King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 10:38 Mean?

Nehemiah 10:38 in the King James Version says “And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up ... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Nehemiah 10:38 · KJV


Context

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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 · 19 words
וְהָיָ֨ה1 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

הַכֹּהֵ֧ן2 of 19

And the priest

H3548

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

בֶּֽן3 of 19

the son

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

אַהֲרֹ֛ן4 of 19

of Aaron

H175

aharon, the brother of moses

עִם5 of 19
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְהַלְוִיִּ֞ם6 of 19

and the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

בַּעְשֵׂ֣ר7 of 19

take tithes

H6237

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

וְהַלְוִיִּ֞ם8 of 19

and the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

וְהַלְוִיִּ֞ם9 of 19

and the Levites

H3881

a levite or descendant of levi

יַֽעֲל֨וּ10 of 19

shall bring up

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

אֶת11 of 19
H853

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

הַֽמַּעֲשֵׂר֙12 of 19

of the tithes

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

הַֽמַּעֲשֵׂר֙13 of 19

of the tithes

H4643

a tenth; especially a tithe

לְבֵ֥ית14 of 19

house

H1004

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

אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ15 of 19

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

אֶל16 of 19
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַלְּשָׁכ֖וֹת17 of 19

to the chambers

H3957

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

לְבֵ֥ית18 of 19

house

H1004

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

הָֽאוֹצָֽר׃19 of 19

into the treasure

H214

a depository


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 10:38 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 10:38 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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