What does Nehemiah 13:29 mean?

Nehemiah 13:29 highlights themes such as covenant, priesthood, defilement when read in context.

How should I apply Nehemiah 13:29 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

27Shall we then hearken unto you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God in marrying strange wives?

28And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

29Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood, and the covenant of the priesthood, and of the Levites.

30Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;

31And for the wood offering, at times appointed, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good.

covenantpriesthooddefilement

Hebrews 7:11
This verse discusses the need for a new priesthood, contrasting with the defilement of the Levitical priesthood in Nehemiah's time.
Ezekiel 44:10
Ezekiel speaks of the Levites who have gone astray, paralleling Nehemiah's concerns about the priesthood.
1 Peter 2:9
This verse describes believers as a royal priesthood, highlighting the importance of purity in the priestly role.