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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Nehemiah 12:30 After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/12-30.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/16_Neh_12_30.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 12:30 - The Dedication of the Wall" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; 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then they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the priests and Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />The priests and the Levites purified themselves; they also purified the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />The priests and the Levites purified themselves; they also purified the people, the gates and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified themselves; they also purified the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />The priests and the Levites cleansed themselves; they also cleansed the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />The priests and the Levites purified themselves; they also purified the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the city gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />The priests and Levites held special ceremonies to make themselves holy, and then they did the same for the rest of the people and for the gates and walls of the city. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />The priests and the Levites cleansed themselves. Then they cleansed the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The priests and the Levites performed ritual purification for themselves, the people, the gates, and the city wall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The priests and the descendants of Levi purified themselves, and also purified the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people, the gates, and the wall. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and the priests and the Levites are cleansed, and they cleanse the people, and the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the priests and the Levites are cleansed, and they cleanse the people, and the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites will be purified, and they will purify the people and the gates and the wall.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified, and they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites were cleansed, and they cleansed the people, and the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The priests and Levites first purified themselves, then they purified the people, the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people and the gates and the wall.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified themselves and purified the people and the gates and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people and the gates of the wall.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified themselves; and they purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and they purified the people, and the porters, and the wall.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=3625" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/12.htm">The Dedication of the Wall</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">29</span>from Beth-gilgal, and from the fields of Geba and Azmaveth, for they had built villages for themselves around Jerusalem. <span class="reftext">30</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3548.htm" title="3548: hak·kō·hă·nîm (Art:: N-mp) -- Priest. Active participle of kahan; literally, one officiating, a priest; also an acting priest.">After the priests</a> <a href="/hebrew/3881.htm" title="3881: wə·hal·wî·yim (Conj-w, Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Desc. of Levi. Or Leviy; patronymically from Leviy; a Levite or descendant of Levi.">and Levites</a> <a href="/hebrew/2891.htm" title="2891: way·yiṭ·ṭa·hă·rū (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be clean or pure. A primitive root; properly, to be bright; i.e. to be pure.">had purified themselves,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2891.htm" title="2891: way·ṭa·hă·rū (Conj-w:: V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be clean or pure. A primitive root; properly, to be bright; i.e. to be pure.">they purified</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: hā·‘ām (Art:: N-ms) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">the people,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: haš·šə·‘ā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">the gates,</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: wə·’eṯ- (Conj-w:: DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2346.htm" title="2346: ha·ḥō·w·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A wall. Feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection.">and the wall.</a> </span><span class="reftext">31</span>Then I brought the leaders of Judah up on the wall, and I appointed two great thanksgiving choirs. One was to proceed along the top of the wall to the right, toward the Dung Gate.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/16-30.htm">Leviticus 16:30</a></span><br />because on this day atonement will be made for you to cleanse you, and you will be clean from all your sins before the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/29-15.htm">2 Chronicles 29:15-16</a></span><br />When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to cleanse the house of the LORD, according to the command of the king by the words of the LORD. / So the priests went inside the house of the LORD to cleanse it, and they brought out to the courtyard all the unclean things that they found in the temple of the LORD. Then the Levites took these things and carried them out to the Kidron Valley.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/6-20.htm">Ezra 6:20</a></span><br />All the priests and Levites had purified themselves and were ceremonially clean. And the Levites slaughtered the Passover lamb for all the exiles, for their priestly brothers, and for themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/numbers/8-6.htm">Numbers 8:6-7</a></span><br />“Take the Levites from among the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean. / This is what you must do to cleanse them: Sprinkle them with the water of purification. Have them shave their whole bodies and wash their clothes, and so purify themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-7.htm">Psalm 51:7</a></span><br />Purify me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/52-11.htm">Isaiah 52:11</a></span><br />Depart, depart, go out from there! Touch no unclean thing; come out from it, purify yourselves, you who carry the vessels of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-1.htm">2 Corinthians 7:1</a></span><br />Therefore, beloved, since we have these promises, let us cleanse ourselves from everything that defiles body and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/9-13.htm">Hebrews 9:13-14</a></span><br />For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that their bodies are clean, / how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself unblemished to God, purify our consciences from works of death, so that we may serve the living God!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-7.htm">1 John 1:7</a></span><br />But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/24-3.htm">Psalm 24:3-4</a></span><br />Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? / He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-25.htm">Ezekiel 36:25</a></span><br />I will also sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean. I will cleanse you from all your impurities and all your idols.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-3.htm">John 15:3</a></span><br />You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-8.htm">James 4:8</a></span><br />Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/23-25.htm">Matthew 23:25-26</a></span><br />Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence. / Blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a></span><br />Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And the priests and the Levites purified themselves, and purified the people, and the gates, and the wall.</p><p class="hdg">themselves.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/35-2.htm">Genesis 35:2</a></b></br> Then Jacob said unto his household, and to all that <i>were</i> with him, Put away the strange gods that <i>are</i> among you, and be clean, and change your garments:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/19-10.htm">Exodus 19:10,15</a></b></br> And the LORD said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to day and to morrow, and let them wash their clothes, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/numbers/19-2.htm">Numbers 19:2-20</a></b></br> This <i>is</i> the ordinance of the law which the LORD hath commanded, saying, Speak unto the children of Israel, that they bring thee a red heifer without spot, wherein <i>is</i> no blemish, <i>and</i> upon which never came yoke: … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ezra/6-20.htm">Ceremonially</a> <a href="/ezra/6-20.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-16.htm">Cleanse</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-5.htm">Cleansed</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-25.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-27.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-22.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/ezra/6-20.htm">Purified</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-29.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-27.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/ezekiel/22-10.htm">Ceremonially</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-45.htm">Clean</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-22.htm">Cleanse</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-9.htm">Cleansed</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-21.htm">Doorways</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Gates</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-47.htm">Levites</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-35.htm">Priests</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-9.htm">Purified</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-22.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-31.htm">Wall</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/12-1.htm">The priests and the Levites which came up with Zerubbabel.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/12-10.htm">The succession of high priests.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">22. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/12-22.htm">Certain chief Levites.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/12-27.htm">The solemnity of the dedication of the walls.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">44. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/12-44.htm">The offices of priests and Levites appointed in the temple.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/12.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nehemiah/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>After the priests and Levites had purified themselves</b><br>The purification of the priests and Levites is a significant ritual act, emphasizing the importance of holiness and cleanliness before God. In the Old Testament, purification often involved washing with water, offering sacrifices, and abstaining from certain activities (<a href="/leviticus/16-30.htm">Leviticus 16:30</a>, <a href="/numbers/8-6.htm">Numbers 8:6-7</a>). This act underscores the necessity for those who serve in the temple to be ceremonially clean, reflecting the holiness required by God. The priests and Levites, as spiritual leaders, set an example for the people, highlighting the principle that leaders must first be right with God before leading others in worship.<p><b>they purified the people</b><br>The purification of the people indicates a communal preparation for worship and dedication. This act likely involved ceremonial washings and possibly sacrifices, as seen in other parts of the Old Testament (<a href="/exodus/19-10.htm">Exodus 19:10-14</a>). It reflects the collective responsibility of the community to be pure before God, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people. This purification is a precursor to worship and celebration, ensuring that the community is spiritually prepared to participate in the dedication of the wall.<p><b>the gates, and the wall</b><br>Purifying the gates and the wall symbolizes the sanctification of the entire city, not just the people. This act signifies that the physical structures, which represent security and identity for Jerusalem, are dedicated to God. The gates and walls are not merely defensive structures but are seen as part of the holy city, set apart for God's purposes. This dedication can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate gate and wall for believers, providing protection and sanctification (<a href="/john/10-9.htm">John 10:9</a>, <a href="/ephesians/2-14.htm">Ephesians 2:14</a>). The act of purifying these structures also connects to the broader biblical theme of God dwelling among His people, as seen in the dedication of the temple (<a href="/1_kings/8-63.htm">1 Kings 8:63</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/p/priests_and_levites.htm">Priests and Levites</a></b><br>These were the religious leaders responsible for the spiritual oversight of the Israelites. They played a crucial role in the purification process, emphasizing the importance of spiritual leadership in community worship and dedication.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_people.htm">The People</a></b><br>Refers to the Israelites who had returned from exile. Their purification signifies the need for communal holiness and readiness to worship God.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_gates_and_the_wall.htm">The Gates and the Wall</a></b><br>These are the physical structures of Jerusalem that had been rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership. Their purification symbolizes the dedication of the city to God and the importance of sanctifying the places where God's people dwell.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/p/purification.htm">Purification</a></b><br>This is a ceremonial act that involves cleansing from sin and impurity, highlighting the need for holiness before God.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The city where these events took place, representing the center of Jewish worship and identity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_leadership.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Leadership</a></b><br>Spiritual leaders must first purify themselves before leading others. This underscores the responsibility of leaders to model holiness and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/communal_holiness.htm">Communal Holiness</a></b><br>The purification of the people signifies the importance of community in the pursuit of holiness. Believers are called to support one another in living lives that honor God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/sanctifying_our_surroundings.htm">Sanctifying Our Surroundings</a></b><br>Just as the gates and walls were purified, believers are encouraged to dedicate their homes and environments to God, ensuring that all aspects of life are aligned with His will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/holiness_precedes_worship.htm">Holiness Precedes Worship</a></b><br>Before engaging in worship or service, believers should seek purification and repentance, ensuring their hearts are right before God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_of_purification.htm">Symbolism of Purification</a></b><br>The act of purification is a powerful symbol of the cleansing from sin that is available through Christ. It reminds believers of the ongoing need for spiritual renewal.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_nehemiah_12_1-7_priests_verified.htm">In Nehemiah 12:1-7, are there any historical or archaeological records confirming the specific priests and Levites named here?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_nehemiah_12_44-47_align_with_persian_rule.htm">In Nehemiah 12:44-47, does the organized temple service system align with known Persian-era governance or does it present historical inconsistencies?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_there_evidence_of_24-hour_worship.htm">Psalm 134:1 mentions serving 'by night' in the temple; does any archaeological evidence support 24-hour worship in ancient Israel?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_are_worship_styles.htm">What are the different styles of worship?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(30) <span class= "bld">Purified themselves.</span>--Before consecration to God there must be purification from defilement. It is made emphatic that both priests and Levites purified themselves, that is, by offerings and ablutions (comp. <a href="/2_chronicles/29-15.htm" title="And they gathered their brothers, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the LORD, to cleanse the house of the LORD.">2Chronicles 29:15</a>; <a href="/ezra/6-20.htm" title="For the priests and the Levites were purified together, all of them were pure, and killed the passover for all the children of the captivity, and for their brothers the priests, and for themselves.">Ezra 6:20</a>): the gates and the wall by being sprinkled.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">After the priests</span><br /><span class="heb">הַכֹּהֲנִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(hak·kō·hă·nîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3548.htm">Strong's 3548: </a> </span><span class="str2">Priest</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Levites</span><br /><span class="heb">וְהַלְוִיִּ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hal·wî·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3881.htm">Strong's 3881: </a> </span><span class="str2">Levites -- descendant of Levi</span><br /><br /><span class="word">had purified themselves,</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּֽטַּהֲר֔וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiṭ·ṭa·hă·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2891.htm">Strong's 2891: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be clean or pure</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they purified</span><br /><span class="heb">וַֽיְטַהֲרוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(way·ṭa·hă·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2891.htm">Strong's 2891: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be clean or pure</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the people,</span><br /><span class="heb">הָעָ֔ם</span> <span class="translit">(hā·‘ām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> </span><span class="str2">A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the gates,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשְּׁעָרִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šə·‘ā·rîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, gate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and the wall.</span><br /><span class="heb">הַחוֹמָֽה׃</span> <span class="translit">(ha·ḥō·w·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2346.htm">Strong's 2346: </a> </span><span class="str2">A wall of protection</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Nehemiah 12:30 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Nehemiah 12:30 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Nehemiah 12:30 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Nehemiah 12:30 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Nehemiah 12:30 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Nehemiah 12:30 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Nehemiah 12:30 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Nehemiah 12:30 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Nehemiah 12:30 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/12-30.htm">Nehemiah 12:30 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/12-30.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 12:30 The priests and the Levites purified themselves (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/12-29.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 12:29"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 12:29" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/12-31.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 12:31"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 12:31" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>