I
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
News From Jerusalem
1The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
1These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hachaliah. In the month of Chisleu, in the twentieth year, while I was in the palace at Shushan,
2That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem.
2Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with some men from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had escaped, the ones left over from the captivity, and about Jerusalem.
3And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.
3They told me, "The survivors who are left from the captivity there in the province are in deep trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire."
4And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,
4When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. For several days I mourned, fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven.
A Prayer of Confession
5And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments:
5I said, "Please, O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant and shows mercy to those who love him and obey his commandments:
6Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned.
6Let your ear be attentive now and your eyes open, so that you hear the prayer your servant is praying before you day and night for the people of Israel, your servants. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against you. Both I and my father's family have sinned.
7We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.
7We have behaved very wickedly toward you. We have not kept the commandments, the rules, or the laws that you gave to your servant Moses.
Remember the Word You Gave to Moses
8Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations:
8Please remember the word you gave to your servant Moses when you said, 'If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations.
9But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.
9But if you return to me and keep my commandments and obey them, then even if some of you have been driven to the farthest edge of the sky, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place I have chosen as the home for my name.'
10Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand.
10Now these are your servants and your people, whom you rescued by your great power and your strong hand.
11O LORD, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.
11O LORD, please let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight in honoring your name. Give your servant success today, and let this man show him kindness." For I was the king's cupbearer.
II
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Cupbearer's Sad Face
1And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence.
1In the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, wine was set before him. I picked up the wine and handed it to the king. I had never before looked sad in his presence.
2Wherefore the king said unto me, Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick? this is nothing else but sorrow of heart. Then I was very sore afraid,
2So the king asked me, "Why do you look so sad when you are not sick? This can only be sadness of heart." Then I was very frightened,
3And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire?
3and I said to the king, "May the king live forever! Why shouldn't I look sad, when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?"
The King Grants the Request
4Then the king said unto me, For what dost thou make request? So I prayed to the God of heaven.
4The king said to me, "What is it you are asking for?" So I prayed to the God of heaven,
5And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.
5and I answered the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, send me to Judah, to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I can rebuild it."
6And the king said unto me, (the queen also sitting by him,) For how long shall thy journey be? and when wilt thou return? So it pleased the king to send me; and I set him a time.
6The king, with the queen sitting beside him, asked me, "How long will your journey take, and when will you come back?" So the king was pleased to send me, and I gave him a time.
7Moreover I said unto the king, If it please the king, let letters be given me to the governors beyond the river, that they may convey me over till I come into Judah;
7I also said to the king, "If it pleases the king, let me have letters to the governors beyond the river, so they will let me pass through until I reach Judah,
8And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.
8and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king's forest, so he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the fortress by the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will live in." The king granted my requests, because the good hand of my God was on me.
Sanballat and Tobiah Hear of It
9Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.
9Then I went to the governors beyond the river and gave them the king's letters. The king had also sent army officers and horsemen with me.
10When Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that there was come a man to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.
10When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about it, they were deeply upset that someone had come to look after the well-being of the people of Israel.
The Night Ride Around the Walls
11So I came to Jerusalem, and was there three days.
11So I came to Jerusalem and stayed there three days.
12And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.
12Then I got up in the night, taking a few men with me. I had told no one what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me except the one I was riding.
13And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and the gates thereof were consumed with fire.
13I went out by night through the Valley Gate, past the Dragon Well and on to the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire.
14Then I went on to the gate of the fountain, and to the king’s pool: but there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass.
14Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and the King's Pool, but there was no room for the animal under me to get through.
15Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.
15So I went up the brook that night and inspected the wall, then turned back and came in again through the Valley Gate, and so returned.
16And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.
16The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing. I had not yet told the Jews, the priests, the nobles, the officials, or the rest who would do the work.
Let Us Rise Up and Build
17Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.
17Then I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in: Jerusalem lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, so we will no longer be a disgrace."
18Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king’s words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
18I told them how the good hand of my God had been on me, and also what the king had said to me. They said, "Let's get up and build!" So they strengthened their hands for this good work.
Mockery and an Answer
19But when Sanballat the Horonite, and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arabian, heard it, they laughed us to scorn, and despised us, and said, What is this thing that ye do? will ye rebel against the king?
19But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about it, they mocked us and looked down on us. "What is this you are doing?" they said. "Are you rebelling against the king?"
20Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.
20I answered them, "The God of heaven will give us success. We, his servants, will get up and build. But you have no share, no right, and no claim in Jerusalem."
III
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Sheep Gate and the Northern Start
1Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brethren the priests, and they builded the sheep gate; they sanctified it, and set up the doors of it; even unto the tower of Meah they sanctified it, unto the tower of Hananeel.
1Then Eliashib the high priest and his fellow priests went to work and built the Sheep Gate. They dedicated it and set its doors in place, and they dedicated the wall as far as the Tower of Meah and on to the Tower of Hananeel.
2And next unto him builded the men of Jericho. And next to them builded Zaccur the son of Imri.
2Next to him the men of Jericho built, and next to them Zaccur son of Imri built.
The Fish Gate and the Men of Tekoa
3But the fish gate did the sons of Hassenaah build, who also laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
3The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars.
4And next unto them repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah, the son of Koz. And next unto them repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel. And next unto them repaired Zadok the son of Baana.
4Next to them Meremoth son of Urijah, the son of Koz, made repairs. Next to them Meshullam son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabeel, made repairs. Next to them Zadok son of Baana made repairs.
5And next unto them the Tekoites repaired; but their nobles put not their necks to the work of their LORD.
5Next to them the men of Tekoa made repairs, but their nobles would not bend their necks to the work of their LORD.
The Old Gate and the Broad Wall
6Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
6Jehoiada son of Paseah and Meshullam son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate. They laid its beams and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars.
7And next unto them repaired Melatiah the Gibeonite, and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon, and of Mizpah, unto the throne of the governor on this side the river.
7Next to them Melatiah the Gibeonite and Jadon the Meronothite made repairs, along with the men of Gibeon and Mizpah, as far as the seat of the governor beyond the river.
8Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.
8Next to him Uzziel son of Harhaiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs. Next to him Hananiah, the son of one of the perfume makers, made repairs, and they restored Jerusalem as far as the Broad Wall.
District Rulers and Their Own Doorsteps
9And next unto them repaired Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem.
9Next to them Rephaiah son of Hur, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs.
10And next unto them repaired Jedaiah the son of Harumaph, even over against his house. And next unto him repaired Hattush the son of Hashabniah.
10Next to them Jedaiah son of Harumaph made repairs across from his own house, and next to him Hattush son of Hashabniah made repairs.
11Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahathmoab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.
11Malchijah son of Harim and Hashub son of Pahathmoab repaired another section, along with the Tower of the Furnaces.
12And next unto him repaired Shallum the son of Halohesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, he and his daughters.
12Next to him Shallum son of Halohesh, ruler of half the district of Jerusalem, made repairs, he and his daughters.
The Valley Gate and the Dung Gate
13The valley gate repaired Hanun, and the inhabitants of Zanoah; they built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and a thousand cubits on the wall unto the dung gate.
13Hanun and the people of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They rebuilt it and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars, and they repaired a thousand cubits of the wall as far as the Dung Gate.
14But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Bethhaccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.
14Malchiah son of Rechab, ruler of the district of Bethhaccerem, repaired the Dung Gate. He rebuilt it and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars.
The Fountain Gate and the City of David
15But the gate of the fountain repaired Shallun the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah; he built it, and covered it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof, and the wall of the pool of Siloah by the king’s garden, and unto the stairs that go down from the city of David.
15Shallun son of Colhozeh, ruler of the district of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He rebuilt it, put a roof over it, and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars. He also repaired the wall of the Pool of Siloah by the king's garden, as far as the steps that go down from the City of David.
16After him repaired Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Bethzur, unto the place over against the sepulchres of David, and to the pool that was made, and unto the house of the mighty.
16After him Nehemiah son of Azbuk, ruler of half the district of Bethzur, made repairs up to the spot across from the tombs of David, as far as the man-made pool and the house of the mighty men.
The Levites and the Turn at the Armoury
17After him repaired the Levites, Rehum the son of Bani. Next unto him repaired Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, in his part.
17After him the Levites made repairs under Rehum son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, ruler of half the district of Keilah, made repairs for his district.
18After him repaired their brethren, Bavai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah.
18After him their fellow Levites made repairs under Bavai son of Henadad, ruler of the other half of the district of Keilah.
19And next to him repaired Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Mizpah, another piece over against the going up to the armoury at the turning of the wall.
19Next to him Ezer son of Jeshua, ruler of Mizpah, repaired another section, across from the way up to the armory at the angle of the wall.
Up the Eastern Side to the High Priest's House
20After him Baruch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall unto the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
20After him Baruch son of Zabbai worked hard to repair another section, from the angle of the wall to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest.
21After him repaired Meremoth the son of Urijah the son of Koz another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib.
21After him Meremoth son of Urijah, the son of Koz, repaired another section, from the door of Eliashib's house to the end of the house.
22And after him repaired the priests, the men of the plain.
22After him the priests from the surrounding plain made repairs.
Repairs Beside Their Own Houses
23After him repaired Benjamin and Hashub over against their house. After him repaired Azariah the son of Maaseiah the son of Ananiah by his house.
23After them Benjamin and Hashub made repairs across from their house. After them Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house.
24After him repaired Binnui the son of Henadad another piece, from the house of Azariah unto the turning of the wall, even unto the corner.
24After him Binnui son of Henadad repaired another section, from the house of Azariah to the angle of the wall and on to the corner.
25Palal the son of Uzai, over against the turning of the wall, and the tower which lieth out from the king’s high house, that was by the court of the prison. After him Pedaiah the son of Parosh.
25Palal son of Uzai worked across from the angle and the tower that juts out from the upper palace of the king, by the courtyard of the guard. After him Pedaiah son of Parosh made repairs.
Ophel and the Water Gate
26Moreover the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel, unto the place over against the water gate toward the east, and the tower that lieth out.
26The temple servants who lived on Ophel made repairs up to the spot across from the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that juts out.
27After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, over against the great tower that lieth out, even unto the wall of Ophel.
27After them the men of Tekoa repaired another section, from across the great tower that juts out as far as the wall of Ophel.
The Horse Gate and the East Gate
28From above the horse gate repaired the priests, every one over against his house.
28Above the Horse Gate the priests made repairs, each one across from his own house.
29After them repaired Zadok the son of Immer over against his house. After him repaired also Shemaiah the son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the east gate.
29After them Zadok son of Immer made repairs across from his house. After him Shemaiah son of Shechaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, made repairs.
30After him repaired Hananiah the son of Shelemiah, and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph, another piece. After him repaired Meshullam the son of Berechiah over against his chamber.
30After him Hananiah son of Shelemiah and Hanun, the sixth son of Zalaph, repaired another section. After them Meshullam son of Berechiah made repairs across from his own room.
The Gate Miphkad and Back to the Start
31After him repaired Malchiah the goldsmith’s son unto the place of the Nethinims, and of the merchants, over against the gate Miphkad, and to the going up of the corner.
31After him Malchiah, one of the goldsmiths, made repairs as far as the house of the temple servants and the merchants, across from the Inspection Gate, and up to the room above the corner.
32And between the going up of the corner unto the sheep gate repaired the goldsmiths and the merchants.
32And between the room above the corner and the Sheep Gate, the goldsmiths and the merchants made repairs.
IV
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Sanballat and Tobiah Mock the Builders
1But it came to pass, that when Sanballat heard that we builded the wall, he was wroth, and took great indignation, and mocked the Jews.
1When Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he became furious and very indignant, and he ridiculed the Jews.
2And he spake before his brethren and the army of Samaria, and said, What do these feeble Jews? will they fortify themselves? will they sacrifice? will they make an end in a day? will they revive the stones out of the heaps of the rubbish which are burned?
2In front of his friends and the army of Samaria he said, "What are these feeble Jews doing? Are they going to fortify themselves? Are they going to offer sacrifices? Will they finish it in a day? Can they bring the stones back to life out of those heaps of rubble, burned as they are?"
3Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, Even that which they build, if a fox go up, he shall even break down their stone wall.
3Tobiah the Ammonite, who was beside him, said, "Whatever they build, if even a fox climbed up on it, it would knock their stone wall down!"
Nehemiah's Prayer and the Wall Half Built
4Hear, O our God; for we are despised: and turn their reproach upon their own head, and give them for a prey in the land of captivity:
4Hear us, O our God, for we are despised. Turn their insults back on their own heads, and let them be carried off as plunder to a land of captivity.
5And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.
5Do not cover over their guilt, and do not let their sin be wiped out of your sight, for they have provoked you to anger in front of the builders.
6So built we the wall; and all the wall was joined together unto the half thereof: for the people had a mind to work.
6So we rebuilt the wall, and the whole wall was joined together up to half its height, because the people had a heart for the work.
A Plot to Attack the City
7But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,
7But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites, and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to the walls of Jerusalem were going forward and the gaps were beginning to be closed, they were very angry,
8And conspired all of them together to come and to fight against Jerusalem, and to hinder it.
8and they all plotted together to come and fight against Jerusalem and stir up trouble against it.
9Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night, because of them.
9But we prayed to our God, and because of them we posted a guard against them day and night.
Exhaustion, Threats, and Rumor
10And Judah said, The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish; so that we are not able to build the wall.
10Then the people of Judah said, "The strength of the laborers is giving out, and there is so much rubble that we cannot build the wall."
11And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.
11And our enemies said, "They won't know or see a thing until we are right there among them. Then we will kill them and put a stop to the work."
12And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.
12The Jews who lived near them came and told us ten times over, "From every direction you turn, they will attack you."
Armed by Families at the Gaps
13Therefore set I in the lower places behind the wall, and on the higher places, I even set the people after their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
13So I stationed people behind the lowest parts of the wall, at the open places, and on the higher spots. I posted them by families, with their swords, their spears, and their bows.
14And I looked, and rose up, and said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, Be not ye afraid of them: remember the LORD, which is great and terrible, and fight for your brethren, your sons, and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.
14After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, "Do not be afraid of them. Remember the LORD, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and daughters, your wives, and your homes."
15And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.
15When our enemies heard that we knew about their plan and that God had brought their scheme to nothing, all of us went back to the wall, each to his own work.
Half Build, Half Stand Guard
16And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.
16From that day on, half of my men did the work while the other half held the spears, shields, bows, and armor. The officers stood behind all the people of Judah.
17They which builded on the wall, and they that bare burdens, with those that laded, every one with one of his hands wrought in the work, and with the other hand held a weapon.
17Those who were building the wall, and those who carried loads and those who loaded them, each did the work with one hand and held a weapon in the other.
18For the builders, every one had his sword girded by his side, and so builded. And he that sounded the trumpet was by me.
18Every one of the builders worked with his sword strapped to his side. The man who sounded the trumpet stayed beside me.
The Trumpet and the Long Watch
19And I said unto the nobles, and to the rulers, and to the rest of the people, The work is great and large, and we are separated upon the wall, one far from another.
19I said to the nobles, the officials, and the rest of the people, "The work is huge and spread out, and we are scattered along the wall, far apart from one another.
20In what place therefore ye hear the sound of the trumpet, resort ye thither unto us: our God shall fight for us.
20Wherever you hear the sound of the trumpet, gather to us there. Our God will fight for us."
21So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.
21So we kept on with the work, with half the men holding spears from the first light of dawn until the stars came out.
22Likewise at the same time said I unto the people, Let every one with his servant lodge within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard to us, and labour on the day.
22At the same time I also told the people, "Let every man and his servant spend the night inside Jerusalem, so they can guard us by night and work by day."
23So neither I, nor my brethren, nor my servants, nor the men of the guard which followed me, none of us put off our clothes, saving that every one put them off for washing.
23Neither I, nor my brothers, nor my men, nor the guards who followed me took off our clothes, except when each of us took them off for washing.
V
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Outcry of the Poor
1And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
1Now the people and their wives raised a loud outcry against their fellow Jews.
2For there were that said, We, our sons, and our daughters, are many: therefore we take up corn for them, that we may eat, and live.
2Some were saying, "We and our sons and daughters are many. We have to get grain just so we can eat and stay alive."
3Some also there were that said, We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy corn, because of the dearth.
3Others were saying, "We have had to mortgage our fields, our vineyards, and our houses to get grain because of the famine."
4There were also that said, We have borrowed money for the king’s tribute, and that upon our lands and vineyards.
4Still others were saying, "We have had to borrow money against our fields and vineyards to pay the king's tax.
5Yet now our flesh is as the flesh of our brethren, our children as their children: and, lo, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be servants, and some of our daughters are brought unto bondage already: neither is it in our power to redeem them; for other men have our lands and vineyards.
5We are the same flesh and blood as our fellow Jews, and our children are just like theirs. Yet we are having to hand over our sons and daughters as slaves. Some of our daughters have already been taken, and we are powerless to do anything about it, because our fields and vineyards belong to other men."
Nehemiah Confronts the Nobles
6And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words.
6When I heard their outcry and these complaints, I was very angry.
7Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.
7After thinking it over, I confronted the nobles and the officials. I said to them, "Every one of you is charging interest to his own brother!" Then I called a large assembly to deal with them,
8And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothing to answer.
8and I said to them, "As far as we were able, we have bought back our fellow Jews who had been sold to the nations. Now are you going to sell your own brothers, so that they have to be sold back to us?" They kept quiet, because they could find nothing to say.
Restore Their Fields This Day
9Also I said, It is not good that ye do: ought ye not to walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the heathen our enemies?
9So I went on, "What you are doing is not right. Shouldn't you live in the fear of our God, to avoid the scorn of the nations who are our enemies?
10I likewise, and my brethren, and my servants, might exact of them money and corn: I pray you, let us leave off this usury.
10I and my brothers and my men are also lending the people money and grain. But let's put a stop to this charging of interest!
11Restore, I pray you, to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their oliveyards, and their houses, also the hundredth part of the money, and of the corn, the wine, and the oil, that ye exact of them.
11Give back to them today their fields, their vineyards, their olive groves, and their houses, and also the one percent of the money, grain, wine, and oil that you have been charging them."
The Oath and the Shaken Lap
12Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.
12"We will give it back," they said, "and we will demand nothing more from them. We will do just as you say." Then I called the priests and made the nobles and officials swear an oath to do what they had promised.
13Also I shook my lap, and said, So God shake out every man from his house, and from his labour, that performeth not this promise, even thus be he shaken out, and emptied. And all the congregation said, Amen, and praised the LORD. And the people did according to this promise.
13I also shook out the folds of my robe and said, "May God shake out of his house and his property every man who does not keep this promise. May he be shaken out and emptied just like this!" The whole assembly said, "Amen," and praised the LORD. And the people did what they had promised.
A Governor Who Took No Allowance
14Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.
14What is more, from the day I was appointed governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes, twelve years in all, neither I nor my brothers ate the food allowed to the governor.
15But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
15The governors before me had laid heavy burdens on the people, taking food and wine from them plus forty shekels of silver. Even their servants lorded it over the people. But I did not do that, because I feared God.
16Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.
16Instead, I gave myself to the work on this wall, and we bought no land. All my men were gathered there for the work.
The Governor's Table
17Moreover there were at my table an hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, beside those that came unto us from among the heathen that are about us.
17Besides that, a hundred and fifty Jews and officials ate at my table, along with those who came to us from the surrounding nations.
18Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.
18Each day one ox, six choice sheep, and some poultry were prepared for me, and every ten days a large supply of all kinds of wine. Yet in spite of all this I never demanded the governor's food allowance, because the burden on this people was already heavy.
19Think upon me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people.
19Remember me with favor, my God, for everything I have done for this people.
VI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Invitation to the Plain of Ono
1Now it came to pass, when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arabian, and the rest of our enemies, heard that I had builded the wall, and that there was no breach left therein; (though at that time I had not set up the doors upon the gates;)
1Now when Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our enemies heard that I had rebuilt the wall and that not a gap was left in it (though at that time I had not yet set the doors in the gates),
2That Sanballat and Geshem sent unto me, saying, Come, let us meet together in some one of the villages in the plain of Ono. But they thought to do me mischief.
2Sanballat and Geshem sent me a message: "Come, let's meet together in one of the villages on the plain of Ono." But they were planning to harm me.
3And I sent messengers unto them, saying, I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down: why should the work cease, whilst I leave it, and come down to you?
3So I sent messengers to them with this reply: "I am carrying out a great work and cannot come down. Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?"
4Yet they sent unto me four times after this sort; and I answered them after the same manner.
4Four times they sent me the same message, and each time I gave them the same answer.
The Open Letter About Rebellion
5Then sent Sanballat his servant unto me in like manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand;
5The fifth time, Sanballat sent his servant to me in the same way, carrying an unsealed letter in his hand.
6Wherein was written, It is reported among the heathen, and Gashmu saith it, that thou and the Jews think to rebel: for which cause thou buildest the wall, that thou mayest be their king, according to these words.
6In it was written: "It is being reported among the nations, and Gashmu says it is so, that you and the Jews are planning to rebel. That is why you are building the wall, and according to these reports, you intend to become their king.
7And thou hast also appointed prophets to preach of thee at Jerusalem, saying, There is a king in Judah: and now shall it be reported to the king according to these words. Come now therefore, and let us take counsel together.
7You have even appointed prophets to announce about you in Jerusalem, 'There is a king in Judah!' Now this report is going to reach the king. So come, let's talk it over together."
8Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.
8I sent him this reply: "Nothing like what you are saying is going on. You are making it all up out of your own head."
9For they all made us afraid, saying, Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it be not done. Now therefore, O God, strengthen my hands.
9They were all trying to frighten us, thinking, "Their hands will grow too weak for the work, and it will never be finished." But now, O God, strengthen my hands.
Shemaiah's Hired Prophecy
10Afterward I came unto the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut up; and he said, Let us meet together in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple: for they will come to slay thee; yea, in the night will they come to slay thee.
10One day I went to the house of Shemaiah son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabeel, who was shut in at home. He said, "Let's meet in the house of God, inside the temple, and shut the temple doors, because men are coming to kill you. Yes, they are coming to kill you tonight."
11And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.
11But I said, "Should a man like me run away? And what man like me would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in."
12And, lo, I perceived that God had not sent him; but that he pronounced this prophecy against me: for Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him.
12Then I realized that God had not sent him at all. He had spoken this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had paid him to do it.
13Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.
13He had been hired to frighten me into doing this and sinning, so they could give me a bad name and hold me up to scorn.
14My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.
14My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets who tried to frighten me.
The Wall Finished in Fifty-Two Days
15So the wall was finished in the twenty and fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty and two days.
15So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month of Elul, in fifty-two days.
16And it came to pass, that when all our enemies heard thereof, and all the heathen that were about us saw these things, they were much cast down in their own eyes: for they perceived that this work was wrought of our God.
16When all our enemies heard about it and all the surrounding nations saw it, they lost all their confidence, because they realized that this work had been done by our God.
Tobiah's Allies Among the Nobles
17Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.
17In those days the nobles of Judah were also sending many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah's letters were coming back to them.
18For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.
18Many people in Judah were bound to him by oath, because he was the son-in-law of Shechaniah son of Arah, and his son Johanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.
19Also they reported his good deeds before me, and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to put me in fear.
19They kept telling me about his good deeds and reporting my words back to him. And Tobiah sent letters to frighten me.
VII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Guarding the Gates of an Empty City
1Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,
1When the wall was finished and I had hung the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites had been given their posts,
2That I gave my brother Hanani, and Hananiah the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem: for he was a faithful man, and feared God above many.
2I put my brother Hanani, together with Hananiah the commander of the fortress, in charge of Jerusalem, because Hananiah was a faithful man who feared God more than most people do.
3And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.
3I told them, "Do not open the gates of Jerusalem until the sun is high, and while the guards are still on duty, have them shut the doors and bar them. Set up watches from the people who live in Jerusalem, each one at his post, and each one across from his own house."
4Now the city was large and great: but the people were few therein, and the houses were not builded.
4Now the city was wide and roomy, but there were few people in it, and the houses had not been rebuilt.
The Register of the First Return
5And my God put into mine heart to gather together the nobles, and the rulers, and the people, that they might be reckoned by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of them which came up at the first, and found written therein,
5Then my God put it in my heart to gather the nobles, the officials, and the people so they could be listed by family line. I found the family register of those who had come back in the first return, and this is what I found written in it:
6These are the children of the province, that went up out of the captivity, of those that had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away, and came again to Jerusalem and to Judah, every one unto his city;
6These are the people of the province who came up out of the captivity, the exiles whom Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon had carried away, and who came back to Jerusalem and to Judah, each one to his own town;
7Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;
7they came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. This was the count of the men of the people of Israel:
Families Counted by Ancestor
8The children of Parosh, two thousand an hundred seventy and two.
8the descendants of Parosh, 2,172;
9The children of Shephatiah, three hundred seventy and two.
9the descendants of Shephatiah, 372;
10The children of Arah, six hundred fifty and two.
10the descendants of Arah, 652;
11The children of Pahathmoab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand and eight hundred and eighteen.
11the descendants of Pahath-moab, through the line of Jeshua and Joab, 2,818;
12The children of Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
12the descendants of Elam, 1,254;
13The children of Zattu, eight hundred forty and five.
13the descendants of Zattu, 845;
14The children of Zaccai, seven hundred and threescore.
14the descendants of Zaccai, 760;
15The children of Binnui, six hundred forty and eight.
15the descendants of Binnui, 648;
16The children of Bebai, six hundred twenty and eight.
16the descendants of Bebai, 628;
17The children of Azgad, two thousand three hundred twenty and two.
17the descendants of Azgad, 2,322;
18The children of Adonikam, six hundred threescore and seven.
18the descendants of Adonikam, 667;
19The children of Bigvai, two thousand threescore and seven.
19the descendants of Bigvai, 2,067;
20The children of Adin, six hundred fifty and five.
20the descendants of Adin, 655;
21The children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety and eight.
21the descendants of Ater, through Hezekiah, 98;
22The children of Hashum, three hundred twenty and eight.
22the descendants of Hashum, 328;
23The children of Bezai, three hundred twenty and four.
23the descendants of Bezai, 324;
24The children of Hariph, an hundred and twelve.
24the descendants of Hariph, 112;
Families Counted by Home Town
25The children of Gibeon, ninety and five.
25the descendants of Gibeon, 95;
26The men of Bethlehem and Netophah, an hundred fourscore and eight.
26the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, 188;
27The men of Anathoth, an hundred twenty and eight.
27the men of Anathoth, 128;
28The men of Bethazmaveth, forty and two.
28the men of Beth-azmaveth, 42;
29The men of Kirjathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred forty and three.
29the men of Kiriath-jearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, 743;
30The men of Ramah and Gaba, six hundred twenty and one.
30the men of Ramah and Geba, 621;
31The men of Michmas, an hundred and twenty and two.
31the men of Michmash, 122;
32The men of Bethel and Ai, an hundred twenty and three.
32the men of Bethel and Ai, 123;
33The men of the other Nebo, fifty and two.
33the men of the other Nebo, 52;
34The children of the other Elam, a thousand two hundred fifty and four.
34the descendants of the other Elam, 1,254;
35The children of Harim, three hundred and twenty.
35the descendants of Harim, 320;
36The children of Jericho, three hundred forty and five.
36the descendants of Jericho, 345;
37The children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred twenty and one.
37the descendants of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, 721;
38The children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.
38the descendants of Senaah, 3,930.
The Priests
39The priests: the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred seventy and three.
39The priests: the descendants of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, 973;
40The children of Immer, a thousand fifty and two.
40the descendants of Immer, 1,052;
41The children of Pashur, a thousand two hundred forty and seven.
41the descendants of Pashhur, 1,247;
42The children of Harim, a thousand and seventeen.
42the descendants of Harim, 1,017.
Levites, Singers, and Gatekeepers
43The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy and four.
43The Levites: the descendants of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the line of Hodevah, 74.
44The singers: the children of Asaph, an hundred forty and eight.
44The singers: the descendants of Asaph, 148.
45The porters: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, an hundred thirty and eight.
45The gatekeepers: the descendants of Shallum, the descendants of Ater, the descendants of Talmon, the descendants of Akkub, the descendants of Hatita, and the descendants of Shobai, 138.
The Nethinim, Temple Servants
46The Nethinims: the children of Ziha, the children of Hashupha, the children of Tabbaoth,
46The temple servants: the descendants of Ziha, the descendants of Hashupha, the descendants of Tabbaoth,
47The children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon,
47the descendants of Keros, the descendants of Sia, the descendants of Padon,
48The children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shalmai,
48the descendants of Lebana, the descendants of Hagaba, the descendants of Shalmai,
49The children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar,
49the descendants of Hanan, the descendants of Giddel, the descendants of Gahar,
50The children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda,
50the descendants of Reaiah, the descendants of Rezin, the descendants of Nekoda,
51The children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Phaseah,
51the descendants of Gazzam, the descendants of Uzza, the descendants of Paseah,
52The children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephishesim,
52the descendants of Besai, the descendants of Meunim, the descendants of Nephishesim,
53The children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur,
53the descendants of Bakbuk, the descendants of Hakupha, the descendants of Harhur,
54The children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha,
54the descendants of Bazlith, the descendants of Mehida, the descendants of Harsha,
55The children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Tamah,
55the descendants of Barkos, the descendants of Sisera, the descendants of Tamah,
56The children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
56the descendants of Neziah, and the descendants of Hatipha.
Descendants of Solomon's Servants
57The children of Solomon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida,
57The descendants of Solomon's servants: the descendants of Sotai, the descendants of Sophereth, the descendants of Perida,
58The children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel,
58the descendants of Jaala, the descendants of Darkon, the descendants of Giddel,
59The children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth of Zebaim, the children of Amon.
59the descendants of Shephatiah, the descendants of Hattil, the descendants of Pochereth of Zebaim, and the descendants of Amon.
60All the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants, were three hundred ninety and two.
60All the temple servants and the descendants of Solomon's servants together came to 392.
Those Who Could Not Prove Their Line
61And these were they which went up also from Telmelah, Telharesha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer: but they could not shew their father’s house, nor their seed, whether they were of Israel.
61These also came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove that their family or their ancestry belonged to Israel:
62The children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred forty and two.
62the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 642.
63And of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Koz, the children of Barzillai, which took one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite to wife, and was called after their name.
63And from the priests: the descendants of Habaiah, the descendants of Koz, and the descendants of Barzillai, who had married one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and taken their family name.
64These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.
64These men searched for their names in the family records, but they could not be found, so they were treated as unclean and barred from the priesthood.
65And the Tirshatha said unto them, that they should not eat of the most holy things, till there stood up a priest with Urim and Thummim.
65The governor told them not to eat any of the most holy food until a priest could stand and consult the Urim and Thummim.
The Totals
66The whole congregation together was forty and two thousand three hundred and threescore,
66The whole assembly together numbered 42,360,
67Beside their manservants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred thirty and seven: and they had two hundred forty and five singing men and singing women.
67not counting their male and female servants, of whom there were 7,337; and they had 245 male and female singers.
68Their horses, seven hundred thirty and six: their mules, two hundred forty and five:
68They had 736 horses and 245 mules,
69Their camels, four hundred thirty and five: six thousand seven hundred and twenty asses.
69435 camels and 6,720 donkeys.
Gifts Toward the Work
70And some of the chief of the fathers gave unto the work. The Tirshatha gave to the treasure a thousand drams of gold, fifty basons, five hundred and thirty priests’ garments.
70Some of the heads of families gave gifts toward the work. The governor gave to the treasury 1,000 gold coins, 50 basins, and 530 priests' robes.
71And some of the chief of the fathers gave to the treasure of the work twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand and two hundred pound of silver.
71Some of the heads of families gave to the treasury for the work 20,000 gold coins and 2,200 pounds of silver.
72And that which the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pound of silver, and threescore and seven priests’ garments.
72What the rest of the people gave came to 20,000 gold coins, 2,000 pounds of silver, and 67 priests' robes.
Settled in Their Own Towns
73So the priests, and the Levites, and the porters, and the singers, and some of the people, and the Nethinims, and all Israel, dwelt in their cities; and when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities.
73So the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, some of the people, the temple servants, and all Israel settled in their towns. And when the seventh month came, the people of Israel were living in their towns.
VIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Reading at the Water Gate
1And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.
1All the people gathered as one in the open square in front of the Water Gate, and they asked Ezra the scribe to bring out the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded Israel to keep.
2And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.
2So on the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and everyone old enough to understand what they heard.
3And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.
3He read from it in the square in front of the Water Gate from early morning until noon, facing the men, the women, and all who could understand, and every ear in the crowd was fixed on the book of the law.
4And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
4Ezra the scribe stood on a wooden platform that had been built for the occasion. Beside him on his right stood Mattithiah, Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, and on his left stood Pedaiah, Mishael, Malchijah, Hashum, Hashbaddanah, Zechariah, and Meshullam.
5And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people;) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:
5Ezra opened the book where all the people could see him, since he stood higher than everyone, and as he opened it, all the people rose to their feet.
6And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
6Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and all the people lifted their hands and answered, "Amen! Amen!" Then they bowed their heads and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.
The Levites Give the Sense
7Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.
7Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the other Levites helped the people understand the law while the people stayed where they stood.
8So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.
8They read clearly from the book of the law of God, explaining its meaning, so that the people understood what was being read.
A Holy Day, Not a Day for Weeping
9And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.
9Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were teaching the people said to them all, "This day is holy to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep." They said this because all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the law.
10Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our LORD: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.
10Then he told them, "Go and enjoy rich food and sweet drinks, and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be sad, for the joy of the LORD is your strength."
11So the Levites stilled all the people, saying, Hold your peace, for the day is holy; neither be ye grieved.
11So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, "Be still, for this is a holy day. Do not grieve."
12And all the people went their way to eat, and to drink, and to send portions, and to make great mirth, because they had understood the words that were declared unto them.
12Then all the people went off to eat and drink, to share portions with others, and to celebrate with great joy, because they had understood the words that had been explained to them.
Booths Found in the Law
13And on the second day were gathered together the chief of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites, unto Ezra the scribe, even to understand the words of the law.
13On the second day, the heads of all the families, along with the priests and the Levites, gathered around Ezra the scribe to study the words of the law more closely.
14And they found written in the law which the LORD had commanded by Moses, that the children of Israel should dwell in booths in the feast of the seventh month:
14They found written in the law the LORD had given through Moses that the people of Israel were to live in shelters during the feast of the seventh month,
15And that they should publish and proclaim in all their cities, and in Jerusalem, saying, Go forth unto the mount, and fetch olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees, to make booths, as it is written.
15and that they were to announce and spread the word through all their towns and in Jerusalem: "Go out to the hills and bring back branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees to make shelters, just as it is written."
The Feast of Booths Kept Again
16So the people went forth, and brought them, and made themselves booths, every one upon the roof of his house, and in their courts, and in the courts of the house of God, and in the street of the water gate, and in the street of the gate of Ephraim.
16So the people went out and brought branches back, and they built shelters for themselves on their rooftops, in their courtyards, in the courts of the house of God, in the square by the Water Gate, and in the square by the Gate of Ephraim.
17And all the congregation of them that were come again out of the captivity made booths, and sat under the booths: for since the days of Jeshua the son of Nun unto that day had not the children of Israel done so. And there was very great gladness.
17The whole company of those who had returned from captivity built shelters and lived in them. From the days of Joshua son of Nun until that day, the people of Israel had not done this, and there was tremendous joy.
18Also day by day, from the first day unto the last day, he read in the book of the law of God. And they kept the feast seven days; and on the eighth day was a solemn assembly, according unto the manner.
18Day after day, from the first day to the last, Ezra read from the book of the law of God. They celebrated the feast for seven days, and on the eighth day they held a solemn assembly, as the rule required.
IX
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Fasting, Sackcloth, and Confession
1Now in the twenty and fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fasting, and with sackclothes, and earth upon them.
1On the twenty-fourth day of that same month, the people of Israel gathered together, fasting, wearing sackcloth, and with dust on their heads.
2And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers.
2Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners, and they stood and confessed their own sins and the wrongs of their ancestors.
3And they stood up in their place, and read in the book of the law of the LORD their God one fourth part of the day; and another fourth part they confessed, and worshipped the LORD their God.
3They stood in their places and read from the book of the law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and for another quarter they confessed their sins and worshipped the LORD their God.
The Levites Begin: God the Maker
4Then stood up upon the stairs, of the Levites, Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, and cried with a loud voice unto the LORD their God.
4Then some of the Levites, Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani, stood on the stairs and cried out to the LORD their God in a loud voice.
5Then the Levites, Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabniah, Sherebiah, Hodijah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah, said, Stand up and bless the LORD your God for ever and ever: and blessed be thy glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.
5Then the Levites Jeshua, Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Hodiah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah said, "Stand up and bless the LORD your God forever and ever. Blessed be your glorious name, lifted high above every blessing and every word of praise.
6Thou, even thou, art LORD alone; thou hast made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth, and all things that are therein, the seas, and all that is therein, and thou preservest them all; and the host of heaven worshippeth thee.
6You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, with all their starry host, the earth and everything on it, the seas and everything in them. You keep them all alive, and the host of heaven bows down to you.
Abraham and the Promise of the Land
7Thou art the LORD the God, who didst choose Abram, and broughtest him forth out of Ur of the Chaldees, and gavest him the name of Abraham;
7You are the LORD God, who chose Abram, brought him out of Ur of the Chaldeans, and gave him the name Abraham.
8And foundest his heart faithful before thee, and madest a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Perizzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites, to give it, I say, to his seed, and hast performed thy words; for thou art righteous:
8You found his heart faithful to you, and you made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, Hittites, Amorites, Perizzites, Jebusites, and Girgashites to his descendants. And you have kept your promise, because you are righteous.
Egypt and the Sea
9And didst see the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heardest their cry by the Red sea;
9You saw how our ancestors suffered in Egypt, and you heard their cry at the Red Sea.
10And shewedst signs and wonders upon Pharaoh, and on all his servants, and on all the people of his land: for thou knewest that they dealt proudly against them. So didst thou get thee a name, as it is this day.
10You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, because you knew how cruelly they had treated your people. So you made a name for yourself that lasts to this day.
11And thou didst divide the sea before them, so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land; and their persecutors thou threwest into the deeps, as a stone into the mighty waters.
11You split the sea open in front of them, so that they walked through the middle of it on dry ground, but you hurled the ones chasing them into the depths, like a stone thrown into mighty waters.
12Moreover thou leddest them in the day by a cloudy pillar; and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light in the way wherein they should go.
12By day you led them with a pillar of cloud, and by night with a pillar of fire, to light the road they were to travel.
Sinai, Manna, Water
13Thou camest down also upon mount Sinai, and spakest with them from heaven, and gavest them right judgments, and true laws, good statutes and commandments:
13You came down on Mount Sinai and spoke with them from heaven. You gave them fair rules and true laws, good statutes and commandments.
14And madest known unto them thy holy sabbath, and commandedst them precepts, statutes, and laws, by the hand of Moses thy servant:
14You made your holy Sabbath known to them, and through your servant Moses you gave them precepts, statutes, and laws.
15And gavest them bread from heaven for their hunger, and broughtest forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promisedst them that they should go in to possess the land which thou hadst sworn to give them.
15You gave them bread from heaven when they were hungry and brought water out of the rock when they were thirsty, and you told them to go in and take the land you had sworn to give them.
The Golden Calf and the Stiff Neck
16But they and our fathers dealt proudly, and hardened their necks, and hearkened not to thy commandments,
16But they, our ancestors, grew proud and stubborn, and they would not listen to your commands.
17And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsookest them not.
17They refused to obey and forgot the wonders you had done among them. They stiffened their necks, and in their rebellion they chose a leader to take them back to their slavery. But you are a God who is ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and rich in kindness, and you did not abandon them.
18Yea, when they had made them a molten calf, and said, This is thy God that brought thee up out of Egypt, and had wrought great provocations;
18Even when they made themselves a metal calf and said, "This is your god who brought you up out of Egypt," and committed terrible offenses,
Forty Years Sustained in the Wilderness
19Yet thou in thy manifold mercies forsookest them not in the wilderness: the pillar of the cloud departed not from them by day, to lead them in the way; neither the pillar of fire by night, to shew them light, and the way wherein they should go.
19still, in your great mercy, you did not abandon them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud never left them by day to lead them on their way, nor the pillar of fire by night to light the road they were to travel.
20Thou gavest also thy good spirit to instruct them, and withheldest not thy manna from their mouth, and gavest them water for their thirst.
20You gave your good Spirit to teach them, you did not hold back your manna from their mouths, and you gave them water when they were thirsty.
21Yea, forty years didst thou sustain them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing; their clothes waxed not old, and their feet swelled not.
21For forty years you took care of them in the wilderness, and they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not wear out, and their feet did not swell.
The Land Taken and Enjoyed
22Moreover thou gavest them kingdoms and nations, and didst divide them into corners: so they possessed the land of Sihon, and the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.
22You gave them kingdoms and nations and marked out their borders, so they took the land of Sihon, the land of the king of Heshbon, and the land of Og king of Bashan.
23Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it.
23You made their children as many as the stars in the sky and brought them into the land you had promised their ancestors they would enter and possess.
24So the children went in and possessed the land, and thou subduedst before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, and gavest them into their hands, with their kings, and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they would.
24So their children went in and took the land. You subdued the Canaanites who lived there and handed them over to your people, kings and peoples alike, to deal with as they pleased.
25And they took strong cities, and a fat land, and possessed houses full of all goods, wells digged, vineyards, and oliveyards, and fruit trees in abundance: so they did eat, and were filled, and became fat, and delighted themselves in thy great goodness.
25They captured fortified cities and rich soil. They took over houses full of good things, wells already dug, vineyards, olive groves, and fruit trees in abundance. They ate until they were full and grew fat, and they enjoyed your great goodness.
The Cycle of the Judges
26Nevertheless they were disobedient, and rebelled against thee, and cast thy law behind their backs, and slew thy prophets which testified against them to turn them to thee, and they wrought great provocations.
26Even so, they were disobedient and rebelled against you. They threw your law behind their backs and killed your prophets, who had warned them so they would turn back to you, and they committed terrible offenses.
27Therefore thou deliveredst them into the hand of their enemies, who vexed them: and in the time of their trouble, when they cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and according to thy manifold mercies thou gavest them saviours, who saved them out of the hand of their enemies.
27So you handed them over to enemies who oppressed them. But in their time of trouble they cried out to you, and you heard them from heaven, and in your great mercy you gave them deliverers who rescued them from their enemies.
28But after they had rest, they did evil again before thee: therefore leftest thou them in the hand of their enemies, so that they had the dominion over them: yet when they returned, and cried unto thee, thou heardest them from heaven; and many times didst thou deliver them according to thy mercies;
28But as soon as they had peace, they did evil in your sight again, so you left them in the power of their enemies, who ruled over them. Yet when they turned back and cried out to you, you heard them from heaven, and time after time you rescued them in your mercy.
The Prophets Ignored and the Exile
29And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.
29You warned them so you could bring them back to your law, but they grew proud and would not obey your commands. They sinned against your rules, the rules a person lives by if he keeps them. They turned a stubborn shoulder, stiffened their necks, and refused to listen.
30Yet many years didst thou forbear them, and testifiedst against them by thy spirit in thy prophets: yet would they not give ear: therefore gavest thou them into the hand of the people of the lands.
30For many years you were patient with them and warned them by your Spirit through your prophets, but they would not pay attention. So you handed them over to the peoples of the lands around them.
31Nevertheless for thy great mercies’ sake thou didst not utterly consume them, nor forsake them; for thou art a gracious and merciful God.
31Yet in your great mercy you did not wipe them out completely or abandon them, because you are a gracious and merciful God.
The Prayer Turns to the Present
32Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day.
32Now then, our God, the great, mighty, and awesome God who keeps his covenant and his mercy, do not let all this hardship seem small to you. It has fallen on us, on our kings, our leaders, our priests, our prophets, our ancestors, and all your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today.
33Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:
33In everything that has happened to us you have been just. You have acted faithfully, but we have acted wickedly.
34Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.
34Our kings, our leaders, our priests, and our ancestors did not keep your law or pay attention to your commands and the warnings you gave them.
35For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.
35Even in their own kingdom, surrounded by the great goodness you showed them, in the wide and fertile land you set before them, they did not serve you or turn from their evil ways.
Slaves in Their Own Land
36Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it:
36Look at us: today we are slaves. In the very land you gave our ancestors so they could enjoy its fruit and its good things, we are slaves.
37And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
37Its rich harvest goes to the kings you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please, and we are in deep distress.
A Sure Covenant, Written and Sealed
38And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.
38Because of all this, we are making a binding covenant and putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites, and our priests are setting their seals to it."
X
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Priests Who Sealed the Agreement
1Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,
1Now these are the ones who put their seal to it: Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah,
2Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
2Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah,
3Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah,
3Pashur, Amariah, Malchijah,
4Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,
4Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch,
5Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
5Harim, Meremoth, Obadiah,
6Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
6Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch,
7Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
7Meshullam, Abijah, Mijamin,
8Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah: these were the priests.
8Maaziah, Bilgai, Shemaiah. These were the priests.
The Levites Who Sealed
9And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel;
9And the Levites: Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel,
10And their brethren, Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
10and their brothers Shebaniah, Hodijah, Kelita, Pelaiah, Hanan,
11Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,
11Micha, Rehob, Hashabiah,
12Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
12Zaccur, Sherebiah, Shebaniah,
13Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.
13Hodijah, Bani, Beninu.
The Heads of the People
14The chief of the people; Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,
14The leaders of the people: Parosh, Pahathmoab, Elam, Zatthu, Bani,
15Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
15Bunni, Azgad, Bebai,
16Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
16Adonijah, Bigvai, Adin,
17Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,
17Ater, Hizkijah, Azzur,
18Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,
18Hodijah, Hashum, Bezai,
19Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
19Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai,
20Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
20Magpiash, Meshullam, Hezir,
21Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,
21Meshezabeel, Zadok, Jaddua,
22Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
22Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah,
23Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub,
23Hoshea, Hananiah, Hashub,
24Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,
24Hallohesh, Pileha, Shobek,
25Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
25Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah,
26And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,
26and Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,
27Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
27Malluch, Harim, Baanah.
The Rest of the People Join
28And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;
28The rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeepers, the singers, the temple servants, and everyone who had separated themselves from the peoples of the lands to follow the law of God, along with their wives, their sons, and their daughters, everyone old enough to know and understand,
29They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;
29joined with their brothers, the nobles, and bound themselves with a curse and an oath to live by God's law, which was given through Moses the servant of God, and to keep and carry out all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes.
Marriage, the Sabbath, and the Seventh Year
30And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:
30We promised that we would not give our daughters in marriage to the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons.
31And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.
31And if the people of the land bring goods or any food to sell on the Sabbath day, we would not buy from them on the Sabbath or on any holy day. We would let the land rest in the seventh year and cancel every debt.
Paying for the Temple's Daily Work
32Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;
32We also made rules for ourselves, to charge each of us a third of a shekel every year for the service of the house of our God:
33For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.
33for the bread set out on the table, for the regular grain offering and the regular burnt offering, for the Sabbaths, the new moons, and the appointed feasts, for the holy things, for the sin offerings that make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.
34And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:
34And we cast lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God by our family lines at set times each year, to burn on the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law.
Firstfruits, Firstborn, and Tithes
35And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:
35We promised to bring the first fruits of our soil and the first fruits of every tree, year by year, to the house of the LORD,
36Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:
36and also the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstborn of our herds and flocks, bringing them to the house of our God, to the priests who serve there.
37And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.
37We would bring the first of our dough, our offerings, the fruit of every kind of tree, and the new wine and oil to the priests, to the storerooms of the house of our God, and the tithes of our soil to the Levites, since the Levites collect the tithes in all the towns where we farm.
38And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.
38A priest descended from Aaron is to be with the Levites when they collect the tithes, and the Levites are to bring a tenth of the tithes up to the house of our God, to the storerooms of the treasury.
39For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.
39For the people of Israel and the sons of Levi are to bring the offering of grain, new wine, and oil to the storerooms where the holy vessels are kept and where the priests who serve, the gatekeepers, and the singers are. We will not neglect the house of our God.
XI
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Casting Lots to Settle Jerusalem
1And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.
1The leaders of the people settled in Jerusalem. The rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of every ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while the other nine stayed in the other towns.
2And the people blessed all the men, that willingly offered themselves to dwell at Jerusalem.
2And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem.
3Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon’s servants.
3Now these are the leaders of the province who lived in Jerusalem; but in the towns of Judah everyone lived on his own property in his own town: Israel, the priests, the Levites, the temple servants, and the descendants of Solomon's servants.
The Men of Judah and Benjamin in Jerusalem
4And at Jerusalem dwelt certain of the children of Judah, and of the children of Benjamin. Of the children of Judah; Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the children of Perez;
4Some of the people of Judah and of Benjamin lived in Jerusalem. From the people of Judah: Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalaleel, of the descendants of Perez;
5And Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.
5and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of Shiloni.
6All the sons of Perez that dwelt at Jerusalem were four hundred threescore and eight valiant men.
6All the sons of Perez who lived in Jerusalem came to four hundred sixty-eight brave men.
7And these are the sons of Benjamin; Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.
7These are the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ithiel, the son of Jesaiah.
8And after him Gabbai, Sallai, nine hundred twenty and eight.
8After him came Gabbai and Sallai, nine hundred twenty-eight in all.
9And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.
9Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer, and Judah the son of Senuah was second in charge of the city.
The Priests Living in the City
10Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin.
10Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin,
11Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God.
11Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, who was the ruler of the house of God,
12And their brethren that did the work of the house were eight hundred twenty and two: and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,
12and their brothers who did the work of the house, eight hundred twenty-two; and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashur, the son of Malchiah,
13And his brethren, chief of the fathers, two hundred forty and two: and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,
13and his brothers, heads of families, two hundred forty-two; and Amashai the son of Azareel, the son of Ahasai, the son of Meshillemoth, the son of Immer,
14And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.
14and their brothers, brave fighting men, one hundred twenty-eight. Their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.
Levites, Singers, and Gatekeepers
15Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;
15Of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hashub, the son of Azrikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni;
16And Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chief of the Levites, had the oversight of the outward business of the house of God.
16and Shabbethai and Jozabad, from the leaders of the Levites, who were in charge of the outside work of the house of God;
17And Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the principal to begin the thanksgiving in prayer: and Bakbukiah the second among his brethren, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
17and Mattaniah the son of Micha, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, who led the thanksgiving in prayer; and Bakbukiah, second among his brothers; and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun.
18All the Levites in the holy city were two hundred fourscore and four.
18All the Levites in the holy city came to two hundred eighty-four.
19Moreover the porters, Akkub, Talmon, and their brethren that kept the gates, were an hundred seventy and two.
19The gatekeepers, Akkub, Talmon, and their brothers who guarded the gates, were one hundred seventy-two.
Overseers and the King's Officer
20And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.
20The rest of Israel, with the priests and the Levites, were in all the towns of Judah, everyone on his own inheritance.
21But the Nethinims dwelt in Ophel: and Ziha and Gispa were over the Nethinims.
21But the temple servants lived in Ophel, and Ziha and Gispa were in charge of them.
22The overseer also of the Levites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God.
22The overseer of the Levites in Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micha. From the sons of Asaph, the singers were in charge of the work of the house of God.
23For it was the king’s commandment concerning them, that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day.
23For there was a command from the king about them, and a fixed portion was set aside for the singers, as each day required.
24And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people.
24And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabeel, of the descendants of Zerah the son of Judah, was the king's agent in all matters concerning the people.
The Villages of Judah
25And for the villages, with their fields, some of the children of Judah dwelt at Kirjatharba, and in the villages thereof, and at Dibon, and in the villages thereof, and at Jekabzeel, and in the villages thereof,
25As for the villages with their fields, some of the people of Judah lived at Kirjatharba and its villages, at Dibon and its villages, at Jekabzeel and its villages,
26And at Jeshua, and at Moladah, and at Bethphelet,
26at Jeshua, at Moladah, at Bethphelet,
27And at Hazarshual, and at Beersheba, and in the villages thereof,
27at Hazarshual, at Beersheba and its villages,
28And at Ziklag, and at Mekonah, and in the villages thereof,
28at Ziklag, at Mekonah and its villages,
29And at Enrimmon, and at Zareah, and at Jarmuth,
29at Enrimmon, at Zareah, at Jarmuth,
30Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, at Lachish, and the fields thereof, at Azekah, and in the villages thereof. And they dwelt from Beersheba unto the valley of Hinnom.
30Zanoah, Adullam and their villages, at Lachish and its fields, at Azekah and its villages. So they lived all the way from Beersheba to the valley of Hinnom.
The Towns of Benjamin
31The children also of Benjamin from Geba dwelt at Michmash, and Aija, and Bethel, and in their villages,
31The people of Benjamin from Geba lived at Michmash, Aija, Bethel and their villages,
32And at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,
32at Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah,
33Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,
33Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim,
34Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,
34Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat,
35Lod, and Ono, the valley of craftsmen.
35Lod, and Ono, the valley of the craftsmen.
36And of the Levites were divisions in Judah, and in Benjamin.
36Some divisions of the Levites from Judah were settled in Benjamin.
XII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
Priests and Levites of the First Return
1Now these are the priests and the Levites that went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
1These are the priests and the Levites who went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and with Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra,
2Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
2Amariah, Malluch, Hattush,
3Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,
3Shechaniah, Rehum, Meremoth,
4Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,
4Iddo, Ginnetho, Abijah,
5Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,
5Miamin, Maadiah, Bilgah,
6Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,
6Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah,
7Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the chief of the priests and of their brethren in the days of Jeshua.
7Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Jedaiah. These were the leaders of the priests and of their brothers in the days of Jeshua.
8Moreover the Levites: Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, which was over the thanksgiving, he and his brethren.
8The Levites were Jeshua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who with his brothers was in charge of the songs of thanksgiving.
9Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brethren, were over against them in the watches.
9Bakbukiah and Unni, their brothers, stood across from them in their turns of service.
The Line of High Priests
10And Jeshua begat Joiakim, Joiakim also begat Eliashib, and Eliashib begat Joiada,
10Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, and Eliashib was the father of Joiada,
11And Joiada begat Jonathan, and Jonathan begat Jaddua.
11Joiada was the father of Jonathan, and Jonathan was the father of Jaddua.
The Priestly Houses under Joiakim
12And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chief of the fathers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jeremiah, Hananiah;
12In the days of Joiakim these were the priests who were heads of families: of Seraiah's family, Meraiah; of Jeremiah's, Hananiah;
13Of Ezra, Meshullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan;
13of Ezra's, Meshullam; of Amariah's, Jehohanan;
14Of Melicu, Jonathan; of Shebaniah, Joseph;
14of Melicu's, Jonathan; of Shebaniah's, Joseph;
15Of Harim, Adna; of Meraioth, Helkai;
15of Harim's, Adna; of Meraioth's, Helkai;
16Of Iddo, Zechariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam;
16of Iddo's, Zechariah; of Ginnethon's, Meshullam;
17Of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai;
17of Abijah's, Zichri; of Miniamin's and of Moadiah's, Piltai;
18Of Bilgah, Shammua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan;
18of Bilgah's, Shammua; of Shemaiah's, Jehonathan;
19And of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi;
19and of Joiarib's, Mattenai; of Jedaiah's, Uzzi;
20Of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber;
20of Sallai's, Kallai; of Amok's, Eber;
21Of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethaneel.
21of Hilkiah's, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah's, Nethaneel.
The Levites on Record
22The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.
22In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, Johanan, and Jaddua, the Levites were recorded as heads of families, and so were the priests, down to the reign of Darius the Persian.
23The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.
23The sons of Levi who were heads of families were written down in the book of the chronicles up to the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.
24And the chief of the Levites: Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brethren over against them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the commandment of David the man of God, ward over against ward.
24The leaders of the Levites were Hashabiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their brothers standing across from them to praise and give thanks, as David the man of God had commanded, one group answering the other.
25Mattaniah, and Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, Akkub, were porters keeping the ward at the thresholds of the gates.
25Mattaniah, Bakbukiah, Obadiah, Meshullam, Talmon, and Akkub were gatekeepers who kept watch at the storerooms by the gates.
26These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor, and of Ezra the priest, the scribe.
26These served in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest and scribe.
Gathering for the Dedication
27And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.
27At the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought out the Levites from wherever they lived and brought them to Jerusalem to celebrate the dedication with gladness, with songs of thanksgiving and with singing, cymbals, stringed instruments, and harps.
28And the sons of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain country round about Jerusalem, and from the villages of Netophathi;
28The singers gathered together from the countryside around Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites,
29Also from the house of Gilgal, and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth: for the singers had builded them villages round about Jerusalem.
29and from Beth Gilgal and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth, for the singers had built themselves villages around Jerusalem.
30And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.
30The priests and the Levites purified themselves, and then they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.
The First Procession on the Wall
31Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:
31Then I brought the leaders of Judah up onto the wall and appointed two large choirs to give thanks. One went to the right along the top of the wall toward the Dung Gate.
32And after them went Hoshaiah, and half of the princes of Judah,
32Behind them went Hoshaiah with half of the leaders of Judah,
33And Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,
33and Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam,
34Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,
34Judah, Benjamin, Shemaiah, and Jeremiah,
35And certain of the priests’ sons with trumpets; namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph:
35and some of the priests' sons with trumpets: Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Michaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph,
36And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.
36and his brothers Shemaiah, Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, Judah, and Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God. Ezra the scribe walked ahead of them.
37And at the fountain gate, which was over against them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the going up of the wall, above the house of David, even unto the water gate eastward.
37At the Fountain Gate, straight ahead of them, they went up the steps of the City of David where the wall rises, above the house of David, and on to the Water Gate on the east.
The Second Procession and the Joy of Jerusalem
38And the other company of them that gave thanks went over against them, and I after them, and the half of the people upon the wall, from beyond the tower of the furnaces even unto the broad wall;
38The second choir of thanks went the opposite way, and I followed them with half of the people along the top of the wall, past the Tower of the Ovens to the Broad Wall,
39And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.
39and over the Gate of Ephraim, the Old Gate, the Fish Gate, the Tower of Hananeel, and the Tower of Meah, as far as the Sheep Gate; and they came to a stop at the Gate of the Guard.
40So stood the two companies of them that gave thanks in the house of God, and I, and the half of the rulers with me:
40So the two choirs of thanks took their places in the house of God, and so did I, with half of the officials with me,
41And the priests; Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets;
41and the priests Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Michaiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah, with trumpets,
42And Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Eleazar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud, with Jezrahiah their overseer.
42and Maaseiah, Shemaiah, Eleazar, Uzzi, Jehohanan, Malchijah, Elam, and Ezer. The singers sang out loudly, led by Jezrahiah.
43Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.
43That day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, because God had given them great joy. The women and children rejoiced too, so that the joy of Jerusalem could be heard far away.
Storerooms, Singers, and Daily Portions
44And at that time were some appointed over the chambers for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them out of the fields of the cities the portions of the law for the priests and Levites: for Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites that waited.
44At that time men were put in charge of the storerooms for the contributions, the first fruits, and the tithes, to gather into them from the fields around the towns the portions the law set aside for the priests and Levites, because Judah was glad about the priests and Levites who served.
45And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son.
45They carried out the service of their God and the service of purification, together with the singers and the gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had commanded.
46For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.
46For long ago, in the days of David and Asaph, there were leaders of the singers and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God.
47And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel, and in the days of Nehemiah, gave the portions of the singers and the porters, every day his portion: and they sanctified holy things unto the Levites; and the Levites sanctified them unto the children of Aaron.
47So all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Nehemiah gave the daily portions for the singers and the gatekeepers. They set apart the holy portion for the Levites, and the Levites set apart the portion for the descendants of Aaron.
XIII
King James Version — 1611
In Plain English
The Law Read and the Foreigners Separated
1On 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;
1On that day the book of Moses was read aloud in the hearing of the people, and in it they found written that no Ammonite or Moabite should ever enter the assembly of God,
2Because 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.
2because they had not met the people of Israel with bread and water but had hired Balaam to curse them; yet our God turned the curse into a blessing.
3Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.
3When the people heard the law, they separated from Israel everyone of mixed foreign descent.
Tobiah Thrown Out of the Temple
4And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:
4Before this, Eliashib the priest, who had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God, had become closely tied to Tobiah.
5And 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.
5He had prepared a large room for him where they used to keep the grain offerings, the frankincense, the vessels, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil that were commanded to be given to the Levites, the singers, and the gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests.
6But 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:
6But during all this I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had gone back to the king. Some time later I asked the king for leave,
7And 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.
7and I came to Jerusalem and learned of the wrong Eliashib had done for Tobiah by fixing up a room for him in the courts of the house of God.
8And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.
8It upset me deeply, so I threw all of Tobiah's household goods out of the room.
9Then 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.
9Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the rooms, and I brought back into them the vessels of the house of God, along with the grain offerings and the frankincense.
The Levites' Portions Restored
10And 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.
10I also found out that the portions due the Levites had not been given to them, so the Levites and the singers who did the work had each gone off to his own field.
11Then 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.
11So I confronted the officials and said, "Why has the house of God been abandoned?" Then I gathered them together and put them back at their posts.
12Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.
12Then all Judah brought the tithe of grain, new wine, and oil to the storehouses.
13And 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.
13I put Shelemiah the priest, Zadok the scribe, and Pedaiah from the Levites in charge of the storehouses, with Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah, to help them, because they were considered trustworthy. Their job was to hand out the portions to their brothers.
14Remember 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.
14Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out the good things I have done for the house of my God and for its services.
Trade on the Sabbath
15In 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.
15In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath, bringing in sheaves of grain and loading them on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, figs, and all kinds of loads, and carrying them into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. I warned them on the day they sold their food.
16There 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.
16Men from Tyre who lived there were also bringing in fish and all kinds of goods and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah, even in Jerusalem.
17Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
17So I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, "What is this evil thing you are doing, treating the Sabbath day as if it were nothing?
18Did 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.
18Didn't your ancestors do the same, and didn't our God bring all this disaster on us and on this city? Yet you are bringing even more wrath on Israel by treating the Sabbath as common."
The Gates Shut for the Sabbath
19And 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.
19So when the gates of Jerusalem began to grow dark before the Sabbath, I ordered the gates shut and commanded that they not be opened until the Sabbath was over. I posted some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day.
20So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.
20So the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem once or twice.
21Then 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.
21Then I warned them and said, "Why are you camping beside the wall? If you do it again, I will lay hands on you." From then on they did not come on the Sabbath.
22And 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.
22And I commanded the Levites to cleanse themselves and come and guard the gates to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this also, O my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your mercy.
Nehemiah Confronts the Mixed Marriages
23In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab:
23In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab,
24And 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.
24and half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod and could not speak the language of the Jews, but only the language of one people or another.
25And 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.
25I confronted them and called down curses on them. I struck some of them and pulled out their hair, and I made them swear by God, saying, "You will not give your daughters to their sons, nor take their daughters for your sons or for yourselves.
26Did 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.
26Didn't Solomon king of Israel sin because of women like these? Among many nations there was no king like him. He was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel, yet even he was led into sin by foreign women.
27Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?
27Should we then listen to you and do all this great evil, breaking faith with our God by marrying foreign wives?"
The Priest's Grandson Driven Out
28And 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.
28One of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was a son-in-law of Sanballat the Horonite, so I drove him away from me.
29Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.
29Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.
30Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;
30So I cleansed them of everything foreign and assigned duties to the priests and the Levites, each to his own work,
31And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.
31and I arranged for the wood offering at the set times and for the first fruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.