Nehemiah 10:37

Authorized King James Version

And that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough, and our offerings, and the fruit of all manner of trees, of wine and of oil, unto the priests, to the chambers of the house of our God; and the tithes of our ground unto the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our tillage.

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
רֵאשִׁ֣ית
H7225
the firstfruits
the first, in place, time, order or rank (specifically, a firstfruit)
#3
עֲרִֽיסֹתֵ֣ינוּ
H6182
of our dough
meal
#4
וּ֠תְרֽוּמֹתֵינוּ
H8641
and our offerings
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
#5
וּפְרִ֨י
H6529
and the fruit
fruit (literally or figuratively)
#6
כָל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#7
עֵ֜ץ
H6086
of all manner of trees
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#8
תִּיר֣וֹשׁ
H8492
of wine
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
#9
וְיִצְהָ֗ר
H3323
and of oil
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing
#10
נָבִ֤יא
H935
And that we should bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#11
לַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
H3548
unto the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#12
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#13
לִשְׁכ֣וֹת
H3957
to the chambers
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
#14
בֵּית
H1004
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#15
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
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
#16
וּמַעְשַׂ֥ר
H4643
and the tithes
a tenth; especially a tithe
#17
אַדְמָתֵ֖נוּ
H127
of our ground
soil (from its general redness)
#18
הַלְוִיִּ֔ם
H3881
that the same Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#19
וְהֵם֙
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#20
הַלְוִיִּ֔ם
H3881
that the same Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#21
הַֽמְעַשְּׂרִ֔ים
H6237
might have the tithes
to tithe, i.e., to take or give a tenth
#22
בְּכֹ֖ל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#23
עָרֵ֥י
H5892
in all the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#24
עֲבֹֽדָתֵֽנוּ׃
H5656
of our tillage
work of any kind

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Nehemiah.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection