Nehemiah 10:29
They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;
Original Language Analysis
מַֽחֲזִיקִ֣ים
They clave
H2388
מַֽחֲזִיקִ֣ים
They clave
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
1 of 25
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 25
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
אֲחֵיהֶם֮
to their brethren
H251
אֲחֵיהֶם֮
to their brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
3 of 25
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
אַדִּֽירֵיהֶם֒
their nobles
H117
אַדִּֽירֵיהֶם֒
their nobles
Strong's:
H117
Word #:
4 of 25
wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful
וּבָאִ֞ים
and entered
H935
וּבָאִ֞ים
and entered
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
5 of 25
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וּבִשְׁבוּעָ֗ה
and into an oath
H7621
וּבִשְׁבוּעָ֗ה
and into an oath
Strong's:
H7621
Word #:
7 of 25
properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath
לָלֶ֙כֶת֙
H1980
לָלֶ֙כֶת֙
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
8 of 25
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
בְּתוֹרַ֣ת
law
H8451
בְּתוֹרַ֣ת
law
Strong's:
H8451
Word #:
9 of 25
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
in God's
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
in God's
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
10 of 25
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
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
11 of 25
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
נִתְּנָ֔ה
which was given
H5414
נִתְּנָ֔ה
which was given
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
12 of 25
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
בְּיַ֖ד
by
H3027
בְּיַ֖ד
by
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
13 of 25
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
in God's
H430
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
in God's
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
16 of 25
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
וְלִשְׁמ֣וֹר
and to observe
H8104
וְלִשְׁמ֣וֹר
and to observe
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
17 of 25
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
וְלַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת
and do
H6213
וְלַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
18 of 25
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
19 of 25
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
20 of 25
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
מִצְוֹת֙
all the commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹת֙
all the commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
21 of 25
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
H3068
יְהוָ֣ה
of the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
22 of 25
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
Cross References
Ezekiel 36:27And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.Psalms 119:106I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments.John 15:14Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.Romans 12:9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.2 Kings 23:3And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant.2 Chronicles 34:31And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How does regular engagement with Scripture transform understanding of God and His will for your life?
- What specific commitments do you need to make (or renew) regarding Bible reading, worship, and obedience?
- How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;
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.