Nehemiah 13:17 Meaning and Explanation
“Then I contended with the nobles of Judah, and said unto them, What evil thing is this that ye do, and profane the sabbath day?”
King James Version (KJV)
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Read Full Chapter →Nehemiah rebuked the nobles of Judah for profaning the sabbath.
What Does Nehemiah 13:17 Mean?
Nehemiah confronted the nobles of Judah directly, asking what evil they were doing in profaning the sabbath day. As leaders, they bore responsibility for the people's conduct.
He calls sabbath-breaking what it is, an evil that treats as common what God made holy. Those with influence are answerable for the example they set. The rebuke is an act of love, refusing to let the people lose the blessing of the day God gave, and calling them back to honor the Lord of the sabbath.
Nehemiah 13:17 in the Original Language
chalal (חָלַל), 'to profane' -- to treat as common what God has set apart as holy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nehemiah 13:17
What does Nehemiah 13:17 mean?
Nehemiah rebuked the nobles of Judah for profaning the sabbath.