In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Nehemiah 13:23
What does Nehemiah 13:23 mean?
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Nehemiah 13:23
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Nehemiah isn't just pointing out a problem; he's actively observing it, signifying his personal engagement with the community's spiritual health. The wording "saw I the Jews" highlights that this wasn't a general observation, but a specific instance of people who were part of his community, making their transgressions deeply personal and concerning for him.
In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just after addressing the desecration of the Sabbath, Nehemiah turns his attention to another serious violation he's observed among the people: intermarriage with foreign women from groups like the Philistines, Ammonites, and Moabites. This practice directly contradicts solemn vows they had recently made and undermines the distinct identity and spiritual purity of God's people.
Nehemiah had just seen the people recommit to God's law, but this verse shows the struggle wasn't over. Sometimes, the greatest battles are fought after the big victories.
This verse, coming right after Nehemiah's reforms and the people's renewed covenant, highlights a persistent problem: assimilation with surrounding cultures. Nehemiah sees Jews marrying women from Ashdod (Philistine), Ammon, and Moab. These weren't just any nations; they were groups specifically forbidden to intermarry with Israel in the Law.
This wasn't merely a social issue; it was a spiritual one. These foreign wives and their customs would inevitably influence the Israelites, pulling them away from their unique covenant relationship with God. It's a stark reminder that spiritual renewal requires ongoing vigilance, not just a one-time event.
Nehemiah wasn't just a leader who made decrees; he was actively observing and confronting sin. His role was more than just administrative; it was pastoral.
The phrase 'I saw' (or 'looked I after' in some translations) emphasizes Nehemiah's personal involvement and keen observation. He wasn't distant or detached. He noticed the transgressions happening amongst his people, even after they had just reaffirmed their commitment to God's law.
This speaks volumes about godly leadership. It requires not only establishing good policies but also actively watching over the flock, being aware of where compromise is creeping in, and being willing to address it directly. Nehemiah's vigilance ensured that sin, even when subtle, was brought to light.
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This verse captures a moment of relapse in religious and national identity after Nehemiah's reforms, highlighting the persistent challenge of maintaining covenant faithfulness amidst surrounding cultures.
c. 586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
Following the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple, many Judeans were exiled to Babylon, while others fled to surrounding nations like Egypt.
c. 538 BC
Cyrus' Decree for Return
Cyrus the Great of Persia allowed Jewish exiles to return to Judah and rebuild the Temple, marking the beginning of the Second Temple period.
c. 458 BC
Ezra's Reforms
Ezra, a scribe and priest, returned to Jerusalem with a group of exiles and led a spiritual revival, strongly addressing the issue of mixed marriages among the returnees.
c. 445-432 BC— this verse
Nehemiah's Governorship in Judah
Nehemiah, cupbearer to the Persian king, was appointed governor and led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls, facing significant opposition.
This passage explicitly warns against making covenants or intermarrying with the inhabitants of the land, highlighting the danger of their gods leading the Israelites astray, a direct parallel to Nehemiah's concern.
Deuteronomy 7:3-4This law further solidifies the prohibition against intermarriage, explaining that such unions would turn the hearts of the people away from the Lord to follow other gods, which is the very fear Nehemiah is acting upon.
Ezra 9:1-2Ezra faced the same issue shortly before Nehemiah's time, describing the same prohibited marriages and expressing profound grief and shame over the people's unfaithfulness, showing this was a recurring problem.
Malachi 2:11-12This prophetic passage condemns the spiritual unfaithfulness of Judah, specifically mentioning marrying the daughters of a foreign god, underscoring the long-term spiritual consequences of such mixed marriages.
1 Corinthians 15:33Paul's New Testament advice, 'Do not be deceived: 'Bad company corrupts good character,' echoes the underlying principle Nehemiah is addressing – that associating closely with those who do not share your core values and faith can lead to compromise and spiritual decline.
ellicottNehemiah 13:23: "In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:"
(23-29) The mixed marriages again. (23) Saw I Jews.—The punishment shows that these were exceptional cases; but the transgression was of the most flagrant kind (see Nehemiah 13:1).
pulpitNehemiah 13:23: "In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:"
Verse 23. - In those days. i.e. "About this same time." Compare ver. 15. Saw I Jews. Rather, "looked I after the Jews." There is a reference to the first three verses of the present chapter, which had introduced the subject of the mixed marriages. Nehemiah wishes to put on record the part which he had taken in the matter, and begins by observing that it had not escaped him - he had had his e…
Nehemiah isn't just pointing out a problem; he's actively observing it, signifying his personal engagement with the community's spiritual health. The wording "saw I the Jews" highlights that this wasn't a general observation, but a specific instance of people who were part of his community, making their transgressions deeply personal and concerning for him.
Just after addressing the desecration of the Sabbath, Nehemiah turns his attention to another serious violation he's observed among the people: intermarriage with foreign women from groups like the Philistines, Ammonites, and Moabites. This practice directly contradicts solemn vows they had recently made and undermines the distinct identity and spiritual purity of God's people.
Just after addressing the desecration of the Sabbath, Nehemiah turns his attention to another serious violation he's observed among the people: intermarriage with foreign women from groups like the Philistines, Ammonites, and Moabites. This practice directly contradicts solemn vows they had recently made and undermines the distinct identity and spiritual purity of God's people.
"In those days also I saw the Jews who had married women of Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab." — Nehemiah isn't just pointing out a problem; he's actively observing it, signifying his personal engagement with the community's spiritual health. The wording "saw I the Jews" highlights that this was…
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Last reviewed October 2026