Nehemiah 13:17
Nehemiah 13:17 in Multiple Translations
Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?
Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
Then I made protests to the chiefs of Judah, and said to them, What is this evil which you are doing, not keeping the Sabbath day holy?
Some people from Tyre who lived in Jerusalem were bringing in fish and all kinds of things and they were selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem.
Then reprooued I the rulers of Iudah, and sayd vnto them, What euil thing is this that yee doe, and breake the Sabbath day?
And I strive with the freemen of Judah, and say to them, 'What [is] this evil thing that ye are doing, and polluting the sabbath-day?
Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, “What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Sabbath day?
Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
And I rebuked the chief men of Juda, and said to them: What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the sabbath day?
So I rebuked the Jewish leaders and told them, “This is [RHQ] a very evil thing that you are doing! You are causing the Sabbath days to be unholy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 13:17
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 13:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אָרִ֕יבָ/ה
אֵ֖ת
חֹרֵ֣י
יְהוּדָ֑ה
וָ/אֹמְרָ֣/ה
לָ/הֶ֗ם
מָֽה
הַ/דָּבָ֨ר
הָ/רָ֤ע
הַ/זֶּה֙
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
אַתֶּ֣ם
עֹשִׂ֔ים
וּֽ/מְחַלְּלִ֖ים
אֶת
י֥וֹם
הַ/שַּׁבָּֽת
וָ/אָרִ֕יבָ/ה
rîyb
H7378
to contend
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
חֹרֵ֣י
chôr
H2715
noble
N-mp
יְהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
Judah
N-proper
וָ/אֹמְרָ֣/ה
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
לָ/הֶ֗ם
Prep | Suff
מָֽה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
הַ/דָּבָ֨ר
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Art | N-ms
הָ/רָ֤ע
raʻ
H7451
bad
Art | Adj
הַ/זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
this
Art | Pron
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עֹשִׂ֔ים
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal
וּֽ/מְחַלְּלִ֖ים
châlal
H2490
to bore
Conj | V-Piel
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
י֥וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
N-ms
הַ/שַּׁבָּֽת
shabbâth
H7676
Sabbath
Art | N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 13:17
וָ/אָרִ֕יבָ/ה
rîyb
H7378
"to contend"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to argue or contend with someone, like in a lawsuit or a heated debate. It is used in various forms, such as physically fighting or verbally complaining. This concept appears in books like Genesis and Exodus.
Definition: 1) to strive, contend 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to strive 1a1a) physically 1a1b) with words 1a2) to conduct a case or suit (legal), sue 1a3) to make complaint 1a4) to quarrel 1b) (Hiphil) to contend against
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: adversary, chide, complain, contend, debate, [idiom] ever, [idiom] lay wait, plead, rebuke, strive, [idiom] thoroughly. See also: Genesis 26:20; Job 40:2; Psalms 35:1.
אֵ֖ת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
חֹרֵ֣י
chôr
H2715
"noble"
N-mp
In the original Hebrew, this word means noble or pure, like something made clean by fire. It describes someone of high rank or birth, like a freeborn person. It appears in various Bible translations as 'noble'.
Definition: a noble, freeborn one
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: noble. See also: 1 Kings 21:8; Nehemiah 6:17; Isaiah 34:12.
יְהוּדָ֑ה
Yᵉhûwdâh
H3063
"Judah"
N-proper
Judah is the name of the tribe descended from Judah, the son of Jacob. It is also the name of the region where the tribe lived. The name means 'praised' and is first mentioned in Genesis.
Definition: § Judah = "praised" the tribe descended from Judah the son of Jacob
Usage: Occurs in 754 OT verses. KJV: Judah. See also: Genesis 29:35; 1 Samuel 23:3; 2 Kings 14:13.
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.
לָ/הֶ֗ם
""
Prep | Suff
מָֽה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
הַ/דָּבָ֨ר
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Art | N-ms
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
הָ/רָ֤ע
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Art | Adj
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
הַ/זֶּה֙
zeh
H2088
"this"
Art | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, 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 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
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.
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עֹשִׂ֔ים
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וּֽ/מְחַלְּלִ֖ים
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
Conj | V-Piel
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
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.
י֥וֹם
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/שַּׁבָּֽת
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.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 13:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 13:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:17
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:17
- Sermons on Nehemiah 13:17
Context — The Sabbath Restored
15In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, and figs. All kinds of goods were being brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day.
16Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem.
17Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?
18Did not your forefathers do the same things, so that our God brought all this disaster on us and on this city? And now you are rekindling His wrath against Israel by profaning the Sabbath!” 19When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem, just before the Sabbath, I ordered that the gates be shut and not opened until after the Sabbath. I posted some of my servants at the gates so that no load could enter on the Sabbath day.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 13:11 | So I rebuked the officials and asked, “Why has the house of God been neglected?” Then I gathered the Levites and singers together and stationed them at their posts, |
| 2 | Nehemiah 13:25 | I rebuked them and called down curses on them. I beat some of these men and pulled out their hair. Then I made them take an oath before God and said, “You must not give your daughters in marriage to their sons or take their daughters as wives for your sons or for yourselves! |
| 3 | Isaiah 1:10 | Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah! |
| 4 | Micah 3:1 | Then I said: “Hear now, O leaders of Jacob, you rulers of the house of Israel. Should you not know justice? |
| 5 | Psalms 82:1–2 | God presides in the divine assembly; He renders judgment among the gods: “How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah |
| 6 | Jeremiah 13:18 | Say to the king and to the queen mother: “Take a lowly seat, for your glorious crowns have fallen from your heads.” |
| 7 | Jeremiah 22:2–23 | saying, ‘Hear the word of the LORD, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David—you and your officials and your people who enter these gates. This is what the LORD says: Administer justice and righteousness. Rescue the victim of robbery from the hand of his oppressor. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow. Do not shed innocent blood in this place. For if you will indeed carry out these commands, then kings who sit on David’s throne will enter through the gates of this palace riding on chariots and horses—they and their officials and their people. But if you do not obey these words, then I swear by Myself, declares the LORD, that this house will become a pile of rubble.’” For this is what the LORD says concerning the house of the king of Judah: “You are like Gilead to Me, like the summit of Lebanon; but I will surely turn you into a desert, like cities that are uninhabited. I will appoint destroyers against you, each man with his weapons, and they will cut down the choicest of your cedars and throw them into the fire. And many nations will pass by this city and ask one another, ‘Why has the LORD done such a thing to this great city?’ Then people will reply, ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the LORD their God and have worshiped and served other gods.’” Do not weep for the dead king; do not mourn his loss. Weep bitterly for the one who is exiled, for he will never return to see his native land. For this is what the LORD says concerning Shallum son of Josiah, king of Judah, who succeeded his father Josiah but has gone forth from this place: “He will never return, but he will die in the place to which he was exiled; he will never see this land again.” “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, and his upper rooms without justice, who makes his countrymen serve without pay, and fails to pay their wages, who says, ‘I will build myself a great palace, with spacious upper rooms.’ So he cuts windows in it, panels it with cedar, and paints it with vermilion. Does it make you a king to excel in cedar? Did not your father have food and drink? He administered justice and righteousness, and so it went well with him. He took up the cause of the poor and needy, and so it went well with him. Is this not what it means to know Me?” declares the LORD. “But your eyes and heart are set on nothing except your own dishonest gain, on shedding innocent blood, on practicing extortion and oppression.” Therefore this is what the LORD says concerning Jehoiakim son of Josiah king of Judah: “They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my brother! Alas, my sister!’ They will not mourn for him: ‘Alas, my master! Alas, his splendor!’ He will be buried like a donkey, dragged away and thrown outside the gates of Jerusalem. Go up to Lebanon and cry out; raise your voice in Bashan; cry out from Abarim, for all your lovers have been crushed. I warned you when you were secure. You said, ‘I will not listen.’ This has been your way from youth, that you have not obeyed My voice. The wind will drive away all your shepherds, and your lovers will go into captivity. Then you will be ashamed and humiliated because of all your wickedness. O inhabitant of Lebanon, nestled in the cedars, how you will groan when pangs of anguish come upon you, agony like a woman in labor.” |
| 8 | Nehemiah 5:7 | and after serious thought I rebuked the nobles and officials, saying, “You are exacting usury from your own brothers!” So I called a large assembly against them |
| 9 | Jeremiah 5:5 | I will go to the powerful and speak to them. Surely they know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke and torn off the chains. |
| 10 | Micah 3:9 | Now hear this, O leaders of the house of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel, who despise justice and pervert all that is right, |
Nehemiah 13:17 Summary
[Nehemiah was very upset that the people of Judah were not treating the Sabbath day as special, but instead were using it for their everyday activities, just like any other day. He saw this as a serious offense against God, and he wanted to remind them of the importance of keeping the Sabbath holy, as commanded in Exodus 20:8-11. By doing this, Nehemiah was trying to help the people of Judah remember that the Sabbath day is a gift from God, a day to rest and worship, and to prioritize their relationship with Him, just as Jesus taught in Mark 2:27.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Nehemiah so concerned about the Sabbath day?
Nehemiah was concerned about the Sabbath day because it was a commandment given by God to the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 20:8-11, and he wanted to ensure that the people of Judah were obeying this commandment to avoid God's wrath.
What does it mean to profane the Sabbath day?
To profane the Sabbath day means to treat it as any other day, rather than setting it apart as a day of rest and worship, as commanded in Leviticus 23:3, and Nehemiah saw this as a serious offense against God.
Why did Nehemiah rebuke the nobles of Judah specifically?
Nehemiah rebuked the nobles of Judah because they were the leaders and should have been setting a good example for the people, but instead they were participating in the profanation of the Sabbath day, as seen in Nehemiah 13:17.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the Bible's teaching on the Sabbath?
This verse is consistent with the Bible's teaching on the Sabbath, which emphasizes the importance of resting on the seventh day and keeping it holy, as seen in Deuteronomy 5:12-15 and Isaiah 58:13-14.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I might be profaning the Sabbath day in my own life, and how can I make a change to honor God?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, stand up for what is right and encourage others to do the same, even if it is unpopular?
- What are some things that I can do on the Sabbath day to make it a special day of rest and worship, and how can I prioritize this in my busy schedule?
- How can I balance the need to rest and worship on the Sabbath day with the demands and responsibilities of everyday life, as seen in Matthew 12:1-14?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:17
Then I contended with the nobles,.... The rulers of the city, the civil magistrates, sharply reproved them for their neglect of duty: and said unto them, what evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:17
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 13:17
The nobles of Judah, i.e. their chief men and rulers; whom he chargeth with this sin, because though others did it, it was by their countenance or connivance, and they should and might have punished and restrained it.
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:17
Nehemiah 13:17 Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing [is] this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?Ver. 17. Then contended I with the nobles] Heb. With the white ones; that had white clothes, but black souls. The snow drift covers many a muck hill. See Nehemiah 13:11. What evil thing is this that ye do] Or suffer others to do, at least, and are, therefore, worthily disgraced; as Moses also was for like cause, Exodus 16:28. And profane the sabbath day?] As if it were a common day, and not God’ s enclosure, holy and honourable. Should men thus rob God of his right, unmound his several, make false entry upon his freehold? Hath he not singled out this day for his own, as he did Israel out of all nations, the tree of knowledge out of all the trees of the garden, and out of all the world (which is his) the tenth? This is the day which the Lord hath made, &c., it is a day like that night, Exodus 12:42, to be kept holy unto the Lord; that day of the Lord which all his people must keep throughout their generations.
To profane it or wound it is here called an evil thing with an accent, a wickedness with a witness.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:17
(17) That ye do.—The nobles, in the absence of Nehemiah, had been responsible, and the sin is charged upon them. The appeal supposes their familiarity with the express prediction of Jeremiah and its literal fulfilment (Jeremiah 17:27).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:17
Verse 17. I contended with the nobles] These evils took place through their negligence; and this I proved before them.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:17
17. Then I contended] cf. Nehemiah 13:11. the nobles of Judah] A different word (ḥ ?orim) from that used for the rulers in Nehemiah 13:11.
Sermons on Nehemiah 13:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Fourth Commandment by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the significance of the Fourth Commandment, which calls for the observance of the Sabbath as a day of rest and worship. He explains that this commandment is no |
|
We Glorify christ... by David Platt | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the mission and vision of their faith community, which is to glorify Christ by making disciples of all nations. They emphasize the importance |
|
Drawing Nigh to God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of patiently waiting for God's word. He refers to Isaiah 50:4-7, which speaks of Christ having the tongue of the learned and |
|
Obedience of Faith by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the idea of God experiencing human emotions such as sadness, weariness, and discouragement. He emphasizes that Jesus, as the embodiment of Go |
|
Grave Warnings! by David Daniel | David Daniel emphasizes the sacredness of entering the house of the Lord, warning against the dangers of familiarity that can lead to contempt. He urges believers to approach worsh |
|
Trust Is the Answer by Mary Wilder Tileston | Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of trusting in the name of the Lord and staying upon God, even in times of darkness and uncertainty. She emphasizes the power of |
|
Foundation of the World, Out of Plumb by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the prophetic nature of the Psalms, particularly Psalm 82, illustrating God's active judgment among earthly rulers who perpetuate injustice and oppression. He |