King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 13:6 Mean?

Nehemiah 13:6 in the King James Version says “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... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 13 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Nehemiah 13:6 · KJV


Context

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.

8

And it grieved me sore: therefore I cast forth all the household stuff of Tobiah out of the chamber.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 · 20 words
וּבְכָל1 of 20
H3605

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

זֶ֕ה2 of 20
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

לֹ֥א3 of 20
H3808

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

הָיִ֖יתִי4 of 20
H1961

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

בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם5 of 20

But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem

H3389

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

כִּ֡י6 of 20
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

בִּשְׁנַת֩7 of 20

year

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים8 of 20

and thirtieth

H7970

thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth

וּשְׁתַּ֜יִם9 of 20

for in the two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

לְאַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא10 of 20

of Artaxerxes

H783

artachshasta (or artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃11 of 20

I unto the king

H4428

a king

בָּבֶל֙12 of 20

of Babylon

H894

babel (i.e., babylon), including babylonia and the babylonian empire

בָּ֣אתִי13 of 20

came

H935

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

אֶל14 of 20
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃15 of 20

I unto the king

H4428

a king

וּלְקֵ֥ץ16 of 20

and after

H7093

an extremity; adverbially (with prepositional prefix) after

יָמִ֖ים17 of 20

certain 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

נִשְׁאַ֥לְתִּי18 of 20

obtained I leave

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

מִן19 of 20
H4480

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃20 of 20

I unto the king

H4428

a king


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 13:6 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 13:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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