King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 13:21 Mean?

Nehemiah 13:21 in the King James Version says “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 y...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Nehemiah 13:21 · KJV

Context

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

22

And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, concerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy. greatness: or, multitude

23

In those days also saw I Jews that had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab: had: Heb. had made to dwell with them

Read Nehemiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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. Jerusalem's wall (chomah, חוֹמָה) provided security, dignity, and testimony to God's faithfulness. 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 · 20 words
וָֽאָעִ֣ידָה1 of 20

“Then I testified”

H5749

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

בָהֶ֗ם2 of 20
H0
וָאֹֽמְרָ֤ה3 of 20

“against them and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶם֙4 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַדּ֜וּעַ5 of 20
H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

אַתֶּ֤ם6 of 20
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֵנִים֙7 of 20

“unto them Why lodge”

H3885

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

נֶ֣גֶד8 of 20

“ye about”

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

הַֽחוֹמָ֔ה9 of 20

“the wall”

H2346

a wall of protection

אִם10 of 20
H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תִּשְׁנ֕וּ11 of 20

“if ye do so again”

H8138

to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)

יָ֖ד12 of 20

“hands”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֶשְׁלַ֣ח13 of 20

“I will lay”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

בָּכֶ֑ם14 of 20
H0
מִן15 of 20
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

הָעֵ֣ת16 of 20

“on you From that time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַהִ֔יא17 of 20
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

לֹא18 of 20
H3808

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

בָ֖אוּ19 of 20

“forth came”

H935

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

בַּשַּׁבָּֽת׃20 of 20

“they no more 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 13:21 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 13:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Romans 13:3-4Ezra 7:261 Peter 2:14Nehemiah 13:15

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