Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version I gave orders to purify the rooms, and then I put back into them the equipment of the house of God, with the grain offerings and the incense. New Living Translation Then I demanded that the rooms be purified, and I brought back the articles for God’s Temple, the grain offerings, and the frankincense. English Standard Version Then I gave orders, and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back there the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense. Berean Standard Bible Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense. Berean Literal Bible And I spoke, and they cleansed the rooms, and I returned there the articles of the house of God, with the offering and the frankincense. King James Bible Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense. New King James Version Then I commanded them to cleanse the rooms; and I brought back into them the articles of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense. New American Standard Bible Then I gave an order, and they cleansed the rooms; and I returned the utensils of the house of God there with the grain offering and the frankincense. NASB 1995 Then I gave an order and they cleansed the rooms; and I returned there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense. NASB 1977 Then I gave an order and they cleansed the rooms; and I returned there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense. Legacy Standard Bible Then I said the word, and they cleansed the chambers; and I returned there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense. Amplified Bible Then I gave an order, and they cleaned the rooms; and I put back there the utensils of the house of God with the grain offerings and the frankincense. Berean Annotated Bible Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God {Elohim} restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense. Christian Standard Bible I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored there, along with the grain offering and frankincense. Holman Christian Standard Bible I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored there, along with the grain offering and frankincense. American Standard Version Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meal-offerings and the frankincense. Contemporary English Version Then I ordered the room to be cleaned and the temple utensils, the grain offerings, and the incense to be brought back into the room. English Revised Version Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meal offerings and the frankincense. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then I told them to cleanse the rooms, and I put back in there the utensils from God's temple, the offerings, and the incense. Good News Translation I gave orders for the rooms to be ritually purified and for the Temple equipment, grain offerings, and incense to be put back. International Standard Version I ordered them to purify the chambers, and then they brought back the vessels from the Temple of God, along with the grain offerings and incense. NET Bible Then I gave instructions that the storerooms should be purified, and I brought back the equipment of the temple of God, along with the grain offering and the incense. New Heart English Bible Then I commanded, and they cleansed the rooms: and there brought I again the vessels of God's house, with the meal offerings and the frankincense. Webster's Bible Translation Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither I brought again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat-offering and the frankincense. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense. World English Bible Then I commanded, and they cleansed the rooms. I brought into them the vessels of God’s house, with the meal offerings and the frankincense again. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand I command, and they cleanse the chambers, and I bring back there the vessels of the house of God with the present and the frankincense. Berean Literal Bible And I spoke, and they cleansed the rooms, and I returned there the articles of the house of God, with the offering and the frankincense. Young's Literal Translation and I speak, and they cleanse the chambers, and I bring back thither the vessels of the house of God with the present and the frankincense. Smith's Literal Translation And saying, and they will purify the cells: and I shall turn back there the vessels of the house of God, with the gift and the frankincense. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd I commanded and they cleansed the storehouses: and I brought thither again the vessels of the house of God, the sacrifice, and the frankincense. Catholic Public Domain Version And I gave instructions, and they cleansed again the storeroom. And I brought back, into that place, the vessels of the house of God, the sacrifice, and the frankincense. New American Bible Then I gave orders to purify the chambers, and I brought back the vessels of the house of God, the grain offerings, and the incense. New Revised Standard Version Then I gave orders and they cleansed the chambers, and I brought back the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen I commanded, and they cleansed the court; and I brought back thither the vessels of the house of the LORD, with the meal offerings and the frankincense. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And I spoke and they purified the courtyard, and I returned there the vessels of the house of LORD JEHOVAH, and the offerings and the frankincense. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers; and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meal-offerings and the frankincense. Brenton Septuagint Translation And I gave orders, and they purified the treasuries: and I restored thither the vessels of the house of God, and the offerings, and the frankincense. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Temple Cleansed…8And I was greatly displeased and threw all of Tobiah’s household goods out of the room. 9Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, along with the grain offerings and frankincense. Cross References Then I ordered that the rooms be purified, 2 Chronicles 29:15-17 When they had assembled their brothers and consecrated themselves, they went in to cleanse the house of the LORD, according to the command of the king by the words of the LORD. / So the priests went inside the house of the LORD to cleanse it, and they brought out to the courtyard all the unclean things that they found in the temple of the LORD. Then the Levites took these things and carried them out to the Kidron Valley. / They began the consecration on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they reached the portico of the LORD. For eight more days they consecrated the house of the LORD itself, finishing on the sixteenth day of the first month. 2 Chronicles 29:5 “Listen to me, O Levites,” he said. “Consecrate yourselves now and consecrate the house of the LORD, the God of your fathers. Remove from the Holy Place every impurity. 2 Kings 23:4-7 Then the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest, the priests second in rank, and the doorkeepers to remove from the temple of the LORD all the articles made for Baal, Asherah, and all the host of heaven. And he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel. / Josiah also did away with the idolatrous priests ordained by the kings of Judah to burn incense on the high places of the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem—those who had burned incense to Baal, to the sun and moon, to the constellations, and to all the host of heaven. / He brought the Asherah pole from the house of the LORD to the Kidron Valley outside Jerusalem, and there he burned it, ground it to powder, and threw its dust on the graves of the common people. … and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them, Ezra 5:14-15 He also removed from the temple of Babylon the gold and silver articles belonging to the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar had taken and carried there from the temple in Jerusalem. King Cyrus gave these articles to a man named Sheshbazzar, whom he appointed governor / and instructed, ‘Take these articles, put them in the temple in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be rebuilt on its original site.’ Ezra 6:5 Furthermore, the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple in Jerusalem and carried to Babylon, must also be returned to the temple in Jerusalem and deposited in the house of God. Ezra 1:7-11 King Cyrus also brought out the articles belonging to the house of the LORD that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the temple of his gods. / Cyrus king of Persia had them brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer, who counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah. / This was the inventory: 30 gold dishes, 1,000 silver dishes, 29 silver utensils, … along with the grain offerings and frankincense. Leviticus 2:1-2 “When anyone brings a grain offering to the LORD, his offering must consist of fine flour. He is to pour olive oil on it, put frankincense on it, / and bring it to Aaron’s sons the priests. The priest shall take a handful of the flour and oil, together with all the frankincense, and burn this as a memorial portion on the altar, a food offering, a pleasing aroma to the LORD. Leviticus 2:15-16 And you are to put oil and frankincense on it; it is a grain offering. / The priest shall then burn the memorial portion of the crushed grain and the oil, together with all its frankincense, as a food offering to the LORD. Leviticus 6:14-15 Now this is the law of the grain offering: Aaron’s sons shall present it before the LORD in front of the altar. / The priest is to remove a handful of fine flour and olive oil, together with all the frankincense from the grain offering, and burn the memorial portion on the altar as a pleasing aroma to the LORD. 2 Chronicles 29:18-19 Then they went in to King Hezekiah and reported, “We have cleansed the entire house of the LORD, the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils, and the table of the showbread with all its utensils. / Moreover, we have prepared and consecrated all the articles that King Ahaz in his unfaithfulness cast aside during his reign. They are now in front of the altar of the LORD.” 2 Chronicles 31:11-12 Then Hezekiah commanded them to prepare storerooms in the house of the LORD, and they did so. / And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second. 1 Kings 8:6 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. 1 Kings 8:21 And there I have provided a place for the ark, which contains the covenant of the LORD that He made with our fathers when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.” 2 Chronicles 5:7 Then the priests brought the ark of the covenant of the LORD to its place in the inner sanctuary of the temple, the Most Holy Place, beneath the wings of the cherubim. 2 Chronicles 5:10 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses had placed in it at Horeb, where the LORD had made a covenant with the Israelites after they had come out of Egypt. 2 Chronicles 6:11 And there I have placed the ark, which contains the covenant of the LORD that He made with the children of Israel.” Treasury of Scripture Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense. they cleansed. Nehemiah 12:45 And both the singers and the porters kept the ward of their God, and the ward of the purification, according to the commandment of David, and of Solomon his son. 2 Chronicles 29:5,15-19 And said unto them, Hear me, ye Levites, sanctify now yourselves, and sanctify the house of the LORD God of your fathers, and carry forth the filthiness out of the holy place… Jump to Previous Cereal Chambers Clean Cleansed Commanded Equipment Frankincense Grain House Meal Meal-Offerings Meat Meat-Offering Oblation Offering Offerings Order Orders Perfume Purified Purify Rooms Thither Utensils VesselsJump to Next Cereal Chambers Clean Cleansed Commanded Equipment Frankincense Grain House Meal Meal-Offerings Meat Meat-Offering Oblation Offering Offerings Order Orders Perfume Purified Purify Rooms Thither Utensils VesselsNehemiah 13 1. Upon the reading of the law, separation is made from the mixed multitude.4. Nehemiah, at his return, causes the chambers to be cleansed. 10. He reforms the offices in the house of God; 15. the violation of the Sabbath; 23. and the marriages with the strange wives. Then I ordered that the rooms be purified Nehemiah's command to purify the rooms reflects the importance of maintaining holiness in the temple, which had been defiled by Tobiah's presence. This act of purification is reminiscent of the cleansing rituals prescribed in the Law of Moses (Leviticus 14:49-53). The need for purification underscores the separation between the sacred and the profane, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. Nehemiah's actions demonstrate his commitment to restoring proper worship and adherence to God's commandments. and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them along with the grain offerings and frankincense Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahThe central figure in this passage, Nehemiah was a Jewish leader who played a crucial role in the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and the spiritual renewal of the people. He was known for his strong leadership and commitment to God's laws. 2. The Temple The house of God in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by the improper use of its rooms. Nehemiah's actions were part of a broader effort to restore the sanctity of the Temple. 3. Tobiah Although not mentioned directly in this verse, Tobiah was an Ammonite official who had been given a room in the Temple by Eliashib the priest. Nehemiah's cleansing of the rooms was a direct response to this inappropriate arrangement. 4. Eliashib the Priest The high priest who had allowed Tobiah to use a room in the Temple, compromising its sanctity. 5. The Articles of the House of God Sacred items used in worship, which Nehemiah restored to their rightful place in the Temple. Teaching Points Restoration of HolinessNehemiah's actions remind us of the importance of maintaining the sanctity of our places of worship. We must be vigilant in ensuring that our churches remain dedicated to God's purposes. Leadership and Accountability Nehemiah demonstrates strong leadership by taking decisive action to correct wrongs. As Christians, we are called to hold ourselves and others accountable to God's standards. The Importance of Worship By restoring the articles and offerings, Nehemiah underscores the significance of proper worship. We should prioritize our worship practices and ensure they align with biblical teachings. Cleansing and Renewal Just as Nehemiah cleansed the Temple, we are called to cleanse our hearts and lives from anything that defiles our relationship with God. Obedience to God's Commands Nehemiah's adherence to God's laws serves as a model for us to follow. We should strive to obey God's commands in every aspect of our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 13:9?2. How does Nehemiah 13:9 demonstrate the importance of maintaining a holy temple? 3. What actions did Nehemiah take to cleanse the temple in Nehemiah 13:9? 4. How can we apply Nehemiah's dedication to purity in our own lives? 5. What other scriptures emphasize the importance of keeping God's house pure? 6. How does Nehemiah 13:9 inspire us to prioritize God's standards in our community? 7. What does Nehemiah 13:9 reveal about the importance of purity in worship spaces? 8. How does Nehemiah 13:9 reflect the theme of reform and renewal in the community? 9. Why was it necessary for Nehemiah to cleanse the chambers according to Nehemiah 13:9? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 13? 11. Why does Nehemiah resort to physical force (Nehemiah 13:25) to enforce marriage laws, and doesn't this contradict other scriptures urging gentleness and compassion? 12. Why would priests allow Tobiah, an Ammonite official, to occupy temple storerooms (Nehemiah 13:4-9) if this risks defiling the sanctuary? 13. Is the extensive list of names in Nehemiah 10:1-27 historically consistent with known genealogical records, or are there discrepancies? 14. What historical evidence supports Nehemiah's reforms in Nehemiah 13:7-14 concerning temple provisions, and how can we verify these practices outside the Bible? What Does Nehemiah 13:9 Mean Then I ordered that the rooms be purifiedNehemiah discovered that storerooms meant for temple supplies (Nehemiah 13:4-8) had been turned into Tobiah’s personal quarters. His first action was purification. • Purification recognized the temple’s holiness (2 Chronicles 29:5; Psalm 24:3-4). • The cleansing probably involved removing Tobiah’s belongings, sweeping out physical defilement, and ritually sanctifying the space (compare 2 Chronicles 29:15-18). • Nehemiah acted quickly—“Then I ordered”—showing zeal for God’s honor and the belief that unclean spaces hinder genuine worship (Isaiah 52:11; 1 Corinthians 3:16-17). • By reinstating purity, Nehemiah affirmed that God’s standards are non-negotiable for His dwelling place. and I had the articles of the house of God restored to them After cleansing came restoration. • “Articles” refers to the vessels dedicated to temple service—bowls, utensils, lampstands—similar to those returned from Babylon in Ezra 1:7-11. • Their removal for Tobiah’s comfort echoed the sacrilege of Belshazzar’s feast (Daniel 5:2-4). Nehemiah reversed that disrespect. • Restoring the vessels enabled priests to resume daily tasks (2 Chronicles 24:14) and signaled that worship, not personal privilege, governed temple life. • Faithful stewardship of sacred objects teaches believers today to keep ministry resources devoted to God’s purposes (1 Peter 4:10). along with the grain offerings and frankincense Nehemiah also brought back provisions for regular sacrifices. • Grain offerings (Leviticus 2:1-2) represented devotion and gratitude, accompanying the burnt offerings (Numbers 28:2-8). • Frankincense added fragrance, symbolizing prayers rising to God (Exodus 30:34-38; Revelation 5:8). • Storing these supplies inside purified rooms ensured continuous worship, answering previous neglect (Nehemiah 10:39; Malachi 1:7-11). • Reestablishing these offerings restored covenant faithfulness and pointed to Christ, “a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2; Philippians 4:18). summary Nehemiah 13:9 records a threefold action: purify the space, restore the sacred vessels, and replenish the offerings. The verse shows God’s demand for holiness, proper stewardship, and uninterrupted worship. It reminds believers to guard the purity of their hearts, dedicate every resource to God’s glory, and keep the flame of worship alive without compromise. (9) Cleansed.--There was a formal purification. It is a note of minute accuracy that there is no mention of tithes being brought back as yet; the next verses show why.Verse 9. - I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers. Regarding the sacred place as polluted by its conversion to secular uses, Nehemiah had it purified, and so reconsecrated. He then ordered the restoration to their former place of the various stores which had been removed to make room for Tobiah's furniture.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Then I orderedוָאֹ֣מְרָ֔ה (wā·’ō·mə·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say that the rooms הַלְּשָׁכ֑וֹת (hal·lə·šā·ḵō·wṯ) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 3957: Room, chamber, hall, cell be purified, וַֽיְטַהֲר֖וּ (way·ṭa·hă·rū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 2891: To be clean or pure and I had the articles כְּלֵי֙ (kə·lê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 3627: Something prepared, any apparatus of the house בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1004: A house of God הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (hā·’ĕ·lō·hîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative restored וָאָשִׁ֣יבָה (wā·’ā·šî·ḇāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular | third person feminine singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again to them, שָּׁ֗ם (šām) Adverb Strong's 8033: There, then, thither along with the grain offerings הַמִּנְחָ֖ה (ham·min·ḥāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4503: A donation, tribute, a sacrificial offering and incense. וְהַלְּבוֹנָֽה׃ (wə·hal·lə·ḇō·w·nāh) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 3828: Frankincense Links Nehemiah 13:9 NIVNehemiah 13:9 NLT Nehemiah 13:9 ESV Nehemiah 13:9 NASB Nehemiah 13:9 KJV Nehemiah 13:9 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 13:9 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 13:9 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 13:9 French Bible Nehemiah 13:9 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 13:9 Then I commanded and they cleansed (Neh Ne) |
    |