Nehemiah 13:26
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.
Original Language Analysis
הֲל֣וֹא
H3808
הֲל֣וֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 27
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 27
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
הֶֽחֱטִ֔יאוּ
cause to sin
H2398
הֶֽחֱטִ֔יאוּ
cause to sin
Strong's:
H2398
Word #:
4 of 27
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
7 of 27
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
וּבַגּוֹיִ֣ם
nations
H1471
וּבַגּוֹיִ֣ם
nations
Strong's:
H1471
Word #:
8 of 27
a foreign nation; hence, a gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts
הָֽרַבִּים֩
by these things yet among many
H7227
הָֽרַבִּים֩
by these things yet among many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
9 of 27
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
10 of 27
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
הָיָ֨ה
H1961
הָיָ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
11 of 27
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וְאָה֤וּב
like him who was beloved
H157
וְאָה֤וּב
like him who was beloved
Strong's:
H157
Word #:
14 of 27
to have affection for (sexually or otherwise)
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
15 of 27
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
הָיָ֔ה
H1961
הָיָ֔ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
16 of 27
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וַיִּתְּנֵ֣הוּ
made
H5414
וַיִּתְּנֵ֣הוּ
made
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
17 of 27
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and God
H430
אֱלֹהִ֔ים
and God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
18 of 27
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
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
20 of 27
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
21 of 27
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
H3478
יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל
of Israel
Strong's:
H3478
Word #:
22 of 27
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
גַּם
nevertheless even him
H1571
גַּם
nevertheless even him
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
23 of 27
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
אוֹת֣וֹ
H853
אוֹת֣וֹ
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
24 of 27
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
1 Kings 3:13And I have also given thee that which thou hast not asked, both riches, and honour: so that there shall not be any among the kings like unto thee all thy days.Ecclesiastes 7:26And I find more bitter than death the woman, whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands as bands: whoso pleaseth God shall escape from her; but the sinner shall be taken by her.2 Chronicles 1:12Wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee; and I will give thee riches, and wealth, and honour, such as none of the kings have had that have been before thee, neither shall there any after thee have the like.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
- What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
- How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?
Analysis & 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.