TRV
Translation
King James 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 offices 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.
World English Bible Messianic
Remember me, my God, concerning this, and don’t wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for its observances.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Remember me, O my God, herein, and wipe not out my kindenes that I haue shewed on the house of my God, and on the offices thereof.
Young's Literal Translation
Be mindful of me, O my God, for this, and do not blot out my kind acts that I have done, for the house of my God, and for its charges.
Study This Verse
Commentary on Nehemiah 13 verses 10–14
10 ¶ And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.
11 Then contended I with the rulers, and said, Why is the house of God forsaken? And I gathered them together, and set them in their place.
12 Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.
13 And I made treasurers over the treasuries, Shelemiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah: and next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Mattaniah: for they were counted faithful, and their office was to distribute unto their brethren.
14 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.
Here is another grievance redressed by Nehemiah.
I. The Levites had been wronged. This was the grievance: their portions had not been given them, Neh 13:10. Perhaps Tobiah, when he took possession of the store-chambers, seized the stores too, and, by the connivance of Eliashib, converted them to his own use. The complaint is not that they were not collected from the people, but that they were not given to the Levites, and the Levites were so modest as not to sue for them; for the Levites and singers fled every one to his field. This comes in as a reason either, (1.) Why their payments were withheld. The Levites were non-residents: when they should have been doing their work about the temple, they were at their farms in the country; and therefore the people were little inclined to give them their maintenance. If ministers have not the encouragement they should have, let them consider whether they themselves be not accessory to the contempt they are under, by the neglect of their business. Or rather, (2.) It is the reason why Nehemiah soon perceived that their dues had been denied them, because he missed them from their posts. "Where are the singers" (said Nehemiah); "why do not they attend according to their office, to praise God?" "Why, truly, they have gone every one to his country seat, to get a livelihood for themselves and their families out of their grounds; for their profession would not maintain them." A scandalous maintenance makes a scandalous ministry. The work is neglected because the workmen are. It was not long since the payment of the salaries appointed for the singers was put into a very good method (Neh 12:47); and yet how soon did it fail for want of being looked after!
II. Nehemiah laid the fault upon the rulers, who should have taken care that the Levites minded their business and had all due encouragement therein. This is required from Christian magistrates, that they use their power to oblige ministers to do their duty, and people to do theirs. Nehemiah began with the rulers, and called them to an account: "Why is the house of God forsaken? Neh 13:11. Why are the Levites starved out of it? Why did not you take notice of this and prevent it?" The people forsook the Levites, which was expressly forbidden (Deu 12:19; Deu 14:27); and then the Levites forsook their post in the house of God. Both ministers and people who forsake religion and the services of it, and magistrates too who do not what they can to keep them to it, will have a great deal to answer for.
III. He delayed not to bring the dispersed Levites to their places again, and set them in their stations (as the word is), Neh 13:11. A Levite in his field (clericus in foroa minister keeping the market) is out of his station. God's house is his place, and there let him be found. Many that are careless would do much better than they do if they were but called upon. Say to Archippus, Take heed to thy ministry.
IV. He obliged the people to bring in their tithes, Neh 13:12. His zeal provoked theirs; and, when they saw the Levites at their work, they could not for shame withhold their wages any longer, but honestly and cheerfully brought them in. The better church-work is done the better will church-dues be paid.
V. He provided that just and prompt payment should be made of the Levites' stipends. Commissioners were appointed to see to this (Neh 13:13), and they were such as were accounted faithful, that is, had approved themselves so in other trusts committed to them, and so had purchased to themselves this good degree, Ti1 3:13. Let men be tried first and then trusted, tried in the less and then trusted with more. Their office was to receive and pay, to distribute to their brethren in due season and due proportions.
VI. Having no recompence (it is a question whether he had thanks) from those for whom he did these good services, he looks up to God as his paymaster (Neh 13:14): Remember me, O my God! concerning this. Nehemiah was a man much in pious ejaculations; on every occasion he looked up to God, and committed himself and his affairs to him. 1. He here reflects with comfort and much satisfaction upon what he had done for the house of God and the offices thereof; it pleased him to think that he had been any way instrumental to revive and support religion in his country and to reform what was amiss. What kindness any show to God's ministers, thus shall it be returned into their own bosoms, in the secret joy they shall have there, not only in having done well, but in having done good, good to many, good to souls. 2. He here refers it to God to consider him for it, not in pride, or as boasting of what he had done, much less depending upon it as his righteousness, or as if he thought he had made God a debtor to him, but in a humble appeal to him concerning his integrity and honest intention in what he had done, and a believing expectation that he would not be unrighteous to forget his work and labour of love, Heb 6:10. Observe how modest he is in his requests. He only prays, Remember me, not Reward me - Wipe not out my good deeds, not Publish them, Record them. Yet he was rewarded and his good deeds were recorded; for God does more than we are able to ask. Note, Deeds done for the house of God and the offices of it, for the support of religion and the encouragement of it, are good deeds. There is both righteousness and godliness in them, and God will certainly remember them, and not wipe them out; they shall in no wise lose their reward.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 10–14. Public domain.
Copy as
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
Copy as
Continue studying Nehemiah 13:14 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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 and Nehemiah 13:22. 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), restoring the Levites' provisions (Nehemiah 13:10-13), and enforcing Sabbath observance (Nehemiah 13:15-22). 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, 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). 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 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. 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. 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 to the New Testament affirmation in Hebrews 6:10.
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
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). 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 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.
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
FAQ
Was Nehemiah asking God to save him based on his works?
Answer: No, Nehemiah's prayer in Nehemiah 13:14 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 and Matthew 10:42.
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.
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). 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 and Hebrews 8:6). 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). We are assured that our labor in the Lord is "not in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:58), for God remembers the work and labor of love shown by His saints (Hebrews 6:10), not because of our inherent worthiness, but because we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ.