Old Testament
Nehemiah 13:29
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Remember them, my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites.
Compare translations
Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.
What Nehemiah 13:29 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Nehemiah 13:29, Nehemiah is calling on God to remember those who have corrupted the priesthood and violated the sacred agreements made with the priests and Levites. This verse highlights the seriousness of maintaining purity and integrity within religious leadership. The priesthood was essential for the spiritual life of the community, and any defilement of it could lead to broader consequences for the people. Nehemiah's plea reflects his deep concern for the holiness of worship and the importance of upholding God's standards. He recognizes that the actions of these individuals not only affect their own standing but also the entire community's relationship with God. This verse serves as a reminder of the accountability that leaders have in maintaining the sanctity of their roles and the impact of their actions on the faith of others.
How to apply Nehemiah 13:29 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on the integrity of our leaders and ourselves. We should strive to uphold the values of our faith and hold each other accountable. It reminds us that our actions can influence the spiritual health of our community, urging us to act with responsibility and honor.
Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from David's story: Samuel Anoints David (1 Samuel 16:1–13)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
David
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724987). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Hebron, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Hebron
Where Abraham lived and buried Sarah, and where David was first made king.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Nehemiah 13:29
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Nehemiah 13:29
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah
- Author
- Nehemiah, with Ezra
- Written
- Around 430 BC
- Genre
- Historical narrative
- Original Audience
- The post-exilic Jewish community
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Nehemiah 13:29 mean?
Nehemiah 13:29 expresses Nehemiah's plea to God to remember those who have corrupted the priesthood and violated the sacred agreements with the priests and Levites. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining purity and integrity in religious leadership.
What is the significance of the priesthood in Nehemiah 13:29?
In Nehemiah 13:29, the priesthood represents the spiritual leadership essential for the community's relationship with God. Defiling the priesthood threatens the spiritual health of the entire community.
What does 'defiled the priesthood' mean in Nehemiah 13:29?
'Defiled the priesthood' in Nehemiah 13:29 refers to actions that corrupt or dishonor the sacred role of priests, undermining their authority and the covenant they have with God.
What themes are present in Nehemiah 13:29?
Nehemiah 13:29 highlights themes of accountability, integrity, leadership, holiness, covenant, and community, stressing the impact of leaders' actions on the faith and spiritual health of the people.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.