Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our Levites and our priests are affixing their seals to it.” New Living Translation The people responded, “In view of all this, we are making a solemn promise and putting it in writing. On this sealed document are the names of our leaders and Levites and priests.” English Standard Version “Because of all this we make a firm covenant in writing; on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests. Berean Standard Bible In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.” Berean Literal Bible And in all this we are cutting a firm covenant, and writing even on the sealed document our leaders, our Levites, and our priests.” King James Bible And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it. New King James Version “And because of all this, We make a sure covenant and write it; Our leaders, our Levites, and our priests seal it.” New American Standard Bible “Now because of all this We are making an agreement in writing; And on the sealed document are the names of our leaders, our Levites, and our priests.” NASB 1995 “Now because of all this We are making an agreement in writing; And on the sealed document are the names of our leaders, our Levites and our priests.” NASB 1977 “Now because of all this We are making an agreement in writing; And on the sealed document are the names of our leaders, our Levites and our priests.” Legacy Standard Bible “Now because of all this We are cutting an agreement in writing; And on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests.” Amplified Bible “Now because of all this We are making an agreement in writing; And on the sealed document are the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests.” Berean Annotated Bible In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests. Christian Standard Bible In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement in writing on a sealed document containing the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests. Holman Christian Standard Bible In view of all this, we are making a binding agreement in writing on a sealed document containing the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests. American Standard Version And yet for all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal unto it. Contemporary English Version And so, a firm agreement was made that had the official approval of the leaders, the Levites, and priests. English Revised Version And yet for all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal unto it. GOD'S WORD® Translation "We are making a binding agreement [and putting it] in writing because of all this. Our leaders, Levites, and priests are putting their seals on the document." Good News Translation Because of all that has happened, we, the people of Israel, hereby make a solemn written agreement, and our leaders, our Levites, and our priests put their seals to it. International Standard Version "Because of all this, we are making a binding agreement, putting it in writing, and our leaders, our descendants of Levi, and our priests hereby set their seals upon it." NET Bible "Because of all of this we are entering into a binding covenant in written form; our leaders, our Levites, and our priests have affixed their names on the sealed document." New Heart English Bible Yet for all this, we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our leaders, our Levites, and our priests, seal it." Webster's Bible Translation And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, set their seals to it. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIn view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.” World English Bible Yet for all this, we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal it.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd for all this we are making a steadfast covenant, "" And are writing, "" And over him who is sealed "" [Are] our heads, our Levites, [and] our priests.” Berean Literal Bible And in all this we are cutting a firm covenant, and writing even on the sealed document our leaders, our Levites, and our priests.” Young's Literal Translation And for all this we are making a stedfast covenant, and are writing, and over him who is sealed are our heads, our Levites, our priests.' Smith's Literal Translation And for all this we cut out faithfulness, and write; and upon the sealing, our chiefs, our Levites, and our priests. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims Bibleand because of all this we ourselves make a covenant, and write it, and our princes, our Levites, and our priests sign it. Catholic Public Domain Version Therefore, concerning all of these things, we ourselves are forming and writing a covenant, and our leaders, our Levites, and our priests are signing it.” New American Bible In view of all this, we are entering into a firm pact, which we are putting into writing. On the sealed document appear the names of our princes, our Levites, and our priests. New Revised Standard Version Because of all this we make a firm agreement in writing, and on that sealed document are inscribed the names of our officials, our Levites, and our priests. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd in view of all these things we make a sure covenant and bear witness over the seal, even our elders, Levites, and priests, and all those who have been spared of us. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And among all these we swear in the truth and we testify to the seal, our Elders and the Levites and our Priests and all those who lived among us.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And yet for all this we make a sure covenant, and subscribe it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, set their seal unto it. Brenton Septuagint Translation And in regard to all these circumstances we make a covenant, and write it, and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, set their seal to it. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The People Confess Their Sins…37Its abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress. 38In view of all this, we make a binding agreement, putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.” Cross References In view of all this, Ezra 9:13-15 After all that has come upon us because of our evil deeds and our great guilt (though You, our God, have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have given us such a remnant as this), / shall we again break Your commandments and intermarry with the peoples who commit these abominations? Would You not become so angry with us as to wipe us out, leaving no remnant or survivor? / O LORD, God of Israel, You are righteous! For we remain this day as a remnant. Here we are before You in our guilt, though because of it no one can stand before You.” Deuteronomy 29:10-15 All of you are standing today before the LORD your God—you leaders of tribes, elders, officials, and all the men of Israel, / your children and wives, and the foreigners in your camps who cut your wood and draw your water— / so that you may enter into the covenant of the LORD your God, which He is making with you today, and into His oath, … Joshua 24:14-15 Now, therefore, fear the LORD and serve Him in sincerity and truth; cast aside the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. / But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD!” we make a binding agreement, Joshua 24:25-27 On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance. / Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD. / And Joshua said to all the people, “You see this stone. It will be a witness against us, for it has heard all the words the LORD has spoken to us, and it will be a witness against you if you ever deny your God.” 2 Chronicles 15:12-15 Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul. / And whoever would not seek the LORD, the God of Israel, would be put to death, whether young or old, man or woman. / They took an oath to the LORD with a loud voice, with shouting, trumpets, and rams’ horns. … putting it in writing Deuteronomy 31:24-26 When Moses had finished writing in a book the words of this law from beginning to end, / he gave this command to the Levites who carried the ark of the covenant of the LORD: / “Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God, so that it may remain there as a witness against you. Joshua 24:26 Joshua recorded these things in the Book of the Law of God. Then he took a large stone and set it up there under the oak that was near the sanctuary of the LORD. and sealing it Jeremiah 32:10-12 I signed and sealed the deed, called in witnesses, and weighed out the silver on the scales. / Then I took the deed of purchase—the sealed copy with its terms and conditions, as well as the open copy— / and I gave this deed to Baruch son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of my cousin Hanamel and the witnesses who were signing the purchase agreement and all the Jews sitting in the courtyard of the guard. Esther 8:8 Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.” with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests.” Nehemiah 10:1-27 Now these were the ones who sealed the document: Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah, / Seraiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, / Pashhur, Amariah, Malchijah, … Ezra 8:24-30 Then I set apart twelve of the leading priests, together with Sherebiah, Hashabiah, and ten of their brothers, / and I weighed out to them the contribution of silver and gold and the articles that the king, his counselors, his leaders, and all the Israelites there had offered for the house of our God. / I weighed out into their hands 650 talents of silver, articles of silver weighing 100 talents, 100 talents of gold, … 2 Chronicles 31:12-19 And they faithfully brought in the contributions, tithes, and dedicated gifts. Conaniah the Levite was the officer in charge of them, and his brother Shimei was second. / Jehiel, Azaziah, Nahath, Asahel, Jerimoth, Jozabad, Eliel, Ismachiah, Mahath, and Benaiah were overseers under the authority of Conaniah and his brother Shimei, by appointment of King Hezekiah and of Azariah the chief official of the house of God. / Kore son of Imnah the Levite, the keeper of the East Gate, was in charge of the freewill offerings given to God, distributing the contributions to the LORD and the consecrated gifts. … Exodus 24:3-8 When Moses came and told the people all the words and ordinances of the LORD, they all responded with one voice: “All the words that the LORD has spoken, we will do.” / And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD. Early the next morning he got up and built an altar at the base of the mountain, along with twelve pillars for the twelve tribes of Israel. / Then he sent out some young men of Israel, and they offered burnt offerings and sacrificed young bulls as peace offerings to the LORD. … 2 Kings 23:3 So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. And all the people entered into the covenant. 2 Chronicles 29:10 Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the LORD, the God of Israel, so that His fierce anger will turn away from us. 2 Chronicles 34:31 So the king stood by the pillar and made a covenant before the LORD to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments, decrees, and statutes with all his heart and all his soul, and to carry out the words of the covenant that were written in this book. Treasury of Scripture And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal to it. we make. Nehemiah 10:29 They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes; 2 Kings 23:3 And the king stood by a pillar, and made a covenant before the LORD, to walk after the LORD, and to keep his commandments and his testimonies and his statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people stood to the covenant. 2 Chronicles 15:12,13 And they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul; … seal unto it. Nehemiah 10:1 Now those that sealed were, Nehemiah, the Tirshatha, the son of Hachaliah, and Zidkijah, Jump to Previous Agreement Binding Covenant Document Faith Firm Good Levites Making Names Priests Princes Rulers Seal Sealed Seals Subscribe Sure View Write WritingJump to Next Agreement Binding Covenant Document Faith Firm Good Levites Making Names Priests Princes Rulers Seal Sealed Seals Subscribe Sure View Write WritingNehemiah 9 1. A solemn fast, and repentance of the people4. The Levites make a confession of God's goodness, and their wickedness In view of all this This phrase refers to the preceding events and confessions in Nehemiah 9, where the Israelites recount their history, acknowledging God's faithfulness and their own repeated failures. The chapter is a prayer of confession and a recounting of God's mercies, highlighting the covenant relationship between God and Israel. This context emphasizes the gravity and solemnity of the decision to renew their commitment to God. we make a binding agreement putting it in writing and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahThe governor of Judah who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and initiated spiritual reforms among the people. 2. Leaders, Levites, and Priests These groups were responsible for guiding the people spiritually and administratively. They played a crucial role in the covenant renewal. 3. Jerusalem The city where these events took place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and identity. 4. Covenant Renewal The event where the Israelites recommitted themselves to God's laws, acknowledging their past failures and seeking to restore their relationship with God. 5. Seals The act of affixing seals symbolized a formal and serious commitment to the covenant, indicating the leaders' accountability and sincerity. Teaching Points The Importance of CommitmentJust as the Israelites made a binding agreement, Christians are called to commit their lives to Christ and His teachings. Leadership Accountability Leaders in the church are responsible for guiding their congregations in spiritual matters, just as the leaders, Levites, and priests did in Nehemiah's time. The Role of Community The covenant was a communal act, reminding us of the importance of community in our spiritual journey. Repentance and Renewal The Israelites' renewal of the covenant was an act of repentance, showing the necessity of turning back to God when we stray. Symbolism of Seals The use of seals signifies the seriousness of our commitments to God, encouraging us to be sincere and intentional in our faith. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 9:38?2. How does Nehemiah 9:38 inspire us to renew our covenant with God today? 3. What commitments can we make to align with God’s will like in Nehemiah 9:38? 4. How does Nehemiah 9:38 connect to other biblical covenants with God’s people? 5. Why is it important to document commitments as seen in Nehemiah 9:38? 6. How can we ensure our commitments to God are sincere and lasting? 7. What is the significance of the covenant mentioned in Nehemiah 9:38? 8. How does Nehemiah 9:38 reflect the Israelites' relationship with God? 9. Why did the Israelites feel the need to make a binding agreement in Nehemiah 9:38? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 9? 11. In 2 Samuel 21, where is the historical or archaeological evidence to validate or challenge the reported famine and the Gibeonite retribution? 12. How do the Old and New Covenants differ? 13. Does the nature of Jonathan's covenant with David in 1 Samuel 20:16 present any inconsistencies with later depictions of Israelite covenants? 14. What is the definition of lovingkindness? What Does Nehemiah 9:38 Mean In view of all thisBefore the people could commit to anything, they first looked back at everything God had just reminded them of—the sweep of His faithfulness from creation to their present day (Nehemiah 9:6-37). • Like Joshua’s generation pausing at Shechem (Joshua 24:1-13), they rehearse God’s saving acts so that obedience flows from gratitude, not mere duty. • Romans 12:1 mirrors this pattern: “Therefore I urge you… in view of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice.” The “therefore” always rests on what God has already done. • This perspective guards against legalism; their pledge is a response to grace, not an attempt to earn it. we make a binding agreement The phrase is covenant language—a solemn promise anchored in God’s character, not a casual resolution. • 2 Kings 23:3 shows Josiah entering “into a covenant before the LORD… to follow the LORD and to keep His commandments.” • Exodus 24:7, “Then Moses took the Book of the Covenant and read it in the hearing of the people,” underscores that God’s people have always formalized commitment. • The “binding” nature underscores accountability. Covenant is life-and-death serious (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). putting it in writing Written truth endures, guarding against drift and forgetfulness. • Exodus 24:4, “And Moses wrote down all the words of the LORD.” • Deuteronomy 31:24-26 places the law beside the ark as a testimony, emphasizing permanence. • Habakkuk 2:2, “Write down this vision; clearly inscribe it,” shows God’s preference for clarity and reproducibility. • For us, Scripture itself is God’s written covenant, providing an unchanging standard (2 Timothy 3:16-17). and sealing it with the names of our leaders, Levites, and priests Signatures and seals publicly identify the accountable parties. • Jeremiah 32:10-12 records Jeremiah sealing a deed “in the presence of witnesses,” illustrating transparency. • Their leaders, Levites, and priests model ownership; obedience starts at the top (Hebrews 13:7). • Ephesians 1:13 draws a spiritual parallel: believers are “sealed with the promised Holy Spirit,” guaranteeing God’s side of the covenant. summary Nehemiah 9:38 captures a community standing on God’s faithfulness, willingly entering a covenant that is serious, written, and publicly sealed. Their response teaches us to remember God’s works, commit wholeheartedly, preserve truth in writing, and embrace accountability—confidence grounded in the unchanging reliability of God’s Word. (38) Because of all this.--On the ground of this confession, and to prove our sincerity.Seal unto it.--On the sealed [document]. Each party impressed his seal on moist clay, which was then hardened. Sometimes these seals were attached to the document by separate strings. In Nehemiah 11, "those who sealed" is, literally, those on the sealed [documents], in the plural. Verse 38. - Because of all this. Because of our past sins and their punishment - to prevent a recurrence of similar conduct and similar afflictions. We... seal unto it. In the East it is always the seal that authenticates a document. Babylonian documents were often stamped with half a dozen seals or more. These were impressed upon the moist clay, and then the clay was baked. Sometimes each party to the contract stamped his seal upon a separate piece of sealing clay, which he then attached to the document by means of a string (Layard, 'Nineveh and Babylon,' p. 154). Any number of seals could be attached in this way.
Hebrew In view of allוּבְכָל־ (ū·ḇə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every this, זֹ֕את (zōṯ) Pronoun - feminine singular Strong's 2063: Hereby in it, likewise, the one other, same, she, so much, such deed, that, we אֲנַ֛חְנוּ (’ă·naḥ·nū) Pronoun - first person common plural Strong's 587: We make כֹּרְתִ֥ים (kō·rə·ṯîm) Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3772: To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant a binding agreement, אֲמָנָ֖ה (’ă·mā·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 548: Something fixed, a covenant, an allowance putting it in writing וְכֹתְבִ֑ים (wə·ḵō·ṯə·ḇîm) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 3789: To grave, to write and וְעַל֙ (wə·‘al) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against sealing it with [the names of] הֶֽחָת֔וּם (he·ḥā·ṯūm) Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 2856: To seal, affix a seal, seal up our leaders, שָׂרֵ֥ינוּ (śā·rê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince Levites, לְוִיֵּ֖נוּ (lə·wî·yê·nū) Noun - proper | first person common plural Strong's 3881: Levites -- descendant of Levi and priests.” כֹּהֲנֵֽינוּ׃ (kō·hă·nê·nū) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common plural Strong's 3548: Priest Links Nehemiah 9:38 NIVNehemiah 9:38 NLT Nehemiah 9:38 ESV Nehemiah 9:38 NASB Nehemiah 9:38 KJV Nehemiah 9:38 BibleApps.com Nehemiah 9:38 Biblia Paralela Nehemiah 9:38 Chinese Bible Nehemiah 9:38 French Bible Nehemiah 9:38 Catholic Bible OT History: Nehemiah 9:38 Yet for all this we make (Neh Ne) |
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