Old Testament

Nehemiah 10:30

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In Nehemiah 10:30, the people of Israel make a commitment to avoid intermarriage with the surrounding nations.

Author: Nehemiah, with Ezra
Written: Around 430 BC
Genre: Historical narrative
Original Audience: The post-exilic Jewish community

CBTClear Bible Translation

and that we would not give our daughters to the peoples of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons;

KJVKing James Version

And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In Nehemiah 10:30, the people of Israel make a commitment to avoid intermarriage with the surrounding nations. This decision reflects their desire to maintain their cultural and religious identity, as marrying outside their community could lead to the influence of foreign practices and beliefs. The Israelites understood that their relationship with God was central to their identity, and they wanted to protect it by ensuring that their families remained within their faith. By not giving their daughters to the peoples of the land or taking their daughters for their sons, they aimed to preserve their traditions and values. This verse highlights the importance of making conscious choices about relationships and the potential impact those choices can have on one's faith and community. It serves as a reminder of the significance of shared beliefs in family and community life, emphasizing the need for discernment in personal relationships. Explore related covenant.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply Nehemiah 10:30 to your life

This verse encourages us to be mindful of the influences we allow into our lives, especially in relationships. It reminds us to seek partnerships that align with our values and beliefs, fostering a supportive environment for our faith and community. Making intentional choices can help us stay true to our convictions.

Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Nehemiah 10:30 say about intermarriage?

Nehemiah 10:30 emphasizes the commitment of the Israelites to avoid intermarriage with the surrounding nations. They vowed not to give their daughters to the peoples of the land or take their daughters for their sons. This reflects their desire to maintain their cultural and religious identity, ensuring that their families remained within their faith and protected from foreign influences.

Why is intermarriage a concern in Nehemiah 10:30?

Intermarriage is a concern in Nehemiah 10:30 because it could lead to the dilution of the Israelites' cultural and religious identity. The people recognized that marrying outside their community might introduce foreign practices and beliefs that could compromise their relationship with God. By avoiding intermarriage, they aimed to preserve their traditions and values.

How can Nehemiah 10:30 apply to modern relationships?

Nehemiah 10:30 encourages individuals today to be mindful of the influences in their relationships. It serves as a reminder to seek partnerships that align with one's values and beliefs, fostering an environment that supports faith and community. Making intentional choices about relationships can help individuals stay true to their convictions and maintain their cultural or religious identity.

What themes are highlighted in Nehemiah 10:30?

Nehemiah 10:30 highlights several key themes, including covenant, cultural identity, intermarriage, faithfulness, community, and religious commitment. These themes underscore the importance of maintaining a strong connection to one's faith and community, as well as the need for discernment in personal relationships to protect shared beliefs and values.

Book Summary

The Book of Nehemiah

Nehemiah 1: Nehemiah's Prayer

The book begins with the words of Nehemiah, the son of Hachaliah. In the month of Chislev, during the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes' reign, Nehemiah is in the palace at Shushan when his brother Hanani and other men arrive from Judah. Nehemiah asks them about the Jewish remnant that has survived the exile and about the condition of Jerusalem. They report that the survivors in the province are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.

Upon hearing this news, Nehemiah sits down, weeps, and mourns for several days. He fasts and prays to the God of heaven, addressing Him as the great and awesome God who keeps His covenant of love with those who love Him and obey His commands. He confesses the sins of the Israelites, including himself and his own family, acknowledging that they have acted corruptly and have not obeyed the commands, decrees, and laws given through Moses. He reminds God of His promise to scatter them if they are unfaithful but to gather them from the farthest lands if they return to Him and obey His commands. Nehemiah concludes his prayer by asking God to be attentive to his prayer and to grant him favor in the sight of the king, for he is the king's cupbearer. Nehemiah 2: Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, Nehemiah is serving wine to the king. The king notices Nehemiah's sadness, as he had never appeared sad before. The king asks why he looks sad when he is not ill, concluding it must be a sadness of heart. Nehemiah is fearful but explains that he is sad because the city where his ancestors are buried lies in ruins with its gates destroyed by fire. The king asks what he wants, and after praying to the God of heaven, Nehemiah requests that the king send him to Judah to rebuild the city of his fathers. The king, with the queen sitting beside him, agrees and asks how long the journey will take and when he will return. Nehemiah sets a time. He also asks for letters to the governors of the province Beyond the River, to grant him safe passage, and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, to supply him with timber for the gates of the citadel by the temple, for the city wall, and for the house he will occupy. The king grants his requests because the gracious hand of God is upon him. When Nehemiah arrives and delivers the letters, the governors are accompanied by army officers and horsemen sent by the king. However, when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official hear of his arrival, they are very displeased that someone has come to promote the welfare of the Israelites. After three days in Jerusalem, Nehemiah secretly inspects the city walls by night, finding them in ruins. He then reveals his plan to the Jewish officials, priests, and nobles, telling them of God's gracious hand upon him and the king's support. They are encouraged and reply, "Let us rise up and build." But Sanballat, Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab mock and ridicule them, accusing them of rebelling against the king. Nehemiah replies that the God of heaven will give them success and that they, His servants, will start rebuilding, but that his opponents have no share, right, or claim in Jerusalem.

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