King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 10:36 Mean?

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 o... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Nehemiah 10:36 · King James Version

Context

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:

37

And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

38

And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

Read Nehemiah 10 full chapter

Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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:

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?
KS
Written by KJV Study Commentary • Biblical Commentary

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וְאֶת
1 of 17
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּכֹר֤וֹת
2 of 17

“Also the firstborn”

H1060
first-born; hence, chief
בָּנֵ֙ינוּ֙
3 of 17

“of our sons”

H1121
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וּבְהֶמְתֵּ֔ינוּ
4 of 17

“and of our cattle”

H929
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
כַּכָּת֖וּב
5 of 17

“as it is written”

H3789
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
בַּתּוֹרָ֑ה
6 of 17

“in the law”

H8451
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
וְאֶת
7 of 17
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּכוֹרֵ֨י
8 of 17
H1061
the first-fruits of the crop
בְקָרֵ֜ינוּ
9 of 17

“of our herds”

H1241
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
וְצֹאנֵ֗ינוּ
10 of 17

“and of our flocks”

H6629
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
לְהָבִיא֙
11 of 17

“to bring”

H935
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בְּבֵ֥ית
12 of 17

“in the house”

H1004
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
13 of 17

“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
לַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
14 of 17

“unto the priests”

H3548
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
הַמְשָֽׁרְתִ֖ים
15 of 17

“that minister”

H8334
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
בְּבֵ֥ית
16 of 17

“in the house”

H1004
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
17 of 17

“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 10:36 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 10:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Exodus 13:2Leviticus 27:26-27Exodus 13:12-15Galatians 6:6Exodus 34:19Numbers 18:9-19

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