Nehemiah 13:9
Nehemiah 13:9 in Multiple Translations
Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense.
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meal-offerings and the frankincense.
Then I gave orders, and they made the rooms clean: and I put back in them the vessels of the house of God, with the meal offerings and the perfume.
I ordered the rooms purified, and put back the Temple items, the grain offerings, and the incense.
And I commanded them to clense ye chambers: and thither brought I againe the vessels of the house of God with the meate offring and the incense.
and I speak, and they cleanse the chambers, and I bring back thither the vessels of the house of God with the present and the frankincense.
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the rooms. I brought into them the vessels of God’s house, with the meal offerings and the frankincense again.
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither I brought again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat-offering and the frankincense.
And I commanded and they cleansed the storehouses: and I brought thither again the vessels of the house of God, the sacrifice, and the frankincense.
Then I commanded that they perform a ritual to make the rooms ◄pure/acceptable to God► again. And I also ordered that all the equipment used in the temple and all the grain offerings and incense should be put in that room again.
Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 13:9
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 13:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וָ/אֹ֣מְרָ֔/ה
וַֽ/יְטַהֲר֖וּ
הַ/לְּשָׁכ֑וֹת
וָ/אָשִׁ֣יבָ/ה
שָּׁ֗ם
כְּלֵי֙
בֵּ֣ית
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
אֶת
הַ/מִּנְחָ֖ה
וְ/הַ/לְּבוֹנָֽה
וָ/אֹ֣מְרָ֔/ה
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
וַֽ/יְטַהֲר֖וּ
ṭâhêr
H2891
be pure
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
הַ/לְּשָׁכ֑וֹת
lishkâh
H3957
chamber
Art | N-fp
וָ/אָשִׁ֣יבָ/ה
shûwb
H7725
to return
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
שָּׁ֗ם
shâm
H8033
there
Adv
כְּלֵי֙
kᵉlîy
H3627
article/utensil
N-mp
בֵּ֣ית
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
God
Art | N-mp
אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep
הַ/מִּנְחָ֖ה
minchâh
H4503
offering
Art | N-fs
וְ/הַ/לְּבוֹנָֽה
lᵉbôwnâh
H3828
frankincense
Conj | Art | N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 13:9
וָ/אֹ֣מְרָ֔/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.
וַֽ/יְטַהֲר֖וּ
ṭâhêr
H2891
"be pure"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-3mp
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to be pure, either physically, morally, or ceremonially. It appears in Leviticus for purification rituals and in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. This concept is central to Jewish and Christian ideas of cleanliness and holiness.
Definition: 1) to be clean, be pure 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be clean (physically-of disease) 1a2) to be clean ceremonially 1a3) to purify, be clean morally, made clean 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cleanse, purify 1b1a) physically 1b1b) ceremonially 1b1c) morally 1b2) to pronounce clean 1b3) to perform the ceremony of cleansing 1c) (Pual) to be cleansed, be pronounced clean 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to purify oneself 1d1a) ceremonially 1d1b) morally 1d2) to present oneself for purification
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: be (make, make self, pronounce) clean, cleanse (self), purge, purify(-ier, self). See also: Genesis 35:2; Numbers 19:12; Psalms 51:4.
הַ/לְּשָׁכ֑וֹת
lishkâh
H3957
"chamber"
Art | N-fp
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.
וָ/אָשִׁ֣יבָ/ה
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-1cs | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
שָּׁ֗ם
shâm
H8033
"there"
Adv
The Hebrew word sham means there or then, often used to describe a location or point in time. It can also mean thither or thence, indicating movement or direction. This word is used frequently in the Bible to provide context and clarify the setting of a story.
Definition: 1) there, thither 1a) there 1b) thither (after verbs of motion) 1c) from there, thence 1d) then (as an adverb of time) Aramaic equivalent: tam.mah (תַּמָּה "there" H8536)
Usage: Occurs in 732 OT verses. KJV: in it, [phrase] thence, there (-in, [phrase] of, [phrase] out), [phrase] thither, [phrase] whither. See also: Genesis 2:8; Exodus 21:33; Deuteronomy 19:4.
כְּלֵי֙
kᵉlîy
H3627
"article/utensil"
N-mp
This Hebrew word refers to any object or tool, like a utensil or a piece of furniture. It is used to describe a wide range of items, from musical instruments to weapons. It emphasizes the object's purpose or function.
Definition: 1) article, vessel, implement, utensil 1a) article, object (general) 1b) utensil, implement, apparatus, vessel 1b1) implement (of hunting or war) 1b2) implement (of music) 1b3) implement, tool (of labour) 1b4) equipment, yoke (of oxen) 1b5) utensils, furniture 1c) vessel, receptacle (general) 1d) vessels (boats) of paper-reed
Usage: Occurs in 276 OT verses. KJV: armour(-bearer), artillery, bag, carriage, [phrase] furnish, furniture, instrument, jewel, that is made of, [idiom] one from another, that which pertaineth, pot, [phrase] psaltery, sack, stuff, thing, tool, vessel, ware, weapon, [phrase] whatsoever. See also: Genesis 24:53; 1 Samuel 14:13; Ezra 8:26.
בֵּ֣ית
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.
הָ/אֱלֹהִ֔ים
ʼĕlôhîym
H430
"God"
Art | N-mp
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.
אֶת
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.
הַ/מִּנְחָ֖ה
minchâh
H4503
"offering"
Art | N-fs
The Hebrew word for offering refers to a gift or donation, often given to God as a sacrifice. In Leviticus 2:1, it describes a grain offering. It can also mean tribute or present.
Definition: : offering/sacrifice 1) gift, tribute, offering, present, oblation, sacrifice, meat offering 1a) gift, present 1b) tribute 1c) offering (to God) 1d) grain offering
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: gift, oblation, (meat) offering, present, sacrifice. See also: Genesis 4:3; Numbers 29:28; Psalms 20:4.
וְ/הַ/לְּבוֹנָֽה
lᵉbôwnâh
H3828
"frankincense"
Conj | Art | N-fs
Frankincense is a white resin used for incense, often burned in ceremonies and rituals. It was used in the holy incense, as seen in Exodus 30. The KJV translates it as frankincense.
Definition: 1) frankincense 1a) a white resin burned as fragrant incense 1a1) ceremonially 1a2) personally 1a3) used in compounding the holy incense
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: (frank-) incense. See also: Exodus 30:34; Nehemiah 13:5; Isaiah 43:23.
Study Notes — Nehemiah 13:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Nehemiah 13:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:9
- Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:9
- Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 13:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:9
Context — The Temple Cleansed
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.
9Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense.
10I also learned that because the portions for the Levites had not been given to them, all the Levites and singers responsible for performing the service had gone back to their own fields. 11So 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,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 Chronicles 29:5 | “Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity. |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 29:15–19 | When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to cleanse the house of the LORD, according to the command of the king by the words of the LORD. So the priests went inside the house of the LORD to cleanse it, and they brought out to the courtyard all the unclean things that they found in the temple of the LORD. Then the Levites took these things and carried them out to the Kidron Valley. They began the consecration on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they reached the portico of the LORD. For eight more days they consecrated the house of the LORD itself, finishing on the sixteenth day of the first month. Then they went in to King Hezekiah and reported, “We have cleansed the entire house of the LORD, the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the table of the showbread with all its utensils. Moreover, we have prepared and consecrated all the articles that King Ahaz in his unfaithfulness cast aside during his reign. They are now in front of the altar of the LORD.” |
| 3 | Nehemiah 12:45 | They performed the service of their God and the service of purification, along with the singers and gatekeepers, as David and his son Solomon had prescribed. |
Nehemiah 13:9 Summary
Nehemiah 13:9 shows us that Nehemiah was committed to making things right with God and restoring the house of God to its former glory. He did this by purifying the rooms and restoring the articles of the house of God, including the grain offerings and frankincense, which were essential for worship, as seen in Leviticus 2:1-2. This verse teaches us the importance of prioritizing our relationship with God and ensuring that our worship is pure and sincere, as stated in John 4:24 and Romans 12:1-2. By following Nehemiah's example, we can learn to 'purify the rooms' in our own lives and restore our focus on God, as encouraged in Psalm 51:10-12 and 2 Corinthians 7:1.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Nehemiah's motivation for purifying the rooms in the house of God?
Nehemiah's motivation was to restore the house of God to its former glory and purity, as seen in Nehemiah 13:9, after he discovered the evil that Eliashib had done, and he wanted to ensure that the house of God was used for its intended purpose, as stated in Deuteronomy 23:21-23 and Psalm 93:5.
What were the articles of the house of God that Nehemiah had restored?
The articles of the house of God likely included the utensils, furniture, and other items used for worship and sacrifice, such as those mentioned in Exodus 25:23-30 and Numbers 4:9-14, and the grain offerings and frankincense, which were essential for the daily sacrifices and worship, as described in Leviticus 2:1-2 and 6:14-18.
Why was it important for Nehemiah to restore the grain offerings and frankincense?
The grain offerings and frankincense were essential for the daily sacrifices and worship, as described in Leviticus 2:1-2 and 6:14-18, and their restoration was crucial for maintaining the purity and integrity of the worship in the house of God, as emphasized in Malachi 1:6-14 and Matthew 5:23-24.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of Nehemiah's leadership?
This verse demonstrates Nehemiah's commitment to spiritual leadership and his desire to restore the house of God to its former glory, as seen in Nehemiah 1:3-11, and his actions in this verse reflect his emphasis on purity, worship, and obedience to God's commands, as stated in Deuteronomy 12:1-14 and 1 Chronicles 28:1-10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to 'purify the rooms' and restore the things of God to their rightful place?
- How can I, like Nehemiah, take action to restore the purity and integrity of my worship and devotion to God?
- What are some 'articles of the house of God' that I need to restore or prioritize in my own life, such as prayer, Bible reading, or fellowship with other believers?
- How can I ensure that my worship and devotion to God are not compromised by worldly influences or distractions, as seen in 1 John 2:15-17?
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 13:9
Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers,.... By which it appears there were more than one, or that several were thrown into one; which was done not only by washing them, but as this was a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 13:9
And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:9
They cleansed the chambers, by such means and rites as were then usual in such cases. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:9
Nehemiah 13:9 Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.Ver. 9. Then I commanded] This was governor like: and blessed be he that hath a stomach for God, and will do his utmost for him, as occasion requireth. Of Nehemiah it might well be said, as Chrysostom doth of Peter, that he was like a man made all of fire, walking among stubble; or like Basil, who was said to be a pillar of fire; he was of such a masculine, disengaged, courageous disposition. And they cleansed the chamber] The Levites did, with their legal rites and purifications, according to their office, which Nehemiah would not invade. And thither brought I again] And so set things to rights, as our late reformers began happily to do; but Satan hath hitherto hindered them.
Ellicott's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:9
(9) Cleansed.—There was a formal purification. It is a note of minute accuracy that there is no mention of tithes being brought back as yet; the next verses show why.
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 13:9
9. they cleansed the chambers] ‘they,’ impersonal. ‘The chambers,’ more than one had been desecrated for the purpose of supplying Tobiah with ‘a great chamber.’ the vessels … meat (R.V. meal-) offering … frankincense] Perhaps the typical items only are mentioned. But a comparison with the list, Nehemiah 13:5, suggests the possibility that the withholding of the tithe from the Levites, which called for the fresh regulations in Nehemiah 13:10-14, will account for the omission of the Levitical and priestly portions in this list.
Barnes' Notes on Nehemiah 13:9
The chambers - The “great chamber” assigned to Tobiah Nehemiah 13:5 contained, it would seem, more than one apartment.
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 13:9
9. Cleansed the chambers — By carrying forth all the filthiness, and sanctifying them again to holy uses. Comp. 2 Chronicles 29:5; 2 Chronicles 29:15-16; 2 Chronicles 29:18.