Did 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.

NEHEMIAH 13:26KJV
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Nehemiah 13:26 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 13:26 mean?

Nehemiah 13:26 warns that even Solomon, the famous king of Israel who was loved by God and given great honor, sinned because of his relationships with foreign women. The verse uses Solomon’s example to show that no one is immune to being led astray, no matter how wise or favored they are.

Nehemiah is speaking to the people of Jerusalem, reminding them of their history as he confronts them about marrying women from other nations. He points out that Solomon (H8010), despite being beloved (H157) by God (H430) and made king (H4428) over all Israel (H3478), was still caused to sin (H2398) by “outlandish” (H5237, meaning foreign) women (H802). This is part of Nehemiah’s effort to correct the community’s behavior after their return from exile.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 13:26

  • “Sin” (חָטָא, ḥāṭā’, H2398) means to miss the mark or go astray. Nehemiah uses this word to show that even Solomon, with all his wisdom, failed in this area.
  • “Outlandish” (נָכְרִי, nokhrī, H5237) refers to someone foreign or from another nation. The word stresses that these women were not part of Israel’s community or faith, which was a central concern for Nehemiah.
  • “Beloved” (אָהַב, ’āhav, H157) describes Solomon’s special relationship with God. The verse highlights that even someone dearly loved by God can fall into error.

Why Nehemiah 13:26 matters

  • Nehemiah 13:26 clears up any idea that spiritual status or past blessings guarantee someone will not make serious mistakes; even Solomon failed when he ignored God’s commands.
  • The verse connects directly to Nehemiah’s larger warning against intermarriage with foreign nations, showing that this was not just a new problem but one with deep roots in Israel’s history.
  • By referencing Solomon, Nehemiah emphasizes the seriousness of the issue and the real consequences of disobedience, urging the people to learn from their past.

Where else these words appear

“him” Hebrew H1571 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 3:6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.
  • Deuteronomy 12:30 Take heed to thyself that thou be not snared by following them, after that they be destroyed from before thee; and that thou enquire not after their gods, saying, How did these nations serve their gods? even so will I do likewise.
  • Job 12:3 But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

“outlandish” Hebrew H5237 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 31:15 Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.
  • 1 Kings 11:1 But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites;
  • Proverbs 5:10 Lest strangers be filled with thy wealth; and thy labours be in the house of a stranger;