Nehemiah 13:29
Nehemiah 13:29 in Multiple Translations
Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.
Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.
Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.
Keep them in mind, O my God, because they have put shame on the priests' name and on the agreement of the priests and the Levites.
My God, remember them and what they did, violating the priesthood and the solemn agreement of the priests and Levites.
Remember them, O my God, that defile the Priesthoode, and the couenant of the Priesthoode, and of the Leuites.
Be mindful of them, O my God, for the redeemed of the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.
Remember them, my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.
Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.
Remember them, O Lord my God, that defile the priesthood, and the law of priests and Levites.
My God, do not forget that those people who have married foreign women have caused it to be a shame/disgrace to be a priest, and have caused people to despise the agreement that you made with the priests and with the other descendants of Levi who help the priests►!
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 13:29
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 13:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זָכְרָ֥/ה
לָ/הֶ֖ם
אֱלֹהָ֑/י
עַ֚ל
גָּאֳלֵ֣י
הַ/כְּהֻנָּ֔ה
וּ/בְרִ֥ית
הַ/כְּהֻנָּ֖ה
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּֽם
זָכְרָ֥/ה
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
לָ/הֶ֖ם
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהָ֑/י
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
N-mp | Suff
עַ֚ל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גָּאֳלֵ֣י
gôʼel
H1352
defilement
N-mp
הַ/כְּהֻנָּ֔ה
kᵉhunnâh
H3550
priesthood
Art | N-fs
וּ/בְרִ֥ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
covenant
Conj | N-fs
הַ/כְּהֻנָּ֖ה
kᵉhunnâh
H3550
priesthood
Art | N-fs
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּֽם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
Levi
Conj | Art | Ngmpa
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 13:29
זָכְרָ֥/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.
לָ/הֶ֖ם
""
Prep | Suff
אֱלֹהָ֑/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.
עַ֚ל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
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.
גָּאֳלֵ֣י
gôʼel
H1352
"defilement"
N-mp
This term refers to the act of making something unclean or impure, like in Leviticus 18:21 where it talks about defiling oneself. It's about profaning or desecrating something that's sacred.
Definition: defilement, defiling
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: defile. See also: Nehemiah 13:29.
הַ/כְּהֻנָּ֔ה
kᵉhunnâh
H3550
"priesthood"
Art | N-fs
The priesthood refers to the office or position of a priest, like the Levitical priesthood in the Old Testament. It involves serving God and leading others in worship. The Bible describes the responsibilities and duties of the priesthood in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: priesthood
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: priesthood, priest's office. See also: Exodus 29:9; Numbers 25:13; Nehemiah 13:29.
וּ/בְרִ֥ית
bᵉrîyth
H1285
"covenant"
Conj | N-fs
A covenant is a promise or agreement between people or between God and people, like a treaty or alliance. It is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis, where God makes a covenant with Abraham. This concept is central to the Bible.
Definition: 1) covenant, alliance, pledge 1a) between men 1a1) treaty, alliance, league (man to man) 1a2) constitution, ordinance (monarch to subjects) 1a3) agreement, pledge (man to man) 1a4) alliance (of friendship) 1a5) alliance (of marriage) 1b) between God and man 1b1) alliance (of friendship) 1b2) covenant (divine ordinance with signs or pledges) 2) (phrases) 2a) covenant making 2b) covenant keeping 2c) covenant violation
Usage: Occurs in 264 OT verses. KJV: confederacy, (con-) feder(-ate), covenant, league. See also: Genesis 6:18; Judges 20:27; Psalms 25:10.
הַ/כְּהֻנָּ֖ה
kᵉhunnâh
H3550
"priesthood"
Art | N-fs
The priesthood refers to the office or position of a priest, like the Levitical priesthood in the Old Testament. It involves serving God and leading others in worship. The Bible describes the responsibilities and duties of the priesthood in the book of Leviticus.
Definition: priesthood
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: priesthood, priest's office. See also: Exodus 29:9; Numbers 25:13; Nehemiah 13:29.
וְ/הַ/לְוִיִּֽם
Lêvîyîy
H3881
"Levi"
Conj | Art | 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.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 13:29
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 13:29 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:29
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:29
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:29
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:29
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:29
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:29
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:29
- Sermons on Nehemiah 13:29
Context — Intermarriage Forbidden
27Must we now hear that you too are doing all this terrible evil and acting unfaithfully against our God by marrying foreign women?”
28Even one of the sons of Jehoiada son of Eliashib the high priest had become a son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore I drove him away from me.
29Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.
30Thus I purified the priests and Levites from everything foreign, and I assigned specific duties to each of the priests and Levites. 31I also arranged for contributions of wood at the appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, with favor.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nehemiah 6:14 | O my God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat for what they have done, and also Noadiah the prophetess and the other prophets who tried to intimidate me. |
| 2 | Numbers 25:12–13 | Declare, therefore, that I am granting him My covenant of peace. It will be a covenant of permanent priesthood for him and his descendants, because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.” |
| 3 | Malachi 2:4–8 | Then you will know that I have sent you this commandment so that My covenant with Levi may continue,” says the LORD of Hosts. “My covenant with him was one of life and peace, which I gave to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name. True instruction was in his mouth, and nothing false was found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, because he is the messenger of the LORD of Hosts. But you have departed from the way, and your instruction has caused many to stumble. You have violated the covenant of Levi,” says the LORD of Hosts. |
| 4 | Numbers 16:9–10 | Is it not enough for you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel and brought you near to Himself to perform the work at the LORD’s tabernacle, and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? He has brought you near, you and all your fellow Levites, but you are seeking the priesthood as well. |
| 5 | Leviticus 21:1–7 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Speak to Aaron’s sons, the priests, and tell them that a priest is not to defile himself for a dead person among his people, except for his immediate family—his mother, father, son, daughter, or brother, or his unmarried sister who is near to him, since she has no husband. He is not to defile himself for those related to him by marriage, and so profane himself. Priests must not make bald spots on their heads, shave off the edges of their beards, or make cuts in their bodies. They must be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. Because they present to the LORD the offerings made by fire, the food of their God, they must be holy. A priest must not marry a woman defiled by prostitution or divorced by her husband, for the priest is holy to his God. |
| 6 | Malachi 2:10–12 | Do we not all have one Father? Did not one God create us? Why then do we break faith with one another so as to profane the covenant of our fathers? Judah has broken faith; an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the LORD’s beloved sanctuary by marrying the daughter of a foreign god. As for the man who does this, may the LORD cut off from the tents of Jacob everyone who is awake and aware—even if he brings an offering to the LORD of Hosts. |
| 7 | 1 Samuel 2:30 | Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained. |
| 8 | Psalms 59:5–13 | O LORD God of Hosts, the God of Israel, rouse Yourself to punish all the nations; show no mercy to the wicked traitors. Selah They return in the evening, snarling like dogs and prowling around the city. See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?” But You, O LORD, laugh at them; You scoff at all the nations. I will keep watch for You, O my strength, because You, O God, are my fortress. My God of loving devotion will come to meet me; God will let me stare down my foes. Do not kill them, or my people will forget. Scatter them by Your power, and bring them down, O Lord, our shield. By the sins of their mouths and the words of their lips, let them be trapped in their pride, in the curses and lies they utter. Consume them in wrath; consume them till they are no more, so it may be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob. Selah |
| 9 | 2 Timothy 4:14 | Alexander the coppersmith did great harm to me. The Lord will repay him according to his deeds. |
Nehemiah 13:29 Summary
[Nehemiah is asking God to remember those who have corrupted the priesthood and the covenant of the Levites, which is a serious offense against God. This corruption is like a cancer that can spread and affect the whole community, as seen in 1 Corinthians 5:6-7. Nehemiah wants God to take notice and act in judgment, so that the purity of worship can be restored. By praying in this way, Nehemiah is showing his concern for the spiritual well-being of his community and his desire to see God's people worship Him in spirit and truth, as Jesus teaches in John 4:24.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of defiling the priesthood in Nehemiah 13:29?
Defiling the priesthood refers to the corruption of the priestly office, which was meant to be set apart for God's service, as seen in Exodus 19:6 and Leviticus 21:6-7. This corruption is a serious offense against God, as it undermines the spiritual leadership of the community.
How does this verse relate to the concept of covenant in the Bible?
The covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites, mentioned in Nehemiah 13:29, refers to the sacred agreements God made with the priests and Levites, as seen in Numbers 25:13 and Deuteronomy 33:9-10. These covenants emphasized their role in serving God and the community, and their breach is a significant issue.
What is the role of memory in Nehemiah's prayer in this verse?
Nehemiah's request for God to remember those who defiled the priesthood, as seen in Nehemiah 13:29, is a call for God to take notice and act in judgment, as also seen in Psalm 119:49 and Psalm 136:23. This is a common theme in biblical prayer, where the speaker asks God to remember His people or their actions.
How does this verse reflect Nehemiah's concern for the purity of worship?
Nehemiah's concern for the purity of worship, as expressed in Nehemiah 13:29, is rooted in his desire to see God's people worship Him in spirit and truth, as Jesus teaches in John 4:24. This concern is also reflected in other biblical passages, such as 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1, where the importance of separating from unbelievers and worldly practices is emphasized.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be contributing to the corruption of my own spiritual leadership or the leadership of my community?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, prioritize the purity of worship in my own life and in my community?
- What are some covenants or sacred agreements that I have made with God, and how can I ensure that I am fulfilling my end of these agreements?
- In what ways can I, like Nehemiah, call upon God to remember and act in judgment against those who would seek to undermine the spiritual well-being of my community?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:29
Remember them, O my God,.... The priests, and punish them: because they have defiled the priesthood; by marrying strange wives, and rendering themselves unfit to officiate in it: and the covenant of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:29
Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? yet among many nations was there no king like him, who was beloved of his God, and God made him king over all Israel: nevertheless even him did outlandish women cause to sin.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:29
That covenant made between me and his progenitors for themselves and their posterity, whereby I promised to give them an everlasting priesthood, ,13, and they covenanted with me that they would faithfully and holily execute that sacred function according to the rules which I gave them, whereby, among other things, they were enjoined to keep themselves pure from all unlawful marriages, and from all other things which might pollute them or the priesthood.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:29
(29) Remember them.—This priestly violation of law is committed to God alone for punishment. And of the Levites.—God chose the tribe of Levi for Himself, specially the house of Aaron, and every priest was to be “holy to the Lord” (Leviticus 21:6; Leviticus 21:8). This was “the covenant of the priesthood;” though there may be an undertone of reference to the great covenant in Nehemiah 10.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:29
Verse 29. Because they have defiled the priesthood] God, therefore, will remember their iniquities against them, and punish them for their transgressions. These words of Nehemiah are to be understood declaratively.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:29
29. Remember them] Here in a bad sense. because they have defiled] R.V. marg. ‘Heb. for the defilings of’. The word so rendered occurs only here. It is from the same root as the word ‘Goel,’ which explains the confusion of the LXX. ἐπὶἀγχιστείᾳτῆςἱερατείας. the priesthood … the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites] Joiada’s son, not being high-priest, did not himself fall under the marriage law of the high-priest, Leviticus 21:13-15. But as a possible successor to the office, his marriage with Sanballat’s daughter violated the spirit of the Law. ‘The covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites’ seems to mean the peculiar relation of the priests and the Levites as holy, set apart for the special service of God, and as representatives of the whole people. It is possible that Nehemiah’s words relate not to the offence of an individual, but to the shame accruing to the whole priesthood in the fact that renegade priests had founded a rival Jehovah worship on Mt Gerizim, among the hated Samaritans. The expression is very similar to that in Malachi 2:8, ‘But ye are turned aside out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble in the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.’ For ‘the covenant of the priesthood,’ cf. Deuteronomy 33:8-11, Malachi 2:1-8 will form an excellent commentary upon Nehemiah’s earnest denunciation.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:29
29. Remember them — All who were involved in the sin of Joiada’s son. They… defiled the priesthood — By being parties in the contraction of this marriage with a foreign woman.
Sermons on Nehemiah 13:29
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Message of Malachi by G. Campbell Morgan | G. Campbell Morgan delivers a profound sermon on 'The Message of Malachi,' emphasizing God's unfailing love and the human tendency to fail in maintaining true relationships with Hi |
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Levitical Ministry - Part 1of4 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the Levi tribe in the Bible and how it relates to the church. The Levi tribe represents the principle and meaning of the h |
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Chief Cause for Decay in the Church by Ian Murray | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the verses from the book of Malachi, specifically chapter 4. The text speaks of a day that will come, burning like an oven, where the proud |
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Malachi #3: Defiling the Table and Dividing the Redeemed by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of serving God with reverence and awe. He highlights the covenant between God and Levi, where Levi revered God, walked in peac |
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The Beard, Its Historical and Biblical Significance by John Weaver | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the significance of unity among brethren. He urges the audience to judge righteous judgment, emphasizing the importance of looking beyond ou |
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The Glory of God and Missions by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the question of how to reconcile the idea that God does everything for Himself with the belief that God is a loving God who loves people. He u |
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The Centrality of the Trinity by Erlo Stegen | Erlo Stegen emphasizes the mystery and centrality of the Trinity in understanding God, illustrating that while we cannot fully comprehend His nature, we can appreciate the revelati |