For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.

NEHEMIAH 10:39KJV
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Nehemiah 10:39 (KJV)

What does Nehemiah 10:39 mean?

Nehemiah 10:39 describes how the people of Israel, including the Levites, commit to bringing offerings of grain, new wine, and oil to the temple storerooms, where the priests, gatekeepers, and singers serve, promising not to neglect the house of God. This verse shows their renewed dedication to supporting temple worship and the needs of those who serve there.

After returning from exile, the leaders and people in Jerusalem are making a public agreement to follow God’s laws, including caring for the temple. Nehemiah 10:39 is part of a list of promises, highlighting the community’s responsibility to provide for the temple’s daily needs and the people who work there. The verse closes with a strong pledge not to abandon God’s house, showing the seriousness of their commitment.

The Hebrew behind Nehemiah 10:39

  • "forsake" (עָזַב, ʿazav): This word means to leave behind or abandon. Here, it emphasizes a deliberate promise not to neglect or turn away from the temple, stressing the community’s sense of responsibility.
  • "house" (בַּיִת, bayit): This word refers to the temple, called "the house of our God." It is a reminder that the temple is not just a building but the center of worship and community life for Israel.
  • "offering" (תְּרוּמָה, terumah): This word means a contribution or offering set apart for God. The use of this word points to the people’s active role in supporting worship through their gifts.

Why Nehemiah 10:39 matters

  • Nehemiah 10:39 clarifies that temple support was not just a priestly duty but a shared responsibility for all Israel, including the Levites and laypeople.
  • The verse highlights the importance of practical, ongoing care for worship and those who serve in the temple, not just ceremonial observance.
  • This promise connects to the larger covenant renewal in Nehemiah, showing how the community’s spiritual revival included concrete, everyday commitments.

Where else these words appear

“oil” Hebrew H3323 · used in 23 verses

  • Numbers 18:12 All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.
  • 2 Kings 18:32 Until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of corn and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of oil olive and of honey, that ye may live, and not die: and hearken not unto Hezekiah, when he persuadeth you, saying, The LORD will deliver us.
  • Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

“porters” Hebrew H7778 · used in 37 verses

  • 2 Samuel 18:26 And the watchman saw another man running: and the watchman called unto the porter, and said, Behold another man running alone. And the king said, He also bringeth tidings.
  • 1 Chronicles 16:38 And Obededom with their brethren, threescore and eight; Obededom also the son of Jeduthun and Hosah to be porters:
  • Ezra 2:70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the porters, and the Nethinims, dwelt in their cities, and all Israel in their cities.

“wine” Hebrew H8492 · used in 38 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 31:5 And as soon as the commandment came abroad, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of corn, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the increase of the field; and the tithe of all things brought they in abundantly.
  • Jeremiah 31:12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the LORD, for wheat, and for wine, and for oil, and for the young of the flock and of the herd: and their soul shall be as a watered garden; and they shall not sorrow any more at all.

“corn” Hebrew H1715 · used in 40 verses

  • Genesis 27:28 Therefore God give thee of the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of corn and wine:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:28 Storehouses also for the increase of corn, and wine, and oil; and stalls for all manner of beasts, and cotes for flocks.
  • Lamentations 2:12 They say to their mothers, Where is corn and wine? when they swooned as the wounded in the streets of the city, when their soul was poured out into their mothers' bosom.