King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 10:34 Mean?

Nehemiah 10:34 in the King James Version says “And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house o...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Nehemiah 10:34 · KJV

Context

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:

36

Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:

Read Nehemiah 10 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

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 · 24 words
וְהַגּֽוֹרָל֨וֹת1 of 24

“the lots”

H1486

properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)

הִפַּ֜לְנוּ2 of 24

“And we cast”

H5307

to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)

עַל3 of 24
H5921

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

קֻרְבַּ֣ן4 of 24

“offering”

H7133

something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present

הָֽעֵצִ֗ים5 of 24

“for the wood”

H6086

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים6 of 24

“among the priests”

H3548

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַלְוִיִּם֮7 of 24

“the Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהָעָם֒8 of 24

“and the people”

H5971

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

לְ֠הָבִיא9 of 24

“to bring”

H935

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

לְבֵית10 of 24

“after the houses”

H1004

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

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ11 of 24

“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

לְבֵית12 of 24

“after the houses”

H1004

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

אֲבֹתֵ֛ינוּ13 of 24

“of our fathers”

H1

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

לְעִתִּ֥ים14 of 24

“at times”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

מְזֻמָּנִ֖ים15 of 24

“appointed”

H2163

to fix (a time)

בְשָׁנָ֑ה16 of 24

“by year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

בְשָׁנָ֑ה17 of 24

“by year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

לְבַעֵ֗ר18 of 24

“to burn”

H1197

to be(-come) brutish

עַל19 of 24
H5921

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

מִזְבַּח֙20 of 24

“upon the altar”

H4196

an altar

יְהוָ֣ה21 of 24

“of the LORD”

H3068

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

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ22 of 24

“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

כַּכָּת֖וּב23 of 24

“as it is written”

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

בַּתּוֹרָֽה׃24 of 24

“in the law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

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 10:34 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 10:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Nehemiah 13:31Leviticus 6:12-13Isaiah 40:16Hebrews 10:3-71 Chronicles 24:5Joshua 9:27

Test Your Knowledge

Nehemiah 10 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNehemiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nehemiah 10 with CommentaryAll Nehemiah ChaptersComplete Nehemiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes