New International VersionBecause of our sins, its abundant harvest goes to the kings you have placed over us. They rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress.
New Living TranslationThe lush produce of this land piles up in the hands of the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They have power over us and our livestock. We serve them at their pleasure, and we are in great misery.”
English Standard VersionAnd its rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and over our livestock as they please, and we are in great distress.
Berean Standard BibleIts 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.
King James BibleAnd 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.
New King James VersionAnd it yields much increase to the kings You have set over us, Because of our sins; Also they have dominion over our bodies and our cattle At their pleasure; And we are in great distress.
New American Standard Bible“And its abundant produce is for the kings Whom You have set over us because of our sins; They also rule over our bodies And over our cattle as they please, So we are in great distress.
NASB 1995“Its abundant produce is for the kings Whom You have set over us because of our sins; They also rule over our bodies And over our cattle as they please, So we are in great distress.
NASB 1977“And its abundant produce is for the kings Whom Thou hast set over us because of our sins; They also rule over our bodies And over our cattle as they please, So we are in great distress.
Legacy Standard BibleIts abundant produce is for the kings Whom You have put over us because of our sins; They also rule over our bodies And over our cattle according to their desire, So we are in great distress.
Amplified Bible“Its abundant produce is for the kings Whom You have set over us because of our sins; They also rule over our bodies And over our cattle as they please, So we are in great distress.
Christian Standard BibleIts abundant harvest goes to the kings you have set over us, because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.
Holman Christian Standard BibleIts abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us, because of our sins. They rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please. We are in great distress.
American Standard VersionAnd 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.
Contemporary English VersionIts plentiful harvest is taken by kings you placed over us because of our sins. Our suffering is unbearable, because they do as they wish to us and our livestock.
English Revised VersionAnd 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.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThe many products [from our land] go to the kings you put over us. This is because of our sins. These kings have control over our bodies, and they do as they please with our livestock. We are in agony.
Good News TranslationWhat the land produces goes to the kings that you put over us because we sinned. They do as they please with us and our livestock, and we are in deep distress!"
International Standard VersionBut now its abundant produce belongs to the kings whom you placed over us because of our sin. They also have power over our bodies and our herds at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
NET BibleIts abundant produce goes to the kings you have placed over us due to our sins. They rule over our bodies and our livestock as they see fit, and we are in great distress!
New Heart English BibleIt yields much increase to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins: also they have power over our bodies, and over our livestock, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd it yieldeth much increase to 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleIts 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.
World English BibleIt yields much increase to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins. Also they have power over our bodies and over our livestock, at their pleasure, and we are in great distress. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd its increase it is multiplying to the kings "" Whom You have set over us "" In our sins; And over our bodies they are ruling, "" And over our livestock, "" According to their pleasure, "" And we [are] in great distress.
Young's Literal Translation and 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 are in great distress.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd its produce being much for the kings whom thou gavest over us in our sins: and ruling over our bodies and upon our cattle according to their will, and we in great straits. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd 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.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd its fruits are multiplied for the kings, whom you have set over us because of our sins. And they rule over our bodies, and over our cattle, according to their will. And we are in great tribulation.
New American BibleIts rich produce goes to the kings you set over us because of our sins, Who rule over our bodies and our cattle as they please. We are in great distress!”
New Revised Standard VersionIts rich yield goes to the kings whom you have set over us because of our sins; they have power also over our bodies and over our livestock at their pleasure, and we are in great distress.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd its produce is taken by 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 living in a great distress.
Peshitta Holy Bible TranslatedAnd the Kings that you appointed over us take its fruits, because we have sinned, and they are authorized over our bodies and over our domestic animals, according to their pleasure, and we live in great affliction. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And 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.'
Brenton Septuagint Translationand its produce is abundant for the kings whom thou didst appoint over us because of our sins; and they have dominion over our bodies, and over our cattle, as it pleases them, and we are in great affliction.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The People Confess Their Sins… 36So here we are today as slaves in the land You gave our fathers to enjoy its fruit and goodness—here we are as slaves! 37Its abundantharvestgoes to the kingsYou have setover usbecause of our sins.And they ruleoverour bodiesand our livestockas they please.Weare in greatdistress.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 Deuteronomy 28:33A people you do not know will eat the produce of your land and of all your toil. All your days you will be oppressed and crushed.
Judges 6:3-6Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other people of the east would come up and invade them, / encamping against them as far as Gaza and destroying the produce of the land. They left Israel with no sustenance, neither sheep nor oxen nor donkeys. / For the Midianites came with their livestock and their tents like a great swarm of locusts. They and their camels were innumerable, and they entered the land to ravage it. ...
Isaiah 5:5-7Now I will tell you what I am about to do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it will be consumed; I will tear down its wall, and it will be trampled. / I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.” / For the vineyard of the LORD of Hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are the plant of His delight. He looked for justice, but saw bloodshed; for righteousness, but heard a cry of distress.
Jeremiah 5:17They will devour your harvest and food; they will consume your sons and daughters; they will eat up your flocks and herds; they will feed on your vines and fig trees. With the sword they will destroy the fortified cities in which you trust.”
Leviticus 26:16then this is what I will do to you: I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting disease, and fever that will destroy your sight and drain your life. You will sow your seed in vain, because your enemies will eat it.
2 Kings 17:6-7In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria captured Samaria and carried away the Israelites to Assyria, where he settled them in Halah, in Gozan by the Habor River, and in the cities of the Medes. / All this happened because the people of Israel had sinned against the LORD their God, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt. They had worshiped other gods
2 Chronicles 36:20-21Those who escaped the sword were carried by Nebuchadnezzar into exile in Babylon, and they became servants to him and his sons until the kingdom of Persia came to power. / So the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation, until seventy years were completed, in fulfillment of the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah.
Lamentations 5:2-5Our inheritance has been turned over to strangers, our houses to foreigners. / We have become fatherless orphans; our mothers are widows. / We must buy the water we drink; our wood comes at a price. ...
Ezekiel 22:29The people of the land have practiced extortion and committed robbery. They have oppressed the poor and needy and have exploited the foreign resident without justice.
Hosea 8:7For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. There is no standing grain; what sprouts fails to yield flour. Even if it should produce, the foreigners would swallow it up.
Matthew 21:33-41Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it, and built a tower. Then he rented it out to some tenants and went away on a journey. / When the harvest time drew near, he sent his servants to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit. / But the tenants seized his servants. They beat one, killed another, and stoned a third. ...
Luke 20:9-16Then He proceeded to tell the people this parable: “A man planted a vineyard, rented it out to some tenants, and went away for a long time. / At harvest time, he sent a servant to the tenants to collect his share of the fruit of the vineyard. But the tenants beat the servant and sent him away empty-handed. / So he sent another servant, but they beat him and treated him shamefully, sending him away empty-handed. ...
Romans 8:20-22For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. / We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until the present time.
Acts 7:6-7God told him that his descendants would be foreigners in a strange land, and that they would be enslaved and mistreated four hundred years. / ‘But I will punish the nation that enslaves them,’ God said, ‘and afterward they will come forth and worship Me in this place.’
Hebrews 11:32-34And what more shall I say? Time will not allow me to tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and the prophets, / who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.
Treasury of Scripture And it yields much increase to the kings whom you have 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. it yieldeth. Deuteronomy 28:33,39,51 The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway: … Ezra 4:13 Be it known now unto the king, that, if this city be builded, and the walls set upagain, then will they not pay toll, tribute, and custom, andso thou shalt endamage the revenue of the kings. Ezra 6:8 Moreover I make a decree what ye shall do to the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that of the king's goods,even of the tribute beyond the river, forthwith expences be given unto these men, that they be not hindered. dominion. Nehemiah 5:8 And I said unto them, We after our ability have redeemed our brethren the Jews, which were sold unto the heathen; and will ye even sell your brethren? or shall they be sold unto us? Then held they their peace, and found nothingto answer. Leviticus 26:17 And I will set my face against you, and ye shall be slain before your enemies: they that hate you shall reign over you; and ye shall flee when none pursueth you. Deuteronomy 28:48 Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the LORD shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of allthings: and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee. Jump to Previous AbundantBodiesCattleDistressDominionGreatIncreaseKingsLivestockPleasurePowerProduceRichSinsYieldYieldethYieldsJump to Next AbundantBodiesCattleDistressDominionGreatIncreaseKingsLivestockPleasurePowerProduceRichSinsYieldYieldethYieldsNehemiah 9 1.A solemn fast, and repentance of the people4.The Levites make a confession of God's goodness, and their wickednessIts abundant harvest goes to the kings You have set over us because of our sins.This phrase reflects the consequences of Israel's disobedience to God. The abundant harvest signifies the fertility and productivity of the land, which was a blessing from God. However, due to the people's sins, these blessings are now enjoyed by foreign kings. This situation fulfills the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:33, where it is stated that a nation unknown to them would eat the fruit of their labor. The kings set over them are likely the Persian rulers, as Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. This reflects the broader biblical theme of God using foreign nations to discipline His people, as seen in the Babylonian exile. And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they please.
This part of the verse highlights the extent of foreign domination. The Israelites are not only economically oppressed but also physically subjugated. The reference to "bodies" suggests forced labor or servitude, reminiscent of the Egyptian bondage described in Exodus. The control over livestock indicates a loss of autonomy and economic freedom, as livestock were crucial for agriculture and sustenance. This situation is a direct result of the covenant curses outlined inLeviticus 26 andDeuteronomy 28, where disobedience leads to subjugation by foreign powers. We are in great distress.
The phrase captures the emotional and spiritual state of the Israelites. Their distress is not only due to physical oppression but also a recognition of their spiritual failure. This acknowledgment is part of a larger confession and repentance process seen throughoutNehemiah 9, where the people recount their history of rebellion and God's faithfulness. The distress echoes the cries of the Israelites in Egypt (Exodus 3:7) and during the period of the Judges, where they repeatedly turned back to God in times of trouble. This cycle of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance is a recurring theme in the Old Testament, pointing to the need for a savior, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Persons / Places / Events 1. NehemiahA Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and leading spiritual renewal among the Israelites after the Babylonian exile. 2. IsraelitesThe people of God who are confessing their sins and the sins of their ancestors, acknowledging the consequences of their disobedience. 3. KingsForeign rulers who have dominion over the Israelites as a result of their disobedience to God. 4. JerusalemThe city where these events are taking place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and identity. 5. Babylonian ExileThe period when the Israelites were taken captive by Babylon, leading to the events described in Nehemiah. Teaching Points Consequences of SinSin has tangible consequences, often leading to bondage and distress. The Israelites' servitude to foreign kings is a direct result of their disobedience. God's SovereigntyEven in distress, God remains sovereign. The foreign kings are described as being set over the Israelites by God, indicating His control over all circumstances. Repentance and ConfessionGenuine repentance involves acknowledging personal and communal sin, as demonstrated by the Israelites. Dependence on GodIn times of distress, turning to God and seeking His mercy is crucial. The Israelites' confession is a step towards restoration. Stewardship and ResponsibilityThe misuse of God's blessings due to sin serves as a reminder to be responsible stewards of what God has entrusted to us. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Nehemiah 9:37?
2.How does Nehemiah 9:37 illustrate consequences of disobedience to God's commands?
3.What lessons on stewardship can we learn from Nehemiah 9:37's context?
4.How does Nehemiah 9:37 connect with Deuteronomy's warnings about covenant faithfulness?
5.In what ways can we apply Nehemiah 9:37 to modern societal governance?
6.How can Nehemiah 9:37 inspire personal repentance and renewal in our spiritual lives?
7.How does Nehemiah 9:37 reflect God's justice and mercy towards Israel?
8.What historical events led to the situation described in Nehemiah 9:37?
9.How does Nehemiah 9:37 illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 9?
11.What does the Bible say about fatigue?
12.How do we explain the apparent lack of fulfillment of Ezekiel 37:21-22, which promises a unified kingdom under one ruler, given the continued dispersion and divisions of the Jewish people?
13.Why does Isaiah 37:9 mention Tirhakah, king of Cush, if some historians question the timing of his reign during Sennacherib's campaign?
14.How will God's judgment and restoration manifest for Israel?What Does Nehemiah 9:37 Mean Its abundant harvest goes to the kingsNehemiah’s generation had finally returned to the fertile land promised to Abraham, yet the produce was flowing straight into foreign treasuries. • Just as Moses warned, “A nation unknown to you will eat the fruit of your land and all you labor to produce” (Deuteronomy 28:33). • The people could watch their grain and wine leave the fields in carts bound for Persia, echoing the days when Midian “left no sustenance in Israel” (Judges 6:4-6). • Their lament matches Haggai’s rebuke: “You plant much but harvest little” (Haggai 1:6); blessing exists, but the covenant curse diverts it away. The soil was still good; the covenant people’s standing with God was not.
You have set over us because of our sinsIsrael makes no attempt to blame geopolitics or economics; they point at their own rebellion. • God had warned, “Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy... you will serve your enemies” (Deuteronomy 28:47-48). • When Judah ignored decades of prophetic pleading, “the LORD handed all of them over to Nebuchadnezzar” (Daniel 1:2;2 Chronicles 36:17). • Even after the exile, renewed sin—intermarriage, Sabbath neglect, oppression of the poor (Nehemiah 5; 13)—kept them under Persian governors. Their confession affirms God’s righteous sovereignty: the foreign kings are not accidents; they are instruments of divine discipline.
And they rule over our bodies and our livestock as they pleaseThe statement moves from crops to personal bondage. • Israel had once cried out under Egyptian taskmasters who “worked them ruthlessly” (Exodus 1:13-14). Now Gentile rulers drafted Jewish men into labor gangs (Nehemiah 11:1-2) and requisitioned animals for their cavalries (1 Samuel 8:16). • Nehemiah himself had to feed Persian officials “out of his own pocket” (Nehemiah 5:17-18), evidence of the heavy yoke on both people and leaders. • Micah foretold rulers who would “strip off the flesh of My people” (Micah 3:2-3); the reality was an oppressive tax system that felt just as painful. The freedom once enjoyed under King David had been replaced by submission reminiscent of the judges’ era.
We are in great distressThe confession ends where genuine repentance always begins—felt sorrow. • Generations earlier, “the Israelites cried out to the LORD in their distress” and He raised deliverers (Judges 10:15-16;Psalm 107:6, 13). • Ezra had voiced a similar cry: “After all that has happened... are we to break Your commands again?” (Ezra 9:13-15). • Distress prepared them to reaffirm covenant vows (Nehemiah 9:38), proving that discipline aims at restoration, not destruction (Hebrews 12:10-11). Their anguish acknowledged that only God could reverse the situation; self-reliance had already failed.
summaryNehemiah 9:37 is a four-fold confession: the harvest is lost, foreign kings reign, personal freedom is curtailed, and the nation groans. Every line traces the hardship back to covenant unfaithfulness and God’s righteous hand. The verse calls readers to recognize divine sovereignty in earthly circumstances, to own personal and corporate sin, and to seek renewed obedience so that blessings may once again remain in the land. (37) Yieldeth much increase.--In money and kind a very large amount was sent by Syria to the Persian treasury. Over our bodies, and over our cattle.--For military service; but the priests do not omit themselves. In great distress.--Not so much under the Persian yoke as in the remembrance of God's judgments. The pathetic comparison between the Divine purpose in giving the land originally and their present bondage in it extends almost to every word. Verse 37. - It yieldeth much increase unto the kings. "The Persian monarchs derive a large revenue from our territory." The amount paid by Judaea is not known; but Syria, in which Judaea was included, paid annually in money 350 talents of silver (Herod. 3:91), or about £90,000. There was also a further contribution in kind. They have dominion over our bodies. They can impress us either as soldiers or sailors, and make us fight their battles for them. Jews probably took part in the expedition of Xerxes against Greece. And over our cattle. They can impress our cattle for their baggage-train.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Its abundantמַרְבָּ֗ה(mar·bāh)Verb - Hifil - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 7235:To be or become much, many or greatharvestוּתְבוּאָתָ֣הּ(ū·ṯə·ḇū·’ā·ṯāh)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8393:Product, revenuegoes to the kingsלַמְּלָכִ֛ים(lam·mə·lā·ḵîm)Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 4428:A kingYou have setנָתַ֥תָּה(nā·ṯat·tāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setover usעָלֵ֖ינוּ(‘ā·lê·nū)Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstbecause of our sins.בְּחַטֹּאותֵ֑ינוּ(bə·ḥaṭ·ṭō·w·ṯê·nū)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 2403:An offence, its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, expiation, an offenderAnd they ruleמֹשְׁלִ֤ים(mō·šə·lîm)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 4910:To rule, have dominion, reignoverוְעַ֣ל(wə·‘al)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstour bodiesגְּ֠וִיֹּתֵינוּ(gə·wî·yō·ṯê·nū)Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common plural
Strong's 1472:A body, corpseand our livestockוּבִבְהֶמְתֵּ֙נוּ֙(ū·ḇiḇ·hem·tê·nū)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common plural
Strong's 929:A dumb beast, any large quadruped, animalas they please.כִּרְצוֹנָ֔ם(kir·ṣō·w·nām)Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7522:Goodwill, favor, acceptance, willWeאֲנָֽחְנוּ׃(’ă·nā·ḥə·nū)Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587:Weare in greatגְדוֹלָ֖ה(ḡə·ḏō·w·lāh)Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 1419:Great, older, insolentdistress.’וּבְצָרָ֥ה(ū·ḇə·ṣā·rāh)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 6869:Tightness, a female rival
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OT History: Nehemiah 9:37 It yields much increase to the kings (Neh Ne) |
