King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 13:15 Mean?

Nehemiah 13:15 in the King James Version says “In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as al... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Nehemiah 13:15 · KJV


Context

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.

17

Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 26 words
בְּי֖וֹם1 of 26

In those days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֡מָּה2 of 26
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

רָאִ֣יתִי3 of 26

saw

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

בִֽיהוּדָ֣ה׀4 of 26

I in Judah

H3063

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

דֹּֽרְכִֽים5 of 26

some treading

H1869

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

גִּתּ֣וֹת׀6 of 26

wine presses

H1660

a wine-press (or vat for holding the grapes in pressing them)

הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת7 of 26

on the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וּמְבִיאִ֥ים8 of 26

and bringing in

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

הָֽעֲרֵמ֣וֹת9 of 26

sheaves

H6194

a heap; specifically, a sheaf

וְֽעֹמְסִ֪ים10 of 26

and lading

H6006

to load, i.e., impose a burden (or figuratively, infliction)

עַל11 of 26
H5921

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

הַֽחֲמֹרִ֟ים12 of 26

asses

H2543

a male ass (from its dun red)

וְאַף13 of 26
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

יַ֜יִן14 of 26

as also wine

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

עֲנָבִ֤ים15 of 26

grapes

H6025

a grape

וּתְאֵנִים֙16 of 26

and figs

H8384

the fig (tree or fruit)

וְכָל17 of 26
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מַשָּׂ֔א18 of 26

and all manner of burdens

H4853

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

וּמְבִיאִ֥ים19 of 26

and bringing in

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם20 of 26

into Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בְּי֖וֹם21 of 26

In those days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת22 of 26

on the sabbath

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וָֽאָעִ֕יד23 of 26

and I testified

H5749

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

בְּי֖וֹם24 of 26

In those days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

מִכְרָ֥ם25 of 26

wherein they sold

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

צָֽיִד׃26 of 26

victuals

H6718

(generally) lunch (especially for a journey)


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 13:15 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 13:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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