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:

NEHEMIAH 10:36KJV
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Nehemiah 10:36 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 10:36 mean?

Nehemiah 10:36 describes the commitment of the people to bring the firstborn of their sons and animals, as well as the first offspring of their herds and flocks, to the house of God for the priests, following what is written in the law. This verse shows their promise to honor God by giving the first and best of what they have, as instructed in the law of Moses.

In this passage, the leaders and people of Israel are making a public agreement to keep the commands found in the law (Torah) after returning from exile. The verse specifically refers to the practice of dedicating the firstborn (both human and animal) to God, which was a sign of trust and obedience. The priests, who served in the temple, were responsible for receiving these offerings on behalf of God.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 10:36

  • בְּכוֹר (bekhor, H1060) — "firstborn": This word refers to the firstborn son or animal, which in Israelite law was considered especially significant and belonged to God.
  • תּוֹרָה (torah, H8451) — "law": This term means "instruction" or "law," pointing to the commands given through Moses, which the people are recommitting to follow.
  • בְּכֹרוֹת (bekhorot, H1062) — "firstlings": This word refers to the first offspring of herds and flocks, emphasizing that not just people but also animals were to be dedicated.
  • בֵּית (beit, H1004) — "house": This means "house," here referring to the temple, the central place of worship and sacrifice.

Why Nehemiah 10:36 matters

  • Nehemiah 10:36 clarifies that the people's renewed commitment included both their families and their possessions, showing a holistic dedication to God.
  • The verse connects the community’s actions directly to the written law, underlining that their promises were not new inventions but a return to ancient commands.
  • By mentioning the priests and the house of God, the verse highlights the restored structure of worship and leadership after the exile, showing the rebuilding of both physical and spiritual life in Jerusalem.

Where else these words appear

“firstlings” Hebrew H1062 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 4:4 And Abel, he also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat thereof. And the LORD had respect unto Abel and to his offering:
  • Genesis 25:34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and pottage of lentiles; and he did eat and drink, and rose up, and went his way: thus Esau despised his birthright.
  • Deuteronomy 12:17 Thou mayest not eat within thy gates the tithe of thy corn, or of thy wine, or of thy oil, or the firstlings of thy herds or of thy flock, nor any of thy vows which thou vowest, nor thy freewill offerings, or heave offering of thine hand:

“minister” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

“firstborn” Hebrew H1060 · used in 96 verses

  • Genesis 10:15 And Canaan begat Sidon his firstborn, and Heth,
  • Numbers 3:40 And the LORD said unto Moses, Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:25 And the sons of Jerahmeel the firstborn of Hezron were, Ram the firstborn, and Bunah, and Oren, and Ozem, and Ahijah.