Nehemiah 13:14

KJV

Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Remember {H2142} me, O my God {H430}, concerning this, and wipe not out {H4229} my good {H2617} deeds that I have done {H6213} for the house {H1004} of my God {H430}, and for the offices {H4929} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

My God, remember me for this; don't wipe out my good deeds which I have done for the house of my God and for his service!

Berean Standard Bible

Remember me for this, O my God, and do not blot out my deeds of loving devotion for the house of my God and for its services.

American Standard Version

Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the observances thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 13:14 captures a deeply personal and fervent prayer from the revered leader Nehemiah, appealing directly to God for divine remembrance and the preservation of his faithful service. Uttered at a pivotal moment following his return to Jerusalem and the subsequent re-establishment of vital reforms, this petition underscores Nehemiah's profound dedication to restoring the purity and proper function of the Temple and its associated services. It reveals his humble reliance on God's justice and favor, not as a claim to salvation by works, but as a longing for his zealous efforts for God's kingdom to be acknowledged and blessed by the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This prayer is strategically placed within the concluding chapter of the book of Nehemiah, serving as one of several personal petitions Nehemiah offers throughout his narrative, echoing similar pleas found in passages like [Nehemiah 5:19](/nehemiah/5-19 "Nehemiah 5:19 - Nehemiah's Prayer for Remembrance") and [Nehemiah 13:22](/nehemiah/13-22 "Nehemiah 13:22 - Nehemiah's Prayer for Mercy"). Chapter 13 details Nehemiah's second tenure as governor, during which he discovers that many of the reforms he meticulously instituted earlier have fallen into disarray. Specifically, he finds that Eliashib the high priest had provided a chamber in the Temple courts for Tobiah the Ammonite, the Levites were not receiving their portions and had abandoned their duties, the Sabbath was being profaned, and intermarriage with foreign women had resumed. Nehemiah takes swift, decisive, and often harsh action to rectify these abuses, including expelling Tobiah ([Nehemiah 13:8-9](/nehemiah/13-8-9 "Nehemiah 13:8-9 - Expulsion of Tobiah")), restoring the Levites' provisions ([Nehemiah 13:10-13](/nehemiah/13-10-13 "Nehemiah 13:10-13 - Restoration of Levites' Support")), and enforcing Sabbath observance ([Nehemiah 13:15-22](/nehemiah/13-15-22 "Nehemiah 13:15-22 - Enforcement of Sabbath Observance")). His plea in verse 14, "concerning this," directly refers to these righteous acts of reform and restoration undertaken "for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof."

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Nehemiah served as governor of Judah under the Persian king Artaxerxes I (465-424 BC). His initial mission, detailed in [Nehemiah 1-6](/nehemiah/1 "Nehemiah 1-6 - Rebuilding the Walls of Jerusalem"), was to rebuild Jerusalem's walls, a task completed despite significant opposition. Following this, he implemented extensive social and religious reforms, including a covenant renewal ceremony ([Nehemiah 9-10](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9-10 - Covenant Renewal and Dedication")). After an unspecified period back in Persia, Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem, likely around 433 BC, to find a significant decline in the community's spiritual and moral integrity. The abuses he confronts in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Final Reforms") reflect a common pattern in post-exilic Judah: a struggle to maintain covenant faithfulness amidst external pressures and internal complacency. The "house of my God" refers to the Second Temple, rebuilt under Zerubbabel and Ezra, which was the center of Jewish worship and national identity. The "offices thereof" (or "charges thereof") refer to the prescribed duties and services of the priests and Levites, and the proper functioning of Temple worship, which had been neglected. Nehemiah's actions were not merely administrative but deeply theological, aimed at restoring the sanctity and order of God's dwelling place and the covenant life of His people.

* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 13:14 powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes prevalent in the book of Nehemiah and broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **zeal for God's house and worship**, demonstrating Nehemiah's passionate commitment to the purity and proper functioning of the Jerusalem Temple and its worship, a theme echoed in [Psalm 69:9](/psalms/69-9 "Psalm 69:9 - Zeal for God's House"). Secondly, it underscores the importance of **faithful service and diligence** in God's kingdom, as Nehemiah consistently exhibits unwavering commitment to God's law and the welfare of His people, even when faced with opposition or apathy. His actions reflect a deep understanding that true leadership involves active participation in spiritual restoration, as seen throughout the broader narrative of [Nehemiah](/nehemiah/1 "The Book of Nehemiah"). Thirdly, the prayer for divine remembrance reflects a profound **reliance on God's justice and faithfulness**. Nehemiah trusts that God is righteous and will not forget the labor of His servants, reinforcing the principle that God sees and rewards righteous deeds, a concept found throughout scripture, from the promises to Abraham in [Genesis 15:1](/genesis/15-1 "Genesis 15:1 - God as Shield and Reward") to the New Testament affirmation in [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Will Not Forget Your Work").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Remember (Hebrew, _zâkar'_):** This word, derived from a primitive root meaning "to mark (so as to be recognized)," implies far more than a mere mental recollection. When God is asked to "remember," it is a fervent plea for Him to act on behalf of the one praying, to show favor, to intervene, and to bring about a positive outcome based on a previous covenant, promise, or, in this case, faithful service. It is an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness and active engagement in human affairs. Nehemiah is not asking God to recall a forgotten fact, but to respond actively to his deeds, to "make to be remembered" his efforts.
* **Wipe out (Hebrew, _mâchâh'_):** This primitive root means "to stroke or rub," and by implication, "to erase" or "blot out." In this context, Nehemiah's petition "wipe not out" expresses a deep concern that his efforts might be disregarded, nullified, or erased from God's divine record. It reflects a desire for his labor to have lasting significance and to be acknowledged by God, not for personal glory, but for divine vindication and blessing upon the work itself.
* **Good deeds (Hebrew, _chêçêd'_):** While often translated as "good deeds" or "kindnesses," the underlying Hebrew word _ḥesed_ (plural _ḥăsāḏay_ in the verse) is profoundly rich, denoting steadfast love, covenant loyalty, faithfulness, and mercy. Here, Nehemiah uses it to describe his acts of devotion, loyalty, and faithfulness towards God and His Temple. By calling his actions _ḥăsāḏay_, Nehemiah aligns his service with God's own character and covenant faithfulness, suggesting that his deeds are an expression of his loyal commitment to God's covenant, manifesting as "piety" and "favour."
* **Offices (Hebrew, _mishmâr'_):** This term, derived from the root "to guard," refers to "a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)." In the context of the Temple, it refers to the "charges," "duties," "responsibilities," or "observances" pertaining to the Temple. It encompasses the prescribed functions, regulations, and services of the priests and Levites, as well as the general order and sanctity of the worship practices within the "house of my God." Nehemiah's concern was not just the physical structure but the proper, reverent, and biblically mandated operations of the Temple, ensuring "diligence" in its "office."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Remember me, O my God, concerning this":** This opening phrase is a direct, earnest appeal to God, characteristic of Nehemiah's personal prayers throughout the book. "Remember me" is a plea for divine favor and action, not merely recollection. "Concerning this" specifically refers to the reforms and righteous actions Nehemiah has just undertaken and described in [Nehemiah 13](/nehemiah/13 "Nehemiah 13 - Nehemiah's Final Reforms"), such as expelling Tobiah, restoring the Levites' portions, and enforcing Sabbath observance. It is a request for God to acknowledge and respond to his zealous efforts for the purity of worship and the community's covenant faithfulness.
* **"and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done":** This is a negative petition, expressing Nehemiah's fear that his efforts might be disregarded or nullified. The phrase "wipe not out" (Hebrew _'al timḥeh'_) implies a concern that his labor might be erased from God's memory or record, or that the positive impact of his reforms might be undone. It reflects a desire for his service to have lasting significance and to be recognized by God, not for personal glory, but for divine vindication and blessing upon the work itself. His "good deeds" are those acts of faithful service and covenant loyalty to God, which he has "done" (Hebrew _'âsâh'_), meaning "accomplished" or "performed."
* **"for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof":** This specifies the object and sphere of Nehemiah's "good deeds." His service was entirely directed towards the Temple ("the house of my God," Hebrew _bayith_ and _ʼĕlôhîym_) and its proper functioning ("the offices thereof," Hebrew _mishmâr_). This highlights his profound dedication to the sanctity of divine worship and the spiritual integrity of the community. It underscores that his actions were not self-serving but were driven by a deep reverence for God's dwelling place and a commitment to ensuring that the Temple's services were conducted according to divine command.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 13:14 employs several potent literary devices that amplify its meaning and emotional impact. The primary device is **Prayer**, a direct address to God, which immediately establishes a tone of humility, dependence, and earnest petition. This specific prayer is also an example of **Apostrophe**, as Nehemiah directly addresses God ("O my God") as if He were present and listening, which, for a man of faith, He certainly was. The phrase "wipe not out my good deeds" uses **Metaphor** or **Idiom**, likening God's remembrance or forgetting to the act of writing or erasing from a record, a common biblical motif for divine accounting (cf. the "book of remembrance" in [Malachi 3:16](/malachi/3-16 "Malachi 3:16 - Book of Remembrance")). Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Summary Statement** of Nehemiah's motivation and hope, encapsulating his entire life's work and spiritual posture within a concise plea. It also contains an element of **Pleading**, conveying the intensity of Nehemiah's desire for his efforts to be honored and sustained by divine favor.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah's prayer in [Nehemiah 13:14](/nehemiah/13-14 "Nehemiah 13:14 - Nehemiah's Prayer for Remembrance") resonates deeply with the biblical understanding of divine remembrance and the nature of faithful service. It is not a prayer born of self-righteousness, but of a profound awareness that all true service is ultimately for God and dependent on His grace. Nehemiah's plea for God to "remember" his deeds is an appeal to God's covenant faithfulness, trusting that the Lord acknowledges and values the labor of His servants who act with integrity and zeal for His glory. This aligns with the broader biblical teaching that while salvation is by grace through faith, God does not ignore the genuine acts of devotion and obedience performed by His people. His desire for his "good deeds" not to be "wiped out" reflects a longing for his efforts to have eternal significance in God's sight, recognizing that human efforts, however noble, derive their ultimate value from God's recognition and blessing. It underscores the theological truth that God is a just and attentive God who sees all things and will ultimately reward those who faithfully serve Him.

* [Psalm 20:3](/psalms/20-3 "God Remembers All Your Offerings")
* [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "God Will Not Forget Your Work and Love")
* [Revelation 2:2-3](/revelation/2-2-3 "Christ Knows Your Works, Toil, and Perseverance")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 13:14 offers a powerful paradigm for believers today, challenging us to examine the motivations and objects of our service. Like Nehemiah, we are called to serve God with unwavering diligence, not for human applause or recognition, but with an eye toward His divine approval. This verse encourages us to labor faithfully in whatever sphere God has placed us – be it in our families, workplaces, communities, or within the church – knowing that every act of service done "for the house of my God" (which, in the New Covenant, is the body of Christ and the spiritual temple of God's presence) and "for the offices thereof" (the ministries and functions of the church) is seen and valued by Him. It reminds us that our "good deeds," when performed out of love and loyalty to God, are not forgotten, but are treasured in His divine memory. This inspires perseverance in righteousness, even when faced with apathy, opposition, or the temptation to compromise, fostering a healthy dependence on God's favor rather than fleeting human commendation. Ultimately, Nehemiah's prayer teaches us to humbly commit our labors to the Lord, trusting in His righteous character to remember and bless our efforts for His kingdom.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What motivates my service to God and others? Am I seeking human recognition or divine remembrance?**
* **In what ways can I demonstrate greater zeal and diligence "for the house of my God" (the church) and its "offices" (ministries) in my daily life?**
* **How does Nehemiah's prayer for remembrance encourage me to persevere in good deeds, even when they seem unnoticed or unappreciated?**
* **What "good deeds" or acts of faithful service do I desire God to "remember" and use for His glory?**

### FAQ
**Was Nehemiah asking God to save him based on his works?**

Answer: No, Nehemiah's prayer in [Nehemiah 13:14](/nehemiah/13-14 "Nehemiah 13:14 - Nehemiah's Prayer for Remembrance") is not a plea for salvation by works, but rather an appeal for divine recognition and vindication of his faithful service. Throughout the Old Testament, righteous individuals often appealed to God's remembrance of their deeds, not as a means to earn salvation, which was always by grace through covenant, but as a request for God to act favorably upon their obedience and zeal for His kingdom. Nehemiah's "good deeds" (Hebrew _ḥăsāḏay_) are acts of covenant loyalty and devotion, performed out of a pre-existing relationship with God. He is asking God to acknowledge and bless his efforts in restoring the purity and order of the Temple and the community, trusting in God's justice and faithfulness to His servants. This is consistent with the biblical principle that God observes and rewards the faithful labor of His people, as seen in passages like [Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Will Not Forget Your Work") and [Matthew 10:42](/matthew/10-42 "Matthew 10:42 - Reward for Giving a Cup of Cold Water").

**Why was Nehemiah so concerned about his deeds not being "wiped out"?**

Answer: Nehemiah's concern that his "good deeds" not be "wiped out" reflects a deep desire for his labor to have lasting significance and to be acknowledged in God's divine record. This phrase, "wipe not out" (Hebrew _'al timḥeh'_), suggests a fear that his efforts might be disregarded, forgotten, or that their positive impact could be undone by the ongoing spiritual decline he witnessed. It is not about seeking personal glory, but about the vindication of his strenuous efforts to uphold God's law and restore the sanctity of the Temple. He understood that his work was for God's glory and the welfare of God's people, and he yearned for God's enduring recognition and blessing upon it. This aligns with the concept of a "book of remembrance" in scripture, where God keeps account of the faithful actions of His people, as mentioned in [Malachi 3:16](/malachi/3-16 "Malachi 3:16 - Book of Remembrance").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah's fervent prayer for God to "remember" his good deeds and not "wipe out" his faithful service for the Temple finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Nehemiah, as a devoted servant, sought divine remembrance for his imperfect yet zealous efforts, Christ perfectly fulfilled all righteousness and rendered perfect service to the "house of God." Jesus declared His own zeal for the Father's house, even cleansing the Temple, stating, "My house shall be called a house of prayer" ([Matthew 21:13](/matthew/21-13 "Matthew 21:13 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). Unlike Nehemiah, whose reforms were temporary and whose "good deeds" were still those of a fallen man, Christ's obedience was absolute and His sacrifice eternal, establishing a new covenant and a spiritual temple not made with hands ([Hebrews 9:11-12](/hebrews/9-11-12 "Hebrews 9:11-12 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") and [Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Hebrews 8:6 - Christ, Mediator of a Better Covenant")). Through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, Jesus accomplished the ultimate "good deed" that can never be "wiped out" – the redemption of humanity. Furthermore, for those who are "in Christ," Nehemiah's longing for divine remembrance is fully realized. Our "good deeds" (which are themselves the fruit of the Spirit, not the basis of our salvation) are remembered by God not on their own merit, but because they are done in union with Christ, whose perfect work is eternally remembered by the Father ([John 15:5](/john/15-5 "John 15:5 - Abiding in Christ Produces Fruit")). We are assured that our labor in the Lord is "not in vain" ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Your Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain")), for God remembers the work and labor of love shown by His saints ([Hebrews 6:10](/hebrews/6-10 "Hebrews 6:10 - God Will Not Forget Your Work")), not because of our inherent worthiness, but because we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 122:6

¶ Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Psalms 122:9

Because of the house of the LORD our God I will seek thy good.

Nehemiah 13:31

And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

Ezra 7:20

And whatsoever more shall be needful for the house of thy God, which thou shalt have occasion to bestow, bestow [it] out of the king's treasure house.

Hebrews 6:10

For God [is] not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.

Nehemiah 13:22

And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves, and [that] they should come [and] keep the gates, to sanctify the sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, [concerning] this also, and spare me according to the greatness of thy mercy.

2 Chronicles 31:20

And thus did Hezekiah throughout all Judah, and wrought [that which was] good and right and truth before the LORD his God.