Nehemiah 13:27 – “Must we hear now that you too are doing all this terrible wickedness and are being unfaithful to our God by marrying foreign women?”

Extended Explanation of the Verse

In Nehemiah 13:27, Nehemiah is addressing the people of Judah who had married foreign women. He describes this as a “terrible wickedness” and “unfaithfulness to our God.” His strong language reflects his deep concern for the spiritual purity of the people. Marrying foreign women wasn’t simply about marrying people from other nations; it was about the risk of being drawn into their pagan practices and idolatry, which could lead the people away from worshiping the one true God. Nehemiah viewed these marriages as a violation of God’s commands and a threat to the spiritual health of the community. He emphasizes that such disobedience is not just a personal matter but a form of unfaithfulness to God.

Historical Context

The issue of marrying foreign women was a recurring problem for the Israelites throughout their history. God had specifically commanded them not to intermarry with the pagan nations around them because these nations followed false gods and practiced idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:3-4). The most famous example of this disobedience was King Solomon, who married many foreign women, and they led him into idol worship (1 Kings 11:1-8). Nehemiah, who had returned to Jerusalem after the exile to help rebuild the city and restore the people’s spiritual life, was deeply concerned that the same pattern was repeating. His reforms were aimed at calling the people back to faithfulness and obedience to God’s laws, and intermarriage with pagan nations was a significant threat to that goal.

Theological Implications

Nehemiah 13:27 highlights the importance of faithfulness to God in all areas of life, including relationships. Marriage, in particular, has spiritual significance because it shapes not only the individuals involved but also future generations. The concern here is not about ethnic differences but about spiritual allegiance. Nehemiah’s strong words remind us that disobedience to God’s commands, especially in critical areas like marriage, is not a minor issue—it’s a form of unfaithfulness. This speaks to the broader biblical theme that God calls His people to live set-apart lives, devoted to Him and His ways. Relationships that lead us away from God are dangerous because they can compromise our spiritual integrity and our witness.

Literary Analysis

Nehemiah’s rhetorical question in this verse is designed to provoke a strong reaction. By asking, “Must we hear now that you too are doing all this terrible wickedness?” he is expressing disbelief and frustration that the people are repeating the same sins that had led to their downfall in the past. The phrase “terrible wickedness” emphasizes the seriousness of the sin, and “unfaithful to our God” points to the relational aspect of sin—it’s not just about breaking a rule; it’s about being disloyal to the God who has called and chosen them. The structure of the verse highlights Nehemiah’s deep concern for the people’s spiritual condition and his urgent call for them to repent and return to God.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Deuteronomy 7:3-4: God’s command to the Israelites not to marry people from the surrounding nations to prevent them from being led into idolatry.
• 1 Kings 11:1-8: The story of Solomon, whose foreign wives led him into idol worship, showing the dangers of such marriages.
• Ezra 9:1-2: Ezra faced a similar problem with the Israelites intermarrying with foreign nations, and he led a reform movement to address the issue.
• 2 Corinthians 6:14: A New Testament parallel where Paul warns believers not to be “unequally yoked” with unbelievers, emphasizing the importance of spiritual alignment in relationships.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For Christians today, Nehemiah 13:27 serves as a reminder of the importance of making wise, God-honoring choices in relationships, particularly in marriage. The principle behind Nehemiah’s concern is that our closest relationships—especially marriage—should support and encourage our faith, not pull us away from it. While Christians are not bound by the same Old Testament laws about intermarriage, the New Testament teaches that believers should be aligned with those who share their faith (2 Corinthians 6:14). This verse challenges us to consider whether the relationships in our lives are drawing us closer to God or leading us away from Him.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

God’s command for the Israelites not to marry foreign women was an expression of His love and desire to protect them from falling into idolatry. Nehemiah’s strong stance on this issue reflects God’s heart for His people. God knows that certain influences—especially in relationships—can lead us away from Him and cause spiritual harm. His commands are not burdensome but are meant to safeguard our relationship with Him and to keep us in a place where we can experience His blessing. Nehemiah’s concern for the spiritual purity of the people reflects God’s protective love, which seeks to keep us close to Him and free from the destructive consequences of sin.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

In the New Testament, Jesus teaches about the importance of wholehearted devotion to God, calling His followers to love God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). This call to undivided loyalty echoes Nehemiah’s concern for the people’s faithfulness. While Nehemiah dealt with the issue of foreign marriages that could lead to idolatry, Jesus expands this principle to all areas of life, calling His followers to avoid anything that competes with their loyalty to God. Through Jesus, we are brought into a new covenant relationship with God, and He enables us to live lives of faithfulness through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus also provides forgiveness and restoration for those who have fallen into sin, offering hope for those who repent and turn back to God.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Are there any relationships or influences in your life that may be drawing you away from your relationship with God?
2. How can you be more intentional about forming relationships that support and strengthen your faith, especially in key areas like marriage?
3. What steps can you take to guard your heart and mind against influences that could lead you away from wholehearted devotion to God?
4. How does God’s protective love for you, as seen in this passage, encourage you to trust His guidance in your relationships and decisions?
5. In what ways does Jesus’ call to undivided loyalty challenge you to examine areas of your life where you might be tempted to compromise your faith?