King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 13:5 Mean?

Nehemiah 13:5 in the King James Version says “And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the ves...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests. which: Heb. the commandment of the Levites”

Nehemiah 13:5 · KJV

Context

3

Now it came to pass, when they had heard the law, that they separated from Israel all the mixed multitude.

4

And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah: having: Heb. being set over

5

And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests. which: Heb. the commandment of the Levites

6

But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: after: Heb. at the end of days obtained: or, I earnestly requested

7

And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.

Read Nehemiah 13 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

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 · 22 words
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ1 of 22

“And he had prepared”

H6213

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

ל֜וֹ2 of 22
H0
לִשְׁכָּ֣ה3 of 22

“chamber”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

גְדוֹלָ֗ה4 of 22

“for him a great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְשָׁ֣ם5 of 22
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

הָי֪וּ6 of 22
H1961

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

לְפָנִ֟ים7 of 22

“where aforetime”

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

נֹֽ֠תְנִים8 of 22

“they laid”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

אֶת9 of 22
H853

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

הַמִּנְחָ֨ה10 of 22

“the meat offerings”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

הַלְּבוֹנָ֜ה11 of 22

“the frankincense”

H3828

frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

וְהַכֵּלִ֗ים12 of 22

“and the vessels”

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

וּמַעְשַׂ֤ר13 of 22

“and the tithes”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

הַדָּגָן֙14 of 22

“of the corn”

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

הַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ15 of 22

“the new wine”

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

וְהַיִּצְהָ֔ר16 of 22

“and the oil”

H3323

oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

מִצְוַת֙17 of 22

“which was commanded”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם18 of 22

“to be given to the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֖ים19 of 22

“and the singers”

H7891

to sing

וְהַשֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים20 of 22

“and the porters”

H7778

a janitor

וּתְרוּמַ֖ת21 of 22

“and the offerings”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

הַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃22 of 22

“of the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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 13:5 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 13:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Numbers 18:21-24Nehemiah 10:382 Chronicles 34:11Nehemiah 12:44

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