Nehemiah 13:27

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלָכֶ֣ם

הֲנִשְׁמַ֗ע

H8085

Shall we then hearken

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

לַֽעֲשֹׂת֙

H6213

unto you to do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֵ֣ת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

הָֽרָעָ֤ה

H7451

evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

הַגְּדוֹלָה֙

H1419

all this great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

הַזֹּ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

לִמְעֹ֖ל

H4603

to transgress

properly, to cover up; used only figuratively, to act covertly, i.e., treacherously

#10

בֵּֽאלֹהֵ֑ינוּ

H430

against our God

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

#11

לְהֹשִׁ֖יב

H3427

in marrying

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#12

נָשִׁ֥ים

H802

wives

a woman

#13

נָכְרִיּֽוֹת׃

H5237

strange

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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Nehemiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?