King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 13:14 Mean?

Nehemiah 13:14 in the King James Version says “Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof. good: Heb. kindnesses offices: or, observations”

Nehemiah 13:14 · KJV

Context

12

Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries. treasuries: or, storehouses

13

And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren. treasuries: or, storehouses next: Heb. at their hand their office: Heb. it was upon them

14

Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof. good: Heb. kindnesses offices: or, observations

15

In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

16

There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish , and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

Read Nehemiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

This verse within Nehemiah 13 addresses themes of reform, confronting compromise, vigilance, finishing well. Nehemiah's return from Persia reveals backsliding, requiring renewed reforms in areas previously addressed—showing constant vigilance's necessity. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. Nehemiah's final reforms address recurring covenant violations, demonstrating the ongoing challenge of maintaining spiritual commitment across generations. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
  2. What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
זָכְרָה1 of 13

“Remember”

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

לִּ֥י2 of 13
H0
אֱלֹהַ֖י3 of 13

“me O my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

עַל4 of 13
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

זֹ֑את5 of 13
H2063

this (often used adverb)

וְאַל6 of 13
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

תֶּ֣מַח7 of 13

“concerning this and wipe not out”

H4229

properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat

חֲסָדַ֗י8 of 13

“my good”

H2617

kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty

אֲשֶׁ֥ר9 of 13
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עָשִׂ֛יתִי10 of 13

“deeds that I have done”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בְּבֵ֥ית11 of 13

“for the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלֹהַ֖י12 of 13

“me O my God”

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וּבְמִשְׁמָרָֽיו׃13 of 13

“and for the offices”

H4929

a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 13:14 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 13:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 122:6-9Nehemiah 13:22Nehemiah 13:31Nehemiah 5:19Hebrews 6:102 Chronicles 31:20-21

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