King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 9:34 Mean?

Nehemiah 9:34 in the King James Version says “Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.”

Nehemiah 9:34 · KJV

Context

32

Now therefore, our God, the great, the mighty, and the terrible God, who keepest covenant and mercy, let not all the trouble seem little before thee, that hath come upon us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fathers, and on all thy people, since the time of the kings of Assyria unto this day. trouble: Heb. weariness that: Heb. that hath found us

33

Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

34

Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.

35

For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fat land which thou gavest before them, neither turned they from their wicked works.

36

Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it:

Read Nehemiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Neither have our kings, our princes, our priests, nor our fathers, kept thy law, nor hearkened unto thy commandments and thy testimonies, wherewith thou didst testify against them.

This verse within Nehemiah 9 addresses themes of confession, God's faithfulness, corporate prayer, covenant history. Extended corporate prayer recounts God's faithfulness through Israel's history while honestly confessing persistent covenant violations. 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 · 16 words
וְאֶת1 of 16
H853

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

מְלָכֵ֤ינוּ2 of 16

“Neither have our kings”

H4428

a king

שָׂרֵ֙ינוּ֙3 of 16

“our princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

כֹּֽהֲנֵ֣ינוּ4 of 16

“our priests”

H3548

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

וַֽאֲבֹתֵ֔ינוּ5 of 16

“nor our fathers”

H1

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

לֹ֥א6 of 16
H3808

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

עָשׂ֖וּ7 of 16

“kept”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

תּֽוֹרָתֶ֑ךָ8 of 16

“thy law”

H8451

a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

וְלֹ֤א9 of 16
H3808

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

הִקְשִׁ֙יבוּ֙10 of 16

“nor hearkened”

H7181

to prick up the ears, i.e., hearken

אֶל11 of 16
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מִצְוֹתֶ֔יךָ12 of 16

“unto thy commandments”

H4687

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

וּלְעֵ֣דְוֹתֶ֔יךָ13 of 16

“and thy testimonies”

H5715

testimony

אֲשֶׁ֥ר14 of 16
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הַֽעִידֹ֖תָ15 of 16

“wherewith thou didst testify”

H5749

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

בָּהֶֽם׃16 of 16
H0

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 9:34 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 9:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Jeremiah 29:192 Kings 17:13Deuteronomy 31:212 Kings 17:15Nehemiah 9:30

Test Your Knowledge

Nehemiah 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterNehemiah Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Nehemiah 9 with CommentaryAll Nehemiah ChaptersComplete Nehemiah QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes