Israel Separates Itself
1 At that time(A) the book of Moses(B) was read publicly to(a) the people.(C) The command was found written in it that no Ammonite or Moabite(D) should ever enter the assembly of God,(E)
1 On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;
1 On that day (A)they read aloud from the book of Moses in the hearing of the people; and there was found written in it that (B)no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,
1 Later that day the book of Moses was read aloud so the people could hear it, and a written command was discovered therein permanently prohibiting the Ammonites and Moabites from coming into the congregation of God
2 because they did not meet the Israelites with food and water. Instead, they hired Balaam against them to curse them,(F) but our God turned the curse into a blessing.(G)
2 Because they met not the children of Israel with bread and with water, but hired Balaam against them, that he should curse them: howbeit our God turned the curse into a blessing.
2 because they did not meet the sons of Israel with bread and water, but (C)hired Balaam against them to curse them. However, (D)our God turned the curse into a blessing.
2 because they did not greet the Israelis with food and water, but instead hired Balaam to oppose them by cursing them, even though our God turned the curse into a blessing.
Nehemiah Brings Reform
4 Now before this, Eliashib the priest(I) had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God.(J) He was a relative(b) of Tobiah(K)
4 And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:
4 Now prior to this, Eliashib the priest, (G)who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, being (a)related to (H)Tobiah,
4 Now prior to this, Eliashib the priest, who supervised the store rooms of the Temple of our God and who was related to Tobiah,
5 and had prepared a large room for him where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the articles, and the tenths of grain, new wine, and oil(L) prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests.(M)
5 And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.
5 had prepared a large (b)room for him, where formerly they put the grain offerings, the frankincense, the utensils and the tithes of grain, wine and oil (I)prescribed for the Levites, the singers and the gatekeepers, and the (c)contributions for the priests.
5 had prepared a great chamber for him, in the place where they used to place the grain offerings, incense, and vessels, along with the tithes of the grain, the new wine, and the oil that was mandated for the descendants of Levi, the singers, the gate keepers, and the priests' offerings.
5 had prepared for Tobiah a large room (chamber) where previously they had put the grain offerings, the frankincense, the utensils, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and [olive] oil which were given by commandment for the Levites, the singers, and gatekeepers, and the contributions for the priests.
Nehemiah Evicts Tobiah From The Temple
6 While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to King Artaxerxes(N) of Babylon(O) in the thirty-second year of his reign.(P) It was only later that I asked the king for a leave of absence(Q)
6 But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:
6 But during all this time I was not in Jerusalem, for in (J)the thirty-second year of (K)Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had gone to the king. After some time, however, I asked leave from the king,
6 During all of this time, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to the king in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, king of Babylon. After a while I obtained permission from the king
6 But during all this time I was not at Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes [Persian] king of Babylon I went to the king. Then after some time I asked for a leave [of absence] from the king,
7 so I could return to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil that Eliashib had done on behalf of Tobiah by providing him a room in the courts of God’s house.
7 And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.
7 and I came to Jerusalem and (d)learned about the evil that Eliashib had done for Tobiah, (L)by preparing a (e)room for him in the courts of the house of God.
7 to return to Jerusalem. I learned of the evil thing that Eliashib had done for Tobiah in furnishing him with a room in the courts of the Temple of God.
7 and I came to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil [thing] that Eliashib had done for Tobiah by preparing a room for him in the courtyards of the house of God.
8 I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household possessions out of the room.
8 And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.
8 I was greatly upset, so I threw out all of Tobiah's property from the room.
8 It was very displeasing to me, so I threw all of Tobiah’s household furnishings out of the room.
9 I ordered that the rooms be purified,(R) and I had the articles of the house of God restored there, along with the grain offering and frankincense.(S)
9 Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.
9 Then I gave an order and (N)they cleansed the rooms; and I returned there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense.
9 I ordered them to purify the chambers, and then they brought back the vessels from the Temple of God, along with the grain offerings and incense.
9 Then I gave an order, and they cleaned the rooms; and I put back there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense.
Nehemiah Ensures That The Levites Receive Their Portion Of The Offerings
10 I also found out that because the portions for the Levites had not been given,(T) each of the Levites and the singers performing the service had gone back to his own field.(U)
10 And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.
10 I also (f)discovered that (O)the portions of the Levites had not been given them, so that the Levites and the singers who performed the service had (g)gone away, (P)each to his own field.
10 I also learned that the allotments for the descendants of Levi had not been distributed. As a result, the descendants of Levi and singers who were responsible for the service had each left to go back to their fields.
10 I also discovered that the portions due the Levites had not been given to them, so that the Levites and the singers who did the work had gone away, each one back to his own field.
11 Therefore, I rebuked the officials, saying, “Why has the house of God been neglected?”(V) I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts.(W)
11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
11 So I (h)(Q)reprimanded the officials and said, “(R)Why is the house of God forsaken?” Then I gathered them together and restored them to their posts.
11 So I confronted the officials and asked, "Why is the Temple of God neglected?" Then I gathered them together and put them back in their places.
11 Then I reprimanded the officials and said, “Why is the house of God neglected?” So I gathered the Levites and singers together and restored them at their posts.
13 I appointed as treasurers over the storehouses Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, with Hanan son of Zaccur, son of Mattaniah to assist them, because they were considered trustworthy.(Y) They were responsible for the distribution to their colleagues.(Z)
13 And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.
13 In charge of the storehouses I appointed Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites, and in addition to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for (T)they were considered reliable, and it was (i)their task to distribute to their (j)kinsmen.
13 I appointed over the storerooms: Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah from the descendants of Levi; and next to them Zaccur's son Hanan, the grandson of Mattaniah, because they had been considered faithful. Their duties were to distribute to their associates.
13 I appointed [as treasurers] over the storehouses: Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah of the Levites; assisting them was Hanan son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah; for they were considered faithful and reliable, and their task was to distribute [supplies] to their brothers (fellow Levites).
14 Remember me for this, my God, and don’t erase the deeds of faithful love I have done for the house of my God and for its services.(AA)
14 Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.
14 (U)Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my loyal deeds which I have performed for the house of my God and its services.
14 Remember me, my God, concerning this, and do not erase my faithful deeds that I have undertaken for the Temple of my God, and for its services.
14 O my God, remember me concerning this and do not wipe out my loyal deeds and kindnesses which I have done for the house of my God and for its services.
Nehemiah Begins Sabbath Reforms
15 At that time I saw people in Judah treading wine presses on the Sabbath. They were also bringing in stores of grain and loading them on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, and figs. All kinds of goods were being brought to Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day.(AB)
15 In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.
15 In those days I saw in Judah some who were treading wine presses (V)on the sabbath, and bringing in sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs and all kinds of loads, (W)and they brought them into Jerusalem on the sabbath day. So (X)I admonished them on the day they sold food.
15 At that time I saw in Judah some who were treading wine presses on the Sabbath, bringing in sacks of grain, loading them onto donkeys, along with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads. They brought them into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I rebuked them on the day on which they were selling food.
15 In those days I saw some in Judah who were treading wine presses on the Sabbath, and bringing in sheaves or sacks of grain and loading them on donkeys, as well as wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I protested and warned them on the day they sold the produce.
16 The Tyrians living there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem.(AC)
16 There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.
16 Also men of Tyre were living (k)there who imported fish and all kinds of merchandise, and sold them to the sons of Judah on the sabbath, even in Jerusalem.
16 Furthermore, Tyrians were living there who were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise, selling them to the people of Judah on the Sabbath, even in Jerusalem.
16 Also men of Tyre were living there who brought fish and all kinds of merchandise, and they were selling them to the people of Judah on the Sabbath, even in Jerusalem.
17 I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them: “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?(AD)
17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
17 Then (Y)I (l)reprimanded the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing you are doing, (m)by profaning the sabbath day?
17 I rebuked the officials of Judah, saying to them, "What's this evil thing that you're doing by profaning the Sabbath day?
17 Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah, and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?
18 Didn’t your ancestors do the same, so that our God brought all this disaster on us and on this city?(AE) And now you are rekindling His anger against Israel by profaning the Sabbath!”
18 Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.
18 (Z)Did not your fathers do the same, so that our God brought on us and on this city all this trouble? Yet you are adding to the wrath on Israel by profaning the sabbath.”
18 Didn't your ancestors do the same? And didn't our God bring on us and on this city all of this trouble? Now you're adding to the wrath against Israel by profaning the Sabbath!"
18 Did your fathers (ancestors) not do the same, and did our God not bring all this trouble on us and on this city? Yet you are adding to the wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.”
19 When shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem just before the Sabbath, I gave orders that the gates be closed and not opened until after the Sabbath.(AF) I posted some of my men at the gates, so that no goods could enter during the Sabbath day.(AG)
19 And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.
19 (AA)It came about that just as it grew dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the sabbath, I commanded that the doors should be shut (n)and that they should not open them until after the sabbath. Then I stationed some of my servants at the gates so that no load would enter on the sabbath day.
19 As the Sabbath approached and it began to get dark at the gates of Jerusalem, I gave word to shut the gates, charging that they should not be opened until after the Sabbath. I stationed some of my men at the gates to ensure that no loads would be brought in on the Sabbath day.
19 Now when it began to get dark at the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath [began], I commanded that the doors be shut and not be opened until after the Sabbath. Then I stationed some of my servants at the gates so that no load [of merchandise] would enter [Jerusalem] on the Sabbath day.
20 Once or twice the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem,
20 So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.
20 Once or twice the traders and merchants of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.
20 As a result, the merchants and sellers of all sorts of goods remained outside Jerusalem a couple of times.
20 So once or twice the merchants and sellers of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.
21 but I warned them, “Why are you camping in front of the wall? If you do it again, I’ll use force(c) against you.” After that they did not come again on the Sabbath.
21 Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.
21 Then (AB)I (o)warned them and said to them, “Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will (p)use force against you.” From that time on they did not come on the sabbath.
21 I argued with them, "Why are you staying outside the wall? If you do this again, I'll arrest you." From that time on, they didn't come anymore on the Sabbath.
22 Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves(AH) and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.(AI)Remember me for this also, my God,(AJ) and look on me with compassion in keeping with Your abundant, faithful love.(AK)
22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
22 And I commanded the Levites that (AC)they should purify themselves and come as gatekeepers to sanctify the sabbath day. For this also (AD)remember me, O my God, and have compassion on me according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness.
22 Then I commanded the descendants of Levi to purify themselves and to come as gate keepers to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember me, my God, and show mercy to me according to the greatness of your gracious love.
22 And I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and come and guard the gates to keep the Sabbath day holy. O my God, remember me concerning this also and have compassion on me according to the greatness of Your lovingkindness.
Mixed Marriages Are Condemned
23 In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:
23 In those days I also saw that the Jews had (q)(AE)married women from (AF)Ashdod, (AG)Ammon and Moab.
23 At that time I also noticed that Jews had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.
23 In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.
24 Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or the language of one of the other peoples but could not speak Hebrew.(d)(AM)
24 And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.
24 As for their children, half spoke in the language of Ashdod, and none of them was able to speak the language of Judah, but (r)the language of his own people.
24 Furthermore, their children spoke half of the time in the language of Ashdod, and could not speak in the language of Judah. Instead, they spoke in the languages of various nations.
24 As for their children, half spoke in the language of Ashdod, and none of them knew how to speak [Hebrew] the language of Judah, but only the language of his own people.
25 I rebuked them, cursed them, beat some of their men, and pulled out their hair.(AN) I forced them to take an oath(AO) before God and said: “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or yourselves!(AP)
25 And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.
25 So (AH)I contended with them and cursed them and (AI)struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and (AJ)made them swear by God, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons, nor take of their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.
25 So I rebuked them, cursed them, struck some of their men, tore out their hair, and made them take this oath in the name of God: "You are not to give your daughters to their sons nor take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.
25 So I contended with them and cursed them and struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters [in marriage] to their sons, nor take [any of] their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.
26 Didn’t King Solomon of Israel sin in matters like this? There was not a king like him among many nations. He was loved by his God and God made him king over all Israel, yet foreign women drew him into sin.(AQ)
26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
26 (AK)Did not Solomon king of Israel sin regarding these things? (AL)Yet among the many nations there was no king like him, and (AM)he was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel; nevertheless the foreign women caused even him to sin.
26 Didn't Solomon, king of Israel, sin by doing these things, even though among many nations there was no king like him who was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel? Even so, foreign women caused him to sin.
26 Did not Solomon king of Israel sin [greatly against God] regarding these things? Yet among the many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel; nevertheless the foreign women caused even him to sin [by turning to other gods and so, judged by God, he lost his kingdom].(B)
27 Why then should we hear about you doing all this terrible evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?”(AR)
27 Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?
27 (s)Do we then hear about you that you have committed all this great evil (AN)by acting unfaithfully against our God by (t)marrying foreign women?”
27 Should we listen to you and do all of this terrible evil by transgressing against our God to marry foreign wives?"
27 Do we then hear about you that you have done all this great evil, acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign (pagan) women?”
28 Even one of the sons of Jehoiada, son of Eliashib the high priest,(AS) had become a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite.(AT) So I drove him away from me.(AU)
28 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.
28 Even one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was a son-in-law of (AO)Sanballat the Horonite, so I drove him away from me.
28 One of the sons of Eliashib the high priest's son Joiada was a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite, so I drove him away from me.
28 One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was a son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite, so I chased him away from me.
29 Remember them, my God, for defiling the priesthood as well as the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.(AV)
29 Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.
29 (AP)Remember them, O my God, (u)because they have defiled the priesthood and the (AQ)covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.
29 Remember them, my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the descendants of Levi.
29 O my God, remember them, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and the Levites.
30 So I purified them from everything foreign(AW) and assigned specific duties to each of the priests and Levites.(AX)
30 Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;
30 (AR)Thus I purified them from everything foreign and appointed duties for the priests and the Levites, each in his task,
30 I purified them from everything foreign, arranged duties for the priests and the descendants of Levi, each to his task,
30 Thus I cleansed and purified them from everything foreign (pagan), and I defined the duties of the priests and Levites, each one in his task;
31 I also arranged for the donation of wood at the appointed times and for the firstfruits.(AY)Remember me, my God, with favor.(AZ)
31 And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.
31 and I arranged (AS)for the supply of wood at appointed times and for the first fruits. (AT)Remember me, O my God, for good.
31 and I arranged at the appointed time for the supply of wood, and for the first fruits. Remember me, my God, with favor.
31 and I provided for the wood offering at appointed times and for the first fruits. O my God, [please] remember me for good [and imprint me on Your heart].