King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 10:33 Mean?

Nehemiah 10:33 in the King James Version says “For the shewbread , and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the n...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 10:33 · KJV

Context

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.

34

And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:

35

And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 does understanding your work as part of God's larger purposes transform your approach to daily responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
לְלֶ֣חֶם1 of 18
H3899

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

הַֽמַּעֲרֶ֡כֶת2 of 18

“For the shewbread”

H4635

an arrangement, i.e., (concretely) a pile (of loaves)

וּמִנְחַ֣ת3 of 18

“meat offering”

H4503

a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)

הַ֠תָּמִיד4 of 18

“and for the continual”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

וּלְעוֹלַ֣ת5 of 18

“burnt offering”

H5930

a step or (collectively, stairs, as ascending); usually a holocaust (as going up in smoke)

הַ֠תָּמִיד6 of 18

“and for the continual”

H8548

properly, continuance (as indefinite extension); but used only (attributively as adjective) constant (or adverbially, constantly); elliptically the re

הַשַּׁבָּת֨וֹת7 of 18

“of the sabbaths”

H7676

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

הֶֽחֳדָשִׁ֜ים8 of 18

“of the new moons”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

לַמּֽוֹעֲדִ֗ים9 of 18

“for the set feasts”

H4150

properly, an appointment, i.e., a fixed time or season; specifically, a festival; conventionally a year; by implication, an assembly (as convened for

וְלַקֳּדָשִׁים֙10 of 18

“and for the holy”

H6944

a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity

וְלַ֣חַטָּא֔וֹת11 of 18

“things and for the sin offerings”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

לְכַפֵּ֖ר12 of 18

“to make an atonement”

H3722

to cover (specifically with bitumen)

עַל13 of 18
H5921

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֑ל14 of 18

“for Israel”

H3478

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

וְכֹ֖ל15 of 18
H3605

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

מְלֶ֥אכֶת16 of 18

“and for all the work”

H4399

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

בֵּית17 of 18

“of the house”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃18 of 18

“of our God”

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

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 10:33 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 10:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Chronicles 2:4Leviticus 24:5-6Numbers 28:1-292 Chronicles 24:5-14Hebrews 10:11

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