Bible Strands
Nehemiah 9:38
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 Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The narrator records the collective voice of the returned exiles responding to a detailed recounting of Israel’s rebellion and God’s mercy. This declaration follows immediately after they acknowledge their current subjugation and heavy taxation under foreign kings.
The words — The Hebrew כֹּרְתִים אֲמָנָה (kore.tim 'a.ma.nah) literally means “making a trustworthy arrangement,” while כֹתְבִים וְעַל הֶחָתוּם (kho.te.Vim ve.'Al ha.cha.Tum) denotes “writing and [being] on the sealed document.”
The thread — This formalized commitment aligns with the sealed ledger in Nehemiah 10:1, Josiah’s pillar covenant in 2 Chronicles 34:31, and Ezra’s post-exilic covenant to dismiss foreign wives in Ezra 10:3.
Why it lands — The text requires a documented, leader-endorsed commitment rather than verbal repentance, asking readers to anchor acknowledgment of failure in structured, accountable action.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And because of all this we make a sure covenant, and write it; and our princes, Levites, and priests, seal unto it.
Cross-references
- Nehemiah 10:1 Now these were the ones who sealed the document: Nehemiah the governor, son of Hacaliah, and also Zedekiah,
- 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.
- Ezra 10:3 So now let us make a covenant before our God to send away all the foreign wives and their children, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the command of our God. Let it be done according to the Law.
- Nehemiah 10:29 hereby join with their noble brothers and commit themselves with a sworn oath to follow the Law of God given through His servant Moses and to obey carefully all the commandments, ordinances, and statutes of the LORD our 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 23:16 Then Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and the king and the people that they would be the LORD’s people.
- 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 15:12 Then they entered into a covenant to seek the LORD, the God of their fathers, with all their heart and soul.