Nehemiah 10:33

KJV

For the shewbread, and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy [things], and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and [for] all the work of the house of our God.

KJV (with Strong's)

For the shewbread {H4635}{H3899}, and for the continual {H8548} meat offering {H4503}, and for the continual {H8548} burnt offering {H5930}, of the sabbaths {H7676}, of the new moons {H2320}, for the set feasts {H4150}, and for the holy {H6944} things, and for the sin offerings {H2403} to make an atonement {H3722} for Israel {H3478}, and for all the work {H4399} of the house {H1004} of our God {H430}.

Complete Jewish Bible

for the showbread, for the regular grain offering, for the regular burnt offering, for [the offerings] on Shabbat, on Rosh-Hodesh, at the designated times and at other holy times, for the sin offerings to make atonement for Isra'el, and for all the work connected with the house of our God.

Berean Standard Bible

for the showbread, for the regular grain offerings and burnt offerings, for the Sabbath offerings, for the New Moons and appointed feasts, for the holy offerings, for the sin offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the duties of the house of our God.

American Standard Version

for the showbread, and for the continual meal-offering, and for the continual burnt-offering, for the sabbaths, for the new moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin-offerings to make atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:33 records a specific and tangible commitment made by the returned exiles in Jerusalem as part of their renewed covenant with God. This verse details their pledge to provide consistent financial and material support for the various elements of Temple worship and maintenance, including the shewbread, daily and special offerings, and provisions for sin offerings, thereby ensuring the proper functioning of their communal religious life and the ongoing atonement for Israel.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10 is the pivotal chapter where the people of Israel, having rebuilt Jerusalem's walls under Nehemiah's leadership and experienced spiritual renewal through Ezra's teaching of the Law (Nehemiah 8-9), formally reaffirm their covenant with God. Following a solemn confession of national sin and a review of God's faithfulness in Nehemiah 9, the leaders and the people enter into a binding agreement. Verses 1-27 list the signatories, and verses 28-29 describe the general oath taken by the entire community to walk in God's Law. Nehemiah 10:30-39 then delineates the specific, practical commitments they pledged to uphold. Verse 33, therefore, is an integral part of these concrete pledges, focusing specifically on their dedication to the financial and material sustenance of the Temple's services, immediately following their commitments regarding intermarriage and Sabbath observance (Nehemiah 10:30-31) and preceding their pledges concerning firstfruits and tithes (Nehemiah 10:35-39). It underscores the centrality of the Temple and its rituals to their renewed national identity and covenant fidelity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting for Nehemiah 10:33 is the post-exilic period, specifically around 444 BC, following the return of Jewish exiles from Babylon. Jerusalem's walls had just been rebuilt, symbolizing a physical restoration, but the spiritual and communal life of the nation also required significant re-establishment. The Second Temple, though rebuilt decades earlier (completed c. 516 BC), often struggled with consistent support and proper functioning. The people, having experienced the devastating consequences of covenant unfaithfulness (the Babylonian exile), were eager to demonstrate their renewed devotion. This commitment to financially and materially support the Temple was not merely a religious duty but a profound cultural statement of their identity as God's covenant people, distinct from surrounding nations. It reflected a deep understanding that the Temple was the focal point of God's presence among them and the means by which their relationship with Him was maintained through prescribed worship and atonement.

* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 10:33 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant Renewal and Fidelity**, demonstrating the people's tangible commitment to the terms of their renewed covenant with Yahweh, extending beyond mere verbal assent to practical obedience. Secondly, it underscores the **Centrality of Worship and the Temple** in Israelite life; the detailed list of offerings and services emphasizes that the Temple was not just a building but the indispensable locus of their national and spiritual identity. The commitment to "continual" offerings (as seen in [Numbers 28:3](/numbers/28-3 "Numbers 28:3 - The Continual Burnt Offering")) speaks to the theme of **Consistent Obedience and Devotion**. Finally, the inclusion of "sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel" powerfully conveys the enduring theme of **Atonement and Reconciliation**, acknowledging the persistent reality of sin and the divinely ordained means for its expiation, a concept deeply rooted in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Leviticus 16](/leviticus/16 "Leviticus 16 - The Day of Atonement")). This verse encapsulates the people's resolve to live as a holy nation, sustained by God's grace and their faithful adherence to His commands.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Shewbread (Hebrew, לֶחֶם פָּנִים, _lechem panim'_):** Literally "bread of presence" or "bread of the face." This refers to the twelve loaves of unleavened bread placed on the table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, symbolizing God's perpetual provision for the twelve tribes of Israel and their constant presence before Him. It was a sacred offering, typically eaten by the priests (see [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "Leviticus 24:5-9 - Instructions for the Shewbread")). The commitment to provide for it underscored the people's dedication to maintaining the symbolic elements of their worship and acknowledging God's sustaining presence.
* **Continual (Hebrew, תָּמִיד, _tamid'_):** This term, used for both the "meat offering" (grain offering) and "burnt offering," signifies regularity, perpetualness, or consistency. It denotes offerings that were to be made daily, without fail, morning and evening (see [Exodus 29:38-42](/exodus/29-38 "Exodus 29:38-42 - The Continual Burnt Offering")). The people's pledge to support these "continual" offerings highlights their commitment to an unwavering and consistent practice of worship, recognizing God's ongoing sovereignty and their daily dependence on Him.
* **Atonement (Hebrew, כָּפַר, _kaphar'_ - root of the noun כַּפָּרָה, _kapparah'_):** The root _kaphar_ means "to cover," "to purge," "to make reconciliation," or "to atone." In the Old Testament context, atonement refers to the process by which sin is covered or expiated, allowing for the restoration of a right relationship between God and humanity. The "sin offerings" (חַטָּאוֹת, _chatta'ot_) were specifically designed to address unintentional sins and ritual impurities, providing a means of cleansing and reconciliation. The inclusion of sin offerings in their commitment reveals the people's understanding of their inherent sinfulness and the absolute necessity of a divinely appointed means to address it, both individually and corporately, to maintain their covenant standing with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the shewbread":** This clause signifies the people's commitment to provide the necessary flour, oil, and labor for the preparation and presentation of the sacred "bread of presence" in the Temple, an essential and symbolic act of worship.
* **"and for the continual meat offering, and for the continual burnt offering":** This refers to the daily grain offerings and whole burnt offerings that were to be made every morning and evening. The term "meat offering" in KJV refers to a grain offering (Hebrew _minchah_), not animal flesh. The commitment here ensures the uninterrupted flow of these foundational daily sacrifices, which represented the people's constant devotion and acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.
* **"of the sabbaths, of the new moons, for the set feasts":** This expands the commitment to include the special offerings required on specific sacred days throughout the year: the weekly Sabbaths, the monthly New Moon festivals, and the annual pilgrimage festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles, etc.). This demonstrates a comprehensive dedication to all prescribed liturgical cycles.
* **"and for the holy [things]":** This general phrase likely encompasses all other sacred items, vessels, and provisions necessary for the proper functioning and sanctity of the Temple and its services, beyond the specific offerings already listed. It implies a holistic commitment to the entire sacred economy.
* **"and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel":** This highlights the crucial provision for sacrifices specifically designed to cleanse the community from sin and ritual impurity, ensuring that the nation could remain in a right relationship with God. This was vital for the spiritual health and covenant standing of Israel.
* **"and [for] all the work of the house of our God":** This concluding phrase serves as a broad, all-encompassing commitment. It indicates that their pledge extended beyond specific offerings to include the general operational costs, maintenance, repairs, and staffing (priests and Levites) required for the efficient and holy functioning of the entire Temple complex, the very center of their national and spiritual life.

#### Literary Devices
Nehemiah 10:33 employs several literary devices to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the people's commitment. The most prominent is **Enumeration**, where a detailed list of specific offerings and sacred items is provided ("shewbread," "continual meat offering," "continual burnt offering," "sabbaths," "new moons," "set feasts," "holy things," "sin offerings"). This extensive cataloging serves to underscore the meticulous and all-encompassing nature of their pledge, leaving no aspect of Temple service unaddressed. The phrase "all the work of the house of our God" functions as a form of **Synecdoche**, where the specific parts (the listed offerings) are representative of the whole (the entire operation and maintenance of the Temple). This allows the verse to be both specific and broadly inclusive. Furthermore, the repetition of "continual" for the daily offerings creates **Emphasis**, highlighting the unwavering and perpetual nature of the commitment required for these foundational acts of worship. The cumulative effect of these devices is to convey the profound seriousness and thoroughness of the covenant renewed by the post-exilic community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 10:33 powerfully articulates the post-exilic community's understanding of their covenant responsibilities and the tangible expression of their faith. It underscores the theological truth that worship is not merely an internal sentiment but requires external, material support. The detailed list of offerings, from daily "continual" sacrifices to special feast provisions and critical "sin offerings," reveals a people deeply committed to maintaining the divinely ordained means of communion and reconciliation with God. Their pledge to support "all the work of the house of our God" signifies a corporate recognition that the spiritual health of the nation was intrinsically linked to the proper functioning and sanctity of the Temple. This commitment was a direct response to God's grace and a proactive step to avoid the failures of their ancestors that led to exile, demonstrating a renewed dedication to holiness and obedience through the prescribed channels of the Mosaic Law.

* [Leviticus 24:5-9](/leviticus/24-5 "The Law of the Shewbread")
* [Numbers 28:1-8](/numbers/28-1 "The Continual Burnt Offering")
* [Leviticus 16:30](/leviticus/16-30 "Atonement on the Day of Atonement")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 10:33 provides a profound historical example of a community's tangible commitment to God's work, a commitment born out of repentance and covenant renewal. For believers today, while the Old Testament sacrificial system has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principles of consistent worship, corporate responsibility, and sacrificial giving remain profoundly relevant. This verse challenges us to consider the depth of our own commitment to the "house of our God"—which, for Christians, is the local church and the global body of Christ. Are we as dedicated to supporting the ministries, missions, and operational needs of our spiritual communities as the Israelites were to their Temple? Our "continual offerings" might not be animal sacrifices, but they manifest in consistent prayer, faithful presence, generous giving of time, talent, and treasure, and active participation in the work of the Gospel. Furthermore, the emphasis on "sin offerings to make an atonement" serves as a powerful reminder of the pervasive nature of sin and the absolute necessity of atonement, pointing us to the perfect and complete sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which eternally cleanses us and makes reconciliation with God possible. Our response to this ultimate atonement should be a life of unwavering dedication and joyful service, reflecting the spirit of Nehemiah's community.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the "continual" nature of the offerings in Nehemiah 10:33 challenge my consistency in worship, prayer, and engagement with God's Word today?**
* **In what practical and tangible ways am I supporting "all the work of the house of our God" (the church and its ministries) in my life?**
* **How does the Israelites' commitment to "sin offerings to make an atonement" deepen my appreciation for the once-for-all atonement provided by Jesus Christ?**
* **What does Nehemiah 10:33 teach me about corporate responsibility and the importance of every believer's contribution to the spiritual health of the community?**

### FAQ

**What was the "shewbread" and why was it important?**

Answer: The "shewbread" (Hebrew: _lechem panim_, "bread of presence") consisted of twelve loaves of unleavened bread, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel. These loaves were placed on a special table in the Holy Place of the Tabernacle and later the Temple, before the very presence of God. They were replaced weekly, and the old loaves were eaten by the priests. Its importance lay in its symbolic representation of God's perpetual provision for His people and their constant presence before Him. It was a tangible reminder of the covenant relationship and God's sustaining faithfulness.

**Why were "continual" offerings so significant in Israelite worship?**

Answer: The "continual" (Hebrew: _tamid_) offerings, specifically the daily burnt offering and grain offering, were foundational to Israelite worship. They were offered every morning and evening, without fail. Their significance was manifold: they served as a constant acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and holiness, a perpetual act of worship and dedication, and a daily reminder of the people's ongoing need for atonement and reconciliation with God. This unwavering rhythm of sacrifice underscored the consistent nature of God's covenant with Israel and the people's continuous dependence on Him.

**How does Nehemiah 10:33 relate to Christian giving and support for the church today?**

Answer: While the specific sacrificial system of the Old Testament has been fulfilled in Christ, the underlying principle of supporting God's work remains profoundly relevant for Christians. Nehemiah 10:33 demonstrates the people's corporate commitment to tangibly provide for the spiritual center of their community. Similarly, believers today are called to steward their resources (time, talents, and finances) to support the "house of our God," which is now the local church and the global body of Christ. This support enables ministries, missions (e.g., [Matthew 28:19-20](/matthew/28-19 "Matthew 28:19-20 - The Great Commission")), and the care of those who serve the Lord, ensuring the continued proclamation of the Gospel and the spiritual health of the community (e.g., [1 Corinthians 9:14](/1_corinthians/9-14 "1 Corinthians 9:14 - Support for Gospel Workers")). It is an act of worship and obedience, reflecting our dedication to God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 10:33, with its detailed list of offerings and emphasis on atonement and the "work of the house of our God," finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The "shewbread," symbolizing God's provision and presence, is perfectly embodied in Christ, who declared Himself the [Bread of Life](/john/6-35 "John 6:35 - Jesus, the Bread of Life"), the one who sustains us eternally. The "continual meat offering and continual burnt offering," which pointed to the daily need for reconciliation and dedication, are superseded by Christ's [one, perfect sacrifice](/hebrews/10-14 "Hebrews 10:14 - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice") on the cross, which was sufficient for all time, eliminating the need for repeated animal sacrifices. Most profoundly, the "sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel" are fully realized in Jesus, the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), whose blood provides the ultimate and eternal [propitiation for our sins](/1_john/2-2 "1 John 2:2: Christ, Our Propitiation"). He is both the perfect sacrifice and the High Priest who entered the true, heavenly sanctuary [once for all](/hebrews/9-12 "Hebrews 9:12 - Christ's Once-for-All Sacrifice"). Furthermore, "all the work of the house of our God" now points to the building of God's spiritual temple, the Church, of which Christ Himself is the [chief cornerstone](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ, the Cornerstone"). Believers, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, become the [temple of God](/1_corinthians/6-19 "1 Corinthians 6:19 - Believers as God's Temple"), and our "work" is to participate in Christ's ongoing mission to reconcile the world to God, a mission made possible by His perfect atonement and indwelling presence.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Chronicles 2:4

Behold, I build an house to the name of the LORD my God, to dedicate [it] to him, [and] to burn before him sweet incense, and for the continual shewbread, and for the burnt offerings morning and evening, on the sabbaths, and on the new moons, and on the solemn feasts of the LORD our God. This [is an ordinance] for ever to Israel.

Numbers 28:1

¶ And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying,

Numbers 28:29

A several tenth deal unto one lamb, throughout the seven lambs;

Leviticus 24:5

And thou shalt take fine flour, and bake twelve cakes thereof: two tenth deals shall be in one cake.

Leviticus 24:6

And thou shalt set them in two rows, six on a row, upon the pure table before the LORD.

Hebrews 10:11

And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:

2 Chronicles 24:5

And he gathered together the priests and the Levites, and said to them, Go out unto the cities of Judah, and gather of all Israel money to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that ye hasten the matter. Howbeit the Levites hastened [it] not.