King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 13:26 Mean?

Nehemiah 13:26 in the King James Version says “Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved o... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Nehemiah 13:26 · KJV


Context

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?

28

And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 27 words
הֲל֣וֹא1 of 27
H3808

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

עַל2 of 27
H5921

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

אֵ֣לֶּה3 of 27
H428

these or those

הֶֽחֱטִ֔יאוּ4 of 27

cause to sin

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

שְׁלֹמֹ֣ה5 of 27

Did not Solomon

H8010

shelomah, david's successor

מֶ֖לֶךְ6 of 27

him king

H4428

a king

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל7 of 27

of Israel

H3478

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

וּבַגּוֹיִ֣ם8 of 27

nations

H1471

a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts

הָֽרַבִּים֩9 of 27

by these things yet among many

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

לֹֽא10 of 27
H3808

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

הָיָ֨ה11 of 27
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

מֶ֖לֶךְ12 of 27

him king

H4428

a king

כָּמֹ֗הוּ13 of 27
H3644

as, thus, so

וְאָה֤וּב14 of 27

like him who was beloved

H157

to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)

אֱלֹהִ֔ים15 of 27

and 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

הָיָ֔ה16 of 27
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

וַיִּתְּנֵ֣הוּ17 of 27

made

H5414

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

אֱלֹהִ֔ים18 of 27

and 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

מֶ֖לֶךְ19 of 27

him king

H4428

a king

עַל20 of 27
H5921

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

כָּל21 of 27
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל22 of 27

of Israel

H3478

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

גַּם23 of 27

nevertheless even him

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

אוֹת֣וֹ24 of 27
H853

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

הֶֽחֱטִ֔יאוּ25 of 27

cause to sin

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

הַנָּשִׁ֖ים26 of 27

women

H802

a woman

הַנָּכְרִיּֽוֹת׃27 of 27

did outlandish

H5237

strange, in a variety of degrees and applications (foreign, non-relative, adulterous, different, wonderful)


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 13:26 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 13:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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