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Nehemiah 13:17 Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, "What is this evil you are doing--profaning the Sabbath day?
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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/13.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/nehemiah/13.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this wicked thing you are doing—desecrating the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />So I confronted the nobles of Judah. “Why are you profaning the Sabbath in this evil way?” I asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I confronted the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing <i>is</i> this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, “What evil thing <i>is</i> this that you do, by which you profane the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, by profaning the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing you are doing, by profaning the sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing you are doing, by profaning the sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then I contended with the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing you are doing, even profaning the sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then I reprimanded the nobles of Judah, and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I rebuked the nobles of Judah and said to them: “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />I got angry and said to the leaders of Judah, "This evil you are doing is an insult to the Sabbath! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I reprimanded the nobles of Judah and asked them, "What is this evil thing you're doing? How dare you treat the day of worship as unholy!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I reprimanded the Jewish leaders and told them, "Look at the evil you're doing! You're making the Sabbath unholy. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />I rebuked the officials of Judah, saying to them, "What's this evil thing that you're doing by profaning the Sabbath day? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, ?What is this evil you are doing?profaning the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So I registered a complaint with the nobles of Judah, saying to them, "What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, "What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, “What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Sabbath day? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I strive with the nobles of Judah, and say to them, “What [is] this evil thing that you are doing, and defiling the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I strive with the freemen of Judah, and say to them, 'What is this evil thing that ye are doing, and polluting the sabbath-day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I shall contend with the nobles of Judah, and say to them, What this evil word that ye are doing, and profaning the day of the Sabbath?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And I rebuked the chief men of Juda, and said to them: What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the sabbath day? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And I put the nobles of Judah under oath, and I said to them: “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />I reprimanded the nobles of Judah, demanding: “What is this evil thing you are doing, profaning the sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then I remonstrated with the nobles of Judah and said to them, “What is this evil thing that you are doing, profaning the sabbath day?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then I contended with the chiefs of Judah and said to them, Why are you doing this evil thing and profaning the sabbath day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I judged with the Leaders of Yehuda and I said to them: “Why are you doing this evil and violating the Sabbath day?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />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?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And I strove with the free children of Juda, and said to them, What <i>is</i> this evil thing which ye do, and profane the sabbath-day?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=4051" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/13.htm">The Sabbath Restored</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">16</span>Additionally, men of Tyre who lived there were importing fish and all kinds of merchandise and selling them on the Sabbath to the people of Judah in Jerusalem. <span class="reftext">17</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/7378.htm" title="7378: wā·’ā·rî·ḇāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- Or ruwb; a primitive root; properly, to toss, i.e. Grapple; mostly figuratively, to wrangle, i.e. Hold a controversy; to defend.">Then I rebuked</a> <a href="/hebrew/854.htm" title="854: ’êṯ (Prep) -- With (denoting proximity). Probably from 'anah; properly, nearness, near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2715.htm" title="2715: ḥō·rê (N-mpc) -- A noble. Or chowr; from charar; properly, white or pure (compare choriy); hence (figuratively) noble (in rank).">the nobles</a> <a href="/hebrew/3063.htm" title="3063: yə·hū·ḏāh (N-proper-ms) -- From yadah; celebrated; Jehudah, the name of five Israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory.">of Judah</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: wā·’ō·mə·rāh (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">and asked,</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: māh- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2088.htm" title="2088: haz·zeh (Art:: Pro-ms) -- This, here. A primitive word; the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that.">is this</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7451.htm" title="7451: hā·rā‘ (Art:: Adj-ms) -- Bad, evil. From ra'a'; bad or evil.">evil</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">are doing—</a> <a href="/hebrew/2490.htm" title="2490: ū·mə·ḥal·lə·lîm (Conj-w:: V-Piel-Prtcpl-mp) -- A primitive root; properly, to bore, i.e. to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane, to break, to begin; denom. to play.">profaning</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7676.htm" title="7676: haš·šab·bāṯ (Art:: N-cs) -- Sabbath. Intensive from shabath; intermission, i.e the Sabbath.">the Sabbath</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yō·wm (N-msc) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">day?</a> </span><span class="reftext">18</span>Did not your forefathers do the same things, so that our God brought all this disaster on us and on this city? And now you are rekindling His wrath against Israel by profaning the Sabbath!”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Exodus 20:8-11</a></span><br />Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant or livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/58-13.htm">Isaiah 58:13-14</a></span><br />If you turn your foot from breaking the Sabbath, from doing as you please on My holy day, if you call the Sabbath a delight, and the LORD’s holy day honorable, if you honor it by not going your own way or seeking your own pleasure or speaking idle words, / then you will delight yourself in the LORD, and I will make you ride on the heights of the land and feed you with the heritage of your father Jacob.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/17-21.htm">Jeremiah 17:21-27</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: Take heed for yourselves; do not carry a load or bring it through the gates of Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. / You must not carry a load out of your houses or do any work on the Sabbath day, but you must keep the Sabbath day holy, just as I commanded your forefathers. / Yet they would not listen or incline their ear, but they stiffened their necks and would not listen or receive My discipline. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/20-12.htm">Ezekiel 20:12-24</a></span><br />I also gave them My Sabbaths as a sign between us, so that they would know that I am the LORD who sanctifies them. / Yet the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness. They did not follow My statutes and they rejected My ordinances—though the man who does these things will live by them—and they utterly profaned My Sabbaths. Then I resolved to pour out My wrath upon them and put an end to them in the wilderness. / But I acted for the sake of My name, so that it would not be profaned in the eyes of the nations in whose sight I had brought them out. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/19-30.htm">Leviticus 19:30</a></span><br />You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/5-12.htm">Deuteronomy 5:12-15</a></span><br />Observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy, as the LORD your God has commanded you. / Six days you shall labor and do all your work, / but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God, on which you must not do any work—neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your ox or donkey or any of your livestock, nor the foreigner within your gates, so that your manservant and maidservant may rest as you do. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/amos/8-4.htm">Amos 8:4-6</a></span><br />Hear this, you who trample the needy, who do away with the poor of the land, / asking, “When will the New Moon be over, that we may sell grain? When will the Sabbath end, that we may market wheat? Let us reduce the ephah and increase the shekel; let us cheat with dishonest scales. / Let us buy the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, selling even the chaff with the wheat!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Matthew 12:1-8</a></span><br />At that time Jesus went through the grainfields on the Sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. / When the Pharisees saw this, they said to Him, “Look, Your disciples are doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath.” / Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/2-23.htm">Mark 2:23-28</a></span><br />One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain as they walked along. / So the Pharisees said to Him, “Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” / Jesus replied, “Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-1.htm">Luke 6:1-5</a></span><br />One Sabbath Jesus was passing through the grainfields, and His disciples began to pick the heads of grain, rub them in their hands, and eat them. / But some of the Pharisees asked, “Why are you doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?” / Jesus replied, “Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry? ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-16.htm">John 5:16-18</a></span><br />Now because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews began to persecute Him. / But Jesus answered them, “To this very day My Father is at His work, and I too am working.” / Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/13-42.htm">Acts 13:42-44</a></span><br />As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people urged them to continue this message on the next Sabbath. / After the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. / On the following Sabbath, nearly the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/14-5.htm">Romans 14:5-6</a></span><br />One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind. / He who observes a special day does so to the Lord; he who eats does so to the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who abstains does so to the Lord and gives thanks to God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Colossians 2:16-17</a></span><br />Therefore let no one judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a feast, a New Moon, or a Sabbath. / These are a shadow of the things to come, but the body that casts it belongs to Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-9.htm">Hebrews 4:9-11</a></span><br />There remains, then, a Sabbath rest for the people of God. / For whoever enters God’s rest also rests from his own work, just as God did from His. / Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following the same pattern of disobedience.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said to them, What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the sabbath day?</p><p class="hdg">I contended.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Nehemiah 13:11,25</a></b></br> Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/nehemiah/5-7.htm">Nehemiah 5:7</a></b></br> Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles, and the rulers, and said unto them, Ye exact usury, every one of his brother. And I set a great assembly against them.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/82-1.htm">Psalm 82:1,2</a></b></br> A Psalm of Asaph. God standeth in the congregation of the mighty; he judgeth among the gods… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Contended</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Desecrating</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-8.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-17.htm">Freemen</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-25.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-29.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-9.htm">Polluting</a> <a href="/numbers/35-33.htm">Profane</a> <a href="/leviticus/20-3.htm">Profaning</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Protests</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Rebuked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Remonstrated</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Reprimanded</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/5-15.htm">Sabbath-Day</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-35.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Chiefs</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-25.htm">Contended</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-2.htm">Desecrating</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-18.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/10-17.htm">Freemen</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-23.htm">Judah</a> <a href="/esther/1-7.htm">Keeping</a> <a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Nobles</a> <a href="/isaiah/56-2.htm">Polluting</a> <a href="/job/8-13.htm">Profane</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-18.htm">Profaning</a> <a href="/ezekiel/3-26.htm">Protests</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-25.htm">Rebuked</a> <a href="/mark/11-17.htm">Remonstrated</a> <a href="/jeremiah/29-27.htm">Reprimanded</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-18.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/psalms/92-1.htm">Sabbath-Day</a> <a href="/job/9-3.htm">Strive</a> <a href="/esther/7-6.htm">Wicked</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 13</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/13-1.htm">Upon the reading of the law, separation is made from the mixed multitude.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/13-4.htm">Nehemiah, at his return, causes the chambers to be cleansed.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/13-10.htm">He reforms the offices in the house of God;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/13-15.htm">the violation of the Sabbath;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/nehemiah/13-23.htm">and the marriages with the strange wives.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/13.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/nehemiah/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/nehemiah/13.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah</b><br>Nehemiah, as the governor of Judah, took a strong leadership role in addressing issues within the community. The "nobles of Judah" refers to the leading figures and influential people in the society. Historically, these were the individuals responsible for maintaining the spiritual and social order. Nehemiah's rebuke indicates a failure on their part to uphold the covenantal laws, particularly concerning the Sabbath. This reflects a pattern seen throughout the Old Testament where leaders are held accountable for the spiritual state of the people (e.g., <a href="/ezekiel/34.htm">Ezekiel 34:1-10</a>).<p><b>and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—</b><br>The term "evil" here is significant, as it underscores the severity of the actions being addressed. In the context of the Old Testament, "evil" often denotes actions that are in direct opposition to God's commands. Nehemiah's question is rhetorical, emphasizing the obviousness of their wrongdoing. This mirrors the prophetic tradition where prophets would call out the sins of the people, urging them to return to God's ways (e.g., <a href="/isaiah/1-4.htm">Isaiah 1:4</a>).<p><b>profaning the Sabbath day?</b><br>The Sabbath was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (<a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Exodus 31:13-17</a>). It was a day set apart for rest and worship, reflecting God's rest on the seventh day of creation (<a href="/genesis/2-2.htm">Genesis 2:2-3</a>). Profaning the Sabbath was a serious violation, as it indicated a disregard for God's law and a failure to trust in His provision. Historically, the Sabbath was a distinctive mark of Jewish identity, especially during the post-exilic period when Nehemiah lived. The neglect of the Sabbath was a recurring issue, as seen in the warnings of prophets like Jeremiah (<a href="/jeremiah/17-21.htm">Jeremiah 17:21-27</a>). In a typological sense, the Sabbath rest points to the ultimate rest found in Christ (<a href="/hebrews/4-9.htm">Hebrews 4:9-10</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a></b><br>The central figure in this passage, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader and governor of Jerusalem who led the rebuilding of the city's walls and instituted religious reforms. His leadership was marked by a strong commitment to the Law of Moses and the spiritual renewal of the people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/n/nobles_of_judah.htm">Nobles of Judah</a></b><br>These were the leaders and influential figures within the Jewish community in Jerusalem. Nehemiah confronted them for allowing and participating in activities that desecrated the Sabbath.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/judah.htm">Judah</a></b><br>The region where Jerusalem is located, representing the Jewish people who had returned from exile and were re-establishing their community and religious practices.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sabbath_day.htm">Sabbath Day</a></b><br>A day of rest and worship commanded by God in the Ten Commandments. It was a sign of the covenant between God and Israel, meant to be kept holy and free from work.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/p/profaning_the_sabbath.htm">Profaning the Sabbath</a></b><br>This refers to the violation of the Sabbath's sanctity by engaging in work or commerce, which was strictly prohibited by Jewish law.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_spiritual_leadership.htm">The Importance of Spiritual Leadership</a></b><br>Nehemiah's boldness in confronting the nobles demonstrates the critical role of spiritual leaders in guiding and correcting the community according to God's Word.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_sanctity_of_the_sabbath.htm">The Sanctity of the Sabbath</a></b><br>The Sabbath is a divine institution meant for rest and worship. It serves as a reminder of God's creation and His covenant with His people.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_compromise.htm">The Danger of Compromise</a></b><br>Allowing small compromises in spiritual practices can lead to greater disobedience. Vigilance in upholding God's commands is essential for maintaining holiness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a></b><br>The community of believers is responsible for holding each other accountable to God's standards. This includes addressing sin and encouraging one another in faithfulness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/rest_as_a_spiritual_discipline.htm">Rest as a Spiritual Discipline</a></b><br>Observing a day of rest is not only a command but a spiritual discipline that fosters reliance on God and refreshes the soul.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 13</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_nehemiah_rebuild_and_restore.htm">How did Nehemiah rebuild Jerusalem's walls and restore faith?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_are_records_silent_on_nehemiah's_reforms.htm">If the return from exile was as significant as Nehemiah 13 suggests, why do some archaeological records remain silent about these sweeping religious and social reforms?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/where's_proof_exiles_thrived_and_returned.htm">Jeremiah 24:5 - If God favored those taken into exile, where is the clear evidence that they flourished in Babylon and returned as promised?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/can_one_be_saved_without_predestination.htm">Did God separate from Israel?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/nehemiah/13.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) <span class= "bld">That ye do.</span>--The nobles, in the absence of Nehemiah, had been responsible, and the sin is charged upon them. The appeal supposes their familiarity with the express prediction of Jeremiah and its literal fulfilment (<a href="/jeremiah/17-27.htm" title="But if you will not listen to me to hallow the sabbath day, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Jerusalem on the sabbath day; then will I kindle a fire in the gates thereof, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem, and it shall not be quenched.">Jeremiah 17:27</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 17.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then I contended with the nobles</span>. In the desecration of the sabbath, as in the non-payment of tithes, the nobles were the chief offenders, being at once luxurious and latitudinarian. They desired the freshest food for their feasts, and encouraged both foreigners and natives to break the law for the gratification of their carnal appetites. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Then I rebuked</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאָרִ֕יבָה</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’ā·rî·ḇāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7378.htm">Strong's 7378: </a> </span><span class="str2">To toss, grapple, to wrangle, controversy, to defend</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the nobles</span><br /><span class="heb">חֹרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥō·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2715.htm">Strong's 2715: </a> </span><span class="str2">White, pure, noble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of Judah</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3063.htm">Strong's 3063: </a> </span><span class="str2">Judah -- 'praised', a son of Jacob, also the southern kingdom, also four Israelites</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and asked,</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֹמְרָ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’ō·mə·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מָֽה־</span> <span class="translit">(māh-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is this</span><br /><span class="heb">הַזֶּה֙</span> <span class="translit">(haz·zeh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Pronoun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2088.htm">Strong's 2088: </a> </span><span class="str2">This, that</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרָ֤ע</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Adjective - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7451.htm">Strong's 7451: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתֶּ֣ם</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">are doing—</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹשִׂ֔ים</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·śîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><br /><span class="word">profaning</span><br /><span class="heb">וּֽמְחַלְּלִ֖ים</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mə·ḥal·lə·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2490.htm">Strong's 2490: </a> </span><span class="str2">To bore, to wound, to dissolve, to profane, to break, to begin, to play</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the Sabbath</span><br /><span class="heb">הַשַּׁבָּֽת׃</span> <span class="translit">(haš·šab·bāṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7676.htm">Strong's 7676: </a> </span><span class="str2">Intermission, the Sabbath</span><br /><br /><span class="word">day?</span><br /><span class="heb">י֥וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nehemiah 13:17 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nehemiah 13:17 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nehemiah 13:17 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nehemiah 13:17 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nehemiah 13:17 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nehemiah 13:17 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nehemiah 13:17 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nehemiah 13:17 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nehemiah 13:17 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/13-17.htm">Nehemiah 13:17 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/13-17.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 13:17 Then I contended with the nobles (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 13:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 13:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/13-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 13:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 13:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>