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Home › Berean Standard Bible  › Nehemiah 13  › Nehemiah 13:4

Nehemiah 13:4

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Nehemiah 13:4 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Now before this, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God

King James Version KJV

¶ And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:

American Standard Version ASV

Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the chambers of the house of our God, being allied unto Tobiah,

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who had been placed over the rooms of the house of our God, being a friend of Tobiah,

Free Bible Version FBV

Before all this, Eliashib the priest, who was related to Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the Temple of our God.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And before this had the Priest Eliashib the ouersight of the chamber of the house of our God, being kinsman to Tobiah:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And before this Eliashib the priest, appointed over chambers of the house of our God, [is] a relation of Tobiah,

World English Bible WEB

Now before this, Eliashib the priest, who was appointed over the rooms of the house of our God, being allied to Tobiah,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied to Tobiah:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And over this thing was Eliasib the priest, who was set over the treasury of the house of our God, and was near akin to Tobias.

Translation for Translators T4T

Previously, Eliashib the priest had been appointed to be in charge of the storerooms in the temple. He was a relative of our enemy Tobiah.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 13:4

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 13:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֣י מִ/זֶּ֔ה אֶלְיָשִׁיב֙ הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן נָת֖וּן בְּ/לִשְׁכַּ֣ת בֵּית אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ קָר֖וֹב לְ/טוֹבִיָּֽה
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 face Conj | Prep | N-cp
מִ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 this Prep | Pron
אֶלְיָשִׁיב֙ ʼElyâshîyb H475 Eliashib N-proper
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 priest Art | N-ms
נָת֖וּן nâthan H5414 to give V-Qal-Inf-c
בְּ/לִשְׁכַּ֣ת lishkâh H3957 chamber Prep | N-fs
בֵּית bayith H1004 place N-ms
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ ʼĕlôhîym H430 God N-mp | Suff
קָר֖וֹב qârôwb H7138 near Adj
לְ/טוֹבִיָּֽה Ṭôwbîyâh H2900 Tobijah Prep | N-proper
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 13:4

וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֣י pânîym H6440 "face" Conj | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
מִ/זֶּ֔ה zeh H2088 "this" Prep | 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.
אֶלְיָשִׁיב֙ ʼElyâshîyb H475 "Eliashib" N-proper
Eliashib means God restores, the name of six Israelites, including a priest and a high priest in Nehemiah's time. He is mentioned in Nehemiah 13:4. Eliashib was a common name in biblical times.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Neh.13.4 § Eliashib = "God restores" 1) a priest in David's reign 2) a descendant of David 3) a high priest in Nehemiah's time 4) a temple singer with foreign wife 5) one of the line of Zattu 6) one of the line of Bani
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: Eliashib. See also: 1 Chronicles 3:24; Nehemiah 3:20; Nehemiah 13:28.
הַ/כֹּהֵ֔ן kôhên H3548 "priest" Art | N-ms
In the Bible, a priest is a person who serves God and leads others in worship, like the Levitical priests in Exodus. They were responsible for making sacrifices and following God's laws. This term is also used to describe Jesus as a priest-king.
Definition: 1) priest, principal officer or chief ruler 1a) priest-king (Melchizedek, Messiah) 1b) pagan priests 1c) priests of Jehovah 1d) Levitical priests 1e) Zadokite priests 1f) Aaronic priests 1g) the high priest Aramaic equivalent: ka.hen (כָּהֵן "priest" H3549)
Usage: Occurs in 653 OT verses. KJV: chief ruler, [idiom] own, priest, prince, principal officer. See also: Genesis 14:18; Leviticus 13:33; Numbers 17:2.
נָת֖וּן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Qal-Inf-c
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
בְּ/לִשְׁכַּ֣ת lishkâh H3957 "chamber" Prep | N-fs
A room or chamber in a building, like a storage room or a bedroom. This word is used in 1 Kings 20:30 to describe a room in the king's palace.
Definition: room, chamber, hall, cell
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: chamber, parlour. Compare H5393 (נִשְׁכָּה). See also: 1 Samuel 9:22; Jeremiah 36:20; Jeremiah 35:2.
בֵּית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
אֱלֹהֵ֑י/נוּ 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.
קָר֖וֹב qârôwb H7138 "near" Adj
This Hebrew word means near, describing something close in place, time, or relationship. It is used in the book of Genesis to describe family relationships. The word is used to describe a close connection.
Definition: 1) near 1a) of place 1b) of time 1c) of personal relationship 1c1) kinship
Usage: Occurs in 76 OT verses. KJV: allied, approach, at hand, [phrase] any of kin, kinsfold(-sman), (that is) near (of kin), neighbour, (that is) next, (them that come) nigh (at hand), more ready, short(-ly). See also: Genesis 19:20; Psalms 75:2; Psalms 15:3.
לְ/טוֹבִיָּֽה Ṭôwbîyâh H2900 "Tobijah" Prep | N-proper
Tobijah means Jehovah is good, the name of three Israelites and one Samaritan, including a Levite in Jehoshaphat's reign. Tobijah opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem with Sanballat. He is mentioned in Zechariah 6:10.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Zec.6.10 § Tobiah = "Jehovah is good" 1) head of a family who returned from exile with Zerubbabel but who were unable to prove their connection with Israel 2) the Ammonite who with Sanballat opposed the rebuilding of Jerusalem 3) a Levite in the reign of Jehoshaphat 4) a chief of the returning exiles
Usage: Occurs in 17 OT verses. KJV: Tobiah, Tobijah. See also: 2 Chronicles 17:8; Nehemiah 6:14; Zechariah 6:14.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 13:4

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Nehemiah 12:44 And on that same day men were appointed over the rooms that housed the supplies, contributions, firstfruits, and tithes. The portions specified by the Law for the priests and Levites were gathered into these storerooms from the fields of the villages, because Judah rejoiced over the priests and Levites who were serving.
2 Nehemiah 6:17–18 Also in those days, the nobles of Judah sent many letters to Tobiah, and Tobiah’s letters came back to them. For many in Judah were bound by oath to him, since he was a son-in-law of Shecaniah son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had married the daughter of Meshullam son of Berechiah.
3 Nehemiah 13:28 Even 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.
4 Nehemiah 2:10 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites.
5 Nehemiah 12:10 Jeshua was the father of Joiakim, Joiakim was the father of Eliashib, Eliashib was the father of Joiada,

Nehemiah 13:4 Summary

This verse tells us about a priest named Eliashib who was in charge of the temple storerooms. He was related to a man named Tobiah, who was not a good influence on the Israelites, as seen in Nehemiah 6:1-14. This shows how even in the temple, there were people who were not following God's ways, similar to the warnings in Ezekiel 34:2-3. We can learn from this that we need to be careful about who we associate with and make sure we are following God's commands, as encouraged in Psalm 119:1-8 and Matthew 6:33.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Eliashib the priest and what was his role in the temple?

Eliashib the priest was a relative of Tobiah and had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of God, as seen in Nehemiah 13:4, indicating he held a position of trust and responsibility in the temple, similar to the roles described in 1 Chronicles 9:26-27.

What is the significance of Tobiah having a relative in charge of the temple storerooms?

Having a relative in charge of the temple storerooms, as mentioned in Nehemiah 13:4, would have given Tobiah influence and access to the temple's resources, which could have been used to further his own interests, as warned against in Ezekiel 34:2-3.

How does this relate to the broader theme of Nehemiah's reforms?

This event is part of the larger narrative of Nehemiah's efforts to purify the temple and its practices, as seen in Nehemiah 13:1-3, where the Israelites excluded all foreigners, highlighting the need for separation and purity in God's house, as also emphasized in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18.

What does this verse reveal about the challenges Nehemiah faced in his reforms?

Nehemiah 13:4 shows that even within the temple leadership, there were those with conflicting loyalties and interests, making Nehemiah's task of reforming the temple and its practices more difficult, as also seen in the resistance he faced in Nehemiah 4:1-3 and 6:1-14.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I may be compromising my values or faith, similar to Eliashib's compromise with Tobiah?
  2. How can I ensure that my actions and decisions are guided by a desire to honor God, rather than personal interests or relationships?
  3. What are some ways I can support and encourage leaders who are working to promote purity and integrity in their communities, as Nehemiah did in Jerusalem?
  4. In what ways can I apply the principles of separation and purity from 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 to my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:4

And before this,.... Before the above law was read, and observed and acted upon: Eliashib the priest; whom some take to be a common priest; so Bishop Usher (a); but he seems rather to be the high

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:4

And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: Before this.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:4

Eliashib the priest; the high priest, , or some other priest so called, there being divers Eliashibs in or about this time, ,24,27,36, though the first seems most probable, by comparing this verse with , and with ,11. The oversight of the chamber, i.e. of the chambers, as appears from the following verse, and from , where it is called chambers, and from the nature of the thing, the high priest having the chief power over the house of God, and all the chambers belonging to it. The singular number for the plural. Allied unto Tobiah, the Ammonite, and a violent enemy to God’ s people. So this is noted as a great blemish to Eliashib, and as the cause of his other miscarriage, noted .

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:4

Nehemiah 13:4 And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, [was] allied unto Tobiah:Ver. 4. And before this] Before the commandment came as a lamp, and the law a light, causing a reformation. As toads and serpents grow in dark and dirty cellars, so do sinful disorders in ignorant places and persons. Eliashib the priest] The high priest; but such a one as from whom profaneness went forth into all the land, Jeremiah 23:15. The sins of teachers are teachers of sins. Having the oversight of the chamber] i.e. Of all the chambers of the temple, by virtue of his office; and, therefore, thought belike he might do what he wished with them (now in Nehemiah’ s absence) without control. Was allied unto Tobiah] A bitter enemy to God’ s people, but sly and subtle, seeking to insinuate by alliance and letters of persuasion; such as Cardinal Sadolet wrote to the Genevenses, in Calvin’ s absence, and Cardinal Lorraine to the Protestant princes of Germany, that he and his brethren, the Guises (those sworn swordmen of the devil), would embrace the reformed religion.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:4

(4-9) The scandal of the high priest.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:4

Verse 4. Eliashib the priest] Perhaps this was a different person from Eliashib the high priest; but there is no indubitable evidence that he was not the same. If he was high priest, he was very unfaithful to the high charge which he had received; and a reproach to the priesthood. He had married his grandson to Sanballat's daughter: this produced a connection with Tobiah, the fast friend of Sanballat; in whose favour he polluted the house of God, giving him one of the chambers for his ordinary residence, which were appointed for the reception of the tithes, oblations, &c., that came to the house of God.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:4

Part IV. ’S SECOND VISITCh. Nehemiah 13:4-9. His Vindication of the Sanctity of the Temple. Nehemiah 13:10-14. His Provision for the Maintenance of the Levites. Nehemiah 13:15-22. His Measures to uphold the Observance of the Sabbath. Nehemiah 13:23-29. His Action against Mixed Marriages. Nehemiah 13:30-31. His Concluding Words. –31. Nehemiah’s memoirs resumed4–9. An incident twelve years later: Eliashib’s concession of a chamber in the Temple to Tobiah, and its purification by Nehemiah. For Nehemiah’s action and the necessity for it, cf. Malachi 2:1-9.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 13:4

The relations of Eliashib, the high priest Nehemiah 3:1, with Tobiah and Sanballat will account for the absence of any reference to him either in Neh. 8–10, or in Neh. 12:27-47.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:4

OF THE CHAMBER BY TOBIAH, Nehemiah 13:4-9. 4. Before this — Before the separation of the mixed multitude from Israel. Eliashib the priest — The high priest mentioned in Nehemiah 3:1.

Sermons on Nehemiah 13:4

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen 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
William MacDonald Greenwood Hills Conference 1989-01 Nehemiah 1 by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not being idle in the work of the Lord. He highlights the need for accountability in our assemblies and on the foreign fiel
Warren Wiersbe Growth Through Opposition by Warren Wiersbe Warren Wiersbe preaches on the importance of loving both our neighbors and enemies, drawing parallels to Nehemiah's situation where his arrival threatened those who wanted to keep
T. Austin-Sparks The Warfare by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks discusses 'The Warfare', emphasizing the unique and intense spiritual conflict associated with fulfilling God's ultimate purpose. He illustrates this through the o
John Bjorlie Littleproud , J. Bio by John Bjorlie Roy Littleproud, born in Forest, Ontario, in 1889, was raised in a Christian home where Christ was recognized as Lord. He became a teacher and later married Hilda Vance, who played
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