And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the sabbath, or on the holy day: and that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.

NEHEMIAH 10:31KJV
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Nehemiah 10:31 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 10:31 mean?

Nehemiah 10:31 describes a promise made by the people of Israel not to buy goods or food from outsiders on the Sabbath or holy days, and to let the land rest every seventh year, also forgiving debts during that time. This verse shows their renewed commitment to follow specific parts of God’s law after returning from exile.

The leaders and people of Jerusalem are making a public agreement to obey God’s commands as they rebuild their community. They are pledging to honor the Sabbath (a day of rest), observe the “seventh year” (a sabbatical year for the land), and cancel debts, all of which were important laws in the Torah. These promises set them apart from their neighbors and show their desire to live differently as God’s people.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 10:31

  • שַׁבָּת (shabbat) — “Sabbath.” This word means rest or cessation. Here, it highlights the importance of not treating the Sabbath like any other day, especially in economic matters.
  • הַשָּׁנָה הַשְּׁבִיעִת (hashanah hashevi’it) — “the seventh year.” The word for “seventh” (שְּׁבִיעִי, shevi’i) refers to the sabbatical year, when the land was to rest and debts were to be released, showing trust in God’s provision.
  • נָטַשׁ (natash) — “leave” or “let go.” This word is used for letting the land rest and for forgiving debts, emphasizing a release or relinquishing of claims, not just a pause.
  • מַשָּׂא (massa) — “exaction” or “claim.” This word refers to the act of demanding repayment of debts, which the people agree to stop doing every seventh year.

Why Nehemiah 10:31 matters

  • Nehemiah 10:31 clarifies that the people’s commitment was not just spiritual but also practical, affecting their business and economic life.
  • This verse connects to the broader theme of Nehemiah, where rebuilding the city also means rebuilding faithfulness to God’s law in everyday actions.
  • The mention of both Sabbath and the sabbatical year shows how these practices were meant to shape the community’s rhythm of life, setting them apart from surrounding nations.

Where else these words appear

“victuals” Hebrew H7668 · used in 9 verses

  • Genesis 42:1 Now when Jacob saw that there was corn in Egypt, Jacob said unto his sons, Why do ye look one upon another?
  • Genesis 42:19 If ye be true men, let one of your brethren be bound in the house of your prison: go ye, carry corn for the famine of your houses:
  • Genesis 44:2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack's mouth of the youngest, and his corn money. And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken.

“leave” Hebrew H5203 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 31:28 And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.
  • 1 Samuel 30:16 And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread abroad upon all the earth, eating and drinking, and dancing, because of all the great spoil that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines, and out of the land of Judah.
  • Isaiah 21:15 For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow, and from the grievousness of war.

“exaction” Hebrew H4853 · used in 60 verses

  • Exodus 23:5 If thou see the ass of him that hateth thee lying under his burden, and wouldest forbear to help him, thou shalt surely help with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 17:11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents, and tribute silver; and the Arabians brought him flocks, seven thousand and seven hundred rams, and seven thousand and seven hundred he goats.
  • Isaiah 23:1 The burden of Tyre. Howl, ye ships of Tarshish; for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entering in: from the land of Chittim it is revealed to them.

“sell” Hebrew H4376 · used in 74 verses

  • Genesis 25:31 And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright.
  • Leviticus 25:39 And if thy brother that dwelleth by thee be waxen poor, and be sold unto thee; thou shalt not compel him to serve as a bondservant:
  • 2 Kings 17:17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire, and used divination and enchantments, and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the LORD, to provoke him to anger.