Nehemiah 9:17
New International Version
They refused to listen and failed to remember the miracles you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and in their rebellion appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love. Therefore you did not desert them,

New Living Translation
They refused to obey and did not remember the miracles you had done for them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and merciful, slow to become angry, and rich in unfailing love. You did not abandon them,

English Standard Version
They refused to obey and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them, but they stiffened their neck and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and did not forsake them.

Berean Standard Bible
They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.

King James Bible
And 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.

New King James Version
They refused to obey, And they were not mindful of Your wonders That You did among them. But they hardened their necks, And in their rebellion They appointed a leader To return to their bondage. But You are God, Ready to pardon, Gracious and merciful, Slow to anger, Abundant in kindness, And did not forsake them.

New American Standard Bible
“They refused to listen, And did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in mercy; And You did not abandon them.

NASB 1995
“They refused to listen, And did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You had performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; And You did not forsake them.

NASB 1977
“And they refused to listen, And did not remember Thy wondrous deeds which Thou hadst performed among them; So they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But Thou art a God of forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness; And Thou didst not forsake them.

Legacy Standard Bible
They refused to listen, And did not remember Your wondrous deeds which You did among them; So they became stiff-necked and gave themselves a chief to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of lavish forgiveness, Gracious and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; And You did not forsake them.

Amplified Bible
“They refused to listen and obey, And did not remember Your wondrous acts which You had performed among them; So they stiffened their necks and [in their rebellion] appointed a leader in order to return them to slavery in Egypt. But You are a God of forgiveness, Gracious and merciful and compassionate, Slow to anger and abounding in lovingkindness; And You did not abandon them.

Christian Standard Bible
They refused to listen and did not remember your wonders you performed among them. They became stiff-necked and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in faithful love, and you did not abandon them.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
They refused to listen and did not remember Your wonders You performed among them. They became stiff-necked and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in faithful love, and You did not abandon them.

American Standard Version
and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them, but hardened their neck, 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 abundant in lovingkindness, and forsookest them not.

Contemporary English Version
But, our God, you are merciful and quick to forgive; you are loving, kind, and very patient. So you never turned away from them--

English Revised Version
and refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy, and forsookest them not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They refused to listen. They forgot the miracles you performed for them. They became stubborn and appointed a leader to take them back to slavery [in Egypt]. But you are a forgiving God, one who is compassionate, merciful, patient, and always ready to forgive. You never abandoned them,

Good News Translation
They refused to obey; they forgot all you did; they forgot the miracles you had performed. In their pride they chose a leader to take them back to slavery in Egypt. But you are a God who forgives; you are gracious and loving, slow to be angry. Your mercy is great; you did not forsake them.

International Standard Version
They would not listen, and did not remember the miracles you did among them. Instead, they became stubborn and appointed a leader to return them to their slavery. "But you are a God of forgiveness, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, and rich in gracious love; therefore you did not abandon them.

Majority Standard Bible
They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them.

NET Bible
They refused to obey and did not recall your miracles that you had performed among them. Instead, they rebelled and appointed a leader to return to their bondage in Egypt. But you are a God of forgiveness, merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and unfailing in your loyal love. You did not abandon them,

New Heart English Bible
and refused to obey, neither were they mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and did not forsake them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst perform 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.

World English Bible
and refused to obey. They weren’t mindful of your wonders that you did among them, but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage. But you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abundant in loving kindness, and didn’t forsake them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Indeed, they refuse to listen, "" And have not remembered Your wonders that You have done with them, "" And harden their neck and appoint a head, "" To turn back to their service, in their rebellion; And You [are] a God of pardons, "" Gracious, and merciful, long-suffering, and abundant in kindness, "" And have not forsaken them.

Young's Literal Translation
yea, they refuse to hearken, and have not remembered Thy wonders that Thou hast done with them, and harden their neck and appoint a head, to turn back to their service, in their rebellion; and Thou art a God of pardons, gracious, and merciful, long-suffering, and abundant in kindness, and hast not forsaken them.

Smith's Literal Translation
And they will refuse to hear, and they will not remember thy wonders which thou didst with them; and they will harden their necks, and they will give a head to turn back to their servitude in their perverseness: and thou a God of forgivenesses, merciful and compassionate, slow to anger and great of mercy, and thou didst not forsake them.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they would not hear, and they remembered not thy wonders which thou hadst done for them. And they hardened their necks, and gave the head to return to their bondage, as it were by contention. But thou, a forgiving God, gracious, and merciful, longsuffering, and full of compassion, didst not forsake them.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they were not willing to hear, and they did not remember, your miracles which you had accomplished for them. And they hardened their necks, and they offered their head, so that they would return to their servitude, as if in contention. But you, a forgiving God, lenient and merciful, longsuffering and full of compassion, did not abandon them.

New American Bible
They refused to obey and no longer remembered the wonders you had worked for them. They were obdurate and appointed a leader in order to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a forgiving God, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and rich in mercy; you did not forsake them.

New Revised Standard Version
they refused to obey, and were not mindful of the wonders that you performed among them; but they stiffened their necks and determined to return to their slavery in Egypt. But you are a God ready to forgive, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and you did not forsake them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And refused to obey, neither were mindful of thy wonders that thou didst among them; but turned their hearts to their evil works; yet thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and ready to hear petitions, and didst not forsake them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they chose not to listen and they did not remember your wonders that you had done for them, and their heart returned to their evil works, and you are God, forgiving and compassionate and merciful, far from wrath and near prayer; you did not abandon them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
and refused to hearken, neither were mindful of Thy wonders that Thou didst among them; but hardened their neck, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage; but Thou art a God ready to pardon, gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy, and forsookest them not.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and refused to listen, and remembered not thy wonders which thou wroughtest with them; and they hardened their neck, and appointed a leader to return to their slavery in Egypt: but thou, O God, art merciful and compassionate, long-suffering, and abundant in mercy, and thou didst not forsake them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The People Confess Their Sins
16But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments. 17They refused to listen and failed to remember the wonders You performed among them. They stiffened their necks and appointed a leader to return them to their bondage in Egypt. But You are a forgiving God, gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in loving devotion, and You did not forsake them. 18Even when they cast for themselves an image of a calf and said, ‘This is your God who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and when they committed terrible blasphemies,…

Cross References
Exodus 34:6-7
Then the LORD passed in front of Moses and called out: “The LORD, the LORD God, is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness, / maintaining loving devotion to a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, transgression, and sin. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers on their children and grandchildren to the third and fourth generations.”

Psalm 86:15
But You, O Lord, are a compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion and faithfulness.

Numbers 14:18
‘The LORD is slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion, forgiving iniquity and transgression. Yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished; He will visit the iniquity of the fathers upon their children to the third and fourth generation.’

Joel 2:13
So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.

Jonah 4:2
So he prayed to the LORD, saying, “O LORD, is this not what I said while I was still in my own country? This is why I was so quick to flee toward Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion—One who relents from sending disaster.

Psalm 103:8
The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion.

Psalm 145:8
The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in loving devotion.

Exodus 32:9-14
The LORD also said to Moses, “I have seen this people, and they are indeed a stiff-necked people. / Now leave Me alone, so that My anger may burn against them and consume them. Then I will make you into a great nation.” / But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? ...

Deuteronomy 9:7-8
Remember this, and never forget how you provoked the LORD your God in the wilderness. From the day you left the land of Egypt until you reached this place, you have been rebelling against the LORD. / At Horeb you provoked the LORD, and He was angry enough to destroy you.

2 Chronicles 30:9
For if you return to the LORD, your brothers and sons will receive mercy in the presence of their captors and will return to this land. For the LORD your God is gracious and merciful; He will not turn His face away from you if you return to Him.”

Isaiah 55:7
Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

Micah 7:18-19
Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes over the transgression of the remnant of His inheritance—who does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in loving devotion? / He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast out all our sins into the depths of the sea.

Romans 2:4
Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.


Treasury of Scripture

And refused to obey, neither were mindful of your wonders that you did among them; but hardened their necks, and in their rebellion appointed a captain to return to their bondage: but you are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and forsook them not.

refused

Numbers 14:3,4,11,41
And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? …

Numbers 16:14
Moreover thou hast not brought us into a land that floweth with milk and honey, or given us inheritance of fields and vineyards: wilt thou put out the eyes of these men? we will not come up.

Psalm 106:24,25
Yea, they despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word: …

mindful

Psalm 78:11,42,43
And forgat his works, and his wonders that he had shewed them…

Psalm 86:5,15
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee…

Psalm 106:7,13
Our fathers understood not thy wonders in Egypt; they remembered not the multitude of thy mercies; but provoked him at the sea, even at the Red sea…

appointed

Numbers 14:4
And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.

Acts 7:39
To whom our fathers would not obey, but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt,

a God

Numbers 14:18,19
The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation

Psalm 86:5,15
For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee…

Psalm 130:4
But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared.

ready to pardon.

Exodus 34:6,7
And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, …

Psalm 78:38
But he, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity, and destroyed them not: yea, many a time turned he his anger away, and did not stir up all his wrath.

Psalm 103:8-18
The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy…

forsookest

Jump to Previous
Abundant Anger Appointed Bondage Captain Forsake Gracious Great Hardened Kindness Loving Merciful Mindful Neck Necks Obey Pardon Perform Ready Rebellion Refused Slow Wonders
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Abundant Anger Appointed Bondage Captain Forsake Gracious Great Hardened Kindness Loving Merciful Mindful Neck Necks Obey Pardon Perform Ready Rebellion Refused Slow Wonders
Nehemiah 9
1. A solemn fast, and repentance of the people
4. The Levites make a confession of God's goodness, and their wickedness














They refused to listen
The Hebrew root for "refused" is "מָאֵן" (ma'en), which conveys a deliberate choice to reject or decline. This phrase highlights the Israelites' willful disobedience and stubbornness. Historically, this refusal to listen is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, where the Israelites often ignored God's commands and the guidance of His prophets. This refusal is not just a passive act but an active rebellion against divine authority.

failed to remember
The Hebrew word for "remember" is "זָכַר" (zakar), which implies more than just recalling past events; it involves an active, conscious effort to keep God's deeds and commandments at the forefront of one's mind. The Israelites' failure to remember God's wonders signifies a spiritual amnesia that leads to ingratitude and disobedience. This forgetfulness is a cautionary tale for believers to continually meditate on God's past faithfulness.

the wonders You performed among them
"Wonders" in Hebrew is "נִפְלָאוֹת" (nifla'ot), referring to miraculous acts that reveal God's power and sovereignty. These wonders include the plagues in Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and the provision of manna. Each miracle was a testament to God's covenantal faithfulness and His desire to be known among His people. The historical context underscores the importance of these acts as foundational to Israel's identity and faith.

They stiffened their necks
This phrase is a metaphor derived from the Hebrew "קָשָׁה" (qashah), meaning to harden or make stubborn. It paints a vivid picture of resistance, akin to an ox that refuses to be guided by a yoke. Biblically, a stiff neck symbolizes pride and an unwillingness to submit to God's will. This imagery is used throughout Scripture to describe Israel's recurrent rebellion and serves as a warning against prideful independence from God.

appointed a leader to return to their bondage in Egypt
The act of appointing a leader to return to Egypt signifies a desire to revert to past enslavement rather than embrace the freedom God offers. Egypt, in this context, symbolizes sin and oppression. Historically, this reflects the Israelites' frequent longing for the familiarity of Egypt despite its bondage, illustrating the human tendency to cling to the known, even when it is detrimental, rather than trust in God's provision.

But You are a forgiving God
The Hebrew word for "forgiving" is "סְלִיחָה" (selichah), which denotes pardon and the removal of guilt. This phrase emphasizes God's nature as one who is willing to forgive despite human rebellion. It is a profound reminder of God's grace, highlighting His willingness to restore relationships with His people even when they turn away from Him.

gracious and compassionate
"Gracious" comes from the Hebrew "חַנּוּן" (channun), and "compassionate" from "רַחוּם" (rachum). These attributes of God reveal His deep love and mercy. Graciousness involves unmerited favor, while compassion speaks to God's tender care and empathy towards human frailty. Together, they underscore the depth of God's love and His desire to bless and nurture His people.

slow to anger
The Hebrew phrase "אֶרֶךְ אַפַּיִם" (erekh appayim) literally means "long of nostrils," a metaphor for patience and restraint. This characteristic of God highlights His enduring patience and reluctance to execute judgment hastily. It is a call for believers to emulate God's patience in their own lives, reflecting His character in their interactions with others.

abounding in loving devotion
"Loving devotion" is translated from the Hebrew "חֶסֶד" (chesed), a term rich with meaning, encompassing love, loyalty, and faithfulness. God's chesed is a central theme in the Old Testament, representing His steadfast love and commitment to His covenant people. This abundance of loving devotion assures believers of God's unwavering commitment to them, regardless of their failures.

and You did not forsake them
The Hebrew root "עָזַב" (azav) means to leave or abandon. Despite Israel's repeated unfaithfulness, God remained faithful, never abandoning His people. This assurance of God's presence and faithfulness is a cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering hope and encouragement that God will never leave nor forsake those who are His.

(17) In their rebellion.--Rather, appointed a captain to return to their bondage in Egypt. This is the reading of some MSS., followed by the Septuagint, and is in harmony with Numbers 14:4, though there the appointment is only proposed.

A God ready to pardon.--A God of pardons; only in Daniel 9:9 and Psalm 130:4.

Verse 17. - In their rebellion. Several MSS. have b'Mitzraim for b'Miryam, which would give the sense "appointed a captain to return to their bondage in Egypt." So the Septuagint. Appointed a captain. The reference is to Numbers 14:4, where we are told that the Israelites "said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt." The Levites speak as if the appointment had been made, perhaps regarding the intention as morally equivalent to the act. A God ready to pardon. Literally, "a God of pardons." The word used is a rare one, occurring only in Daniel 9:9 and Psalm 130:4, besides the present passage. Gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness. This is quoted from Joel 2:13, which is perhaps a conscious reproduction of Jonah 4:2.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
They refused
וַיְמָאֲנ֣וּ (way·mā·’ă·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3985: To refuse

to listen
לִשְׁמֹ֗עַ (liš·mō·a‘)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

and failed
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to remember
זָכְר֤וּ (zā·ḵə·rū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 2142: To mark, to remember, to mention, to be male

the wonders
נִפְלְאֹתֶ֙יךָ֙ (nip̄·lə·’ō·ṯe·ḵā)
Verb - Nifal - Participle - feminine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 6381: To separate, distinguish, to be, great, difficult, wonderful

You performed
עָשִׂ֣יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

among them.
עִמָּהֶ֔ם (‘im·mā·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

They stiffened
וַיַּקְשׁוּ֙ (way·yaq·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 7185: To be hard, severe or fierce

their necks
עָרְפָּ֔ם (‘ā·rə·pām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6203: The nape, back of the neck, the back

and appointed
וַיִּתְּנוּ־ (way·yit·tə·nū-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

a leader
רֹ֛אשׁ (rōš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

to return them
לָשׁ֥וּב (lā·šūḇ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

to their bondage.
לְעַבְדֻתָ֖ם (lə·‘aḇ·ḏu·ṯām)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5659: Servitude, bondage

But You
וְאַתָּה֩ (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are a forgiving
סְלִיח֜וֹת (sə·lî·ḥō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5547: Forgiveness

God,
אֱל֨וֹהַּ (’ĕ·lō·w·ah)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 433: God -- a deity, the Deity

gracious
חַנּ֧וּן (ḥan·nūn)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2587: Gracious

and compassionate,
וְרַח֛וּם (wə·ra·ḥūm)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7349: Compassionate

slow
אֶֽרֶךְ־ (’e·reḵ-)
Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 750: Long

to anger
אַפַּ֥יִם (’ap·pa·yim)
Noun - md
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

and rich
וְרַב־ (wə·raḇ-)
Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7227: Much, many, great

in loving devotion,
חֶ֖סֶד‪‬ (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

and You did not
וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

forsake them.
עֲזַבְתָּֽם׃ (‘ă·zaḇ·tām)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit


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OT History: Nehemiah 9:17 And refused to obey neither were mindful (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 9:16
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