Nehemiah 10:31
What does Nehemiah 10:31 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 10:31 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 10:31 means
They vow not to buy goods on the Sabbath or on a holy day, even if surrounding peoples bring wares to sell. They also commit to observe the seventh year by letting the land rest and to cease the exaction of every debt. This centers their economy on God’s timing and mercy. Sabbath honors God as Creator and Lord; the sabbatical year embodies trust, justice, and compassion. Their pledge resists constant commerce and exploitation, choosing rhythms of rest and release under God’s rule.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy of them on the sabbath, or on a holy day; and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and if the peoples of the land bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy of them on the sabbath, or on a holy day; and that we would forego the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And if the peoples of the lands come to do trade in goods or food on the Sabbath day, that we would do no trade with them on the Sabbath or on a holy day: and that in the seventh year we would take no payment from any debtor.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the peoples of the land who are bringing in the wares and any corn on the sabbath-day to sell, we receive not of them on the sabbath, and on a holy day, and we leave the seventh year, and usury on every hand.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And if the people of the land bring in things to sell, or any things for use, to sell them on the sabbath day, that we would not buy them on the sabbath, or on the holy day. And that we would leave the seventh year, and the exaction of every hand.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and that if the peoples of the land brought wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, we would not take it of them on the sabbath, or on [any] holy day; and that we would leave [the land uncultivated] the seventh year, and the exaction of every debt.
Context
Moving from the home to the marketplace and the land, this verse outlines key socio-economic commitments. It follows the marriage vow and precedes the financial and logistical support for temple worship. Together, these promises show a comprehensive obedience: family choices, weekly and yearly rhythms, and mercy toward debtors are all brought under God’s law. The next verses will focus on sustained provision for the house of God.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Deuteronomy 15:1
At the end of every seven years thou shalt make a release.
- Leviticus 23:21
And ye shall make proclamation on the selfsame day; there shall be a holy convocation unto you; ye shall do no servile work: it is a statute for ever in all your dwellings throughout your generations.
- Nehemiah 5:1
Then there arose a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brethren the Jews.
- Isaiah 58:13
If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, and the holy of Jehovah honorable; and shalt honor it, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words:
- Deuteronomy 15:7
If there be with thee a poor man, one of thy brethren, within any of thy gates in thy land which Jehovah thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thy heart, nor shut thy hand from thy poor brother;
- Matthew 18:27
And the lord of that servant, being moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.
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