Nehemiah 10:36

Authorized King James Version

Also the firstborn of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, unto the priests that minister in the house of our God:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
בְּכֹר֤וֹת
H1060
Also the firstborn
first-born; hence, chief
#3
בָּנֵ֙ינוּ֙
H1121
of our sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
וּבְהֶמְתֵּ֔ינוּ
H929
and of our cattle
properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)
#5
כַּכָּת֖וּב
H3789
as it is written
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#6
בַּתּוֹרָ֑ה
H8451
in the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#7
וְאֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#8
בְּכוֹרֵ֨י
H1061
the first-fruits of the crop
#9
בְקָרֵ֜ינוּ
H1241
of our herds
a beeve or an animal of the ox family of either gender (as used for plowing); collectively, a herd
#10
וְצֹאנֵ֗ינוּ
H6629
and of our flocks
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#11
לְהָבִיא֙
H935
to bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#12
בְּבֵ֥ית
H1004
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#13
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
H430
of our God
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
#14
לַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים
H3548
unto the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#15
הַמְשָֽׁרְתִ֖ים
H8334
that minister
to attend as a menial or worshipper; figuratively, to contribute to
#16
בְּבֵ֥ית
H1004
in the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#17
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
H430
of our God
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection