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.

NEHEMIAH 13:14KJV
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Nehemiah 13:14 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 13:14 mean?

Nehemiah 13:14 records Nehemiah’s prayer asking God to remember the good things he has done for the temple and its services, and not to erase these deeds from God’s memory. Nehemiah is appealing to God for recognition and lasting value for his efforts to restore proper worship and care for the house of God.

Nehemiah himself is speaking directly to God after taking action to reform the temple practices in Jerusalem. The verse comes at a point where Nehemiah has worked hard to correct problems among the returned exiles, especially concerning the temple’s upkeep and the duties of its workers. His prayer shows both his personal humility and his desire that his faithfulness to God’s house would not be forgotten.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 13:14

  • "Remember" (זָכַר, zakar): This word means more than just recalling something; it often carries the sense of God actively paying attention and responding. Nehemiah is not just asking God to think about him, but to value and honor his actions.
  • "Good" (חֶסֶד, chesed): This word is often translated as “steadfast love” or “kindness,” but here it refers to Nehemiah’s good deeds or acts of faithful service. It highlights that Nehemiah’s actions are rooted in loyalty and devotion, not just duty.
  • "Offices" (מִשְׁמֶרֶת, mishmeret): This term refers to the responsibilities or duties connected to the temple, especially the organized service of priests and Levites. Nehemiah is concerned not only for the building itself but for the ongoing work and order of worship.

Why Nehemiah 13:14 matters

  • Nehemiah 13:14 clarifies that Nehemiah’s reforms were motivated by a desire to please God, not for personal recognition from people.
  • The verse shows that Nehemiah saw the temple’s care and the faithful service of its workers as central to Israel’s relationship with God, not just as routine tasks.
  • Nehemiah’s prayer connects his personal actions to the larger story of Israel’s faithfulness and God’s remembrance, emphasizing that even practical service in worship matters deeply to God.

Where else these words appear

“offices” Hebrew H4929 · used in 20 verses

  • Genesis 40:3 And he put them in ward in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound.
  • Leviticus 24:12 And they put him in ward, that the mind of the LORD might be shewed them.
  • Nehemiah 7:3 And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

“out” Hebrew H4229 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 6:7 And the LORD said, I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth; both man, and beast, and the creeping thing, and the fowls of the air; for it repenteth me that I have made them.
  • Deuteronomy 25:19 Therefore it shall be, when the LORD thy God hath given thee rest from all thine enemies round about, in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee for an inheritance to possess it, that thou shalt blot out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven; thou shalt not forget it.
  • Psalms 109:13 Let his posterity be cut off; and in the generation following let their name be blotted out.