Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Those of Israelite descent had separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood in their places and confessed their sins and the sins of their ancestors. New Living Translation Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners as they confessed their own sins and the sins of their ancestors. English Standard Version And the Israelites separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. Berean Standard Bible Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. Berean Literal Bible And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all the sons of a foreigner, and they stood and confessed concerning their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. King James Bible And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. New King James Version Then those of Israelite lineage separated themselves from all foreigners; and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. New American Standard Bible The descendants of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the wrongdoings of their fathers. NASB 1995 The descendants of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. NASB 1977 And the descendants of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. Legacy Standard Bible The seed of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. Amplified Bible The descendants of Israel (Jacob) separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the wrongdoings of their fathers. Berean Annotated Bible Those of Israelite (he wrestles with God) descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. Christian Standard Bible Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their ancestors. Holman Christian Standard Bible Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the guilt of their fathers. American Standard Version And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. Contemporary English Version They refused to let foreigners join them, as they met to confess their sins and the sins of their ancestors. English Revised Version And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. GOD'S WORD® Translation Those who were descendants of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners. They stood and confessed their sins as well as the wicked things their ancestors had done. International Standard Version The remnant of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners. Then they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their ancestors. NET Bible Those truly of Israelite descent separated from all the foreigners, standing and confessing their sins and the iniquities of their ancestors. New Heart English Bible The descendants of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. Webster's Bible Translation And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThose of Israelite descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. World English Bible The offspring of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the seed of Israel are separated from all sons of a stranger, and stand and confess concerning their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers, Berean Literal Bible And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all the sons of a foreigner, and they stood and confessed concerning their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. Young's Literal Translation and the seed of Israel are separated from all sons of a stranger, and stand and confess concerning their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers, Smith's Literal Translation And the seed of Israel will be separated from all the sons of the stranger, and they will stand and confess over their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the seed of the children of Israel separated themselves from every stranger: and they stood, and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. Catholic Public Domain Version And the offspring of the sons of Israel were separated from all the sons of foreigners. And they stood up, and they confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. New American Bible Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all who were of foreign extraction, then stood forward and confessed their sins and the guilty deeds of their ancestors. New Revised Standard Version Then those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their ancestors. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the descendants of Israel separated themselves from all the Gentiles, and stood and confessed their sins and the sins of their fathers. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the seed of Israel were separated from all the Gentiles, and they stood and were confessing concerning their sins and concerning the sins of their fathers. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all foreigners, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the children of Israel separated themselves from every stranger, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The People Confess Their Sins1On the twenty-fourth day of the same month, the Israelites gathered together, fasting and wearing sackcloth, with dust on their heads. 2Those of Israelite descent separated themselves from all the foreigners, and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. 3While they stood in their places, they read from the Book of the Law of the LORD their God for a quarter of the day, and they spent another quarter of the day in confession and worship of the LORD their God.… Cross References Those of Israelite descent 1 Chronicles 9:1-2 So all Israel was recorded in the genealogies written in the Book of the Kings of Israel. But Judah was exiled to Babylon because of their unfaithfulness. / Now the first to resettle their own property in their cities were Israelites, priests, Levites, and temple servants. Numbers 1:18 and on the first day of the second month they assembled the whole congregation and recorded their ancestry by clans and families, counting one by one the names of those twenty years of age or older, Ezra 2:59-63 The following came up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan, and Immer, but they could not prove that their families were descended from Israel: / the descendants of Delaiah, the descendants of Tobiah, and the descendants of Nekoda, 652 in all. / And from among the priests: the descendants of Hobaiah, the descendants of Hakkoz, and the descendants of Barzillai (who had married a daughter of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called by their name). … separated themselves from all the foreigners, Ezra 10:11 Now, therefore, make a confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers, and do His will. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from your foreign wives.” Ezra 9:1-2 After these things had been accomplished, the leaders approached me and said, “The people of Israel, including the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the surrounding peoples whose abominations are like those of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. / Indeed, the Israelites have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons, so that the holy seed has been mixed with the people of the land. And the leaders and officials have taken the lead in this unfaithfulness!” Deuteronomy 7:3-4 Do not intermarry with them. Do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons, / because they will turn your sons away from following Me to serve other gods. Then the anger of the LORD will burn against you, and He will swiftly destroy you. and they stood Nehemiah 8:5 Ezra opened the book in full view of all the people, since he was standing above them all, and as he opened it, all the people stood up. 2 Chronicles 20:13 Meanwhile all the men of Judah, with their wives and children and little ones, were standing before the LORD. 1 Kings 8:22 Then Solomon stood before the altar of the LORD in front of the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven, and confessed their sins Ezra 10:1 While Ezra prayed and made this confession, weeping and falling facedown before the house of God, a very large assembly of Israelites—men, women, and children—gathered around him, and the people wept bitterly as well. Daniel 9:20 While I was speaking, praying, confessing my sin and that of my people Israel, and presenting my petition before the LORD my God concerning His holy mountain— Nehemiah 1:6-7 let Your eyes be open and Your ears attentive to hear the prayer that I, Your servant, now pray before You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins that we Israelites have committed against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. / We have behaved corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments, statutes, and ordinances that You gave Your servant Moses. and the iniquities of their fathers. Jeremiah 14:20 We acknowledge our wickedness, O LORD, the guilt of our fathers; indeed, we have sinned against You. Lamentations 5:7 Our fathers sinned and are no more, but we bear their punishment. Leviticus 26:40-42 But if they will confess their iniquity and that of their fathers in the unfaithfulness that they practiced against Me, by which they have also walked in hostility toward Me— / and I acted with hostility toward them and brought them into the land of their enemies—and if their uncircumcised hearts will be humbled and they will make amends for their iniquity, / then I will remember My covenant with Jacob and My covenant with Isaac and My covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. Leviticus 20:26 You are to be holy to Me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be My own. Treasury of Scripture And the seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers, and stood and confessed their sins, and the iniquities of their fathers. the seed Nehemiah 13:3,30 Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude… Ezra 9:2 For they have taken of their daughters for themselves, and for their sons: so that the holy seed have mingled themselves with the people of those lands: yea, the hand of the princes and rulers hath been chief in this trespass. Ezra 10:11 Now therefore make confession unto the LORD God of your fathers, and do his pleasure: and separate yourselves from the people of the land, and from the strange wives. strangers. Psalm 144:7,11 Send thine hand from above; rid me, and deliver me out of great waters, from the hand of strange children; … Isaiah 2:6 Therefore thou hast forsaken thy people the house of Jacob, because they be replenished from the east, and are soothsayers like the Philistines, and they please themselves in the children of strangers. Hosea 5:7 They have dealt treacherously against the LORD: for they have begotten strange children: now shall a month devour them with their portions. confessed Nehemiah 1:6 Let 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. Leviticus 26:39,40 And they that are left of you shall pine away in their iniquity in your enemies' lands; and also in the iniquities of their fathers shall they pine away with them… Ezra 9:6,7,15 And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over our head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens… Jump to Previous Confess Confessed Descendants Descent Fathers Foreigners Forgiveness Iniquities Israel Israelite Israelites Nations Places Publicly Requesting Seed Separate Separated Sins Stand Stood Stranger Strangers Themselves WickednessJump to Next Confess Confessed Descendants Descent Fathers Foreigners Forgiveness Iniquities Israel Israelite Israelites Nations Places Publicly Requesting Seed Separate Separated Sins Stand Stood Stranger Strangers Themselves WickednessNehemiah 9 1. A solemn fast, and repentance of the people4. The Levites make a confession of God's goodness, and their wickedness Those of Israelite descent This phrase identifies the group involved as the descendants of Israel, the covenant people of God. The Israelites were chosen by God to be a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6). This identity is significant as it underscores their unique relationship with God and their responsibility to uphold His laws. The emphasis on descent highlights the continuity of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the importance of maintaining a distinct identity as God's people. separated themselves from all the foreigners and they stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers Persons / Places / Events 1. IsraelitesThe descendants of Jacob, also known as Israel, who were God's chosen people. In this context, they are returning exiles in Jerusalem. 2. Foreigners Non-Israelites living among the Israelites. The separation from them signifies a return to covenant faithfulness. 3. Confession of Sins The act of acknowledging and repenting for personal and ancestral sins, demonstrating humility and a desire for reconciliation with God. 4. Jerusalem The city where these events take place, significant as the spiritual and political center of Israel. 5. The Iniquities of Their Fathers Refers to the sins committed by previous generations, acknowledging a collective responsibility and the need for communal repentance. Teaching Points The Importance of SeparationThe Israelites' separation from foreigners symbolizes a commitment to holiness and obedience to God's commands. Believers today are called to be in the world but not of it, maintaining spiritual distinctiveness. Confession and Repentance Confession is a vital step in restoring our relationship with God. It involves acknowledging personal and communal sins and seeking God's forgiveness and guidance. Generational Accountability Recognizing the sins of previous generations can help us understand patterns of disobedience and seek God's help in breaking them. This teaches us the importance of learning from the past to build a faithful future. Community and Unity in Faith The collective confession of the Israelites underscores the power of community in spiritual growth. Believers are encouraged to support one another in accountability and prayer. Renewal and Restoration The act of confession leads to spiritual renewal and restoration. It is a reminder that God is always ready to forgive and restore those who earnestly seek Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 9:2?2. How does Nehemiah 9:2 emphasize the importance of separating from worldly influences? 3. What role does confession play in spiritual renewal according to Nehemiah 9:2? 4. How can we apply the Israelites' example of repentance in our daily lives? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Nehemiah 9:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:17? 6. How does acknowledging "sins and iniquities" lead to personal and communal transformation? 7. What does Nehemiah 9:2 reveal about the importance of confession and repentance in faith? 8. How does Nehemiah 9:2 emphasize the separation from foreign influences? 9. What historical context led to the events in Nehemiah 9:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 9? 11. What does the Bible say about public sin confessions? 12. What defines a good confession? 13. What are the main themes of the Bible's books? 14. What defines a good confession? What Does Nehemiah 9:2 Mean Those of Israelite descent“Those of Israelite descent” pinpoints the covenant community. God had chosen Israel to be His “treasured possession” (Deuteronomy 7:6); with privilege came responsibility (Romans 9:4). The people gathering in Nehemiah’s day recognized their unique calling: • They traced their lineage back to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—reminding themselves of the promises (Genesis 12:1-3). • Identity mattered because obedience and worship were defined by God’s revealed will to Israel (Deuteronomy 29:10-13). • Yet, this identity was never meant for pride but for service (Isaiah 42:6) and witness to the nations (1 Kings 8:41-43). separated themselves from all the foreigners Their act of “separating” echoes earlier reforms (Ezra 10:11). It was not an expression of ethnic superiority but a return to covenant purity: • Leviticus 20:26—“You are to be holy to Me, because I, the LORD, am holy.” • Practically, separation protected against idolatry (Deuteronomy 7:3-4) and cultural compromise (Nehemiah 13:23-27). • For believers today, the call remains: “Come out from among them and be separate” (2 Corinthians 6:17), choosing holiness over assimilation. they stood Standing conveyed reverence, unity, and readiness: • Earlier, the people “stood up to hear the Book of the Law” (Nehemiah 8:5). • Deuteronomy 29:10-12 pictures all Israel “standing” to renew covenant vows. • Posture matters: like the tax collector who “stood at a distance” seeking mercy (Luke 18:13), their stance embodied humility and attentiveness to God’s word. and confessed their sins Personal confession flowed from hearing Scripture (Nehemiah 8:9). They agreed with God about their wrongdoing: • Proverbs 28:13—“He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” • Psalm 32:5 shows the relief of confession, while 1 John 1:9 promises forgiveness to those who come openly. • Confession clears the way for restored fellowship and renewed obedience (James 5:16). and the iniquities of their fathers They acknowledged generational patterns, echoing Daniel 9:4-6 and Jeremiah 14:20: • Leviticus 26:40 calls Israel to “confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers” as part of national restoration. • Recognizing ancestral sin is not blaming others but owning corporate responsibility (2 Chronicles 7:14). • This humble admission invited God’s mercy on the present community (Exodus 20:6) and modeled intercession for future generations. summary Nehemiah 9:2 shows Israel rediscovering covenant identity, choosing separation unto holiness, standing in reverence, personally confessing sin, and corporately owning ancestral wrongdoing. The verse invites God’s people in every age to take sin seriously, embrace holiness wholeheartedly, and seek renewal through honest confession and dependence on His faithful mercy. (2) The seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers.--The change to "seed" has here a deep propriety. They carefully avoided the many aliens among them throughout this fast.And stood and confessed.--It must be remembered that these verses give the programme of what is afterwards filled up: the very praise for which they "stood" was filled with confession. Verse 2. - The seed of Israel separated themselves from all strangers. Compare Nehemiah 10:28, by which it appears that the "strangers" are "the people of the lands," or neighbouring heathen, of whom there were at all times considerable numbers in Jerusalem (comp. Nehemiah 13:16). It was not fitting that these aliens should take part in a ceremony of which the main object was that the special people of God should renew their covenant with him. Stood and confessed. Attitude is perhaps scarcely intended here, since the Jews confessed their sins kneeling (Ezra 9:5), or prostrate (Ezra 10:1). Hence we hear in the next verse that they "stood up," or "rose up" (consurrexerunt, Vulg.).Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Those of Israeliteיִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל (yiś·rā·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3478: Israel -- 'God strives', another name of Jacob and his desc descent זֶ֣רַע (ze·ra‘) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2233: Seed, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity separated themselves וַיִּבָּֽדְלוּ֙ (way·yib·bā·ḏə·lū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 914: To be divided, separate from all מִכֹּ֖ל (mik·kōl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the foreigners, בְּנֵ֣י (bə·nê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1121: A son and they stood וַיַּעַמְד֗וּ (way·ya·‘am·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations and confessed וַיִּתְוַדּוּ֙ (way·yiṯ·wad·dū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 3034: To throw, at, away, to revere, worship, to bemoan their sins חַטֹּ֣אתֵיהֶ֔ם (ḥaṭ·ṭō·ṯê·hem) Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 2403: An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offender and the iniquities וַעֲוֺנ֖וֹת (wa·‘ă·wō·nō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - common plural construct Strong's 5771: Iniquity, guilt, punishment for iniquity of their fathers. אֲבֹתֵיהֶֽם׃ (’ă·ḇō·ṯê·hem) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 1: Father Links Nehemiah 9:2 NIVNehemiah 9:2 NLT Nehemiah 9:2 ESV Nehemiah 9:2 NASB Nehemiah 9:2 KJV Nehemiah 9:2 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 9:2 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 9:2 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 9:2 French Bible Nehemiah 9:2 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 9:2 The seed of Israel separated themselves (Neh Ne) |
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