Nehemiah 13:27
Nehemiah 13:27 in Multiple Translations
Must we now hear that you too are doing all this terrible evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?”
Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?
Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to trespass against our God in marrying foreign women?
Are we then without protest to let you do all this great evil, sinning against our God by taking strange women for your wives?
So do we have to hear about you committing this dreadful sin, how you are being unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women?”
Shall wee then obey vnto you, to doe all this great euil, and to transgresse against our God, euen to marry strange wiues?
And to you do we hearken to do all this great evil, to trespass against our God, to settle strange women?'
Shall we then listen to you to do all this great evil, to trespass against our God in marrying foreign women?”
Shall we then hearken to you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying foreign wives?
And shall we also be disobedient and do all this great evil to transgress against our God, and marry strange women?
Do you think that we should do what you have done, and disobey our God by marrying foreign women who worship idols? [RHQ]”
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 13:27
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 13:27 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/לָ/כֶ֣ם
הֲ/נִשְׁמַ֗ע
לַ/עֲשֹׂת֙
אֵ֣ת
כָּל
הָ/רָעָ֤ה
הַ/גְּדוֹלָה֙
הַ/זֹּ֔את
לִ/מְעֹ֖ל
בֵּֽ/אלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
לְ/הֹשִׁ֖יב
נָשִׁ֥ים
נָכְרִיּֽוֹת
וְ/לָ/כֶ֣ם
Conj | Prep | Suff
הֲ/נִשְׁמַ֗ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
Part | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
לַ/עֲשֹׂת֙
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֵ֣ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
הָ/רָעָ֤ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | N-fs
הַ/גְּדוֹלָה֙
gâdôwl
H1419
Great (Sea)
Art | Adj
הַ/זֹּ֔את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Art | Pron
לִ/מְעֹ֖ל
mâʻal
H4603
be unfaithful
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בֵּֽ/אלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Prep | N-mp | Suff
לְ/הֹשִׁ֖יב
yâshab
H3427
to dwell
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
נָשִׁ֥ים
ʼishshâh
H802
woman
N-fp
נָכְרִיּֽוֹת
nokrîy
H5237
foreign
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 13:27
וְ/לָ/כֶ֣ם
""
Conj | Prep | Suff
הֲ/נִשְׁמַ֗ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
Part | V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
לַ/עֲשֹׂת֙
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
אֵ֣ת
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.
כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הָ/רָעָ֤ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
הַ/גְּדוֹלָה֙
gâdôwl
H1419
"Great (Sea)"
Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
הַ/זֹּ֔את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Art | Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
לִ/מְעֹ֖ל
mâʻal
H4603
"be unfaithful"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to be unfaithful or act treacherously, covering up or acting secretly against someone. It's used to describe actions against people or God, such as committing a trespass or transgressing. The Bible translates it as 'transgress' or 'trespass'.
Definition: 1) to act unfaithfully, act treacherously, transgress, commit a trespass 1a) (Qal) to act unfaithfully or treacherously 1a1) against man 1a2) against God 1a3) against devoted thing 1a4) against husband
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: transgress, (commit, do a) trespass(-ing). See also: Leviticus 5:15; 2 Chronicles 28:19; Proverbs 16:10.
בֵּֽ/אלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Prep | N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
לְ/הֹשִׁ֖יב
yâshab
H3427
"to dwell"
Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.
Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)
Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.
נָשִׁ֥ים
ʼishshâh
H802
"woman"
N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
נָכְרִיּֽוֹת
nokrîy
H5237
"foreign"
Adj
This Hebrew word describes something or someone foreign or unfamiliar, including people, women, or things. It can also mean wonderful or outlandish. In the Bible, it is often translated as alien or foreigner.
Definition: 1) foreign, alien 1a) foreign 1b) foreigner (subst) 1c) foreign woman, harlot 1d) unknown, unfamiliar (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: alien, foreigner, outlandish, strange(-r, woman). See also: Genesis 31:15; Ezra 10:17; Psalms 69:9.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 13:27
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 13:27 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:27
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:27
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:27
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:27
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:27
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:27
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:27
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:27
- Sermons on Nehemiah 13:27
Context — Intermarriage Forbidden
25I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves!
26Did not King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations, and he was loved by his God, who made him king over all Israel—yet foreign women drew him into sin.
27Must we now hear that you too are doing all this terrible evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?”
28Even one of the sons of Jehoiada son of Eliashib the high priest had become a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I drove him away from me. 29Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 10:2 | Then Shecaniah son of Jehiel, an Elamite, said to Ezra: “We have been unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women from the people of the land, yet in spite of this, there is hope for Israel. |
| 2 | 1 Samuel 30:24 | Who will listen to your proposal? The share of the one who went to battle will match the share of the one who stayed with the supplies. They will share alike.” |
Nehemiah 13:27 Summary
[Nehemiah is upset because the Israelites are marrying women who do not believe in God, which is leading them to sin against Him. This is a big deal because God had specifically warned the Israelites not to marry foreigners, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:3-4. Nehemiah is standing up for what is right, even if it is difficult, and we can learn from his example. By being faithful to God's commands, we can avoid sinning against Him and stay on the right path, as seen in Psalm 119:105 and Proverbs 4:18.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue Nehemiah is addressing in this verse?
Nehemiah is concerned about the Israelites marrying foreign women, which is leading them to act unfaithfully against God, as seen in the example of King Solomon in 1 Kings 11:1-8 and Deuteronomy 7:3-4.
Why is Nehemiah so upset about the Israelites marrying foreign women?
Nehemiah is upset because he knows that marrying foreign women will lead the Israelites away from God, just like it did with King Solomon, as written in 1 Kings 11:1-8, and will cause them to sin against God, as warned in Exodus 34:15-17 and Deuteronomy 7:3-4.
Is Nehemiah's reaction to the situation too harsh?
Nehemiah's reaction may seem harsh, but it is motivated by his love for God and his desire to see the Israelites obey God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5 and Matthew 22:37-40, and to avoid the consequences of disobedience, as warned in Numbers 25:1-9 and Joshua 23:12-13.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of standing up for what is right, even if it is difficult, and of being faithful to God's commands, as seen in Psalm 119:136 and Acts 5:29, and of avoiding relationships that could lead us away from God, as warned in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be compromising my faith by associating with people who do not share my values?
- How can I be more like Nehemiah, standing up for what is right even when it is difficult?
- What are some potential consequences of marrying someone who does not share my faith, and how can I avoid this situation?
- In what ways can I be more faithful to God's commands, and what steps can I take to avoid sinning against Him?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:27
Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil,.... To suffer it to be done, and connive at it, and not punish for it: to transgress against our God; his law, his mind, and will: in marrying strange wives?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:27
Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:27
Shall we then hearken unto you? shall we justify our action by permitting or not punishing it? God forbid.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:27
Nehemiah 13:27 Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?Ver. 27. To do all this great evil] Here are three articles in the Hebrew, importing the heinousness of this sin. See the like, Genesis 39:9. To transgress against our God] No sin can be little, because it is a disloyalty (so the word signifieth) against so great a God, and his most holy law; a sacrilegious trespass.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:27
(23-29) The mixed marriages again.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:27
Verse 27. Shall we then hearken unto you] If God spared not Solomon, who was so much beloved of Him, shall we spare you, who by your conduct are bringing down God's judgments upon Israel?
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:27
27. Shall we then hearken unto you] The rendering is disputed. According to the English Version, the sense is, ‘are we to listen to your expostulations and entreaties, and permit this evil to go on unchecked, when even the saintly Solomon fell because of it?’ This is the rendering of the LXX. καὶὑμῶνμὴἀκουσώμεθα, and is reproduced by the Vulg. ‘Numquid et nos inobedientes faciemus.’ The alternative translation throws greater emphasis on the contrast between Solomon and the Jews. ‘And as for you, should it be heard of (i.e. surely if Solomon thus fell, it should be an unheard of thing), that ye should go on the same fatal course of conduct?’ In favour of this rendering is the prominent position of the 2nd plur. pron. at the head of Neh 13:27. transgress] R.V. trespass.wives] R.V. women. Nehemiah apparently renewed the policy of Ezra (Ezra 10) and urged the Jews to put away from them their Gentile wives.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:27
27. Shall we then hearken unto you — Shall we hear to you, that is, in the sense of accepting your views, and consenting to your evil action in this matter?
Sermons on Nehemiah 13:27
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
A Salute to Those Who Stayed With It by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing and embracing the diverse callings within the body of Christ. Using the story of David and his army in 1 Samuel 30, it highligh |
|
Waiting or Doing by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of contentment and obedience to God's will, emphasizing that whether we are called to worship in stillness or serve in busyness, |
|
Tarrying by the Stuff by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the vital role of those who 'tarry by the stuff' in the mission of God, paralleling David's decision to share the spoils of victory with those who stayed be |
|
|
Staying by the Stuff by A.B. Simpson | A.B. Simpson emphasizes the importance of those who 'stay by the stuff' in the context of David's victory over the Amalekites, illustrating that both the front-line soldiers and th |