Nehemiah 10:35

KJV

And to bring the firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, unto the house of the LORD:

KJV (with Strong's)

And to bring {H935} the firstfruits {H1061} of our ground {H127}, and the firstfruits {H1061} of all fruit {H6529} of all trees {H6086}, year {H8141} by year {H8141}, unto the house {H1004} of the LORD {H3068}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"Every year we will bring the firstfruits of our land and the firstfruits of all fruit from every kind of tree to the house of ADONAI.

Berean Standard Bible

We will also bring the firstfruits of our land and of every fruit tree to the house of the LORD year by year.

American Standard Version

and to bring the first-fruits of our ground, and the first-fruits of all fruit of all manner of trees, year by year, unto the house of Jehovah;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Nehemiah 10:35 records a specific commitment made by the returned exiles in Jerusalem to regularly bring the first and choicest portions of their agricultural produce—from both cultivated land and fruit trees—to the Temple of the Lord on an annual basis. This pledge was a vital component of a solemn covenant sworn by the community to re-establish faithful obedience to God's Mosaic Law, ensuring the sustenance of the Levitical priesthood and the proper functioning of the Temple as the spiritual center of their renewed national life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Nehemiah 10 details the solemn covenant sworn by the people of Israel after the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls and a period of profound spiritual revival under the leadership of Nehemiah and Ezra. Following a national confession of sin and a renewed commitment to God's Law in [Nehemiah 9](/nehemiah/9 "Nehemiah 9 - Confession and Covenant"), chapter 10 lists the specific pledges made by the community leaders and representatives, sealed with an oath and a curse. These commitments cover various aspects of their lives, including abstaining from intermarriage, observing the Sabbath, remitting debts, and crucially, providing financial and material support for the Temple. Verse 35, along with verses 32-39, outlines the practical, economic provisions for the Temple's operation and the support of the priests and Levites, demonstrating their holistic dedication to restoring proper worship and national identity.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The post-exilic community in Jerusalem faced immense challenges in re-establishing their society and spiritual practices after decades in Babylonian captivity. The return under figures like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah marked a period of reconstruction—both physical (the Temple, the walls) and spiritual (re-educating the people in the Law). The practice of offering firstfruits was deeply rooted in ancient Israelite agrarian society and was a foundational commandment in the Mosaic Law (e.g., [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - First of the Firstfruits") and [Deuteronomy 26:1-11](/deuteronomy/26 "Deuteronomy 26 - Firstfruits and Tithes")). This practice acknowledged God as the ultimate provider of all sustenance and secured His blessing on the remainder of the harvest. By solemnly pledging to uphold this practice, the people were not merely performing a ritual but were actively rebuilding their national identity around the covenant and the Temple, ensuring the economic viability of the priestly system that facilitated their worship.

* **Key Themes:** Nehemiah 10:35 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Nehemiah and the broader post-exilic narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Covenant Renewal and Obedience**, as the people explicitly commit to fulfilling a long-standing divine commandment, demonstrating their earnest desire to live in accordance with God's will after a period of national unfaithfulness. Secondly, it highlights **Trust and Dependence on God**, as offering the first and best of their produce required profound faith that God would bless the remaining harvest and provide for their needs, rather than hoarding their initial gains. This echoes the principle found in [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth"). Thirdly, the verse emphasizes **Support for Sacred Institutions and Ministry**, as the firstfruits were essential for the sustenance of the priests and Levites who served in the Temple, enabling them to focus on their spiritual duties without needing to engage in agricultural labor themselves (cf. [Numbers 18:12-13](/numbers/18-12 "Numbers 18:12-13 - Firstfruits for Priests")). Finally, it speaks to **Gratitude and Worship**, as the act of bringing firstfruits was a tangible expression of thanksgiving to God for His bountiful provision and an acknowledgment of His sovereignty over all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Firstfruits (Hebrew, _bikkurim'_):** This term refers specifically to the earliest, choicest, and ripest produce of the ground and trees. It is distinct from a general offering or tithe in that it denotes the initial yield, symbolizing the beginning of the harvest and representing the promise of more to come. The emphasis is on giving the "first" and "best," not merely a portion, signifying priority, honor, and trust in God's continued provision. It embodies the principle of giving God the prime, not the leftovers.
* **House of the LORD (Hebrew, _beit YHWH'_):** This refers to the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been rebuilt and rededicated (Ezra 6). It was the central place of worship, sacrifice, and divine presence for the Israelites. Bringing the firstfruits "unto the house of the LORD" meant delivering them to the priests and Levites who served there, ensuring the Temple's operational needs and the sustenance of its staff. This phrase underscores the centrality of corporate worship and the physical manifestation of God's dwelling among His people.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And to bring the firstfruits of our ground":** This clause specifies the source of the offering—the agricultural produce harvested from their cultivated land. The phrase "firstfruits" ( _bikkurim_ ) emphasizes the initial and finest portion of this yield. It signifies their commitment to honor God with the very beginning of their sustenance, acknowledging His ownership and blessing over their labor.
* **"and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees":** This expands the scope of the firstfruit offering to include produce from orchards and vineyards, not just field crops. This comprehensive inclusion demonstrates a thorough commitment to the Mosaic Law, which often distinguished between field crops and tree fruits (e.g., [Leviticus 19:23-25](/leviticus/19-23 "Leviticus 19:23-25 - Fruit of Trees")). It implies that every aspect of their agricultural productivity was to be sanctified and offered to the Lord.
* **"year by year":** This phrase highlights the ongoing, regular, and sustained nature of their commitment. It was not a one-time act but an annual practice, reinforcing the idea of consistent faithfulness and a perpetual acknowledgment of God's seasonal provision. This regular offering ensured the continuous support for the Temple and its ministers.
* **"unto the house of the LORD":** This final phrase designates the destination of these offerings—the Temple in Jerusalem. It underscores the purpose of the firstfruits: to support the sacred space and its personnel, thereby enabling the continuation of the sacrificial system and communal worship that was central to Israel's covenant relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Repetition** ("firstfruits of our ground, and the firstfruits of all fruit of all trees") to emphasize the comprehensive nature of the offering, ensuring that no category of agricultural produce is overlooked. This repetition also serves to underscore the importance and breadth of their commitment. There is also a strong element of **Covenant Language**, as this verse is part of a formal, sworn agreement, reflecting the legal and theological framework of their relationship with God. The act of bringing firstfruits is a **Symbolic Action**, representing the people's renewed dedication, trust, and gratitude to God as the ultimate provider. It is a tangible expression of their spiritual state and their commitment to live in obedience to the divine commands.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Nehemiah 10:35 provides a profound theological statement about God's sovereignty, human responsibility, and the nature of true worship. It affirms that all provision comes from God, and therefore, the first and best of what we receive should be returned to Him in an act of worship and trust. This principle of giving the "firstfruits" extends beyond agricultural produce to encompass the dedication of our prime time, talents, and resources to God. It teaches that prioritizing God in our giving is an act of faith that unlocks His continued blessing and demonstrates our complete dependence on His provision. The commitment to support the "house of the LORD" also highlights the biblical mandate for believers to financially and materially support the work of God's kingdom, ensuring that those dedicated to ministry are sustained and that the mission of the church can flourish.

* [Exodus 23:19](/exodus/23-19 "Exodus 23:19 - The First of the Firstfruits")
* [Proverbs 3:9-10](/proverbs/3-9 "Proverbs 3:9-10 - Honor the Lord with your wealth")
* [Malachi 3:10](/malachi/3-10 "Malachi 3:10 - Bring the full tithe")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Nehemiah 10:35 calls us to a radical reorientation of our priorities, challenging us to consider if we are truly giving God the "first and best" of our lives, or merely the leftovers. In a world that often encourages self-preservation and accumulation, the principle of firstfruits is counter-cultural, demanding a deep trust in God's unfailing provision. It invites us to examine our attitudes towards our resources, time, and abilities, asking whether our giving is an act of duty or a joyful expression of gratitude and worship. This verse reminds us that true generosity stems from a heart that acknowledges God as the source of all blessings and desires to honor Him above all else, thereby participating in His ongoing work in the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life (time, talent, finances) am I truly giving God the "firstfruits" rather than the leftovers?**
* **How does the act of giving my "first and best" to God cultivate deeper trust in His provision for my future?**
* **What practical steps can I take to prioritize God in my daily life and resource management, reflecting the spirit of Nehemiah 10:35?**

### FAQ
**What is the difference between "firstfruits" and "tithes"?**

Answer: While both firstfruits and tithes were forms of offerings to God, they had distinct meanings and purposes in ancient Israel. "Firstfruits" ( _bikkurim_ ) referred specifically to the initial, earliest, and choicest portion of the harvest, whether from fields or trees. It was an acknowledgment of God's blessing on the very beginning of the agricultural cycle and a demonstration of trust that He would provide the rest. The offering of firstfruits typically occurred at specific festivals like Pentecost (Feast of Weeks), as described in [Leviticus 23:17](/leviticus/23-17 "Leviticus 23:17 - Offering of Firstfruits"). "Tithes" ( _ma'aser_ ), on the other hand, referred to a tenth (10%) of all produce, livestock, or income, and was a more general, ongoing obligation for the sustenance of the Levites, priests, and the poor (cf. [Numbers 18:21-24](/numbers/18-21 "Numbers 18:21-24 - Tithes for Levites") and [Deuteronomy 14:22-29](/deuteronomy/14-22 "Deuteronomy 14:22-29 - Tithing Laws")). While firstfruits were about quality and timing (the first and best), tithes were about quantity (a fixed percentage). Both were vital expressions of obedience, worship, and support for the Temple system.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Nehemiah 10:35, with its emphasis on bringing the "firstfruits" to the Lord, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament practice was an agricultural offering, it prefigured the spiritual reality of Christ as the true and perfect "Firstfruits." The Apostle Paul declares Jesus to be the "[firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")" ( [1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of the Resurrection")), signifying that His resurrection is the guarantee and promise of the future resurrection of all believers. Just as the firstfruits of the harvest indicated a larger harvest to come, Christ's resurrection assures us of our own future bodily resurrection. Furthermore, believers themselves are called "[a kind of firstfruits of His creatures](/james/1-18 "James 1:18 - Believers as Firstfruits")" ( [James 1:18](/james/1-18 "James 1:18 - Believers as Firstfruits")), indicating that those who believe in Christ are the initial redeemed portion of humanity, set apart by God's grace, with a greater harvest of souls yet to come. Thus, the Old Testament command to offer the first and best points to the supreme offering of God's own Son, Jesus, who is the "first and best" of all creation, and through whom we, in turn, become God's treasured firstfruits. Our giving of our "first and best" today is not merely an act of obedience to a law, but a joyful response to the ultimate firstfruit offering of Christ, who gave Himself completely for us ( [Ephesians 5:2](/ephesians/5-2 "Ephesians 5:2 - Christ's Sacrificial Love")).

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

Deuteronomy 26:2

That thou shalt take of the first of all the fruit of the earth, which thou shalt bring of thy land that the LORD thy God giveth thee, and shalt put [it] in a basket, and shalt go unto the place which the LORD thy God shall choose to place his name there.

Exodus 23:19

The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring into the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Exodus 34:26

The first of the firstfruits of thy land thou shalt bring unto the house of the LORD thy God. Thou shalt not seethe a kid in his mother's milk.

Numbers 18:12

All the best of the oil, and all the best of the wine, and of the wheat, the firstfruits of them which they shall offer unto the LORD, them have I given thee.

Malachi 3:8

Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.

Malachi 3:12

And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts.

2 Chronicles 31:3

[He appointed] also the king's portion of his substance for the burnt offerings, [to wit], for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the sabbaths, and for the new moons, and for the set feasts, as [it is] written in the law of the LORD.