King James Version

What Does Nehemiah 9:37 Mean?

Nehemiah 9:37 in the King James Version says “And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion ove...” — study this verse from Nehemiah chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Nehemiah 9:37 · King James Version

Context

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

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Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

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?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וּתְבֽוּאָתָ֣הּ1 of 15

“increase”

H8393

income, i.e., produce (literally or figuratively)

מַרְבָּ֗ה2 of 15

“And it yieldeth much”

H7235

to increase (in whatever respect)

לַמְּלָכִ֛ים3 of 15

“unto the kings”

H4428

a king

אֲשֶׁר4 of 15
H834

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

נָתַ֥תָּה5 of 15

“whom thou hast set”

H5414

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

עָלֵ֖ינוּ6 of 15
H5921

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

בְּחַטֹּאותֵ֑ינוּ7 of 15

“over us because of our sins”

H2403

an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender

וְעַ֣ל8 of 15
H5921

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

גְּ֠וִיֹּתֵינוּ9 of 15

“over our bodies”

H1472

a body, whether alive or dead

מֹֽשְׁלִ֤ים10 of 15

“also they have dominion”

H4910

to rule

וּבִבְהֶמְתֵּ֙נוּ֙11 of 15

“and over our cattle”

H929

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

כִּרְצוֹנָ֔ם12 of 15

“at their pleasure”

H7522

delight (especially as shown)

וּבְצָרָ֥ה13 of 15

“distress”

H6869

transitively, a female rival

גְדוֹלָ֖ה14 of 15

“and we are in great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

אֲנָֽחְנוּ׃15 of 15
H587

we

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 9:37 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 9:37 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Deuteronomy 28:33Deuteronomy 28:48Ezra 7:24Leviticus 26:17Nehemiah 5:8Deuteronomy 28:51

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