Nehemiah 10:30

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And that we would not give {H5414} our daughters {H1323} unto the people {H5971} of the land {H776}, nor take {H3947} their daughters {H1323} for our sons {H1121}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"We will not give our daughters as wives to the peoples of the land or take their daughters as wives for our sons.

Berean Standard Bible

We will not give our daughters in marriage to the people of the land, and we will not take their daughters for our sons.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:30 records a solemn vow made by the returned exiles in Jerusalem, serving as a critical component of their renewed covenant with God. This specific commitment prohibited intermarriage between the Israelites and the surrounding "people of the land," underscoring their profound dedication to spiritual purity, the preservation of their distinct identity as God's chosen people, and a deliberate avoidance of the idolatry and syncretism that had plagued their ancestors and led to the Babylonian exile.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10:30 is situated within the broader narrative of spiritual revival and covenant renewal that follows the completion of Jerusalem's walls. Chapters 8-10 detail a significant assembly where Ezra reads the Law, the Levites lead the people in confession and worship, and the entire community enters into a binding covenant with God. This covenant, formally sealed by the leaders, outlines specific commitments to obey God's commands. The vows in Nehemiah 10 address various aspects of faithfulness, including supporting the temple, observing the Sabbath, and critically, avoiding intermarriage. This particular verse is part of a series of practical stipulations designed to prevent a recurrence of past failures and ensure the community's spiritual integrity.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is post-exilic Judah, likely around 444 BC, after the return from Babylonian captivity. The "people of the land" (Hebrew: *‘am ha’aretz*) refers to the non-Israelite inhabitants of the region—various Canaanite groups, Samaritans, and other peoples who had settled in the land during the exile or were indigenous to it. These groups often practiced idolatry, syncretism, and pagan rituals, posing a constant threat of spiritual contamination to the fragile, newly re-established Jewish community. The history of Israel, particularly before the exile, was marred by repeated lapses into idolatry, often facilitated by intermarriage with foreign nations, as seen in the narratives of the Judges, Kings, and prophets. Leaders like Ezra and Nehemiah understood that maintaining a distinct religious and cultural identity was paramount for the survival of monotheistic Yahwism in a polytheistic world. This vow was a direct response to past failures and a proactive measure to safeguard the community's future.
* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 10:30 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. **Covenant Fidelity** is central, as the verse represents a tangible expression of the people's renewed commitment to God's commands, particularly those concerning holiness and separation, echoing earlier divine injunctions found in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Command Against Intermarriage"). It highlights the theme of **Spiritual Purity and Separation**, emphasizing the need for Israel to remain distinct from the pagan influences of their neighbors to avoid syncretism and idolatry, a lesson painfully learned through the exile. Furthermore, the vow underscores the **Protection of Future Generations**, aiming to safeguard children and descendants from being drawn away from the worship of the one true God. This also reflects the theme of **Lessons from History**, as the community consciously sought to avoid the mistakes of their ancestors, whose intermarriage with foreign nations often led to national spiritual decline and ultimately, divine judgment and exile, as vividly recounted in [Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1-2 - The Problem of Intermarriage").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **daughters (Hebrew, _banot'_):** Refers to female children, but in this context, it functions as a synecdoche, representing the entire family line and the future generations. The act of "giving" daughters in marriage signifies the initiation of a new family unit and the integration of one family into another. The prohibition thus prevents the blending of Israelite families with non-Israelite families, thereby safeguarding the religious and cultural integrity of the community.
* **people of the land (Hebrew, _‘am ha’aretz'_):** This term specifically designates the non-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan and surrounding territories. Unlike the returning exiles who were committed to the God of Israel, these groups typically practiced idolatry, polytheism, and various pagan customs. The use of this specific term highlights the spiritual distinction between the covenant community and those outside it, emphasizing the inherent danger of religious syncretism posed by such relationships.
* **sons (Hebrew, _banim'_):** Similar to "daughters," "sons" here represents the male offspring and, by extension, the continuity of the family lineage. The reciprocal prohibition ("nor take their daughters for our sons") emphasizes that the restriction on intermarriage was comprehensive, applying equally to both Israelite men and women, ensuring that no new family units would be formed that could compromise the community's spiritual purity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land":** This clause addresses the prohibition for Israelite women marrying non-Israelite men. In ancient patriarchal societies, women were typically "given" in marriage, meaning the fathers or male heads of households arranged these unions. This part of the vow specifically binds the Israelite community to prevent their daughters from entering into relationships that would expose them and their future offspring to pagan influences, idolatry, and a departure from the covenant.
* **"nor take their daughters for our sons":** This reciprocal clause prohibits Israelite men from marrying non-Israelite women. This was a particularly potent threat, as foreign wives were frequently associated with introducing foreign gods and practices into Israelite homes, as exemplified by King Solomon's spiritual decline due to his many foreign wives ([1 Kings 11:1-8](/1_kings/11-1 "1 Kings 11:1-8 - Solomon's Foreign Wives")). The inclusion of both prohibitions underscores the comprehensive nature of the community's commitment to spiritual separation and the protection of their religious heritage.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:30 employs several literary devices to convey its significant message. The most prominent is **Antithesis** or **Parallelism**, seen in the balanced structure: "give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons." This symmetrical phrasing emphasizes the comprehensive and reciprocal nature of the prohibition, covering both Israelite women marrying out and Israelite men marrying in. This parallelism underscores the absolute commitment being made by the community. The verse also functions as a **Pledge** or **Vow**, a formal declaration of intent made as part of a binding covenant. This is not merely a suggestion but a solemn promise, highlighting the gravity of the commitment. Finally, **Synecdoche** is present, where "daughters" and "sons" stand in for the entire family unit and, by extension, the future generations of Israel. This emphasizes that the implications of intermarriage extend beyond the individuals involved to the spiritual well-being and identity of the entire nation.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The prohibition against intermarriage in Nehemiah 10:30 is deeply rooted in the Old Testament concept of Israel's unique status as God's holy and chosen people. It reflects the divine imperative for separation from the idolatrous practices of surrounding nations, ensuring the purity of worship and the preservation of the covenant. This principle of spiritual distinctiveness is a recurring theme throughout biblical history, emphasizing that God's people are called to be set apart for Him, not conforming to the patterns of the world. While the specific ethnic context of Nehemiah's time is unique, the underlying theological principle of guarding against spiritual compromise in intimate relationships remains eternally relevant, particularly in the context of marriage, which is designed to be a union that fosters godliness and shared devotion to the Lord.

* [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Command Against Intermarriage")
* [Ezra 9:1-2](/ezra/9-1 "Ezra 9:1-2 - The Problem of Intermarriage")
* [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 10:30, though rooted in a specific historical and cultural context, offers profound and enduring principles for believers today. While the New Covenant does not command ethnic separation, it unequivocally calls for spiritual separation and holiness. The underlying concern of this verse—the protection of spiritual integrity and the prevention of compromise through intimate relationships—remains critically important. For Christians, this translates most directly to the principle of "unequal yoking" in marriage, as articulated in the New Testament. Marriage between a believer and an unbeliever, while not forbidden in the same ethnic terms, creates fundamental spiritual misalignment, potentially hindering spiritual growth, unity in purpose, and the ability to raise children in a consistently godly environment. This verse challenges us to consider the long-term spiritual implications of our most intimate relationships, urging us to seek partners who share our deepest convictions and commitment to Christ, thereby building a foundation that honors God and safeguards our spiritual heritage for future generations.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the principle of "spiritual purity" in Nehemiah 10:30 translate into practical choices for believers today, beyond just marriage?**
* **What are the potential spiritual dangers of forming close, intimate relationships with those who do not share your core faith values?**
* **In what ways can a shared commitment to Christ strengthen a marriage and family, reflecting the desire for unity seen in Nehemiah's vow?**
* **How can we, like the Israelites, learn from past mistakes (personal or historical) to make wiser choices that protect our spiritual integrity and that of future generations?**

### FAQ

**Why was intermarriage so strictly forbidden for the Israelites in the Old Testament?**

Answer: Intermarriage was strictly forbidden for the Israelites primarily to prevent spiritual apostasy and the corruption of their unique covenant relationship with God. God had chosen Israel to be a holy nation, distinct from the pagan cultures around them, to bear witness to His truth. Marrying outside the covenant community often led to the introduction of foreign gods, idolatrous practices, and syncretism, which directly violated the first commandment to have no other gods before the Lord. This prohibition was not based on racial prejudice but on the imperative to maintain spiritual purity and prevent the nation from being drawn away from the worship of the one true God, a lesson painfully learned through their history of spiritual decline and eventual exile. The divine command in [Deuteronomy 7:3-4](/deuteronomy/7-3 "Deuteronomy 7:3-4 - Command Against Intermarriage") explicitly states that such unions would turn their children away from following the Lord.

**Does Nehemiah 10:30 apply directly to Christians today, meaning believers should not marry non-Christians?**

Answer: While the specific ethnic and ceremonial laws of the Old Testament do not apply directly to New Covenant believers, the underlying spiritual principle of Nehemiah 10:30 remains profoundly relevant. The New Testament does not forbid intermarriage based on ethnicity, but it strongly cautions against believers entering into marriage with unbelievers. The apostle Paul, in [2 Corinthians 6:14](/2_corinthians/6-14 "2 Corinthians 6:14 - Do Not Be Unequally Yoked"), asks, "Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness? Or what fellowship has light with darkness?" This principle applies to marriage, as it is the most intimate of human relationships. A shared faith in Christ provides a foundational unity, purpose, and moral compass that is essential for a thriving, God-honoring marriage and for raising children in the faith. Therefore, while the context has changed from ethnic purity to spiritual purity, the wisdom of seeking a partner who shares your deepest spiritual commitment remains a vital biblical principle for Christians.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 10:30, with its emphasis on maintaining a distinct and holy people through the prohibition of intermarriage, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Christ. In the Old Covenant, Israel's separation was largely ethnic and ceremonial, designed to preserve a lineage through which the Messiah would come. Christ, however, breaks down these earthly distinctions, fulfilling the Law's demands for holiness and creating a new, spiritual people—the Church—composed of believers from "every tribe and language and people and nation" ([Revelation 5:9](/revelation/5-9 "Revelation 5:9 - Redeemed from Every Nation")). The purity sought by Nehemiah's generation is no longer achieved through physical lineage or ethnic separation, but through spiritual union with Christ. Believers are now called to be "holy and blameless before him in love" ([Ephesians 1:4](/ephesians/1-4 "Ephesians 1:4 - Chosen in Christ")), not by avoiding certain ethnic groups, but by being set apart from the world's sinful values and practices. The Church, as the bride of Christ, is called to spiritual fidelity to her Groom, avoiding "spiritual adultery" with the world's idolatries ([James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the World")). Thus, the spirit of Nehemiah 10:30 is fulfilled in the New Covenant by Christ establishing a people whose identity and purity are defined by their faith in Him and their spiritual separation unto Him, rather than by earthly lineage or external prohibitions.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Deuteronomy 7:3

Neither shalt thou make marriages with them; thy daughter thou shalt not give unto his son, nor his daughter shalt thou take unto thy son.

Exodus 34:16

And thou take of their daughters unto thy sons, and their daughters go a whoring after their gods, and make thy sons go a whoring after their gods.

Ezra 9:1

¶ Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, The people of Israel, and the priests, and the Levites, have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, [doing] according to their abominations, [even] of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Perizzites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites.

Ezra 9:3

And when I heard this thing, I rent my garment and my mantle, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonied.

Ezra 9:12

Now therefore give not your daughters unto their sons, neither take their daughters unto your sons, nor seek their peace or their wealth for ever: that ye may be strong, and eat the good of the land, and leave [it] for an inheritance to your children for ever.

Ezra 9:14

Should we again break thy commandments, and join in affinity with the people of these abominations? wouldest not thou be angry with us till thou hadst consumed [us], so that [there should be] no remnant nor escaping?

Ezra 10:10

And Ezra the priest stood up, and said unto them, Ye have transgressed, and have taken strange wives, to increase the trespass of Israel.