King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 9:36 Mean?

Nehemiah 9:36 in the King James Version says “Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the go...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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:”

Nehemiah 9:36 · KJV

Context

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.

38

And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. seal: Heb. are at the sealing, or, sealed

Read Nehemiah 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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:

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 can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
הִנֵּ֛ה1 of 17
H2009

lo!

אֲנַ֥חְנוּ2 of 17
H587

we

הַיּ֖וֹם3 of 17

“this day”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

עֲבָדִ֖ים4 of 17

“Behold we are servants”

H5650

a servant

וְהָאָ֜רֶץ5 of 17

“and for the land”

H776

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

אֲשֶׁר6 of 17
H834

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

נָתַ֣תָּה7 of 17

“that thou gavest”

H5414

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

לַֽאֲבֹתֵ֗ינוּ8 of 17

“unto our fathers”

H1

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

לֶֽאֱכֹ֤ל9 of 17

“to eat”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אֶת10 of 17
H853

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

פִּרְיָהּ֙11 of 17

“the fruit”

H6529

fruit (literally or figuratively)

וְאֶת12 of 17
H853

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

טוּבָ֔הּ13 of 17

“thereof and the good”

H2898

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

הִנֵּ֛ה14 of 17
H2009

lo!

אֲנַ֥חְנוּ15 of 17
H587

we

עֲבָדִ֖ים16 of 17

“Behold we are servants”

H5650

a servant

עָלֶֽיהָ׃17 of 17
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 9:36 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 9:36 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 9:9Deuteronomy 28:482 Chronicles 12:8

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