicles 29:15-19.
How does this verse relate to the concept of spiritual cleanliness in the New Testament?
This verse foreshadows the New Testament teaching on spiritual cleanliness, where believers are called to purify themselves from sin and worldly influences, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and 2 Corinthians 7:1, to be holy and pleasing to God.
What role do leaders play in the spiritual purification process?
Leaders, like the priests and Levites, have a crucial role in leading the people in spiritual purification, as seen in Nehemiah 12:30, and are responsible for setting an example of godliness and purity, as taught in 1 Timothy 4:12 and Titus 2:7-8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life that need spiritual purification, and how can I surrender them to God?
- How can I, like the priests and Levites, prioritize my own spiritual cleanliness to effectively serve and lead others?
- What are some 'gates' and 'walls' in my life that need to be dedicated to God, and how can I practically do that?
- In what ways can I participate in the spiritual purification process, whether as a leader or a follower, to bring glory to God?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 12:30
And the priests and the Levites purified themselves,.... By washing their bodies and their clothes, perhaps by sprinkling the water of purification on them, see Numbers 8:6.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 12:30
And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:30
Partly by sprinkling the water of purification upon them, by which the tabernacle and sacred utensils were purified, Numbers 8; and partly by solemn prayers and sacrifices.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:30
Nehemiah 12:30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.Ver. 30. Purified themselves, and purified the people] But first themselves; because whoso would reform others must begin with himself, as Lyra here notes.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:30
(30) Purified themselves.—Before consecration to God there must be purification from defilement. It is made emphatic that both priests and Levites purified themselves, that is, by offerings and ablutions (comp. 2 Chronicles 29:15; Ezra 6:20): the gates and the wall by being sprinkled.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:30
Verse 30. The priests and the Levites purified themselves] This consisted in washings, abstinence from wine, and other matters, which, on all other occasions, were lawful. And as to the purifying of the gates and the walls, nothing was requisite but to remove all filth from the former, and all rubbish that might have been laid against the latter.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 12:30
30. purified themselves] Cf. Ezra 6:20. The description of the sacrifices offered by Hezekiah on the occasion of a national purification should be compared, 2 Chronicles 29:20-24. the people … the gates … the walls] i.e. the people were purified in order that they might engage in the solemn dedication of their city walls without violation of the laws of purity. ‘The gates and walls’ were probably sprinkled, both as a sign of the dedication and to remove defilement from the path of the sacred procession.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 12:30
30. Purified themselves… people… gates… wall — This was probably done by the sprinkling of water, (Numbers 19:18,) and the offering of sacrifices. Compare 2 Chronicles 29:21.
Sermons on Nehemiah 12:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Leadership Qualities of Nehemiah by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, highlighting his deep concern for the people and the state of Jerusalem, which ignited a burden in his heart. Nehemiah's |
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A Revival of Holiness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is not surprised by the moral decay in the world, such as drug abuse and abortion, and His response to such turmoil is to raise individuals like |
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04 Building Fellowship as Husband & Wife by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of God's order in earthly families as a foundation for building the church. It contrasts the focus on family in the New Testament with the lac |
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Light on Satan's Tactics - Satan's Tactic With Job by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and highlights the godly character of Job, who was also a wealthy man and a father of ten children. The preacher emphasizes |
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A Life of Self Acknowlegement by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of discipline in various aspects of life, such as time management, financial stewardship, and controlling bodily desires. It also highlights t |
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Follow After Righteousness - Part 2 by Joshua Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of following righteousness, patience, meekness, and God-likeness, drawing inspiration from the story of Job who remained faithful and did not |
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Homily 33 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches on the importance of emulating the faith and endurance of biblical figures like Job, the apostles, and the three children in the fiery furnace. He emphasiz |