Nevertheless
A biblical conjunction marking contrast, exception, or divine override.
AI-generated artistic depiction (no historical imagery exists)
Nevertheless is a conjunction used in the Hebrew Bible to introduce a contrast or exception to a preceding statement. In the passages provided, it frequently marks a divine or human action that diverges from expectation, such as God's promise to visit sin upon the people (Exodus 32:34), dietary restrictions (Leviticus 11:4), or the failure to fully conquer the land (Joshua 13:13). It also appears in contexts of redemption (Numbers 18:15), purification (Numbers 31:23), and divine intervention (Deuteronomy 23:5).
- Occurrences in passages
- 16
- First occurrence
- Exodus 32:34
- Last occurrence
- 1 Samuel 29:6
- Common contexts
- Dietary laws, conquest reports, divine judgment, redemption
- Books represented
- Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 1 Samuel
Lore & Background
In the Torah, 'nevertheless' often introduces exceptions to general rules. For example, while clean animals may be eaten, the camel is forbidden because it chews the cud but does not divide the hoof (Leviticus 11:4; Deuteronomy 14:7). Similarly, a fountain or pit with plenty of water remains clean despite contact with unclean carcasses (Leviticus 11:36). In Numbers, the word highlights the strength of Canaanite inhabitants (Numbers 13:28) and the fact that the ark and Moses did not accompany the presumptuous Israelites (Numbers 14:44).
Reader's Guide
The passages portray 'nevertheless' as a pivot point between divine command and human reality. In Exodus 32:34, God commands Moses to lead the people but warns of future punishment. In Numbers 18:15, the firstborn of man and unclean beasts must be redeemed, contrasting with the general rule that all firstborn belong to God. In Judges 2:16, despite Israel's disobedience, God raises up judges to deliver them. The word also underscores human failure, as in Joshua 13:13 where the Israelites did not expel the Geshurites, and in 1 Samuel 8:19 where the people reject Samuel's warning and demand a king. Overall, 'nevertheless' signals a tension between ideal and actual outcomes, often with divine mercy or judgment in view.
Did You Know?
- The word 'nevertheless' appears in dietary laws to forbid eating the camel, hare, and coney (Leviticus 11:4; Deuteronomy 14:7).
- In Numbers 14:44, the ark of the covenant and Moses did not accompany the people when they presumed to go up to the hilltop.
- God turned Balaam's intended curse into a blessing for Israel, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:5.
- In 1 Samuel 29:6, Achish praises David but says the Philistine lords do not favor him.
Elsewhere in the Figures of Scripture universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record