King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 10:37 Mean?

Nehemiah 10:37 in the King James Version says “And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine ...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 10:37 · KJV

Context

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.

39

For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 24 words
וְאֶת1 of 24
H853

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

רֵאשִׁ֣ית2 of 24

“the firstfruits”

H7225

the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)

עֲרִֽיסֹתֵ֣ינוּ3 of 24

“of our dough”

H6182

meal

וּ֠תְרֽוּמֹתֵינוּ4 of 24

“and our offerings”

H8641

a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute

וּפְרִ֨י5 of 24

“and the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

כָל6 of 24
H3605

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

עֵ֜ץ7 of 24

“of all manner of trees”

H6086

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

תִּיר֣וֹשׁ8 of 24

“of wine”

H8492

must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine

וְיִצְהָ֗ר9 of 24

“and of oil”

H3323

oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

נָבִ֤יא10 of 24

“And that we should bring”

H935

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

לַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙11 of 24

“unto the priests”

H3548

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

אֶל12 of 24
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

לִשְׁכ֣וֹת13 of 24

“to the chambers”

H3957

a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)

בֵּית14 of 24

“of the house”

H1004

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

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ15 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

וּמַעְשַׂ֥ר16 of 24

“and the tithes”

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

אַדְמָתֵ֖נוּ17 of 24

“of our ground”

H127

soil (from its general redness)

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם18 of 24

“that the same Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהֵם֙19 of 24
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הַלְוִיִּ֔ם20 of 24

“that the same Levites”

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

הַֽמְעַשְּׂרִ֔ים21 of 24

“might have the tithes”

H6237

to tithe, i.e., to take or give a tenth

בְּכֹ֖ל22 of 24
H3605

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

עָרֵ֥י23 of 24

“in all the cities”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

עֲבֹֽדָתֵֽנוּ׃24 of 24

“of our tillage”

H5656

work of any kind

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 10:37 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 10:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 23:17Numbers 18:21Nehemiah 13:9Nehemiah 13:5Deuteronomy 26:2Deuteronomy 18:4

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