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Nehemiah 9:20

Nehemiah 9:20 in Multiple Translations

You gave Your good Spirit to instruct them. You did not withhold Your manna from their mouths, and You gave them water for their thirst.

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

Thou gavest also thy good Spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

And you gave your good spirit to be their teacher, and did not keep back your manna from their mouths, and gave them water when they had need of it.

You gave your good Spirit to teach them. You did not stop feeding them with your manna, and you gave them water when they were thirsty.

Thou gauest also thy good Spirite to instruct them, and withheldest not thy MAN from their mouth, and gauest them water for their thirst.

'And Thy good Spirit Thou hast given, to cause them to act wisely; and Thy manna Thou hast not withheld from their mouth, and water Thou hast given to them for their thirst,

You gave also your good Spirit to instruct them, and didn’t withhold your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst.

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.

And thou gavest them thy good Spirit to teach them, and thy manna thou didst not withhold from their mouth, and thou gavest them water for their thirst.

You sent your good Spirit to instruct them. You continued to provide water when they were thirsty.

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 9:20

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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 9:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/רוּחֲ/ךָ֨ הַ/טּוֹבָ֔ה נָתַ֖תָּ לְ/הַשְׂכִּילָ֑/ם וּ/מַנְ/ךָ֙ לֹא מָנַ֣עְתָּ מִ/פִּי/הֶ֔ם וּ/מַ֛יִם נָתַ֥תָּה לָ/הֶ֖ם לִ/צְמָאָֽ/ם
וְ/רוּחֲ/ךָ֨ rûwach H7307 spirit Conj | N-cs | Suff
הַ/טּוֹבָ֔ה ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Art | Adj
נָתַ֖תָּ nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לְ/הַשְׂכִּילָ֑/ם sâkal H7919 be prudent Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
וּ/מַנְ/ךָ֙ mân H4478 manna Conj | N-ms | Suff
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
מָנַ֣עְתָּ mânaʻ H4513 to withhold V-Qal-Perf-2ms
מִ/פִּי/הֶ֔ם peh H6310 lip Prep | N-ms | Suff
וּ/מַ֛יִם mayim H4325 Water (Gate) Conj | N-mp
נָתַ֥תָּה nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לָ/הֶ֖ם Prep | Suff
לִ/צְמָאָֽ/ם tsâmâʼ H6772 thirst Prep | N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 9:20

וְ/רוּחֲ/ךָ֨ rûwach H7307 "spirit" Conj | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
הַ/טּוֹבָ֔ה ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Art | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
נָתַ֖תָּ nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לְ/הַשְׂכִּילָ֑/ם sâkal H7919 "be prudent" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff
To be circumspect means to be careful and thoughtful in your actions. In the Bible, this word is used to describe someone who is intelligent and prudent, like Solomon in 1 Kings 3:12.
Definition: 1) to be prudent, be circumspect, wisely understand, prosper 1a) (Qal) to be prudent, be circumspect 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to look at or upon, have insight 1b2) to give attention to, consider, ponder, be prudent 1b3) to have insight, have comprehension 1b3a) insight, comprehension (subst) 1b4) to cause to consider, give insight, teach 1b4a) the teachers, the wise 1b5) to act circumspectly, act prudently, act wisely 1b6) to prosper, have success 1b7) to cause to prosper Aramaic equivalent: se.khal (שְׂכַל "to contemplate" H7920)
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: consider, expert, instruct, prosper, (deal) prudent(-ly), (give) skill(-ful), have good success, teach, (have, make to) understand(-ing), wisdom, (be, behave self, consider, make) wise(-ly), guide wittingly. See also: Genesis 3:6; Proverbs 1:3; Psalms 2:10.
וּ/מַנְ/ךָ֙ mân H4478 "manna" Conj | N-ms | Suff
This word refers to a special food God provided for the Israelites in the wilderness, called manna. It got its name from the question the Israelites asked when they saw it: 'What is it?'
Definition: 1) manna 1a) the bread from Heaven that fed the Israelites for 40 years of wilderness wanderings
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: manna. See also: Exodus 16:15; Numbers 11:9; Psalms 78:24.
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
מָנַ֣עְתָּ mânaʻ H4513 "to withhold" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
To withhold means to hold something back or keep it from someone. In the Bible, this word is used to describe God withholding something from people, or people withholding things from each other.
Definition: 1) to withhold, hold back, keep back, refrain, deny, keep restrain, hinder 1a) (Qal) to withhold 1b) (Niphal) to be withheld
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: deny, keep (back), refrain, restrain, withhold. See also: Genesis 30:2; Proverbs 1:15; Psalms 21:3.
מִ/פִּי/הֶ֔ם peh H6310 "lip" Prep | N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
וּ/מַ֛יִם mayim H4325 "Water (Gate)" Conj | N-mp
This word means water, referring to a liquid or a source of refreshment. It appears in the Bible as a literal and figurative term, including references to wasting or urine. The word is used in various contexts, such as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: This name means water, refreshment
Usage: Occurs in 525 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] piss, wasting, water(-ing, (-course, -flood, -spring)). See also: Genesis 1:2; Leviticus 14:9; Joshua 18:15.
נָתַ֥תָּה nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ/הֶ֖ם "" Prep | Suff
לִ/צְמָאָֽ/ם tsâmâʼ H6772 "thirst" Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to the feeling of thirst itself, whether physical or spiritual, and is used in the Bible to describe a strong desire or need, like in Exodus 17:3 where the Israelites complain about lacking water in the desert. It can also symbolize a longing for God.
Definition: thirst
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: thirst(-y). See also: Exodus 17:3; Isaiah 5:13; Psalms 69:22.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 9:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Psalms 143:10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. May Your good Spirit lead me on level ground.
2 Numbers 11:17 And I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take some of the Spirit that is on you and put that Spirit on them. They will help you bear the burden of the people, so that you do not have to bear it by yourself.
3 Isaiah 63:11–14 Then His people remembered the days of old, the days of Moses. Where is He who brought them through the sea with the shepherds of His flock? Where is the One who set His Holy Spirit among them, who sent His glorious arm to lead them by the right hand of Moses, who divided the waters before them to gain for Himself everlasting renown, who led them through the depths like a horse in the wilderness, so that they did not stumble? Like cattle going down to the valley, the Spirit of the LORD gave them rest. You led Your people this way to make for Yourself a glorious name.
4 John 4:10 Jesus answered, “If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.”
5 2 Peter 1:21 For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
6 Isaiah 48:21 They did not thirst when He led them through the deserts; He made water flow for them from the rock; He split the rock, and water gushed out.
7 Isaiah 41:17–18 The poor and needy seek water, but there is none; their tongues are parched with thirst. I, the LORD, will answer them; I, the God of Israel, will not forsake them. I will open rivers on the barren heights, and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will turn the desert into a pool of water, and the dry land into flowing springs.
8 John 7:37–39 On the last and greatest day of the feast, Jesus stood up and called out in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said: ‘Streams of living water will flow from within him.’” He was speaking about the Spirit, whom those who believed in Him were later to receive. For the Spirit had not yet been given, because Jesus had not yet been glorified.
9 Ephesians 5:9 for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth.
10 Joshua 5:12 And the day after they had eaten from the produce of the land, the manna ceased. There was no more manna for the Israelites, so that year they began to eat the crops of the land of Canaan.

Nehemiah 9:20 Summary

This verse reminds us that God is a loving and providing Father, who gives us His Holy Spirit to guide and teach us. Just as He provided manna and water for the Israelites in the wilderness, He promises to meet our needs and provide for us, as seen in Matthew 6:33. We can trust in His faithfulness and provision, knowing that He is a God who keeps His promises, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:9. By seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, we can experience His guidance and provision in our own lives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that God gave His 'good Spirit' to instruct the Israelites?

This refers to the Holy Spirit, who guided and taught the Israelites in the wilderness, as seen in other scriptures like Psalm 143:10, where David asks for the Holy Spirit to guide him.

Why did God provide manna and water for the Israelites in the wilderness?

God provided for their physical needs, just as He promises to provide for ours, as seen in Matthew 6:33, where Jesus teaches us to seek God's kingdom and His righteousness, and all our needs will be met.

How does this verse relate to our lives today?

Just as God provided for the Israelites, He promises to provide for us, guiding us with His Spirit and meeting our needs, as seen in Philippians 4:19, where it says God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.

What can we learn from God's provision for the Israelites in the wilderness?

We can learn about God's faithfulness, provision, and love for His people, just as it is written in Deuteronomy 7:9, that God is a faithful God who keeps His covenant and mercy for a thousand generations.

Reflection Questions

  1. How has God provided for me in my own wilderness experiences, and how can I trust Him to continue guiding me?
  2. What are some ways I can seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in my daily life, just as the Israelites were guided in the wilderness?
  3. How can I apply the principle of seeking God's kingdom and righteousness, as taught in Matthew 6:33, to my own life and circumstances?
  4. In what ways can I show gratitude for God's provision and guidance in my life, just as the Israelites were called to remember God's works in the wilderness?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:20

Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them,.... In the knowledge of the laws delivered to them; the spirit of prophecy, according to Ben Melech, and which Aben Ezra interprets of the spirit

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:20

Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:20

Thou gavest also thy good spirit; which thou didst graciously and plentifully impart unto Moses, and then unto the seventy eiders, ,25,26, to the end that they might be able to direct and govern thy people wisely, and in thy fear.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:20

Nehemiah 9:20 Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.Ver. 20. Thou gavest also thy good spirit] viz. To their governors and teachers, Numbers 11:16-17; Numbers 11:25-26. Yea, to every good soul, that they might be all taught of God, led into all truth and holiness, Ephesians 5:9. For which end God hath promised to pour his Spirit upon all flesh, that is, the best thing upon the basest, Joe 2:28. Next to the sending of his Son in the flesh (which is called the gift, John 4:10, and the benefit, 1 Timothy 6:2), what can God do more for his people than to give them his good spirit? this is to give them all good things in one, Matthew 7:11 Luke 11:13. And withheldest not thy manna] See Nehemiah 9:15. It is twice mentioned, as a singular and signal mercy. And it is well observed by a reverend writer, that this manna and water from the rock (which was Christ in the gospel) were given this people before the law, the sacraments of grace before the legal covenant. The grace of God preventeth our obedience; therefore shall we keep the law of God, because we have a Saviour.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:20

(20) Thy good spirit.—Probably a reference to Numbers 11:17; Numbers 11:25. The epithet given to the Spirit is in Psalms 143:10. But His teaching function occurs here only, and is a remarkable anticipation of the New Testament.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:20

20. thy good spirit] Referring possibly to Numbers 11:17 ‘And I will take of the spirit which is upon thee and will put it upon them,’ 23–29, but mainly to the general Divine teaching of the people, cf. Isaiah 63:11, ‘Where is he that brought them out of the sea with the shepherds of his flock? Where is he that put his holy spirit in the midst of them?’ For the expression ‘thy good spirit’ cf. Psalms 143:10, Marg. ‘Let thy good spirit lead me.’ to instruct] i.e. to make them understand. For the use of the verb ‘sakal,’ see note on Nehemiah 8:12; cf. Psalms 32:8, ‘I will instruct thee and lead thee in the way which thou shalt go.’ thy manna] The reference here seems to be to Numbers 11:6-9; that in Nehemiah 9:15 had been to Exodus 16:14-36. Similarly ‘water for their thirst’ refers to the second miraculous gift of water described in Numbers 20:2-8 (not to Exodus 17:3-6).

Sermons on Nehemiah 9:20

SermonDescription
Samuel Chadwick The Indwelling of the Spirit by Samuel Chadwick Samuel Chadwick preaches on the distinctive feature of the Spirit being inwardness, contrasting the Son's external work with the Spirit's internal dwelling and working. The Spirit
George Fox Epistle 191 by George Fox George Fox emphasizes the importance of adhering to the single, true language inspired by the Spirit of God, warning against the confusion and hypocrisy that arises from adopting t
George Fox Epistle 281 by George Fox George Fox emphasizes the importance of remaining in the truth of God and not grieving the Holy Spirit. He warns against the dangers of abusing God's power and encourages believers
Seth Rees The Good Spirit of the Lord (Neh. Ix: 20) by Seth Rees Seth Rees preaches about the importance of having the Holy Spirit in our lives, emphasizing that all victories and achievements in the lives of great men of the past were due to Go
R.A. Torrey The Personality of the Holy Spirit by R.A. Torrey R.A. Torrey emphasizes the necessity of understanding the Holy Spirit as a Divine Person rather than merely an influence or power. He argues that recognizing the Holy Spirit's pers
Bill McLeod (Grace Baptist) Wait on the Lord by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of David and his battle with the Philistines. Instead of repeating the same strategy as before, God instructs David to stand by the
Reuben Walter Five Evidences of Genuine Conversion by Reuben Walter In this sermon, the preacher discusses five evidences of genuine conversion. He emphasizes that Christians should not skip over the first four evidences and focus only on the desir

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