Understanding the Bible
This post is part of our Understanding the Bible series—short, clear explanations of common questions, phrases, images, and themes found in Scripture.
The goal is simple: to help you read the Bible more clearly by explaining what the text says, what it meant in its original context, and why it still matters today.
These studies are designed for personal Bible reading, small groups, teaching preparation, or anyone who wants to grow in biblical understanding without needing technical training.
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Quick Answer
Nehemiah first came to Jerusalem in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, which is usually dated around 445 BC. According to Nehemiah 5:14, he served as governor in Judah from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, a period of about twelve years.
This means Nehemiah was in Jerusalem from approximately 445 BC to 433 BC. After that, he returned to the Persian king. Nehemiah 13:6 tells us that after some time, he received permission to return to Jerusalem.
The Bible does not tell us exactly how long Nehemiah was away. What we do know is that he was gone long enough for serious spiritual compromise to take root among the people.
Nehemiah 13:6–7
Nehemiah explains that he was not in Jerusalem when Eliashib made room for Tobiah in the courts of the house of God.
He had returned to King Artaxerxes in the thirty-second year of the king’s reign. Later, after some time, Nehemiah asked permission from the king and returned to Jerusalem. When he came back, he discovered the evil that had been done.
The Basic Timeline
- 445 BC: Nehemiah receives permission from Artaxerxes and travels to Jerusalem.
- 445–433 BC: Nehemiah serves as governor in Judah for twelve years.
- 433 BC: Nehemiah returns to the Persian king.
- After 433 BC: Nehemiah is absent from Jerusalem for an unspecified period of time.
- Sometime later: Nehemiah receives permission to return to Jerusalem.
- Upon returning: Nehemiah discovers compromise in the temple and among the people.
The exact length of Nehemiah’s absence is not given. The safest answer is that he returned to Persia around 433 BC and came back to Jerusalem sometime after that.
When Did Nehemiah Arrive in Jerusalem?
Nehemiah 2 tells us that Nehemiah approached King Artaxerxes in the twentieth year of the king’s reign. This is generally understood to be around 445 BC.
Nehemiah had heard that Jerusalem’s walls were broken down and its gates had been burned with fire. After prayer, fasting, and waiting on the Lord, he received permission from the king to return to Jerusalem and lead the rebuilding work.
In simple terms: Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem around 445 BC.
How Long Was Nehemiah in Jerusalem?
Nehemiah 5:14 gives us the clearest answer:
Nehemiah says he served as governor in the land of Judah from the twentieth year to the thirty-second year of King Artaxerxes.
That means Nehemiah served in Jerusalem and Judah for about twelve years.
If the twentieth year of Artaxerxes was around 445 BC, then the thirty-second year would be around 433 BC.
Nehemiah was in Jerusalem for approximately twelve years, from about 445 BC to 433 BC.
How Long Was Nehemiah Away?
Nehemiah 13:6 says that in the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes, Nehemiah returned to the king. Then the verse says:
“After some time” Nehemiah asked leave of the king and returned to Jerusalem.
This phrase tells us that Nehemiah was away for a period of time, but it does not tell us exactly how long that period was.
Some have suggested it may have been a short time. Others think it may have been several years. But Scripture does not give an exact number.
The honest answer: We know Nehemiah left Jerusalem around 433 BC, but we do not know exactly how long he was gone.
What we can say is that he was gone long enough for major spiritual problems to develop.
When Did Nehemiah Return?
Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem sometime after 433 BC.
When he returned, he discovered that Eliashib the priest had prepared a room for Tobiah in the courts of the temple. This was a serious compromise because Tobiah had previously opposed the work of rebuilding Jerusalem.
Nehemiah also discovered several other problems:
- The temple had been neglected.
- The Levites were not being properly supported.
- The Sabbath was being violated.
- The people had returned to sinful marriage practices.
These issues are especially striking because the people had recently promised faithfulness in Nehemiah 10. They had said they would not neglect the house of God, yet in Nehemiah 13, that is exactly what had happened.
Why This Matters
Nehemiah 13 reminds us that spiritual renewal must be guarded.
In Nehemiah 8, the people heard the Word of God. In Nehemiah 9, they confessed their sin. In Nehemiah 10, they made covenant promises. In Nehemiah 12, they celebrated the dedication of the wall.
But by Nehemiah 13, many of those commitments were already being neglected.
Nehemiah’s absence revealed something important: the people’s faithfulness could not depend merely on Nehemiah’s presence. They needed hearts that remained devoted to God even when their leader was gone.
This is one of the sobering lessons of the book. A strong moment of commitment does not automatically produce a lifetime of faithfulness.
God’s people need ongoing discipleship, continued obedience, faithful leadership, and hearts continually turned toward the Lord.
Key Takeaway
Nehemiah arrived in Jerusalem around 445 BC and served there for about twelve years. Around 433 BC, he returned to King Artaxerxes. The Bible does not tell us exactly how long he was away, only that after some time he received permission to return.
When Nehemiah came back, he found that the people had drifted from their promises. His return reminds us that spiritual compromise can happen quickly when God’s people stop guarding what God has done.
Revival must be guarded. Commitment must be continued. Faithfulness must be renewed again and again before the Lord.
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