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Nehemiah 13:3

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Nehemiah 13:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

As soon as the people heard this law, they excluded from Israel all of foreign descent.

King James Version KJV

Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

American Standard Version ASV

And it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So after hearing the law, they took out of Israel all the mixed people.

Free Bible Version FBV

When the people heard about this law, they separated out from Israel everyone who had foreign ancestry.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Now when they had heard the Lawe, they separated from Israel all those that were mixed.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And it cometh to pass, at their hearing the law, that they separate all the mixed people from Israel.

World English Bible WEB

It came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated all the mixed multitude from Israel.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated every stranger from Israel.

Translation for Translators T4T

So when the people heard these laws being read to them, they sent away all the people whose ancestors had come from other countries.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 13:3

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 13:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וַ/יְהִ֖י כְּ/שָׁמְעָ֣/ם אֶת הַ/תּוֹרָ֑ה וַ/יַּבְדִּ֥ילוּ כָל עֵ֖רֶב מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵֽל
וַ/יְהִ֖י hâyâh H1961 to be Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
כְּ/שָׁמְעָ֣/ם shâmaʻ H8085 to hear Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM
הַ/תּוֹרָ֑ה tôwrâh H8451 instruction Art | N-fs
וַ/יַּבְדִּ֥ילוּ bâdal H914 to separate Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
כָל kôl H3605 all N-ms
עֵ֖רֶב ʻêreb H6154 racial-mix N-ms
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 Israel Prep | N-proper
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 13:3

וַ/יְהִ֖י hâyâh H1961 "to be" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/שָׁמְעָ֣/ם shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
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.
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.
הַ/תּוֹרָ֑ה tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.
Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law
Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
וַ/יַּבְדִּ֥ילוּ bâdal H914 "to separate" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-3mp
This verb means to separate or divide, and is used in various contexts, including to set apart or make a distinction. It is translated as divide, separate, or difference in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to divide, separate 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to divide, separate, sever 1a2) to separate, set apart 1a3) to make a distinction, difference 1a4) to divide into parts 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to separate oneself from (reflexive of 1a2) 1b2) to withdraw from 1b3) to separate oneself unto 1b4) to be separated 1b5) to be excluded 1b6) to be set apart
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: (make, put) difference, divide (asunder), (make) separate (self, -ation), sever (out), [idiom] utterly. See also: Genesis 1:4; Deuteronomy 29:20; Isaiah 56:3.
כָל 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.
עֵ֖רֶב ʻêreb H6154 "racial-mix" N-ms
This word describes a mixture of people or things, like the diverse crowd that gathered to hear Jesus in the book of Matthew. It can also refer to a woven fabric, like the one described in Exodus. The word is used to describe a multicultural society.
Definition: mixture, mixed people, mixed company § 1) woof 1a) as mixed, interwoven 1b) knitted material
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Arabia, mingled people, mixed (multitude), woof. See also: Exodus 12:38; Leviticus 13:57; Jeremiah 25:20.
מִ/יִּשְׂרָאֵֽל Yisrâʼêl H3478 "Israel" Prep | N-proper
Israel is the symbolic name of Jacob, also referring to his descendants. Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah, had 12 sons who became the tribes of Israel, as told in Genesis 25:26. His story is crucial to the Bible's narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.25.26; son of: Isaac (H3327) and Rebekah (H7259); brother of: Esau (H6215); married to Rachel (H7354), Leah (H3812), Zilpah (H2153) and Bilhah (H1090A); father of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Judah (H3063), Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074), Dinah (H1783), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); also called Jacob frequently § Israel = "God prevails" 1) the second name for Jacob given to him by God after his wrestling with the angel at Peniel 2) the name of the descendants and the nation of the descendants of Jacob 2a) the name of the nation until the death of Solomon and the split 2b) the name used and given to the northern kingdom consisting of the 10 tribes under Jeroboam; the southern kingdom was known as Judah 2c) the name of the nation after the return from exile
Usage: Occurs in 2231 OT verses. KJV: Israel. See also: Genesis 32:29; Exodus 13:18; Exodus 40:38.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 13:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Nehemiah 9:2 Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers.
2 Exodus 12:38 And a mixed multitude also went up with them, along with great droves of livestock, both flocks and herds.
3 Numbers 11:4 Meanwhile, the rabble among them had a strong craving for other food, and again the Israelites wept and said, “Who will feed us meat?
4 Nehemiah 10:28 “The rest of the people—the priests, Levites, gatekeepers, singers, temple servants, and all who had separated themselves from the people of the land to obey the Law of God—along with their wives and all their sons and daughters who are able to understand,
5 James 1:27 Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
6 Psalms 19:7–11 The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.
7 Psalms 119:11 I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.
8 Proverbs 6:23 For this commandment is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and the reproofs of discipline are the way to life,
9 Ezra 10:11 Now, therefore, make a confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers, and do His will. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from your foreign wives.”
10 Romans 3:20 Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

Nehemiah 13:3 Summary

[The people of Israel excluded those of foreign descent from their community because they wanted to obey God's law, which said that certain foreign groups should not be part of their assembly. This was not an act of racism, but rather a desire to follow God's commands and maintain their identity as His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 23:3-6 and Exodus 19:5-6. By doing so, they demonstrated their commitment to prioritizing their relationship with God above all else, as stated in Matthew 6:33 and Luke 9:23-25. This serves as a reminder for us to also prioritize our relationship with God and separate ourselves from the influences of the world, as commanded in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the people of Israel exclude those of foreign descent from their community?

The people excluded those of foreign descent because they had heard the law from the Book of Moses, which stated that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God, as seen in Nehemiah 13:1-2, and Deuteronomy 23:3-6 provides more context on this law.

Is this action by the Israelites an example of racism or prejudice?

This action was not based on racism or prejudice, but rather on obedience to God's law, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:3-6, and it was a necessary step to maintain the purity and identity of the Israelites as God's chosen people, as seen in Exodus 19:5-6 and 1 Peter 2:9-10.

How does this verse relate to the concept of separation from the world?

This verse illustrates the importance of separation from the world, as commanded in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18, and it demonstrates the Israelites' commitment to following God's laws and maintaining their distinct identity as His people, as seen in Leviticus 20:26 and Romans 12:2.

What can we learn from the Israelites' swift response to hearing the law?

We can learn the importance of prompt obedience to God's Word, as seen in James 1:22-25, and the need to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else, as stated in Matthew 6:33 and Luke 9:23-25.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to separate myself from the influences of the world and draw closer to God?
  2. How can I demonstrate my commitment to following God's laws and maintaining a pure heart, as the Israelites did in this verse?
  3. In what ways can I prioritize my relationship with God and ensure that it remains the central focus of my life?
  4. What are some potential consequences of not separating myself from the world and its influences, and how can I avoid them?
  5. How can I balance my interactions with non-believers and those of different backgrounds with the need to maintain my spiritual purity and distinct identity as a child of God?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:3

Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law,.... Or the law concerning the Ammonite and the Moabite, and which included other nations also, and forbad marriage with them: that they separated

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:3

Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:3

i.e. All the heathenish people with whom they had contracted alliances. See .

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:3

Nehemiah 13:3 Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.Ver. 3. Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law] And were transformed into the same image therewith, by the Spirit of grace, who had made their flinty hearts to become fleshy, &c. We used to say, As hard hearted as a Jew. But they that relent not, repent not at the hearing of the word, are worse than these Jews; and it may be feared that the Lord hath a purpose to destroy them. "The law of the Lord," when but read only, "is perfect, converting the soul," Psalms 19:7, but woe to the irreformable, 2 Corinthians 4:4. That they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude] Vulgus promiscuum, the rabble of strangers, wherewith this people were haunted and pestered from the very first, Exodus 12:38 Numbers 11:4. These, moved with miracles, removed with them out of Egypt, but for a mischief to them, for they drew them into sin then, as those here did also; and were, therefore, worthily put away, as the law required.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:3

XIII.(1-3) Reform as to mixed marriages. (1) On that day.—Probably the season of the Feast of Tabernacles, as before. But portions were selected to be read. They read in the book of Moses.—“It was read” in the Pentateuch, and specially Deuteronomy 23. This is introduced for the sake of the action taken, and the history is given in brief, with a striking and characteristic parenthesis of Nehemiah’s own concerning the curse turned into a blessing. Therein was found written.—What to the people generally was not known. For ever.—No Ammonite or Ammonite family could have legal standing in the congregation, “even to their tenth generation;” and this interdict was to last “for ever.” It virtually though not actually amounted to absolute exclusion. (3) The mixed multitude.—For the “mixed multitude,” or Ereb, which plays so prominent a part in Jewish history, see on Exodus 12:38. The process here was that of shutting out heathens who were in the habit of mingling with the people in the services. In Nehemiah 9 it was, as we saw, the people’s separation from the practices and spirit of the heathen.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:3

Verse 3. They separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.] They excluded all strange women, and all persons, young and old, who had been born of these illegal connections.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:3

3. Now] R.V. And. The A.V. begins a new paragraph with this verse; which however continues the preceding verses, giving the result of the action taken. they separated] ‘They,’ impersonal, but evidently the leaders of the people are referred to. It does not appear whether the words ‘they separated from Israel’ denote merely ceremonial exclusion from participation in the worship and festivals of the holy people, or the forcible ejectment from their borders. The practical impossibility of so summary a policy is an objection to the latter interpretation. The parallel in Nehemiah 9:2 gives some support to the former alternative; and the instance recorded by Nehemiah in the following Nehemiah 13:4-14, shows that Nehemiah’s anger was kindled not at the presence of a stranger but at his connexion with the high-priest, and at the fact of his not being ‘separated from’ the Temple. all the mixed multitude] The use of the Hebrew word ‘’ereb’ here without an article may be illustrated by Exodus 12:38. There, as here, the word denotes the large body of strangers, members of other races, attached by ties of marriage or by commercial interests to the people of Israel. Their proneness to lead the Israelites astray was proverbial, cf. Numbers 11:4.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 13:3

A separation like that made by Ezra, some 20 years previously Ezra 10:15-44, seems to be intended. The pagan wives were divorced and sent back, with their offspring, to their own countries.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:3

3. They separated from Israel all the mixed multitude — Literally, separated all mixture from Israel.

Sermons on Nehemiah 13:3

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala The Law of Separation by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the pastor shares a personal experience of God speaking to him on a boat in Florida, promising to supply everything the church and his family would need if they led
Robert F. Adcock Nehemiah 9 by Robert F. Adcock In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of preparing one's heart to receive God's word. The speaker emphasizes the need for gratitude and acknowledges the ingratitud
F.B. Meyer The Seed of Israel Separated Themselves. by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the necessity of separation in the life of believers, drawing parallels from the creation story where God distinguished light from darkness and land from sea.
Derek Melton Do Not Be Content With the Ordinary by Derek Melton Derek Melton preaches about the urgent need for the Church to separate itself from worldly influences and confess its sins before God, following the example of the Israelites in Ne
David Wilkerson Evidence of Revival by David Wilkerson David Wilkerson emphasizes that true revival is evidenced by a deep desire to hear and obey God's Word, as demonstrated by the people in Nehemiah's time who eagerly listened to Ezr
T. Austin-Sparks Oneness With God in a Crisis Regarding the Natural Man by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the spiritual pilgrimage of the Christian life, illustrating that the journey begins with a decisive separation from the world and progresses into a dee
Chuck Smith Bitter Fruit of Disobedience by Chuck Smith This sermon focuses on the story from Jeremiah 42, where a small remnant of people, despite promising to obey God's word, choose to go against His warning and head to Egypt for saf
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