King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 10:31 Mean?

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

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.

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **Or on the holy day.**—On the great festivals, equally with the Sabbath days of rest. **Leave the seventh year.**—The Sabbatical year naturally follows; in it the ground should be left untilled. **The exaction of every debt.**—The “Lord’s release” of the seventh year (Deuteronomy 15:2).

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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

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