King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 9:35 Mean?

Nehemiah 9:35 in the King James Version says “For they have not served thee in their kingdom, and in thy great goodness that thou gavest them, and in the large and fa... — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Nehemiah 9:35 · KJV


Context

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:

37

And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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.

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.

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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 does understanding your work as part of God's larger purposes transform your approach to daily responsibilities?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְהֵ֣ם1 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

בְּמַלְכוּתָם֩2 of 19

thee in their kingdom

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

וּבְטֽוּבְךָ֙3 of 19

goodness

H2898

good (as a noun), in the widest sense, especially goodness (superlative concretely, the best), beauty, gladness, welfare

הָרָ֜ב4 of 19

and in thy great

H7227

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

אֲשֶׁר5 of 19
H834

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

נָתַ֥תָּ6 of 19

that thou gavest

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֗ם7 of 19
H0
וּבְאֶ֨רֶץ8 of 19

land

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

הָֽרְחָבָ֧ה9 of 19

them and in the large

H7342

roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

וְהַשְּׁמֵנָ֛ה10 of 19

and fat

H8082

greasy, i.e., gross; figuratively, rich

אֲשֶׁר11 of 19
H834

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

נָתַ֥תָּ12 of 19

that thou gavest

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לִפְנֵיהֶ֖ם13 of 19

before

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

לֹ֣א14 of 19
H3808

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

עֲבָד֑וּךָ15 of 19

For they have not served

H5647

to work (in any sense); by implication, to serve, till, (causatively) enslave, etc

וְֽלֹא16 of 19
H3808

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

שָׁ֔בוּ17 of 19

them neither turned

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

מִמַּֽעַלְלֵיהֶ֖ם18 of 19

works

H4611

an act (good or bad)

הָֽרָעִֽים׃19 of 19

they from their wicked

H7451

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)


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 9:35 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 9:35 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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