King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 13:25 Mean?

Nehemiah 13:25 in the King James Version says “And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear b...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. cursed: or, reviled”

Nehemiah 13:25 · KJV

Context

23

In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: had: Heb. had made to dwell with them

24

And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. could: Heb. they discerned not to speak of each: Heb. of people and people

25

And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves. cursed: or, reviled

26

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.

27

Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?

Read Nehemiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.

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 · 18 words
וָֽאָרִ֤יב1 of 18

“And I contended”

H7378

properly, to toss, i.e., grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e., hold a controversy; (by implication) to defend

עִמָּם֙2 of 18
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וָאֲקַֽלְלֵ֔ם3 of 18

“with them and cursed”

H7043

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

וָֽאַכֶּ֥ה4 of 18

“them and smote”

H5221

to strike (lightly or severely, literally or figuratively)

מֵהֶ֛ם5 of 18
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

אֲנָשִׁ֖ים6 of 18
H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וָֽאֶמְרְטֵ֑ם7 of 18

“of them and plucked off their hair”

H4803

to polish; by implication, to make bald (the head), to gall (the shoulder); also, to sharpen

וָֽאַשְׁבִּיעֵ֣ם8 of 18

“and made them swear”

H7650

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

בֵּֽאלֹהִ֗ים9 of 18

“by 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

אִם10 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּתְּנ֤וּ11 of 18

“saying Ye shall not give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

מִבְּנֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם12 of 18

“their daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לִבְנֵיכֶ֖ם13 of 18

“unto their sons”

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

וְאִם14 of 18
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּשְׂאוּ֙15 of 18

“nor take”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

מִבְּנֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם16 of 18

“their daughters”

H1323

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

לִבְנֵיכֶ֖ם17 of 18

“unto their sons”

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

וְלָכֶֽם׃18 of 18
H0

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 13:25 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 13:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 13:17Ezra 10:5Deuteronomy 7:3Nehemiah 10:29-30Nehemiah 13:11Nehemiah 5:13

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