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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Nehemiah 13:20 Once or twice, the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/nehemiah/13-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/16_Neh_13_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Nehemiah 13:20 - The Sabbath Restored" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Once or twice, the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem," /><script type="application/javascript" 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border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm" title="Nehemiah 13:19">◄</a> Nehemiah 13:20 <a href="/nehemiah/13-21.htm" title="Nehemiah 13:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/13.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The merchants and tradesmen with a variety of wares camped outside Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/nehemiah/13.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Once or twice, the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/13.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/13.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Once or twice the traders and merchants of every <i>kind of</i> merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/13.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Once or twice the traders and merchants of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Once or twice the traders and merchants of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/nehemiah/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Once or twice the traders and merchants of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/nehemiah/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So once or twice the merchants and sellers of every kind of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/nehemiah/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Once or twice the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Once or twice the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/nehemiah/13.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So the merchants and sellers of all kind of wares lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/nehemiah/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Once or twice some merchants spent the night outside Jerusalem with their goods. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/nehemiah/13.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/nehemiah/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Once or twice merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/nehemiah/13.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Once or twice merchants who sold all kinds of goods spent Friday night outside the city walls. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/nehemiah/13.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As a result, the merchants and sellers of all sorts of goods remained outside Jerusalem a couple of times. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/nehemiah/13.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The traders and sellers of all kinds of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/nehemiah/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares lodged outside of Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/nehemiah/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />So the merchants and sellers of all kind of wares lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/nehemiah/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Once or twice, the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/nehemiah/13.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />So the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares camped outside of Jerusalem once or twice. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they lodge—the merchants and sellers of all ware—at the outside of Jerusalem, once or twice,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/nehemiah/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they lodge -- the merchants and sellers of all ware -- at the outside of Jerusalem, once or twice,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/nehemiah/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the merchants and those selling every selling will lodge from without to Jerusalem once and twice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/nehemiah/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />So the merchants, and they that sold all kinds of wares, stayed without Jerusalem once or twice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And so the merchants and those who sold all kinds of items remained just outside of Jerusalem, once and again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/nehemiah/13.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The merchants and sellers of various kinds of merchandise spent the night once or twice outside Jerusalem,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the merchants and sellers of all kinds of merchandise spent the night outside Jerusalem once or twice.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />So the merchants and the sellers of all kinds of merchandise lodged outside Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Merchants and Buyers of selling lodged outside of Jerusalem a day or two.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/nehemiah/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/nehemiah/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />So all <i>the merchants</i> lodged, and carried on traffic without Jerusalem once or twice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/nehemiah/13-20.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=4094" 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">19</span>When the evening shadows began to fall on the gates of Jerusalem, just before the Sabbath, I ordered that the gates be shut and not opened until after the Sabbath. I posted some of my servants at the gates so that no load could enter on the Sabbath day. <span class="reftext">20</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6471.htm" title="6471: pa·‘am (N-fs) -- A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence. Or pa;amah; from pa'am; a stroke, literally or figuratively.">Once</a> <a href="/hebrew/8147.htm" title="8147: ū·šə·tā·yim (Conj-w:: Number-fd) -- Two (a card. number). Dual of sheniy; feminine shttayim; two; also twofold.">or twice,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7402.htm" title="7402: hā·rō·ḵə·lîm (Art:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- Probably to go about. A primitive root; to travel for trading.">the merchants</a> <a href="/hebrew/4376.htm" title="4376: ū·mō·ḵə·rê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To sell. A primitive root; to sell, literally, or figuratively.">and those who sell</a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ḵāl (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all kinds</a> <a href="/hebrew/4465.htm" title="4465: mim·kār (N-ms) -- A sale, ware. From makar; merchandise; abstractly, a selling.">of goods</a> <a href="/hebrew/3885.htm" title="3885: way·yā·lî·nū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- Or liyn; a primitive root; to stop; by implication, to stay permanently; hence to be obstinate.">camped</a> <a href="/hebrew/2351.htm" title="2351: mi·ḥūṣ (Prep-m:: N-ms) -- The outside, a street. Or chuts; from an unused root meaning to sever; properly, separate by a wall, i.e. Outside, outdoors.">outside</a> <a href="/hebrew/3389.htm" title="3389: lî·rū·šā·lim (Prep-l:: N-proper-fs) -- Probably foundation of peace, capital city of all Isr. ">Jerusalem,</a> </span><span class="reftext">21</span>but I warned them, “Why are you camping in front of the wall? If you do it again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on, they did not return on 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="/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="/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="/amos/8-5.htm">Amos 8:5</a></span><br />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.<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/5-9.htm">John 5:9-18</a></span><br />Immediately the man was made well, and he picked up his mat and began to walk. Now this happened on the Sabbath day, / so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “This is the Sabbath! It is unlawful for you to carry your mat.” / But he answered, “The man who made me well told me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/7-22.htm">John 7:22-24</a></span><br />But because Moses gave you circumcision, you circumcise a boy on the Sabbath (not that it is from Moses, but from the patriarchs.) / If a boy can be circumcised on the Sabbath so that the law of Moses will not be broken, why are you angry with Me for making the whole man well on the Sabbath? / Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly.”<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="/acts/15-21.htm">Acts 15:21</a></span><br />For Moses has been proclaimed in every city from ancient times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">So the merchants and sellers of all kind of ware lodged without Jerusalem once or twice.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/3-32.htm">Dealers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-14.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm">Kinds</a> <a href="/ezra/4-6.htm">Lodged</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm">Merchandise</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-32.htm">Merchants</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-19.htm">Night</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Night's</a> <a href="/nehemiah/5-18.htm">Once</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-16.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-20.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/john/2-14.htm">Sellers</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm">Sorts</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-3.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/nehemiah/3-32.htm">Traders</a> <a href="/2_kings/6-10.htm">Twice</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm">Ware</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-16.htm">Wares</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/25-3.htm">Dealers</a> <a href="/esther/9-10.htm">Goods</a> <a href="/esther/2-6.htm">Jerusalem</a> <a href="/job/6-28.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/esther/1-7.htm">Kinds</a> <a href="/job/31-32.htm">Lodged</a> <a href="/job/6-27.htm">Merchandise</a> <a href="/job/6-19.htm">Merchants</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Night</a> <a href="/job/31-32.htm">Night's</a> <a href="/esther/5-5.htm">Once</a> <a href="/job/5-9.htm">Outside</a> <a href="/esther/9-12.htm">Rest</a> <a href="/mark/11-15.htm">Sellers</a> <a href="/psalms/45-8.htm">Sorts</a> <a href="/job/7-6.htm">Spent</a> <a href="/job/41-6.htm">Traders</a> <a href="/job/33-14.htm">Twice</a> <a href="/luke/8-27.htm">Ware</a> <a href="/jeremiah/10-17.htm">Wares</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>Once or twice</b><br>This phrase indicates a repeated action, suggesting persistence by the merchants. In the context of Nehemiah's reforms, it highlights the challenge of enforcing the Sabbath laws. The persistence of the merchants reflects the economic pressures and temptations faced by the people of Jerusalem. This persistence can be seen as a test of Nehemiah's leadership and the people's commitment to God's commandments.<p><b>the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods</b><br>Merchants were essential to the economy, providing goods that were not locally available. However, their presence on the Sabbath was a violation of the law, as commerce was prohibited on this holy day (<a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Exodus 20:8-10</a>). The mention of "all kinds of goods" suggests a diverse and possibly enticing array of products, which could tempt the Israelites to break the Sabbath. This situation underscores the tension between economic activity and religious observance, a recurring theme in the Old Testament.<p><b>camped outside Jerusalem</b><br>The merchants camping outside the city walls indicates their determination to sell their goods despite the restrictions. This action shows the geographical significance of Jerusalem as a central hub for trade. The city walls, which Nehemiah had rebuilt, served as a physical and symbolic barrier to protect the sanctity of the Sabbath. The merchants' encampment outside the walls also reflects the cultural and religious boundary that Nehemiah sought to maintain, emphasizing the separation between the holy city and secular activities.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a></b><br>The central figure in the book, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who served as the governor of Jerusalem. He was instrumental in rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem and instituting reforms to restore the spiritual and social order of the Jewish community.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/merchants.htm">Merchants</a></b><br>These were traders who sold various goods. In this context, they were attempting to sell their wares on the Sabbath, which was against the Jewish law.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The holy city of the Jews, which Nehemiah was tasked with rebuilding and reforming. It was the center of Jewish worship and culture.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/sabbath.htm">Sabbath</a></b><br>The day of rest and worship commanded by God in the Ten Commandments. Nehemiah was enforcing its observance as part of his reforms.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/reforms.htm">Reforms</a></b><br>Nehemiah's efforts to restore proper worship and adherence to the Law of Moses, including the observance of the Sabbath.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_sabbath_observance.htm">The Importance of Sabbath Observance</a></b><br>Nehemiah's actions highlight the importance of setting aside time for rest and worship, as commanded by God. In today's busy world, Christians are reminded to prioritize their spiritual well-being by observing a day of rest.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/guarding_against_compromise.htm">Guarding Against Compromise</a></b><br>The merchants camping outside Jerusalem symbolize the constant temptation to compromise on spiritual principles. Believers are encouraged to remain vigilant and uphold their convictions, even when faced with external pressures.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_accountability.htm">Leadership and Accountability</a></b><br>Nehemiah's leadership demonstrates the need for accountability in spiritual communities. Leaders are called to enforce God's standards and guide their communities in faithful living.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_and_worship.htm">Community and Worship</a></b><br>The passage underscores the communal aspect of worship and obedience. Christians are reminded of the importance of gathering together to honor God and support one another in their faith journey.<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/does_ezekiel_27's_tarshish_match_history.htm">Does the mention of Tarshish and other distant lands in Ezekiel 27 align with known ancient geography and historical records?</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/names_of_jerusalem's_gates.htm">What are the names of Jerusalem's gates?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_politics.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian political involvement?</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>(20) <span class= "bld">Once or twice.</span>--For a time they lodged outside; the unseemliness of this, and the evidence it gave that they were only waiting to evade the law, made Nehemiah testify in word, and threaten forcible action. This effectually removed the evil.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/nehemiah/13.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 20.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The merchants lodged without</span>. The merchants could not leave their wares unguarded; and the wares not being admitted into the town, they were obliged to camp out. Thus a crowd was collected about the gates, and a disturbance and excitement caused, which was unsuitable for the sabbath. To prevent this, Nehemiah threatened to arrest the merchants, whereupon the practice was given up (ver. 21). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/13-20.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">Once</span><br /><span class="heb">פַּ֥עַם</span> <span class="translit">(pa·‘am)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6471.htm">Strong's 6471: </a> </span><span class="str2">A beat, foot, anvil, occurrence</span><br /><br /><span class="word">or twice,</span><br /><span class="heb">וּשְׁתָּֽיִם׃</span> <span class="translit">(ū·šə·tā·yim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Number - fd<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8147.htm">Strong's 8147: </a> </span><span class="str2">Two (a cardinal number)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the merchants</span><br /><span class="heb">הָרֹכְלִ֜ים</span> <span class="translit">(hā·rō·ḵə·lîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7402.htm">Strong's 7402: </a> </span><span class="str2">To travel for, trading</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and those who sell</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמֹכְרֵ֧י</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mō·ḵə·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4376.htm">Strong's 4376: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sell</span><br /><br /><span class="word">all kinds</span><br /><span class="heb">כָל־</span> <span class="translit">(ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> </span><span class="str2">The whole, all, any, every</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of goods</span><br /><span class="heb">מִמְכָּ֛ר</span> <span class="translit">(mim·kār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4465.htm">Strong's 4465: </a> </span><span class="str2">Merchandise, a selling</span><br /><br /><span class="word">camped</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּלִ֨ינוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·lî·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3885.htm">Strong's 3885: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">outside</span><br /><span class="heb">מִח֥וּץ</span> <span class="translit">(mi·ḥūṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2351.htm">Strong's 2351: </a> </span><span class="str2">Separate by a, wall, outside, outdoors</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Jerusalem,</span><br /><span class="heb">לִירוּשָׁלִָ֖ם</span> <span class="translit">(lî·rū·šā·lim)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3389.htm">Strong's 3389: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Nehemiah 13:20 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Nehemiah 13:20 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Nehemiah 13:20 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Nehemiah 13:20 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Nehemiah 13:20 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Nehemiah 13:20 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Nehemiah 13:20 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Nehemiah 13:20 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Nehemiah 13:20 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Nehemiah 13:20 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/nehemiah/13-20.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 13:20 So the merchants and sellers of all (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 13:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 13:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/13-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 13:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 13:21" /></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>