King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 10:31 Mean?

Nehemiah 10:31 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Nehemiah 10:31 · KJV

Context

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

32

Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

33

For the shewbread , and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 23 words
וְעַמֵּ֣י1 of 23

“And if the people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

הָאָ֡רֶץ2 of 23

“of the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הַֽמְבִיאִים֩3 of 23

“bring”

H935

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

אֶת4 of 23
H853

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

הַמַּקָּח֨וֹת5 of 23

“ware”

H4728

something received, i.e., merchandise (purchased)

וְכָל6 of 23
H3605

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

שֶׁ֜בֶר7 of 23

“or any victuals”

H7668

grain (as if broken into kernels)

וּבְי֣וֹם8 of 23

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בַּשַּׁבָּ֖ת9 of 23

“it of them on the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

לִמְכּ֔וֹר10 of 23

“to sell”

H4376

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

לֹֽא11 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִקַּ֥ח12 of 23

“that we would not buy”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

מֵהֶ֛ם13 of 23
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בַּשַּׁבָּ֖ת14 of 23

“it of them on the sabbath”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וּבְי֣וֹם15 of 23

“day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

קֹ֑דֶשׁ16 of 23

“or on the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְנִטֹּ֛שׁ17 of 23

“and that we would leave”

H5203

properly, to pound, i.e., smite; by implication (as if beating out, and thus expanding) to disperse; also, to thrust off, down, out or upon (inclusive

אֶת18 of 23
H853

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

הַשָּׁנָ֥ה19 of 23

“year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

הַשְּׁבִיעִ֖ית20 of 23

“the seventh”

H7637

seventh

וּמַשָּׁ֥א21 of 23
H4855

a loan; by implication, interest on a debt

כָל22 of 23
H3605

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

יָֽד׃23 of 23

“of every debt”

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

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 10:31 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 10:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:3Nehemiah 13:15-22Exodus 23:10-11Exodus 20:10Jeremiah 17:21-22Leviticus 25:1-7

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