Nehemiah 13:3

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֖י

H1961

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

כְּשָׁמְעָ֣ם

H8085

Now it came to pass when they had heard

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

אֶת

H853

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

הַתּוֹרָ֑ה

H8451

the law

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

וַיַּבְדִּ֥ילוּ

H914

that they separated

to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)

כָל

H3605

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

עֵ֖רֶב

H6154

all the mixed multitude

the web (or transverse threads of cloth); also a mixture, (or mongrel race)

מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃

H3478

from Israel

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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?