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If you do this again, I will arrest you.&#8221 From that time on they no longer came on the Sabbath. <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/13.htm">New Living Translation</a> But I spoke sharply to them and said, “What are you doing out here, camping around the wall? If you do this again, I will arrest you!” And that was the last time they came on the Sabbath. <a href="/esv/nehemiah/13.htm">English Standard Version</a> But I warned them and said to them, “Why do you lodge outside the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on they did not come on the Sabbath. <a href="/bsb/nehemiah/13.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/13.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/nehemiah/13.htm">New King James Version</a> Then I warned them, and said to them, “Why do you spend the night around the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you!” From that time on they came no more on the Sabbath. <a href="/nasb_/nehemiah/13.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then I warned them and said to them, “Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will use force against you.” From that time on they did not come on the Sabbath. <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/13.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then I warned them and said to them, &#8220Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will use force against you.&#8221 From that time on they did not come on the sabbath. <a href="/nasb77/nehemiah/13.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then I warned them and said to them, “Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will use force against you.” From that time on they did not come on the sabbath. <a href="/lsb/nehemiah/13.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then I warned them and said to them, “Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will send forth my hand against you.” From that time on they did not come on the sabbath. <a href="/amp/nehemiah/13.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But I warned them, saying, “Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do so again, I will use force against you.” From that time on, they did not come on the Sabbath. <a href="/csb/nehemiah/13.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> but I warned them, “Why are you camping in front of the wall? If you do it again, I’ll use force against you.” After that they did not come again on the Sabbath. <a href="/hcsb/nehemiah/13.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> but I warned them, &#8220Why are you camping in front of the wall? If you do it again, I&#8217ll use force against you.&#8221 After that they did not come again on the Sabbath. <a href="/asv/nehemiah/13.htm">American Standard Version</a> 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. <a href="/cev/nehemiah/13.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> But I warned them, "If you do this again, I'll have you arrested." From then on, they did not come on the Sabbath. <a href="/erv/nehemiah/13.htm">English Revised Version</a> 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. <a href="/gwt/nehemiah/13.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I warned them. "Why are you spending the night in front of the wall?" I asked them. "If you do it again, I'll arrest you." After that, they no longer came on the day of worship. <a href="/gnt/nehemiah/13.htm">Good News Translation</a> I warned them, "It's no use waiting out there for morning to come. If you try this again, I'll use force on you." From then on they did not come back on the Sabbath. <a href="/isv/nehemiah/13.htm">International Standard Version</a> I argued with them, "Why are you staying outside the wall? If you do this again, I'll arrest you." From that time on, they didn't come anymore on the Sabbath. <a href="/msb/nehemiah/13.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/nehemiah/13.htm">NET Bible</a> But I warned them and said, "Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you repeat this, I will forcibly remove you!" From that time on they did not show up on the Sabbath. <a href="/nheb/nehemiah/13.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Then I testified against them, and said to them, "Why do you stay around the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you." From that time on, they did not come on the Sabbath. <a href="/wbt/nehemiah/13.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Then I testified against them, and said to them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth they came no more on the sabbath. <a href="/web/nehemiah/13.htm">World English Bible</a> Then I testified against them, and said to them, “Why do you stay around the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on, they didn’t come on the Sabbath. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/nehemiah/13.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and I testify against them, and say to them, “Why are you lodging in front of the wall? If you repeat [it], I put forth a hand on you”; from that time they have not come in on the Sabbath. <a href="/ylt/nehemiah/13.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and I testify against them, and say unto them, 'Wherefore are ye lodging over-against the wall? if ye repeat it, a hand I put forth upon you;' from that time they have not come in on the sabbath. <a href="/slt/nehemiah/13.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And I shall testify against them, and say to them, Wherefore are ye lodging before the wall? if ye shall do it a second time I will stretch forth the hand against you From that time they came not upon the Sabbath.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/nehemiah/13.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And I charged them, and I said to them: Why stay you before the wall? if you do so another time, I will lay hands on you. And from that time they came no more on the sabbath. <a href="/cpdv/nehemiah/13.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> And I contended with them, and I said to them: “Why are you remaining just beyond the wall? If you do this again, I will send hands upon you.” And so, from that time, they no longer came on the Sabbath. <a href="/nabre/nehemiah/13.htm">New American Bible</a> but then I warned them: “Why do you spend the night alongside the wall? If you keep this up, I will beat you!” From that time on, they did not return on the sabbath. <a href="/nrsvce/nehemiah/13.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But I warned them and said to them, “Why do you spend the night in front of the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time on they did not come on the sabbath.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/nehemiah/13.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Then I testified against them and said to them, Why do you not enter by the gate of the wall while the sun is still high? Now if you refuse to obey this command, I will punish you. From that time forth they did not enter on the sabbath. <a href="/hpbt/nehemiah/13.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And I testified to them and I said to them: ‘Why are you not entering into the gates of the wall while the day lasts? If you reject this word, I will reach a hand upon you!’ And from that time they did not enter on the Sabbath.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/nehemiah/13.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Then I forewarned 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. <a href="/sep/nehemiah/13.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Then I testified against them, and said to them, Why do ye lodge in front of the wall? if ye do so again, I will stretch out my hand upon you. From that time they came not on the sabbath. <a href="/parallel/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZsQrw7rBvgc?start=4101" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/nehemiah/13.htm">The Sabbath Restored</a> …20Once or twice, the merchants and those who sell all kinds of goods camped outside Jerusalem, 21<a href="/hebrew/5749.htm" title="5749: wā·’ā·‘î·ḏāh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-1cs:: 3fs) -- A primitive root; to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify; intensively, to encompass, restore.">but I warned</a> <a href="/hebrew/ḇā·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- ">them,</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: mad·dū·a‘ (Interrog) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tem (Pro-2mp) -- You (masc. sing.). ">are you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3885.htm" title="3885: lê·nîm (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mp) -- Or liyn; a primitive root; to stop; by implication, to stay permanently; hence to be obstinate.">camping</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: ne·ḡeḏ (Prep) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">in front of</a> <a href="/hebrew/2346.htm" title="2346: ha·ḥō·w·māh (Art:: N-fs) -- A wall. Feminine active participle of an unused root apparently meaning to join; a wall of protection.">the wall?</a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">If</a> <a href="/hebrew/8138.htm" title="8138: tiš·nū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To repeat, do again. A primitive root; to fold, i.e. Duplicate; by implication, to transmute.">you do it again,</a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: ’eš·laḥ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">I will lay</a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yāḏ (N-fs) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)">hands</a> <a href="/hebrew/bā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">on you.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4480.htm" title="4480: min- (Prep) -- From. Or minniy; or minney; for men; properly, a part of; hence, from or out of in many senses.">From</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: ha·hî (Art:: Pro-3fs) -- He, she, it. ">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6256.htm" title="6256: hā·‘êṯ (Art:: N-cs) -- Time. From ad; time, especially now, when, etc.">time on,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they did not</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ḇā·’ū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">return</a> <a href="/hebrew/7676.htm" title="7676: baš·šab·bāṯ (Prep-b, Art:: N-cs) -- Sabbath. Intensive from shabath; intermission, i.e the Sabbath.">on the Sabbath.</a> 22Then I instructed the Levites to purify themselves and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy. Remember me for this as well, O my God, and show me mercy according to Your abundant loving devotion.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/nehemiah/13-15.htm">Nehemiah 13:15-18</a> In those days I saw people in Judah treading winepresses on the Sabbath and bringing in grain and loading it on donkeys, along with wine, grapes, and figs. All kinds of goods were being brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. So I warned them against selling food on that day. / 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. / Then I rebuked the nobles of Judah and asked, “What is this evil you are doing—profaning the Sabbath day? ... <a href="/jeremiah/17-21.htm">Jeremiah 17:21-22</a> 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. <a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Exodus 20:8-10</a> 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. <a href="/isaiah/56-2.htm">Isaiah 56:2</a> Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who holds it fast, who keeps the Sabbath without profaning it and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” <a href="/ezekiel/20-12.htm">Ezekiel 20:12-13</a> 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. <a href="/amos/8-5.htm">Amos 8:5</a> 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. <a href="/deuteronomy/5-12.htm">Deuteronomy 5:12-14</a> 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. <a href="/leviticus/19-30.htm">Leviticus 19:30</a> You must keep My Sabbaths and have reverence for My sanctuary. I am the LORD. <a href="/matthew/12-1.htm">Matthew 12:1-8</a> 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? ... <a href="/mark/2-27.htm">Mark 2:27-28</a> Then Jesus declared, “The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. / Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath.” <a href="/luke/6-5.htm">Luke 6:5</a> Then Jesus declared, “The Son of Man is Lord of the Sabbath.” <a href="/john/5-16.htm">John 5:16-18</a> 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. <a href="/acts/13-42.htm">Acts 13:42-44</a> 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. <a href="/romans/14-5.htm">Romans 14:5-6</a> 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. <a href="/colossians/2-16.htm">Colossians 2:16-17</a> 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> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Then I testified against them, and said to them, Why lodge you about the wall? if you do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.I testified.<a href="/nehemiah/13-15.htm">Nehemiah 13:15</a> In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.about the wall.<a href="/ezra/7-26.htm">Ezra 7:26</a> And whosoever will not do the law of thy God, and the law of the king, let judgment be executed speedily upon him, whether it be unto death, or to banishment, or to confiscation of goods, or to imprisonment.<a href="/romans/13-3.htm">Romans 13:3,4</a> For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same: … <a href="/1_peter/2-14.htm">1 Peter 2:14</a> Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/2-9.htm">Force</a> <a href="/2_kings/17-13.htm">Forewarned</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-8.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-37.htm">Front</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-31.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-30.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/2_samuel/17-16.htm">Lodge</a> <a href="/exodus/4-24.htm">Lodging</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-20.htm">Night</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-38.htm">Over-Against</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-4.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/judges/5-11.htm">Repeat</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-19.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-22.htm">Spend</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-15.htm">Testified</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-34.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-6.htm">Time</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/16-6.htm">Use</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-10.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-39.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-26.htm">Warned</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-11.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-34.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/1-3.htm">Force</a> <a href="/jeremiah/11-7.htm">Forewarned</a> <a href="/esther/1-19.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/esther/2-11.htm">Front</a> <a href="/esther/1-12.htm">Hand</a> <a href="/esther/2-21.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/job/39-9.htm">Lodge</a> <a href="/psalms/55-15.htm">Lodging</a> <a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Night</a> <a href="/job/26-6.htm">Over-Against</a> <a href="/job/3-18.htm">Prisoners</a> <a href="/jeremiah/2-36.htm">Repeat</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-22.htm">Sabbath</a> <a href="/job/21-13.htm">Spend</a> <a href="/isaiah/59-12.htm">Testified</a> <a href="/job/15-6.htm">Testify</a> <a href="/esther/1-1.htm">Time</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-24.htm">Use</a> <a href="/esther/2-2.htm">Waiting</a> <a href="/job/1-10.htm">Wall</a> <a href="/psalms/2-10.htm">Warned</a> <a href="/esther/3-3.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/job/15-6.htm">Witness</a><div class="vheading2">Nehemiah 13</div>1. <a href="/nehemiah/13-1.htm">Upon the reading of the law, separation is made from the mixed multitude.</a> 4. <a href="/nehemiah/13-4.htm">Nehemiah, at his return, causes the chambers to be cleansed.</a> 10. <a href="/nehemiah/13-10.htm">He reforms the offices in the house of God;</a> 15. <a href="/nehemiah/13-15.htm">the violation of the Sabbath;</a> 23. <a href="/nehemiah/13-23.htm">and the marriages with the strange wives.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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>but I warned them Nehemiah, as the governor of Jerusalem, took his responsibilities seriously, especially concerning the observance of the Sabbath. His warning reflects his commitment to uphold the Law of Moses, which prohibited work on the Sabbath (<a href="/exodus/20-8.htm">Exodus 20:8-11</a>). This action demonstrates the importance of leadership in enforcing religious laws and maintaining community standards. Nehemiah's role as a reformer is evident here, as he seeks to correct behaviors that deviate from the covenantal obligations of the Israelites.“Why are you camping in front of the wall? The merchants and traders were setting up their stalls outside the city walls of Jerusalem, likely to sell goods to the inhabitants on the Sabbath. This practice was contrary to the Sabbath laws, which required rest and cessation of commercial activities. The wall of Jerusalem, rebuilt under Nehemiah's leadership, symbolized not only physical protection but also spiritual and communal boundaries. By camping outside the wall, these traders were challenging the sanctity of the Sabbath and the authority of the community's religious practices.If you do it again, I will lay hands on you.” Nehemiah's threat to "lay hands on" the merchants indicates a willingness to use force to ensure compliance with the Sabbath laws. This phrase suggests a physical intervention, highlighting the seriousness with which Nehemiah viewed the violation of the Sabbath. It underscores the importance of the Sabbath as a sign of the covenant between God and Israel (<a href="/exodus/31-13.htm">Exodus 31:13-17</a>) and reflects the broader biblical theme of obedience to God's commandments.From that time on, they did not return on the Sabbath. The effectiveness of Nehemiah's warning is evident in the merchants' compliance. This change in behavior illustrates the power of decisive leadership and the impact of enforcing religious laws. It also reflects the broader theme of repentance and reform found throughout the book of Nehemiah. The cessation of this activity on the Sabbath aligns with the prophetic calls for Israel to return to faithful observance of God's laws (<a href="/isaiah/58-13.htm">Isaiah 58:13-14</a>). This passage serves as a reminder of the importance of the Sabbath as a day set apart for rest and worship, a principle that continues to hold significance in Christian theology.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/n/nehemiah.htm">Nehemiah</a> 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. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a> The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and the location of the Temple. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sabbath.htm">Sabbath</a> The day of rest and worship commanded by God, which Nehemiah is striving to protect from commercial activities. 4. <a href="/topical/m/merchants_and_sellers.htm">Merchants and Sellers</a> These individuals were attempting to sell goods on the Sabbath, violating the sanctity of the day. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_wall_of_jerusalem.htm">The Wall of Jerusalem</a> The physical barrier that Nehemiah rebuilt, which also serves as a symbol of spiritual and communal boundaries.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_sabbath_observance.htm">The Importance of Sabbath Observance</a> Nehemiah's actions underscore the importance of setting aside time for rest and worship, as commanded by God. In today's busy world, Christians are reminded to prioritize spiritual rest and renewal. <a href="/topical/l/leadership_and_accountability.htm">Leadership and Accountability</a> Nehemiah demonstrates strong leadership by holding the community accountable to God's laws. Believers are encouraged to uphold biblical standards in their own communities and families. <a href="/topical/b/boundaries_and_holiness.htm">Boundaries and Holiness</a> The wall of Jerusalem symbolizes the need for boundaries in our spiritual lives. Christians are called to establish and maintain boundaries that protect their faith and values. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_confrontation.htm">Courage in Confrontation</a> Nehemiah's willingness to confront those who violated the Sabbath teaches the importance of courageously addressing sin and disobedience in our lives and communities. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_warnings_in_scripture.htm">The Role of Warnings in Scripture</a> Nehemiah's warning to the merchants serves as a reminder of the role of warnings in Scripture, which are meant to guide and protect us from harm.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_nehemiah_13.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 13</a> <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> <a href="/q/what_is_the_bible's_view_on_politics.htm">What does the Bible say about Christian political involvement?</a> <a href="/q/zechariah_2_5__evidence_for_god_as_fire.htm">Zechariah 2:5 - What evidence supports the claim that God would be 'a wall of fire' around Jerusalem, and how is this scientifically or historically verifiable?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_biblical_fasting_types.htm">What are the biblical types of fasting?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>but I warned them, וָאָעִ֣ידָה (wā·’ā·‘î·ḏāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5749.htm">Strong's 5749: </a> To duplicate, repeat, to protest, testify, to encompass, restore “Why מַדּ֜וּעַ (mad·dū·a‘) Interrogative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> Why? for what reason? are you אַתֶּ֤ם (’at·tem) Pronoun - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> Thou and thee, ye and you camping לֵנִים֙ (lê·nîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3885.htm">Strong's 3885: </a> To stop, to stay permanently, to be obstinate in front of נֶ֣גֶד (ne·ḡeḏ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before the wall? הַחוֹמָ֔ה (ha·ḥō·w·māh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2346.htm">Strong's 2346: </a> A wall of protection If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not you do it again, תִּשְׁנ֕וּ (tiš·nū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8138.htm">Strong's 8138: </a> To fold, duplicate, to transmute I will lay hands יָ֖ד (yāḏ) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3027.htm">Strong's 3027: </a> A hand on you.” אֶשְׁלַ֣ח (’eš·laḥ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out From מִן־ (min-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4480.htm">Strong's 4480: </a> A part of, from, out of that הַהִ֔יא (ha·hî) Article | Pronoun - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> He, self, the same, this, that, as, are time on, הָעֵ֣ת (hā·‘êṯ) Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6256.htm">Strong's 6256: </a> Time, now, when they did not לֹא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no return בָ֖אוּ (ḇā·’ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go on the Sabbath. בַּשַּׁבָּֽת׃ (baš·šab·bāṯ) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7676.htm">Strong's 7676: </a> Intermission, the Sabbath <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Nehemiah 13:21 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Nehemiah 13:21 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Nehemiah 13:21 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Nehemiah 13:21 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Nehemiah 13:21 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Nehemiah 13:21 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Nehemiah 13:21 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Nehemiah 13:21 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Nehemiah 13:21 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Nehemiah 13:21 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-21.htm">OT History: Nehemiah 13:21 Then I testified against them and said (Neh Ne) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/nehemiah/13-20.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Nehemiah 13:20"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 13:20" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/nehemiah/13-22.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Nehemiah 13:22"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Nehemiah 13:22" /></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>