King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 13:19 Mean?

Nehemiah 13:19 in the King James Version says “And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates sh...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.”

Nehemiah 13:19 · KJV

Context

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?

18

Did not your fathers thus, and did not our God bring all this evil upon us, and upon this city? yet ye bring more wrath upon Israel by profaning the sabbath.

19

And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

20

So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.

21

Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath. about: Heb. before

Read Nehemiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

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. City gates were strategic both defensively and administratively, controlling access and serving as centers of commerce and justice. 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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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
וַיְהִ֡י1 of 26
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר2 of 26
H834

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

צָֽלֲלוּ֩3 of 26

“began to be dark”

H6751

to shade, as twilight or an opaque object

הַשְּׁעָרִ֔ים4 of 26

“And it came to pass that when the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם5 of 26

“of Jerusalem”

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לִפְנֵ֣י6 of 26

“before”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַשַּׁבָּֽת׃7 of 26

“on the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וָאֹ֣מְרָ֔ה8 of 26

“I commanded”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיִּסָּֽגְר֣וּ9 of 26

“should be shut”

H5462

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

הַדְּלָת֔וֹת10 of 26

“that the gates”

H1817

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

וָאֹ֣מְרָ֔ה11 of 26

“I commanded”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲשֶׁר֙12 of 26
H834

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

לֹ֣א13 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִפְתָּח֔וּם14 of 26

“that they should not be opened”

H6605

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

עַ֖ד15 of 26
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אַחַ֣ר16 of 26

“till after”

H310

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

הַשַּׁבָּֽת׃17 of 26

“on the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וּמִנְּעָרַ֗י18 of 26

“and some of my servants”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

הֶֽעֱמַ֙דְתִּי֙19 of 26

“set”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

עַל20 of 26
H5921

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

הַשְּׁעָרִ֔ים21 of 26

“And it came to pass that when the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

לֹֽא22 of 26
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָב֥וֹא23 of 26

“be brought in”

H935

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

מַשָּׂ֖א24 of 26

“that there should no burden”

H4853

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

בְּי֥וֹם25 of 26

“day”

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

הַשַּׁבָּֽת׃26 of 26

“on the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

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 13:19 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 13:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:32Exodus 31:14-17Jeremiah 17:19-22Leviticus 23:22Nehemiah 7:3

Places in This Verse

JerusalemSettlement · Modern: Jerusalem · 31.78°N, 35.23°E955 verses across 37 books
View all places in Nehemiah 13 →

Test Your Knowledge

Nehemiah 13 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNehemiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nehemiah 13 with CommentaryAll Nehemiah ChaptersComplete Nehemiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes