Nehemiah 9:37
What does Nehemiah 9:37 mean?
A plain-English look at Nehemiah 9:37 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Nehemiah 9:37 means
The land yields much increase, but it benefits the kings whom God has set over them because of their sins. These rulers have power over their bodies and cattle at their pleasure, and the people are in great distress. The verse presents economic exploitation and loss of autonomy as tangible signs of divine discipline. It acknowledges God’s sovereignty—He set these kings over them—while taking responsibility: it is “because of our sins.” The people do not romanticize their situation; they feel it in daily life. This honest reckoning with consequences is part of repentance and fuels their resolve to seek God’s mercy and to formalize renewed obedience.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have power over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: also they have power over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And it gives much increase to the kings whom you have put over us because of our sins: and they have power over our bodies and over our cattle at their pleasure, and we are in great trouble.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and its increase it is multiplying to the kings whom Thou hast set over us in our sins; and over our bodies they are ruling, and over our cattle, according to their pleasure, and we <FI>are<Fi> in great distress.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the fruits thereof grow up for the kings, whom thou hast set over us for our sins, and they have dominion over our bodies, and over our beasts, according to their will, and we are in great tribulation.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And it yieldeth much increase unto the kings whom thou hast set over us because of our sins: and they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, at their pleasure; and we are in great distress.
Context
Verse 37 completes the description of present subjugation begun in verse 36. Having laid out their condition and confessed God’s justice, the community is ready to respond. Verse 38 will present their concrete step: making a sure covenant, writing it, and sealing it by their leaders. The historical remembrance and confession now culminate in commitment.
v.36Behold, we are servants this day, and as for the land that thou gavest unto our fathers to eat the fruit thereof and the good thereof, behold, we are servants in it.
v.37This passage
v.38And yet for all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, our Levites, and our priests, seal unto it.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ezra 6:8
Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king’s goods, even of the tribute beyond the River, expenses be given with all diligence unto these men, that they be not hindered.
- Deuteronomy 28:48
therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies that Jehovah shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.
- Ezra 4:13
Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls finished, they will not pay tribute, custom, or toll, and in the end it will be hurtful unto the kings.
- Deuteronomy 28:33
The fruit of thy ground, and all thy labors, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway;
- Leviticus 26:17
And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be smitten before your enemies: they that hate you shall rule over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you.
- John 8:33
They answered unto him, We are Abraham’s seed, and have never yet been in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free?
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