Nehemiah 13:31 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 13:31 mean?

Nehemiah 13:31 describes Nehemiah’s efforts to organize and maintain the regular offerings of wood and firstfruits at set times, ending with a personal prayer asking God to remember him for good. Nehemiah is making sure that the temple worship is properly supplied and then appeals to God to look kindly on his faithful work.

Nehemiah himself is speaking, recording how he arranged for the wood offering and the offering of firstfruits to be brought at specific, appointed times. This verse comes at the end of Nehemiah’s reforms, where he worked to restore proper worship and order among the returned exiles in Jerusalem. The verse closes with Nehemiah’s heartfelt request that God would remember his efforts favorably.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 13:31

• "wood" (עֵץ, ‘ets): This word refers to the wood needed for burning offerings on the altar. Nehemiah’s mention of organizing the wood shows attention to practical details of worship that could easily be overlooked.
• "offering" (קָרְבָּן, qorban): This word means something brought near or offered, highlighting the idea of drawing close to God through these gifts.
• "times" (עֵת, ‘et) and "appointed" (מוֹעֵד, mo‘ed): These words together emphasize that the offerings were not random but scheduled at specific, set times, showing order and regularity in worship.
• "firstfruits" (בִּכּוּרִים, bikkurim): This refers to the first part of the harvest, given to God as an act of gratitude and trust.
• "Remember" (זָכַר, zakar): Nehemiah’s prayer uses a word that often means more than just recalling; it can mean to act on someone’s behalf in kindness.
• "God" (אֱלֹהִים, Elohim): The common Hebrew word for God, emphasizing His power and authority.
• "good" (טוֹב, tov): Nehemiah asks God to remember him "for good," meaning with favor or blessing.

Why Nehemiah 13:31 matters

• Nehemiah 13:31 shows that faithful leadership includes attention to both spiritual and practical needs, such as ensuring supplies for worship.
• The verse highlights Nehemiah’s humility and dependence on God, as he ends his work with a simple, personal prayer rather than boasting.
• This verse connects to the broader theme of Nehemiah’s reforms, showing his commitment to restoring proper worship and community life after the exile.