King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 10:39 Mean?

Nehemiah 10:39 in the King James Version says “For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, ... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Nehemiah 10:39 · KJV


Context

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
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.

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 · 25 words
כִּ֣י1 of 25
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

אֶל2 of 25
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַ֠לְּשָׁכוֹת3 of 25

unto the chambers

H3957

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

יָבִ֨יאוּ4 of 25

shall bring

H935

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

וּבְנֵ֣י5 of 25

For the children

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

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל6 of 25

of Israel

H3478

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

וּבְנֵ֣י7 of 25

For the children

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

הַלֵּוִ֗י8 of 25

of Levi

H3878

levi, a son of jacob

אֶת9 of 25
H853

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

תְּרוּמַ֣ת10 of 25

the offering

H8641

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

הַדָּגָן֮11 of 25

of the corn

H1715

properly, increase, i.e., grain

הַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ12 of 25

of the new wine

H8492

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

וְהַיִּצְהָר֒13 of 25

and the oil

H3323

oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing

וְשָׁם֙14 of 25
H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

כְּלֵ֣י15 of 25

where are the vessels

H3627

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

הַמִּקְדָּ֔שׁ16 of 25

of the sanctuary

H4720

a consecrated thing or place, especially, a palace, sanctuary (whether of jehovah or of idols) or asylum

וְהַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙17 of 25

and the priests

H3548

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

הַמְשָׁ֣רְתִ֔ים18 of 25

that minister

H8334

to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to

וְהַשּֽׁוֹעֲרִ֖ים19 of 25

and the porters

H7778

a janitor

וְהַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֑ים20 of 25

and the singers

H7891

to sing

וְלֹ֥א21 of 25
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נַֽעֲזֹ֖ב22 of 25

and we will not forsake

H5800

to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc

אֶת23 of 25
H853

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

בֵּ֥ית24 of 25

the house

H1004

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

אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃25 of 25

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 10:39 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 10:39 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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