Old Testament
Nehemiah 13:28
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. So I drove him away from me.
Compare translations
And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.
What Nehemiah 13:28 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Nehemiah highlights a troubling connection between the priestly family and Sanballat, a known adversary of the Jews. Joiada's son, who is related to Sanballat through marriage, represents a compromise in loyalty and faithfulness to God's people. Nehemiah's response is decisive; he drives this individual away to protect the integrity of the community and uphold the covenant with God. This action underscores the importance of maintaining purity and separation from influences that could lead the people away from their commitments to God. Nehemiah's leadership reflects a commitment to righteousness, showing that sometimes difficult decisions must be made to preserve the spiritual health of the community. The verse serves as a reminder of the potential dangers of alliances that can undermine faith and the necessity of taking a stand against such influences.
How to apply Nehemiah 13:28 to your life
This verse encourages us to evaluate our relationships and associations. Are there influences in our lives that compromise our values or lead us away from our commitments? Like Nehemiah, we may need to make tough choices to protect our integrity and the integrity of our community.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Nehemiah 13:28
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Nehemiah 13:28
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nehemiah 13:28 mean?
Nehemiah 13:28 highlights a troubling alliance between the priestly family and Sanballat, an enemy of the Jews. Nehemiah's decision to drive away Joiada's son-in-law emphasizes the importance of maintaining loyalty to God's people and protecting the community's integrity.
What is the significance of Joiada's son-in-law in Nehemiah 13:28?
Joiada's son-in-law represents a compromise in faithfulness, as he is connected to Sanballat through marriage. This relationship poses a threat to the community's commitment to God, prompting Nehemiah to take action.
What does Nehemiah's action in this verse teach us?
Nehemiah's decision to chase away Joiada's son-in-law teaches the importance of making difficult choices to protect community integrity. It serves as a reminder that sometimes we must separate from influences that could undermine our values.
How does Nehemiah 13:28 relate to community integrity?
Nehemiah 13:28 illustrates the need for vigilance in maintaining community integrity. By addressing problematic relationships, Nehemiah reinforces the idea that loyalty to God's covenant is essential for the spiritual health of the community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.