Nehemiah 13:6

Nehemiah 13:6 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king

King James Version KJV

But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:

American Standard Version ASV

But in all this time I was not at Jerusalem; for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went unto the king: and after certain days asked I leave of the king,

Bible in Basic English BBE

But all this time I was not at Jerusalem: for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, king of Babylon, I went to the king; and after some days, I got the king to let me go,

Free Bible Version FBV

When all this happened I was not in Jerusalem because I had returned to King Artaxerxes of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I requested permission from the king to go back.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

But in all this time was not I in Ierusalem: for in the two and thirtieth yere of Artahshashte King of Babel, came I vnto the King, and after certaine dayes I obteined of the King.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And during all this I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty and second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon did I come unto the king, and at the end of days I have asked of the king,

World English Bible WEB

But in all this, I was not at Jerusalem; for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king; and after some days I asked leave of the king,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

But in all this time I was not at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I came to the king, and after certain days I obtained leave of the king:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But in all this time I was not in Jerusalem, because in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon, I went to the king, and after certain days I asked the king:

Translation for Translators T4T

While Tobias was using that room, I was not in Jerusalem, because in the 32nd year that Artaxerxes was the king of Babylonia, I went back there to report to him. After a while I requested the king to allow me to return to Jerusalem, and he allowed me to go.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 13:6

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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 13:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/בְ/כָל זֶ֕ה לֹ֥א הָיִ֖יתִי בִּֽ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם כִּ֡י בִּ/שְׁנַת֩ שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים וּ/שְׁתַּ֜יִם לְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא מֶֽלֶךְ בָּבֶל֙ בָּ֣אתִי אֶל הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ וּ/לְ/קֵ֥ץ יָמִ֖ים נִשְׁאַ֥לְתִּי מִן הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ

וּ/בְ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | Prep | N-ms

זֶ֕ה zeh H2088 this Pron

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Part

הָיִ֖יתִי hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-1cs

בִּֽ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 Jerusalem Prep | N-proper

כִּ֡י kîy H3588 for Conj

בִּ/שְׁנַת֩ shâneh H8141 year Prep | N-fs

שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 thirty Adj

וּ/שְׁתַּ֜יִם shᵉnayim H8147 two Conj | Adj

לְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא ʼArtachshashtâʼ H783 Artaxerxes Prep | N-proper

מֶֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's N-ms

בָּבֶל֙ Bâbel H894 Babylon N-proper

בָּ֣אתִי bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal-Perf-1cs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

וּ/לְ/קֵ֥ץ qêts H7093 end Conj | Prep | N-ms

יָמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 day N-mp

נִשְׁאַ֥לְתִּי shâʼal H7592 to ask V-Niphal-Perf-1cs

מִן min H4480 from Prep

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 13:6

וּ/בְ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

זֶ֕ה zeh H2088 "this" 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.

לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

הָיִ֖יתִי hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

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.

בִּֽ/ירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם Yᵉrûwshâlaim H3389 "Jerusalem" Prep | N-proper

Jerusalem is the capital city of Palestine, also known as the city of peace. It was the chief city of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split.

Definition: § Jerusalem = "teaching of peace" the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split

Usage: Occurs in 600 OT verses. KJV: Jerusalem. See also: Joshua 10:1; 2 Kings 22:14; 2 Chronicles 24:6.

כִּ֡י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

בִּ/שְׁנַת֩ shâneh H8141 "year" Prep | N-fs

This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.

Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)

Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.

שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים shᵉlôwshîym H7970 "thirty" Adj

Thirty is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also be used as an ordinal to describe something as thirtieth. It is used to count quantities in the Bible.

Definition: thirty, thirtieth Aramaic equivalent: te.la.tin (תְּלָתִין "thirty" H8533)

Usage: Occurs in 163 OT verses. KJV: thirty, thirtieth. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:3; 1 Samuel 11:8; Jeremiah 38:10.

וּ/שְׁתַּ֜יִם shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Conj | Adj

The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.

Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)

Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.

לְ/אַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא ʼArtachshashtâʼ H783 "Artaxerxes" Prep | N-proper

Artaxerxes was a title given to several Persian kings, including the one who ruled during the time of Ezra and Nehemiah. He played a significant role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.7 Also named: ar.tach.shash.ta (אַרְתַּחְשַׁשְׂתְּא "Artaxerxes" H0783B) § Artaxerxes = "I will make the spoiled to boil: I will stir myself (in) winter" son and successor of Xerxes as emperor of Persia, 465-424 BC

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: Artaxerxes. See also: Ezra 4:7; Ezra 7:11; Nehemiah 13:6.

מֶֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

בָּבֶל֙ Bâbel H894 "Babylon" N-proper

Babel refers to Babylon, a city and empire in the Bible, meaning confusion or mixing. It appears in Genesis 11:9 and is associated with the tower of Babel. The city was situated on the Euphrates River.

Definition: § Babel or Babylon = "confusion (by mixing)" Babel or Babylon, the ancient site and/or capital of Babylonia (modern Hillah) situated on the Euphrates

Usage: Occurs in 233 OT verses. KJV: Babel, Babylon. See also: Genesis 10:10; Jeremiah 29:22; Psalms 87:4.

בָּ֣אתִי bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal-Perf-1cs

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.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

וּ/לְ/קֵ֥ץ qêts H7093 "end" Conj | Prep | N-ms

The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.

Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)

Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.

יָמִ֖ים yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp

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.

נִשְׁאַ֥לְתִּי shâʼal H7592 "to ask" V-Niphal-Perf-1cs

To ask or inquire, this Hebrew word is used in the Bible to describe seeking information or requesting something. It can also mean to beg or borrow, and is used in many different contexts throughout the Old Testament. The KJV translates it as ask, beg, or borrow.

Definition: 1) to ask, enquire, borrow, beg 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to ask, ask for 1a2) to ask (as a favour), borrow 1a3) to enquire, enquire of 1a4) to enquire of, consult (of deity, oracle) 1a5) to seek 1b) (Niphal) to ask for oneself, ask leave of absence 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to enquire, enquire carefully 1c2) to beg, practise beggary 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to be given on request 1d2) to grant, make over to, let (one) ask (successfully) or give or lend on request (then) grant or make over to Aramaic equivalent: she.el (שְׁאֵל "to ask" H7593)

Usage: Occurs in 157 OT verses. KJV: ask (counsel, on), beg, borrow, lay to charge, consult, demand, desire, [idiom] earnestly, enquire, [phrase] greet, obtain leave, lend, pray, request, require, [phrase] salute, [idiom] straitly, [idiom] surely, wish. See also: Genesis 24:47; 2 Samuel 8:10; Psalms 2:8.

מִן min H4480 "from" Prep

This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.

Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)

Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 13:6

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 13:6 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:6
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:6
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:6
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:6
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:6
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:6
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:6
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 13:6
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:6
Sermons on Nehemiah 13:6

Context — The Temple Cleansed

4Now before this, Eliashib the priest, a relative of Tobiah, had been put in charge of the storerooms of the house of our God 5and had prepared for Tobiah a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests.

6While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king

7to return to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil that Eliashib had done on behalf of Tobiah by providing him a room in the courts of the house of God. 8And I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household goods out of the room.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Nehemiah 5:14	Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from his twentieth year until his thirty-second year (twelve years total), neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor.
2	Nehemiah 2:5–6	and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time.
3	Matthew 13:25	But while everyone was asleep, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat, and slipped away.
4	Nehemiah 2:1	Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence,
5	Ezra 6:22	For seven days they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread with joy, because the LORD had made them joyful and turned the heart of the king of Assyria toward them to strengthen their hands in the work on the house of the God of Israel.
6	2 Chronicles 24:17–18	After the death of Jehoiada, however, the officials of Judah came and paid homage to the king, and he listened to them. They abandoned the house of the LORD, the God of their fathers, and served the Asherah poles and idols. So wrath came upon Judah and Jerusalem for this guilt of theirs.
7	Exodus 32:1	Now when the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this Moses who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has happened to him!”

Nehemiah 13:6 Summary

[Nehemiah 13:6 tells us that Nehemiah was not in Jerusalem because he had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon, and later he obtained leave from the king to return to Jerusalem. This verse shows us that Nehemiah was a man of integrity and faith, who trusted in God's plan and timing, even when he was not physically present in Jerusalem. As we read in Jeremiah 29:11, God has a plan to prosper us, not to harm us, and Nehemiah's experience encourages us to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty, just like it says in Psalm 23:1-4. By trusting in God's plan, we can have confidence that He is working everything out for our good, even when we do not understand the circumstances.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Nehemiah return to Artaxerxes king of Babylon?

Nehemiah returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign, as mentioned in Nehemiah 13:6, likely to fulfill his obligations as a servant of the king, before obtaining leave to return to Jerusalem, similar to his initial departure in Ezra 7:6

What is the significance of the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes' reign?

The thirty-second year of Artaxerxes' reign marks a specific time period in Nehemiah's life when he was not present in Jerusalem, as stated in Nehemiah 13:6, and is a detail that highlights Nehemiah's commitment to his duties and his trust in God's timing, as seen in Isaiah 40:31

How did Nehemiah obtain leave from the king?

The Bible does not provide specific details on how Nehemiah obtained leave from the king, but it is likely that he petitioned the king and received permission to return to Jerusalem, demonstrating his faith and trust in God's providence, as seen in Proverbs 21:1

What can we learn from Nehemiah's experience of returning to the king?

Nehemiah's experience teaches us about the importance of obedience, faith, and trust in God's plan, even when we are not physically present in a particular location, as seen in Psalm 37:3-4 and Jeremiah 29:11

Reflection Questions

What are some times in my life when I have had to trust in God's timing and plan, even when I did not understand the circumstances?
How can I apply the principle of trust and obedience in my own life, even when faced with challenging situations, like Nehemiah did in Nehemiah 13:6?
What are some ways that I can demonstrate my commitment to God's work, even when I am not physically present in a particular location?
How can I balance my responsibilities and duties with my desire to serve God and fulfill His plan for my life, as Nehemiah did in his role as a servant of the king?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:6

But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem,.... Nehemiah, who was absent all the while these things were done by Eliashib, or otherwise they would not have been suffered: for in the thirty second

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:6

But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:6

All this time was not I at Jerusalem; and Eliashib took the occasion of my absence to do these things, supposing that I would no more return thither. Came I unto the king, to wit, from Jerusalem; where he had been once and again. After certain days, Heb. in the end of days, or of a year, as that word oft signifies.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:6

Nehemiah 13:6 But in all this [time] was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king:Ver. 6. But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem] And thence it was that things grew so far out of order. So when Moses was gone into the mount, the people set up the golden calf; they turned aside quickly, saith God, Exodus 32:8. So were the Corinthians and Galatians so soon as St Paul’ s back was but turned upon them, Galatians 1:6, Levitate prorsus desultoria. And so were these Jews, notwithstanding their better purposes, promises, covenants; yea, and beginnings of reformation. See Nehemiah 10:30. And after certain days] Heb. At the end of days; that is, at a year’ s end, as Vatablus and Genebrard expound it. No longer than a year was Nehemiah away from his government (to show his dutiful respect to his master, the king of Persia, and to negotiate for his nation), but all things were out of frame, so well had the devil and his instruments bestirred them. But Junius rendereth the text, exactis aliquot annis, certain years being past; and Lyra thus, at the end of his days, or of his life, when he now waxed old, he had a desire to go and reform things amiss at Jerusalem, and to die and lay his bones there. So likewise Funccius, the eighth year after his return to Artaxerxes, which was also the last year of his reign. And indeed one would wonder how in less than one year’ s time things so well settled should be so far disjointed; but that the devil is οοπονηρος, the great troubler, and had by sin hurled, at first, confusion over the whole creation in an instant.

Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:6

(6) Was not I at Jerusalem.—Parenthetical explanation of this disorderly state of things. King of Babylon.—Probably it was at Babylon that Nehemiah found the court, and therefore he does not say “King of Persia.” After certain days.—The time is left indefinite. But the “two and thirtieth year” shows that he had been in Jerusalem twelve years before his return to the king.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:6

Verse 6. Was not I at Jerusalem] Nehemiah came to Jerusalem in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes, and remained there till the thirty-second year, twelve years: then returned to Babylon, and staid one year; got leave to revisit his brethren; and found matters as stated in this chapter.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:6

6. was not I] R.V. I was not.the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes] i.e. b.c. 433, twelve years since his appointment to be governor of Judea (Nehemiah 2:6). king of Babylon] For this title applied to Artaxerxes king of Persia, cf. Ezra 6:22, ‘the king of Assyria.’ Babylon being by far the largest and most important city in the western portion of the Persian dominion, the expression was a natural one in the lips of a Jew. It hardly affords sufficient foundation for the assumption that king Artaxerxes happened to be residing at Babylon at the time of Nehemiah’s application for leave of absence. came I] R.V. I went. We are left to suppose that Nehemiah had some time previously returned from Jerusalem to his post at Susa. That his governorship of Judea was only for a limited period is plainly hinted at by the king’s question in Nehemiah 2:6, ‘And when wilt thou return?’ How long it lasted we are not told with any definiteness. From Nehemiah 5:14 we may assume that he was governor for the greater part of 12 years. after certain days] Literally, ‘at the end of days.’ A general expression, denoting a considerable interval. To restrict its meaning to ‘a year’ on the strength of certain passages (e.g. Exodus 13:10; Leviticus 25:29; Numbers 9:22; Judges 17:10) gives a very improbable explanation of the phrase, which is often used of a much more considerable period, e.g. ‘in process of time’ Genesis 4:3, ‘after a while’ 1 Kings 17:7. obtained I leave] R.V. I asked leave. Perhaps in consequence of disquieting information which had reached him.

Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 13:6

Artaxerxes king of Babylon - See Nehemiah 1:1. Compare Ezra 6:22, where Darius Hystaspis is called “king of Assyria.” After certain days - Or, “at the end of a year,” which is a meaning that the

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:6

6. All this time was not I at Jerusalem — Else such profanation of the temple would not have been tolerated. Two and thirtieth year — After having been governor of Jerusalem for twelve years. See Nehemiah 5:14.

Sermons on Nehemiah 13:6

	Sermon	Description
	Bible Survey - Malachi by Peter Hammond	Peter Hammond preaches on the Book of Malachi, the last Book of the Old Testament, which serves as a bridge to the New Testament. Malachi, God's messenger, delivers the last Word o
	Nehemiah, Esther by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Nehemiah and the importance of having a burden for God's work. He emphasizes the need for one person who is not discouraged by o
	From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Nehemiah) ch.5 & 6 by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the example of Nehemiah and how he lived a life of financial integrity and wholehearted devotion to God. Nehemiah's commitment to God's work
	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
	Conference 1989-01 ~ Nehemiah 1 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of accountability in the service of the Lord. He references chapter five, verses one through three, to highlight the need for
	This Is My Task by Aimee Semple McPherson	Aimee Semple McPherson preaches about the importance of fulfilling our task on earth, which is to spread the gospel to every corner of the world. She emphasizes the need to be will
	We Travel an Appointed Way by A.W. Tozer	A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God's calling, as exemplified by Nehemiah, who rose from his sorrow to rebuild Jerusalem despite ridicule and opposition.