There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

NEHEMIAH 13:16KJV
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Nehemiah 13:16 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 13:16 mean?

Nehemiah 13:16 describes how men from Tyre, a coastal city, were living in Jerusalem and selling fish and other goods to the people of Judah on the Sabbath, which was supposed to be a day of rest. This verse highlights that business and trade were happening in Jerusalem on the Sabbath, contrary to Jewish law.

Nehemiah, the governor of Jerusalem, is recounting a problem he observed after returning to the city: foreign traders, specifically from Tyre, were bringing their products and selling them in Jerusalem on the Sabbath. This activity was a clear violation of the Sabbath commandment, which called for rest and no commercial activity. The verse sets up the context for Nehemiah’s later actions to stop this practice and restore proper Sabbath observance among the people.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 13:16

  • Tyre (צֹר, ṣōr): Tyre was a major Phoenician port city known for trade. The mention of Tyrians emphasizes the international nature of Jerusalem’s commerce and the influence of outsiders on local customs.
  • Fish (דָּג, dāg): The word used for fish points to a staple food item that would have been in demand, showing that the trade was not just in luxury goods but in everyday necessities.
  • Sabbath (שַׁבָּת, shabbāt): The Sabbath was a central commandment in Jewish life, requiring rest from work. The use of this word underscores the seriousness of the violation Nehemiah observed.
  • Sold (מָכַר, mākar): This word for selling highlights the commercial activity that was taking place, which was specifically forbidden on the Sabbath according to Jewish law.

Why Nehemiah 13:16 matters

  • This verse clarifies that the problem was not only among the people of Judah but also involved foreigners, showing how outside influences could affect religious practice.
  • Nehemiah 13:16 sets up the reason for Nehemiah’s later reforms, helping readers understand why he took strong measures to enforce Sabbath observance.
  • The verse highlights the tension between economic activity and religious law, a recurring issue in the life of ancient Jerusalem that still resonates in discussions about faith and daily life.

Where else these words appear

“ware” Hebrew H4377 · used in 3 verses

  • Numbers 20:19 And the children of Israel said unto him, We will go by the high way: and if I and my cattle drink of thy water, then I will pay for it: I will only, without doing any thing else, go through on my feet.
  • Proverbs 31:10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

“Tyre” Hebrew H6876 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Kings 7:14 He was a widow's son of the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass: and he was filled with wisdom, and understanding, and cunning to work all works in brass. And he came to king Solomon, and wrought all his work.
  • 1 Chronicles 22:4 Also cedar trees in abundance: for the Zidonians and they of Tyre brought much cedar wood to David.
  • 2 Chronicles 2:14 The son of a woman of the daughters of Dan, and his father was a man of Tyre, skilful to work in gold, and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson; also to grave any manner of graving, and to find out every device which shall be put to him, with thy cunning men, and with the cunning men of my lord David thy father.

“fish” Hebrew H1709 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 9:2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be upon every beast of the earth, and upon every fowl of the air, upon all that moveth upon the earth, and upon all the fishes of the sea; into your hand are they delivered.
  • Nehemiah 12:39 And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.
  • Hosea 4:3 Therefore shall the land mourn, and every one that dwelleth therein shall languish, with the beasts of the field, and with the fowls of heaven; yea, the fishes of the sea also shall be taken away.

“sold” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:39 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:
  • 2 Kings 17:17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.