Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version But while all this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Some time later I asked his permission New Living Translation I was not in Jerusalem at that time, for I had returned to King Artaxerxes of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign, though I later asked his permission to return. English Standard Version While this was taking place, I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king. And after some time I asked leave of the king Berean Standard Bible While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king Berean Literal Bible And in all this I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had come to the king, and at the end of some days I asked from the king, King James Bible But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I unto the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: New King James Version But during all this I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had returned to the king. Then after certain days I obtained leave from the king, New American Standard Bible But during all this time I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had come to the king. After some time, however, I requested a leave of absence from the king, NASB 1995 But during all this time I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had gone to the king. After some time, however, I asked leave from the king, NASB 1977 But during all this time I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had gone to the king. After some time, however, I asked leave from the king, Legacy Standard Bible But during all this time I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had gone to the king. After some time, however, I asked leave from the king, Amplified Bible But during all this time I was not at Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes [Persian] king of Babylon I went to the king. Then after some time I asked for a leave [of absence] from the king, Berean Annotated Bible While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem (city of peace), because I had returned to Artaxerxes (I will make the spoiled to boil) king of Babylon (Persia) in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king Christian Standard Bible While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to King Artaxerxes of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. It was only later that I asked the king for a leave of absence Holman Christian Standard Bible While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to King Artaxerxes of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. It was only later that I asked the king for a leave of absence American Standard Version But in all this time I was not at Jerusalem; for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went unto the king: and after certain days asked I leave of the king, Contemporary English Version This happened in the thirty-second year that Artaxerxes ruled Babylonia. I was away from Jerusalem at the time, because I was visiting him. Later I received permission from the king English Revised Version But in all this time I was not at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went unto the king, and after certain days asked I leave of the king: GOD'S WORD® Translation While all of this was taking place, I wasn't in Jerusalem. In the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes' reign in Babylon, I returned to the king. Later, I asked the king for permission to return. Good News Translation While this was going on, I was not in Jerusalem, because in the thirty-second year that Artaxerxes was king of Babylon I had gone back to report to him. After some time I received his permission International Standard Version During all of this time, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to the king in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, king of Babylon. After a while I obtained permission from the king NET Bible During all this time I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes of Babylon, I had gone back to the king. After some time I had requested leave of the king, New Heart English Bible But in all this, I was not at Jerusalem; for in the two and thirtieth year of Artachshasta king of Babylon I went to the king: and after certain days asked I leave of the king, Webster's Bible Translation But in all this time I was not at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I came to the king, and after certain days I obtained leave of the king: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhile all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king World English Bible But in all this, I was not at Jerusalem; for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went to the king; and after some days I asked leave of the king, Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd during all this I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I came to the king, and at the end of days I have asked of the king, Berean Literal Bible And in all this I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I had come to the king, and at the end of some days I asked from the king, Young's Literal Translation And during all this I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty and second year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon did I come unto the king, and at the end of days I have asked of the king, Smith's Literal Translation And in all this I was not in Jerusalem: for in the thirty and second year to Arthasatha king of Babel, I came to the king, and at the end of days I asked for myself from the king: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut in all this time I was not in Jerusalem, because in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon, I went to the king, and after certain days I asked the king: Catholic Public Domain Version But during all this, I was not in Jerusalem, because in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, the king of Babylon, I went to the king, and at the end of some days, I petitioned the king. New American Bible During all this time I had not been in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, king of Babylon, I had gone back to the king. After a suitable period of time, however, I asked leave of the king New Revised Standard Version While this was taking place I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes of Babylon I went to the king. After some time I asked leave of the king Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBut while these things took place I was not in Jerusalem; for in the thirty-second year of Artakhshist king of Babylon, I came to the king, and after certain days, I asked leave of the king; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And among all these things I was not in Jerusalem, because in year thirtytwo of Artakhshesht, King of Babel, I came to the King, and in the end of days I excused myself from the King. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917But in all this time I was not at Jerusalem; for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon I went unto the king, and after certain days asked I leave of the king; Brenton Septuagint Translation But in all this time I was not in Jerusalem; for in the thirty-second year of Arthasastha king of Babylon I came to the king, and after a certain time I made my request of the king; Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Temple Cleansed…5and had prepared for Tobiah a large room where they had previously stored the grain offerings, the frankincense, the temple articles, and the tithes of grain, new wine, and oil prescribed for the Levites, singers, and gatekeepers, along with the contributions for the priests. 6While all this was happening, I was not in Jerusalem, because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign. Some time later I obtained leave from the king 7to return to Jerusalem. Then I discovered the evil that Eliashib had done on behalf of Tobiah by providing him a room in the courts of the house of God.… Cross References While all this was happening, Ezra 1:1-2 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. 2 Chronicles 36:22-23 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’” Jeremiah 29:10 For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place. I was not in Jerusalem, Nehemiah 1:1-3 These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, / Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah. So I questioned them about the remnant of the Jews who had survived the exile, and also about Jerusalem. / And they told me, “The remnant who survived the exile are there in the province, in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” Ezra 7:6 this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him. Esther 1:2 In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa. because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon Nehemiah 2:1-3 Now in the month of Nisan, in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, / so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear / and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” Ezra 7:11-13 This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel: / Artaxerxes, king of kings. To Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven: Greetings. / I hereby decree that any volunteers among the Israelites in my kingdom, including the priests and Levites, may go up with you to Jerusalem. Ezra 7:21-26 I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, / up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. / Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? … in the thirty-second year of his reign. Nehemiah 5:14 Furthermore, from the day King Artaxerxes appointed me to be their governor in the land of Judah, from his twentieth year until his thirty-second year (twelve years total), neither I nor my brothers ate the food allotted to the governor. Ezra 7:7 So in the seventh year of King Artaxerxes, he went up to Jerusalem with some of the Israelites, including priests, Levites, singers, gatekeepers, and temple servants. Esther 1:3 In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces. Some time later I obtained leave from the king Nehemiah 2:4-8 “What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven / and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” / Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time. … Ezra 7:14-20 You are sent by the king and his seven counselors to evaluate Judah and Jerusalem according to the Law of your God, which is in your hand. / Moreover, you are to take with you the silver and gold that the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, / together with all the silver and gold you may find in all the province of Babylon, as well as the freewill offerings of the people and priests to the house of their God in Jerusalem. … Ezra 8:31 On the twelfth day of the first month we set out from the Ahava Canal to go to Jerusalem, and the hand of our God was upon us to protect us from the hands of the enemies and bandits along the way. Nehemiah 2:6 Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time. Treasury of Scripture But in all this time was not I at Jerusalem: for in the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes king of Babylon came I to the king, and after certain days obtained I leave of the king: But. Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. 2 Chronicles 24:17,18 Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king hearkened unto them… Matthew 13:25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. was. the two. Nehemiah 2:1 And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him: and I took up the wine, and gave it unto the king. Now I had not been beforetime sad in his presence. Nehemiah 5:14 Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor. after certain days. Nehemiah 2:5,6 And I said unto the king, If it please the king, and if thy servant have found favour in thy sight, that thou wouldest send me unto Judah, unto the city of my fathers' sepulchres, that I may build it… obtained I. Jump to Previous Artaxerxes Babylon End However Jerusalem Leave Obtained Second Thirtieth Thirty Thirty-Second TimeJump to Next Artaxerxes Babylon End However Jerusalem Leave Obtained Second Thirtieth Thirty Thirty-Second TimeNehemiah 13 1. Upon the reading of the law, separation is made from the mixed multitude.4. Nehemiah, at his return, causes the chambers to be cleansed. 10. He reforms the offices in the house of God; 15. the violation of the Sabbath; 23. and the marriages with the strange wives. While all this was happening This phrase refers to the events described earlier in Nehemiah 13, where the Israelites were neglecting the temple services, violating the Sabbath, and intermarrying with foreign nations. Nehemiah had previously led reforms to address these issues, but during his absence, the people reverted to their old ways. This highlights the persistent struggle of the Israelites to maintain their covenant with God, a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. I was not in Jerusalem because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon in the thirty-second year of his reign Some time later I obtained leave from the king Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahA Jewish leader and cupbearer to King Artaxerxes, who played a crucial role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and reforming the community. 2. Artaxerxes The Persian king who allowed Nehemiah to return to Jerusalem and later granted him leave again. 3. Jerusalem The city where Nehemiah led the rebuilding efforts and implemented religious reforms. 4. Babylon The location of King Artaxerxes' court, where Nehemiah served before and after his initial mission to Jerusalem. 5. Reforms in Jerusalem The context of Nehemiah's absence, during which the people of Jerusalem began to stray from the reforms he had instituted. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly LeadershipNehemiah's leadership was crucial for the spiritual and physical restoration of Jerusalem. Godly leaders are essential in guiding communities back to faithfulness. The Need for Continual Vigilance Nehemiah's absence led to a lapse in the reforms he had established. This highlights the need for constant vigilance and accountability in maintaining spiritual disciplines. The Role of Divine Providence Nehemiah's ability to return to Jerusalem was due to God's providence and the favor he found with King Artaxerxes. Trust in God's timing and provision is vital. The Impact of Absence The spiritual decline during Nehemiah's absence underscores the importance of presence and active involvement in community life and spiritual leadership. The Call to Return and Reform Just as Nehemiah returned to address the issues in Jerusalem, believers are called to continually return to God and reform their lives according to His Word. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 13:6?2. Why did Nehemiah return to Jerusalem after "some time later" in Nehemiah 13:6? 3. How does Nehemiah 13:6 demonstrate the importance of godly leadership in communities? 4. What other biblical leaders returned to address issues, similar to Nehemiah's actions? 5. How can we ensure accountability in our church, as Nehemiah did in Jerusalem? 6. What steps can we take to remain vigilant in our spiritual commitments? 7. Why did Nehemiah leave Jerusalem in Nehemiah 13:6, and what was the impact of his absence? 8. How does Nehemiah 13:6 reflect on leadership accountability in religious communities? 9. What historical evidence supports Nehemiah's return to Jerusalem as described in Nehemiah 13:6? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 13? 11. Why would priests allow Tobiah, an Ammonite official, to occupy temple storerooms (Nehemiah 13:4–9) if this risks defiling the sanctuary? 12. When was Nehemiah written? 13. (Psalm 147:2) The text references rebuilding Jerusalem--what evidence exists that this rebuilding happened precisely as described, and does the historical record match the biblical timeline? 14. Zechariah 10:6: Where is the historical proof of the promised restoration of both Judah and Joseph on a massive scale? What Does Nehemiah 13:6 Mean While all this was happeningNehemiah 13 opens with the people backsliding—allowing foreigners into the temple courts, neglecting Levite support, profaning the Sabbath, and intermarrying with pagans. Verse 6’s first phrase reminds us that these compromises took root “while” Nehemiah was gone. Spiritual lapses rarely erupt overnight; they grow when vigilance fades. Scripture consistently warns how quickly God’s people can drift: “For when Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart after other gods” (1 Kings 11:4). Paul echoes the danger in 2 Corinthians 6:14, warning believers not to be “unequally yoked.” Key takeaway: Without continual shepherding, even a once-revived community slides into disobedience. I was not in Jerusalem Nehemiah’s physical absence created a leadership vacuum. Proverbs 29:18 states, “Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint”. We saw the same dynamic when Moses was on Sinai: “When the people saw that Moses delayed… they gathered around Aaron” and built the golden calf (Exodus 32:1). God raises leaders not simply to start a work but to stay engaged, providing ongoing accountability. because I had returned to Artaxerxes king of Babylon Nehemiah had earlier served as cupbearer (Nehemiah 2:1), and he remained under Persian authority. His return shows respect for the ruler God had placed over him. Romans 13:1 affirms, “There is no authority except from God, and those that exist are appointed by God”. Daniel likewise served pagan kings faithfully while honoring the Lord (Daniel 2:21). Nehemiah models how believers can submit to secular authority without compromising obedience to God. in the thirty-second year of his reign This timestamp equals roughly twelve years after Nehemiah first came to Jerusalem (compare Nehemiah 5:14). His long tenure underscores steady faithfulness. Galatians 6:9 urges, “Let us not grow weary in doing good”. Even so, ministry seasons may shift; Nehemiah needed to report back, illustrating that obedience includes closing one assignment before beginning the next. Some time later I obtained leave from the king The phrase “some time later” hints at waiting—perhaps months—before permission came. Yet Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases”. God turned Artaxerxes’s heart again, just as He had in Nehemiah 2:6, authorizing a fresh mission. Waiting on the Lord’s timing is never wasted: “Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage” (Psalm 27:14). summary Nehemiah 13:6 shows how quickly God’s people can drift when godly oversight is removed, underscores a leader’s duty to honor earthly authority, and testifies that God directs pagan rulers to serve His redemptive plan. Persistent vigilance, humble submission, and patient trust in God’s timing are essential lessons for every believer. (6) Was not I at Jerusalem.--Parenthetical explanation of this disorderly state of things.King of Babylon.--Probably it was at Babylon that Nehemiah found the court, and therefore he does not say "King of Persia." After certain days.--The time is left indefinite. But the "two and thirtieth year" shows that he had been in Jerusalem twelve years before his return to the king. Verse 6. - In all this time. Literally, "during all this"- while all this was being done. The reference seems to be solely to the affair of Eliashib and Tobiah. Artaxerxes, king of Babylon. The title "king of Babylon," which was certainly borne by Cyrus, Cambyses, and Darius Hystaspis, may have continued in use down to the time of Nehemiah, or even later. If he visited Artaxerxes at Babylon, the court happening to be there at the time, he would naturally think and speak of him as "king of Babylon." After certain days. Literally, "at the end of days," which is thought to mean "at the expiration of a year." I obtained leave of the king. Gesenius and Professor Lee render, "I asked leave of the king; Houbigant, Rambach, and others, "I was asked for from the king," i.e. "the Jews asked to have me sent back to govern them."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew While allוּבְכָל־ (ū·ḇə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every this זֶ֕ה (zeh) Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that was happening, הָיִ֖יתִי (hā·yî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be I was not לֹ֥א (lō) Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no in Jerusalem, בִּֽירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם (bî·rū·šā·lim) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel because כִּ֡י (kî) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction I had returned בָּ֣אתִי (bā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to King מֶֽלֶךְ־ (me·leḵ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 4428: A king Artaxerxes לְאַרְתַּחְשַׁ֤סְתְּא (lə·’ar·taḥ·šast) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 783: Artaxerxes -- a son and successor of Xerxes, king of Persia of Babylon בָּבֶל֙ (bā·ḇel) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 894: Babylon -- an eastern Mediterranean empire and its capital city in the thirty-second שְׁלֹשִׁ֨ים (šə·lō·šîm) Number - common plural Strong's 7970: Thirty, thirtieth year בִּשְׁנַת֩ (biš·naṯ) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 8141: A year of his reign. הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Some time later וּלְקֵ֥ץ (ū·lə·qêṣ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7093: An extremity, after I obtained leave נִשְׁאַ֥לְתִּי (niš·’al·tî) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 7592: To inquire, to request, to demand from מִן־ (min-) Preposition Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of the king הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Links Nehemiah 13:6 NIVNehemiah 13:6 NLT Nehemiah 13:6 ESV Nehemiah 13:6 NASB Nehemiah 13:6 KJV Nehemiah 13:6 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 13:6 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 13:6 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 13:6 French Bible Nehemiah 13:6 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 13:6 But in all this time I was (Neh Ne) |
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