King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 13:2 Mean?

Nehemiah 13:2 in the King James Version says “Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should cur... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.

Nehemiah 13:2 · KJV


Context

1

On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever; they: Heb. there was read audience: Heb. ears

2

Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.

3

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

4

And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: having: Heb. being set over


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.

This verse within Nehemiah 13 addresses themes of reform, confronting compromise, vigilance, finishing well. Nehemiah's return from Persia reveals backsliding, requiring renewed reforms in areas previously addressed—showing constant vigilance's necessity. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. Nehemiah's final reforms address recurring covenant violations, demonstrating the ongoing challenge of maintaining spiritual commitment across generations. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
  2. What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
כִּ֣י1 of 17
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֧א2 of 17
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

קִדְּמ֛וּ3 of 17

Because they met

H6923

to project (one self), i.e., precede; hence, to anticipate, hasten, meet (usually for help)

אֶת4 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּנֵ֥י5 of 17

not the children

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יִשְׂרָאֵ֖ל6 of 17

of Israel

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

בַּלֶּ֣חֶם7 of 17

with bread

H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

וּבַמָּ֑יִם8 of 17

and with water

H4325

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

וַיִּשְׂכֹּ֨ר9 of 17

but hired

H7936

to hire

עָלָ֤יו10 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֶת11 of 17
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בִּלְעָם֙12 of 17

Balaam

H1109

bilam, a place in palestine

לְקַֽלְל֔וֹ13 of 17

against them that he should curse

H7043

to be (causatively, make) light, literally (swift, small, sharp, etc.) or figuratively (easy, trifling, vile, etc.)

וַיַּֽהֲפֹ֧ךְ14 of 17

turned

H2015

to turn about or over; by implication, to change, overturn, return, pervert

אֱלֹהֵ֛ינוּ15 of 17

them howbeit our God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

הַקְּלָלָ֖ה16 of 17

the curse

H7045

vilification

לִבְרָכָֽה׃17 of 17

into a blessing

H1293

benediction; by implication prosperity


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 13:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 13:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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