Nehemiah 13:3

Authorized King James Version

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

Original Language Analysis

וַיְהִ֖י H1961
וַיְהִ֖י
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 1 of 8
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
כְּשָׁמְעָ֣ם Now it came to pass when they had heard H8085
כְּשָׁמְעָ֣ם Now it came to pass when they had heard
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 2 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַתּוֹרָ֑ה the law H8451
הַתּוֹרָ֑ה the law
Strong's: H8451
Word #: 4 of 8
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
וַיַּבְדִּ֥ילוּ that they separated H914
וַיַּבְדִּ֥ילוּ that they separated
Strong's: H914
Word #: 5 of 8
to divide (in variation senses literally or figuratively, separate, distinguish, differ, select, etc.)
כָל H3605
כָל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
עֵ֖רֶב all the mixed multitude H6154
עֵ֖רֶב all the mixed multitude
Strong's: H6154
Word #: 7 of 8
the web (or transverse threads of cloth); also a mixture, (or mongrel race)
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ from Israel H3478
מִיִּשְׂרָאֵֽל׃ from Israel
Strong's: H3478
Word #: 8 of 8
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

Analysis & Commentary

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

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.

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