Nehemiah 13:30
Nehemiah 13:30 in Multiple Translations
Thus I purified the priests and Levites from everything foreign, and I assigned specific duties to each of the priests and Levites.
Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;
Thus cleansed I them from all foreigners, and appointed charges for the priests and for the Levites, every one in his work;
So I made them clean from all strange people, and had regular watches fixed for the priests and for the Levites, everyone in his work;
I purified them from everything foreign, and I made sure the priests and Levites were carrying out their assigned responsibilities.
Then cleansed I them from all strangers, and appoynted the wardes of the Priestes and of the Leuites, euery one in his office,
And I have cleansed them from every stranger, and appoint charges to priests and to Levites, each in his work,
Thus I cleansed them from all foreigners and appointed duties for the priests and for the Levites, everyone in his work;
Thus I cleansed them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;
So I separated from them all strangers, and I appointed the courses of the priests and the Levites, every man in his ministry:
I did all that to make sure that there were no more foreign people among the Israeli people who would encourage them to worship idols. I also established regulations for the priests and other descendants of Levi, in order that they would know what work they should do.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 13:30
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 13:30 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/טִֽהַרְתִּ֖י/ם
מִ/כָּל
נֵכָ֑ר
וָ/אַעֲמִ֧ידָ/ה
מִשְׁמָר֛וֹת
לַ/כֹּהֲנִ֥ים
וְ/לַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם
אִ֥ישׁ
בִּ/מְלַאכְתּֽ/וֹ
וְ/טִֽהַרְתִּ֖י/ם
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
נֵכָ֑ר
nêkâr
H5236
foreign
N-ms
וָ/אַעֲמִ֧ידָ/ה
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
מִשְׁמָר֛וֹת
mishmereth
H4931
charge
N-fp
לַ/כֹּהֲנִ֥ים
kôhên
H3548
priest
Prep | N-mp
וְ/לַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Conj | Prep | Ngmpa
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
בִּ/מְלַאכְתּֽ/וֹ
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
work
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 13:30
וְ/טִֽהַרְתִּ֖י/ם
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-1cs | Suff
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.
מִ/כָּל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | 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.
נֵכָ֑ר
nêkâr
H5236
"foreign"
N-ms
This word refers to something or someone foreign, including people, gods, or things. It can also describe heathendom or alien ideas. In the KJV, it is translated as alien or strange.
Definition: 1) foreign, alien, foreignness, that which is foreign 1a) foreignness, foreign gods 1b) alien, foreigner 1c) foreign (vanities)
Usage: Occurs in 35 OT verses. KJV: alien, strange ([phrase] -er). See also: Genesis 17:12; Nehemiah 13:30; Psalms 18:45.
וָ/אַעֲמִ֧ידָ/ה
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
מִשְׁמָר֛וֹת
mishmereth
H4931
"charge"
N-fp
Mishmereth refers to a guard or watch, such as a sentry or a post, emphasizing the act of preservation or safekeeping, like a duty or obligation to protect something or someone.
Definition: 1) guard, charge, function, obligation, service, watch 1a) guard, watch, house of detention or confinement 1b) keeping, preserving 1c) charge, injunction 1d) office, function (ceremonial)
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: charge, keep, or to be kept, office, ordinace, safeguard, ward, watch. See also: Genesis 26:5; Joshua 22:3; Isaiah 21:8.
לַ/כֹּהֲנִ֥ים
kôhên
H3548
"priest"
Prep | 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/לַ/לְוִיִּ֖ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Conj | Prep | 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.
אִ֥ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
בִּ/מְלַאכְתּֽ/וֹ
mᵉlâʼkâh
H4399
"work"
Prep | N-fs | Suff
Means work or employment, like a job or business, and is used to describe someone's occupation or the result of their labor, as seen in the Bible's description of various professions and industries.
Definition: 1) occupation, work, business 1a) occupation, business 1b) property 1c) work (something done or made) 1d) workmanship 1e) service, use 1f) public business 1f1) political 1f2) religious
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: business, [phrase] cattle, [phrase] industrious, occupation, ([phrase] -pied), [phrase] officer, thing (made), use, (manner of) work((-man), -manship). See also: Genesis 2:2; 1 Chronicles 9:13; Psalms 73:28.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 13:30
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 13:30 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:30
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:30
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:30
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:30
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:30
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 13:30
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:30
- Sermons on Nehemiah 13:30
Context — Intermarriage Forbidden
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.
30Thus I purified the priests and Levites from everything foreign, and I assigned specific duties to each of the priests and Levites.
31I also arranged for contributions of wood at the appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 10:30 | We will not give our daughters in marriage to the people of the land, and we will not take their daughters for our sons. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 12:1–26 | Now these are the priests and Levites who went up with Zerubbabel son of Shealtiel and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, Shecaniah, Rehum, Meremoth, Iddo, Ginnethon, Abijah, Mijamin, Maadiah, Bilgah, Shemaiah, Joiarib, Jedaiah, Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, and Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and their associates in the days of Jeshua. The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who, with his associates, led the songs of thanksgiving. Bakbukiah and Unni, their associates, stood across from them in the services. Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, Eliashib was the father of Joiada, Joiada was the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan was the father of Jaddua. In the days of Joiakim, these were the heads of the priestly families: of the family of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah; of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan; of Malluchi, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph; of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai; of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam; of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin and of Moadiah, Piltai; of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jonathan; of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; and of Jedaiah, Nethanel. In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, during the reign of Darius the Persian, the heads of the families of the Levites and priests were recorded. As for the descendants of Levi, the family heads up to the days of Johanan son of Eliashib were recorded in the Book of the Chronicles. The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua son of Kadmiel, along with their associates, who stood across from them to give praise and thanksgiving as one section alternated with the other, as prescribed by David the man of God. Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who guarded the storerooms at the gates. They served in the days of Joiakim son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and Ezra the priest and scribe. |
| 3 | 1 Chronicles 23:1–26 | When David was old and full of years, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel. Then he gathered all the leaders of Israel, as well as the priests and Levites. The Levites thirty years of age or older were counted, and the total number of men was 38,000. “Of these,” said David, “24,000 are to oversee the work of the house of the LORD, 6,000 are to be officers and judges, 4,000 are to be gatekeepers, and 4,000 are to praise the LORD with the instruments I have made for giving praise.” Then David divided the Levites into divisions according to the sons of Levi: Gershom, Kohath, and Merari. The Gershonites: Ladan and Shimei. The sons of Ladan: Jehiel the first, Zetham, and Joel—three in all. The sons of Shimei: Shelomoth, Haziel, and Haran—three in all. These were the heads of the families of Ladan. And the sons of Shimei: Jahath, Zina, Jeush, and Beriah. These were the sons of Shimei—four in all. Jahath was the first and Zizah was the second; but Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons, so they were counted as one family and received a single assignment. The sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel—four in all. The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. Aaron and his descendants were set apart forever to consecrate the most holy things, to burn incense before the LORD, to minister before Him, and to pronounce blessings in His name forever. As for Moses the man of God, his sons were named among the tribe of Levi. The sons of Moses: Gershom and Eliezer. The descendants of Gershom: Shebuel was the first. The descendants of Eliezer: Rehabiah was the first. Eliezer did not have any other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very numerous. The sons of Izhar: Shelomith was the first. The sons of Hebron: Jeriah was the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. The sons of Uzziel: Micah was the first and Isshiah the second. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. Eleazar died without having any sons; he had only daughters. Their cousins, the sons of Kish, married them. The sons of Mushi: Mahli, Eder, and Jeremoth —three in all. These were the descendants of Levi by their families—the heads of families, registered individually by name—those twenty years of age or older who worked in the service of the house of the LORD. For David had said, “The LORD, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people and has come to dwell in Jerusalem forever. So now the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the articles for its service.” |
Nehemiah 13:30 Summary
[Nehemiah 13:30 tells us that Nehemiah worked to purify the priests and Levites from any foreign influences, and he gave each of them specific jobs to do. This helped them to focus on serving God and following His commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3. We can learn from Nehemiah's example by regularly examining our own lives to remove anything that might be distracting us from God, and by seeking to fulfill the roles and responsibilities God has given us (1 Corinthians 12:4-7). By doing so, we can live lives that are pleasing to God and that reflect His holiness (Leviticus 20:26).]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'purified from everything foreign' in Nehemiah 13:30?
This means to remove any influence or practice that is not in line with God's commands, as seen in Deuteronomy 12:2-3, and to dedicate oneself to following God's ways.
Why was it important for Nehemiah to assign specific duties to the priests and Levites?
Assigning specific duties helped to maintain order and ensure that the priests and Levites were fulfilling their roles as described in Numbers 18:1-7 and 1 Chronicles 23:28-32.
How does Nehemiah's action in this verse relate to the concept of holiness in the Bible?
Nehemiah's action reflects the importance of holiness, as commanded in Leviticus 20:26, where God's people are called to be separate from the world and dedicated to Him.
What can we learn from Nehemiah's example in this verse about our own spiritual lives?
We can learn the importance of regularly examining our lives to remove any 'foreign' influences and to dedicate ourselves to following God's commands, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 7:1 and 1 Peter 1:15-16.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'foreign' influences in my life that I need to remove in order to be more dedicated to God?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, take steps to maintain order and purity in my own spiritual life?
- What specific duties or responsibilities has God assigned to me, and how can I fulfill them faithfully?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of holiness from this verse to my daily life, and what changes might I need to make?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:30
Thus cleansed I them from all strangers,.... Both people and priests from strange wives, obliging them to put them away, or flee their country: and appointing the wards of the priests and the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:30
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.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:30
Nehemiah 13:30 Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;Ver. 30. Thus cleansed I them from all strangers] As from so much filth and rubbish. I made them either put away their strange wives, or quit their places. He did not raise a dust only, but not remove it, as Luther wittily saith of the cardinals and prelates, that met at Rome about reformation of the Church (Sleid. Com.). These he compared to foxes that came to sweep a house full of dust with their tails; and instead of sweeping it out, swept it all about the house, and made a great smoke for the while; but when they were gone, the dust all fell down again. Nehemiah made clean work, and so purged the priesthood, that he made it shine again, as the word here signifieth; the priests were (as Chrysostom saith all ministers should be), puriores coelo, clearer than the azured sky; and as those Nazarites, Lamentations 4:7, purer than snow, whiter than milk, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:30
(30, 31) Conclusion.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:30
30. Nehemiah Summarizes his Work under the heads of purification and organizationcleansed I them] i.e. the people of Israel. all strangers] R.V. marg. ‘Or, every strange thing’. LXX. ἀπὸπάσηςἀλλοτριώσεως; the foreign element, which threatened to encroach upon the separateness of Israel and become the renewed source of idolatry. Vulg. ‘ab omnibus alienigenis.’ the wards of] R.V. wards for. Nehemiah did not originate the duties of the priests and Levites; he only set on foot a more systematic distribution of their work. The word ‘wards’ may here indicate the successive relays or ‘watches’ of priests and Levites (LXX. ἐφημερίας. Vulg. ‘ordines’); or, in a more general sense, their ‘duties’ and ‘observances,’ as in Nehemiah 13:13, which seems to agree best with the following clause: ‘each one in his work.’ in his business] R.V. in his work, Nehemiah 13:10, Nehemiah 10:33, Nehemiah 11:12. As generally in these books, except Nehemiah 11:16; Nehemiah 11:22, where ‘business’ is retained. Cf. Proverbs 22:29, ‘Seest thou a man diligent in his business?’
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 13:30
The wards - Rather, “the offices or observances.” Nehemiah’s arrangement is probably that described in Nehemiah 11:10-22.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:30
30. Thus cleansed I them — This verse is a concluding summary of Nehemiah’s reforms. Appointed the wards — See Nehemiah 12:44-47.
Sermons on Nehemiah 13:30
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Building of the House of the Lord by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the building of the house of the Lord as described in First Chronicles. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of God's presence a |