King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 13:22 Mean?

Nehemiah 13:22 in the King James Version says “And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and that they should come and keep the gates, to sancti...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Nehemiah 13:22 · KJV

Context

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

24

And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people. could: Heb. they discerned not to speak of each: Heb. of people and people

Read Nehemiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 · 21 words
וָאֹֽמְרָ֣ה1 of 21

“And I commanded”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

לַלְוִיִּ֗ם2 of 21

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

אֲשֶׁ֨ר3 of 21
H834

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

יִֽהְי֤וּ4 of 21
H1961

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

מִֽטַּהֲרִים֙5 of 21

“that they should cleanse”

H2891

to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)

וּבָאִים֙6 of 21

“themselves and that they should come”

H935

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

שֹֽׁמְרִ֣ים7 of 21

“and keep”

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הַשְּׁעָרִ֔ים8 of 21

“the gates”

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

לְקַדֵּ֖שׁ9 of 21

“to sanctify”

H6942

to be (causatively, make, pronounce or observe as) clean (ceremonially or morally)

אֶת10 of 21
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

י֣וֹם11 of 21

“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

הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת12 of 21

“the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

גַּם13 of 21
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

זֹאת֙14 of 21
H2063

this (often used adverb)

זָכְרָה15 of 21

“Remember”

H2142

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

לִּ֣י16 of 21
H0
אֱלֹהַ֔י17 of 21

“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

וְח֥וּסָה18 of 21

“concerning this also and spare”

H2347

properly, to cover, i.e., (figuratively) to compassionate

עָלַ֖י19 of 21
H5921

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

כְּרֹ֥ב20 of 21

“me according to the greatness”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

חַסְדֶּֽךָ׃21 of 21

“of thy mercy”

H2617

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

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 13:22 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 13:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 12:30Nehemiah 13:14Nehemiah 13:31Nehemiah 7:64-652 Chronicles 29:4-5Psalms 130:7

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