King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 10:29 Mean?

Nehemiah 10:29 in the King James Version says “They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was ... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; by: Heb. by the hand of

Nehemiah 10:29 · KJV


Context

27

Malluch, Harim, Baanah.

28

And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the porters, the singers, the Nethinims, and all they that had separated themselves from the people of the lands unto the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge, and having understanding;

29

They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; by: Heb. by the hand of

30

And that we would not give our daughters unto the people of the land, nor take their daughters for our sons:

31

And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt. every: Heb. every hand


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;

This verse within Nehemiah 10 addresses themes of covenant renewal, specific commitments, accountability. General confession leads to specific commitments regarding temple support, Sabbath observance, and separation from paganism. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The spiritual reforms under Ezra and Nehemiah shaped Judaism for centuries, establishing Scripture's centrality and patterns of worship continuing into the intertestamental period and beyond. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
  2. What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
  3. How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 25 words
מַֽחֲזִיקִ֣ים1 of 25

They clave

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

עַל2 of 25
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲחֵיהֶם֮3 of 25

to their brethren

H251

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

אַדִּֽירֵיהֶם֒4 of 25

their nobles

H117

wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful

וּבָאִ֞ים5 of 25

and entered

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

בְּאָלָ֣ה6 of 25

into a curse

H423

an imprecation

וּבִשְׁבוּעָ֗ה7 of 25

and into an oath

H7621

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

לָלֶ֙כֶת֙8 of 25
H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

בְּתוֹרַ֣ת9 of 25

law

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים10 of 25

in God's

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

אֲשֶׁ֣ר11 of 25
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נִתְּנָ֔ה12 of 25

which was given

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּיַ֖ד13 of 25

by

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

מֹשֶׁ֣ה14 of 25

Moses

H4872

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

עֶֽבֶד15 of 25

the servant

H5650

a servant

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים16 of 25

in God's

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

וְלִשְׁמ֣וֹר17 of 25

and to observe

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

וְלַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת18 of 25

and do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶת19 of 25
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

כָּל20 of 25
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מִצְוֹת֙21 of 25

all the commandments

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

יְהוָ֣ה22 of 25

of the LORD

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

אֲדֹנֵ֔ינוּ23 of 25

our Lord

H113

sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)

וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו24 of 25

and his judgments

H4941

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

וְחֻקָּֽיו׃25 of 25

and his statutes

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Nehemiah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Nehemiah 10:29 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Nehemiah 10:29 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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