Nehemiah 13:22
Nehemiah 13:22 in Multiple Translations
Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion.
And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
And I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember unto me, O my God, this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy lovingkindness.
And I gave the Levites orders to make themselves clean and come and keep the doors and make the Sabbath holy. Keep this in mind to my credit, O my God, and have mercy on me, for great is your mercy.
Then I told the Levites to purify themselves and to come and guard the gates to keep the Sabbath day holy. My God, please also remember me for doing this, and be merciful to me because of your trustworthy love.
And I sayde vnto the Leuites, that they should clense themselues, and that they shoulde come and keepe the gates, to sanctifie the Sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and pardon me according to thy great mercy.
And I say to the Levites, that they be cleansed, and, coming in, keeping the gates, to sanctify the sabbath-day. Also, this, remember for me, O my God, and have pity on me, according to the abundance of Thy kindness.
I commanded the Levites that they should purify themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember me for this also, my God, and spare me according to the greatness of your loving kindness.
And I commanded the Levites, that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.
I spoke also to the Levites that they should be purified, and should come to keep the gates, and to sanctify the sabbath day: for this also remember me, O my God, and spare me according to the multitude of thy tender mercies.
I also commanded the descendants of Levi to perform the ritual to purify themselves and to guard the city gates, to make sure that the Sabbath was kept holy by not allowing merchants to enter it on Sabbath days. My God, do not forget this also that I have done for you! And because of your faithfully loving me, allow me to continue to live many more years!
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 13:22
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Nehemiah 13:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֹמְרָ֣/ה
לַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
יִֽהְי֤וּ
מִֽטַּהֲרִים֙
וּ/בָאִים֙
שֹׁמְרִ֣ים
הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֔ים
לְ/קַדֵּ֖שׁ
אֶת
י֣וֹם
הַ/שַּׁבָּ֑ת
גַּם
זֹאת֙
זָכְרָ/ה
לִּ֣/י
אֱלֹהַ֔/י
וְ/ח֥וּסָ/ה
עָלַ֖/י
כְּ/רֹ֥ב
חַסְדֶּֽ/ךָ
וָ/אֹמְרָ֣/ה
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
לַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Prep | Ngmpa
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִֽהְי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מִֽטַּהֲרִים֙
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
V-Hithpael
וּ/בָאִים֙
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal
שֹׁמְרִ֣ים
shâmar
H8104
to keep
V-Qal
הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֔ים
shaʻar
H8179
gate
Art | N-mp
לְ/קַדֵּ֖שׁ
qâdash
H6942
to consecrate
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
הַ/שַּׁבָּ֑ת
shabbâth
H7676
Sabbath
Art | N-cs
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
זֹאת֙
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
זָכְרָ/ה
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
לִּ֣/י
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהַ֔/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
וְ/ח֥וּסָ/ה
chûwç
H2347
to pity
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
עָלַ֖/י
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
כְּ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
חַסְדֶּֽ/ךָ
chêçêd
H2617
kindness
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 13:22
וָ/אֹמְרָ֣/ה
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
לַ/לְוִיִּ֗ם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Prep | Ngmpa
A Levite is a descendant of Levi, one of Jacob's 12 sons, mentioned in Genesis 29:34. Levi's brothers include Reuben, Simeon, and Judah. His descendants played a key role in Israel's spiritual life.
Definition: Someone from the tribe of Levi living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.34; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Judah (H3063), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); father of: Gershon (H1648), Kohath (H6955), Merari (H4847) and Jochebed (H3115) Another name of le.vi (לֵוִי "Levi" H3878) § Levite, of Levi "joined to" 1) the descendants of Levi, the 3rd son of Jacob by Leah 1a) the tribe descended from Levi specially set aside by God for His service
Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: Leviite. See also: Exodus 4:14; 1 Chronicles 6:33; Ezra 6:20.
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִֽהְי֤וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
מִֽטַּהֲרִים֙
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
V-Hithpael
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
וּ/בָאִים֙
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
שֹׁמְרִ֣ים
shâmar
H8104
"to keep"
V-Qal
To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.
Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from
Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.
הַ/שְּׁעָרִ֔ים
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
Art | N-mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
לְ/קַדֵּ֖שׁ
qâdash
H6942
"to consecrate"
Prep | V-Piel-Inf-a
To consecrate means to set something or someone apart as holy or sacred, like the priests in Exodus. This word is about making something clean or pure. It is used in the Bible to describe sacred rituals and moral purity.
Definition: : consecate/sanctify 1) to consecrate, sanctify, prepare, dedicate, be hallowed, be holy, be sanctified, be separate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be set apart, be consecrated 1a2) to be hallowed 1a3) consecrated, tabooed 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to show oneself sacred or majestic 1b2) to be honoured, be treated as sacred 1b3) to be holy 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to set apart as sacred, consecrate, dedicate 1c2) to observe as holy, keep sacred 1c3) to honour as sacred, hallow 1c4) to consecrate 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be consecrated 1d2) consecrated, dedicated 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set apart, devote, consecrate 1e2) to regard or treat as sacred or hallow 1e3) to consecrate 1f) (Hithpael) 1f1) to keep oneself apart or separate 1f2) to cause Himself to be hallowed (of God) 1f3) to be observed as holy 1f4) to consecrate oneself
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: appoint, bid, consecrate, dedicate, defile, hallow, (be, keep) holy(-er, place), keep, prepare, proclaim, purify, sanctify(-ied one, self), [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 2:3; 2 Samuel 11:4; Isaiah 5:16.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
הַ/שַּׁבָּ֑ת
shabbâth
H7676
"Sabbath"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, as commanded by God in Exodus 20:8-11 and observed by the Israelites. It is a special day set apart for spiritual renewal and reflection, as Jesus taught in Matthew 12:1-14.
Definition: Sabbath 1a) sabbath 1b) day of atonement 1c) sabbath year 1d) week 1e) produce (in sabbath year)
Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] every) sabbath. See also: Exodus 16:23; 2 Chronicles 2:3; Psalms 92:1.
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
זֹאת֙
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
זָכְרָ/ה
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
לִּ֣/י
""
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהַ֔/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word for God, elohim, refers to the one supreme God, and is sometimes used to show respect to judges or magistrates. It is also used to describe angels or mighty beings. This word is closely related to the name of the Lord, Yahweh, and is often translated as God or gods in the Bible.
Definition: This name means "gods" (plural intensive-singular meaning), "God" Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 2246 OT verses. KJV: angels, [idiom] exceeding, God (gods) (-dess, -ly), [idiom] (very) great, judges, [idiom] mighty. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 22:12; Exodus 3:11.
וְ/ח֥וּסָ/ה
chûwç
H2347
"to pity"
Conj | V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
To pity or have compassion on someone means to show kindness and care for their well-being, like God's compassion for his people. It involves covering or protecting them from harm.
Definition: (Qal) to pity, have compassion, spare, look upon with compassion
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: pity, regard, spare. See also: Genesis 45:20; Ezekiel 5:11; Psalms 72:13.
עָלַ֖/י
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כְּ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
חַסְדֶּֽ/ךָ
chêçêd
H2617
"kindness"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to kindness, mercy, or pity, often used to describe God's loving actions towards humanity. It is translated as 'favour', 'kindness', or 'mercy' in the KJV. It emphasizes God's loving character.
Definition: goodness, kindness, faithfulness
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: favour, good deed(-liness, -ness), kindly, (loving-) kindness, merciful (kindness), mercy, pity, reproach, wicked thing. See also: Genesis 19:19; Psalms 51:3; Psalms 5:8.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 13:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 13:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:22
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:22
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 13:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:22
- Sermons on Nehemiah 13:22
Context — The Sabbath Restored
20Once or twice, the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem,
21but I warned them, “Why are you camping in front of the wall? If you do it again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on, they did not return on the Sabbath.
22Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion.
23In those days I also saw Jews who had married women from Ashdod, Ammon, and Moab. 24Half of their children spoke the language of Ashdod or of the other peoples, but could not speak the language of Judah.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 12:30 | After the priests and Levites had purified themselves, they purified the people, the gates, and the wall. |
| 2 | Nehemiah 13:14 | Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my deeds of loving devotion for the house of my God and for its services. |
| 3 | Nehemiah 13:31 | I also arranged for contributions of wood at the appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor. |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 29:24 | And the priests slaughtered the goats and put their blood on the altar for a sin offering, to make atonement for all Israel, because the king had ordered the burnt offering and the sin offering for all Israel. |
| 5 | 2 Chronicles 29:27 | And Hezekiah ordered that the burnt offering be sacrificed on the altar. When the burnt offering began, the song of the LORD and the trumpets began as well, accompanied by the instruments of David king of Israel. |
| 6 | Nehemiah 12:10 | Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, Eliashib was the father of Joiada, |
| 7 | 1 Chronicles 15:12–14 | And he said to them, “You are the heads of the Levitical families. You and your relatives must consecrate yourselves so that you may bring the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel, to the place I have prepared for it. It was because you Levites were not with us the first time that the LORD our God burst forth in anger against us. For we did not consult Him about the proper order.” So the priests and Levites consecrated themselves to bring up the ark of the LORD, the God of Israel. |
| 8 | Psalms 51:1 | Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. |
| 9 | Nehemiah 5:19 | Remember me favorably, O my God, for all that I have done for this people. |
| 10 | Psalms 130:3–4 | If You, O LORD, kept track of iniquities, then who, O Lord, could stand? But with You there is forgiveness, so that You may be feared. |
Nehemiah 13:22 Summary
Nehemiah 13:22 teaches us that keeping the Sabbath day holy is important to God, and that we should set it apart as a day of rest and worship. To do this, we need to avoid worldly activities that would profane the day, and instead prioritize prayer, Bible reading, and fellowship with other believers (as seen in Acts 2:42-47 and Hebrews 10:24-25). By doing so, we can show our love and respect for God, and trust in His abundant loving devotion to guide and empower us. Just like Nehemiah, we can ask God to remember us and show us mercy as we strive to be faithful to His commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was it important for the Levites to purify themselves in Nehemiah 13:22?
The Levites needed to purify themselves to maintain their spiritual integrity and prevent the defilement of the Sabbath day, as instructed in Leviticus 20:26 and Numbers 18:1-7.
What does it mean to 'keep the Sabbath day holy' in this verse?
Keeping the Sabbath day holy means to set it apart as a day of rest and worship, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15, and to avoid worldly activities that would profane it.
Why did Nehemiah ask God to remember him for his actions in this verse?
Nehemiah asked God to remember him because he wanted to be faithful to God's commands and to receive God's mercy and loving devotion, as promised in Psalm 106:4-5 and Isaiah 49:15-16.
How does Nehemiah's request for mercy relate to his actions in this verse?
Nehemiah's request for mercy shows that he recognized his own limitations and weaknesses, and that he relied on God's abundant loving devotion, as expressed in Psalm 103:8 and Lamentations 3:22-23, to enable him to keep the Sabbath day holy.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can 'keep the Sabbath day holy' in my own life, and how can I prioritize rest and worship on this day?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, ask God to 'remember me' and show me mercy when I am trying to be faithful to His commands?
- What are some worldly activities or distractions that might be profaning the Sabbath day in my life, and how can I avoid them?
- In what ways can I, like the Levites, 'purify' myself and prepare my heart for worship and service to God?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:22
And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves,.... From all ceremonial uncleanness, that they might be fit in a ceremonial sense to perform the duties of the office on the sabbath
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:22
There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:22
That they should cleanse themselves; partly because the work they were now set upon, though common in its nature, yet was holy in design of it, and had respect unto the sabbath; and partly because the day in which they were to do this was the sabbath day, for the observation whereof they were obliged to prepare and purify themselves. Keep the gates; either, 1. The gates of the temple. But a particular command was superfluous in that case, because it was their constant work and charge to do this, both sabbath days and every day. Or rather, 2. The gates of the city; for of them he spake last, ; and not daring to trust the common porters of these gates, not being able always to employ his men in that work, he committeth the charge of them for the present season, and upon the sabbath days, to the Levites, to whom the care of sanctifying the sabbath did properly belong. According to the greatness of thy mercy; whereby he intimates, that though he mentioned his good works as things wherewith God was well pleased, and which he had promised to reward, yet he neither did nor durst trust to their merit or his own worthiness; but when he had done all, he judged himself an unprofitable servant, and one that needed God’ s infinite mercy and indulgence to pardon all his sins, and particularly those infirmities and corruptions which adhered to his good deeds.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:22
Nehemiah 13:22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.Ver. 22. And I commanded the Levites] He might do it, as their governor. How then can Popish priests exempt themselves from the power of the civil magistrate? and say, as those shavelings did to our Henry II, when they lashed him on the bare till the blood followed, Domine, noli minari; nos enim de tali curia sumus, quae consuevit imperare regibus, et imperatoribus; that is, Sir, spare your threats; for we are of that high court of Rome which is wont to lord it over kings and emperors? Might he not have well replied, Ye take too much upon you, ye sons of Levi; or rather, ye limbs of Antichrist? Come and keep the gates] The temple gates, with - Procul hinc, procul este profani. Far off fro here, far off is to be the profane. In Greece the priest, at their solemn sacrifices, was wont to ask, τιςτηδε, Who’ s there? and the people were to answer, πολλοιταγαθοιτεπαρεισι, Here are many, and those also good men. To sanctify the sabbath day] By severing the precious from the vile; and seeing that all things were rightly carried by themselves and the rest. Remember me, &c.] See Nehemiah 13:14.
And spare me] Meritum meum est misericordia Domini. Horreo quicquid de meo est, ut sim meus My service is the mercy of God. I shutter at whatever is from me, that is mine. (Bernard). Thomas Aquinas, lying on his death bed, and being about to receive the Lord’ s supper, besought the Lord with tears that he would spare him according to his abundant goodness; and snatching up the Bible, he hugged it, and said, I believe all the contents of this blessed book. The like is reported of William Wickham, founder of New College, Oxon, and of Charles V, emperor, and some other wiser Papists.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:22
(22) Cleanse themselves.—As for a sacred duty, not without reference to their past neglect, which required to be forgiven. This was a high tribute to the Sabbath ordinance, and as such in harmony with all the details of this episode. Remember me.—In this prayer also Nehemiah commits his fidelity to the merciful estimate of God. But something in connection with the Sabbath, or with his retrospect of his own conduct, gives the passing prayer a peculiar pathos of humility.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:22
Verse 22. Spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.] By some Nehemiah has been thought to deal with God too much on the principle of merit. That he wished God to remember him for good, is sufficiently evident; and who does not wish the same? But that he expected heaven because of his good deeds, does not appear. Indeed, the concluding clause of this verse proves the contrary, and shows that he expected nothing from God but through the greatness of his mercy. Shame on those who, with this evidence before them, brand this good man with the epithet of workmonger! a man who, in inward holiness, outward usefulness, and genuine love to God and man, was worth ten score of such self-called believers.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:22
22. And I commanded the Levites] The verse contains an additional precaution taken by Nehemiah to secure the observance of the Sabbath. Its exact character however is somewhat obscure. Nehemiah delivers to the Levites a special commission to take over the watch of the city gates on the Sabbaths. For this purpose they are to cleanse themselves; the duty was a sacred one, since upon it depended the nation’s fidelity to the Sabbath. We are not told whether these Levites were appointed to serve in addition to, or as substitutes for, the regular watchmen; or whether they were intended to continue the duties temporarily entrusted by Nehemiah to his servants (Nehemiah 13:19). come and keep the gates] The copula is wanting in the Hebrew; and thus has given occasion to a proposal for the rendering, ‘And that they should come to the keepers of the gates’ &c. i.e. that the Levites should on the Sabbath eve go the rounds to the various gates for the purpose of solemnly announcing the advent of the holy day. Even if the grammatical construction, which this translation supposes, be admissible, the sense does not carry with it the ring of probability. The versions supply the copula. LXX. εἶπατοῖςΛευίταιςοἳἦσανκαθαριζόμενοικαὶἐρχόμενοιφυλάσσοντεςτὰςπύλαςἁγιάζειντὴνἡμέραν. Vulg. ‘ut mundarentur et venirent ad custodiendas portas.’ Remember me … concerning this also] R.V.
Remember unto me … this also. Cf. Nehemiah 13:15.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 13:22
I commanded the Levites - At first Nehemiah had employed his own retinue Nehemiah 13:19 in the work of keeping the gates.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:22
22. The Levites… should cleanse themselves — By certain ceremonies, as in Nehemiah 12:30. Come and keep the gates — Literally, coming keeping the gates.
Sermons on Nehemiah 13:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Leadership Qualities of Nehemiah by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the leadership qualities of Nehemiah, highlighting his deep concern for the people and the state of Jerusalem, which ignited a burden in his heart. Nehemiah's |
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A Revival of Holiness by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God is not surprised by the moral decay in the world, such as drug abuse and abortion, and His response to such turmoil is to raise individuals like |
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Our Daily Homily - Nehemiah by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the significance of Nehemiah's role as a cupbearer, illustrating how God can use humble individuals for great purposes. Nehemiah's heartfelt prayers and tears |
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Remember Me, O My God! by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes Nehemiah's humble plea to God to be remembered for his faithful service, highlighting that this request is not about earning God's favor but about desiring th |
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Cd Gv287 Building Blocks by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of prayer and discipline in the Christian life. He compares the privileged access to resources and materials that believers in |
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All on the Altar by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of feeling distant from God and filled with despair. However, he emphasizes that through prayer and trust in the Lord, he |
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Week of Meetings 06 Three Symphonies by Benard Fell | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on their experience in an assembly and the lessons they learned. They emphasize the importance of keeping their focus on the central figure, ju |