Old Testament

Nehemiah 10:38

Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.

ClearClear Bible Translation

And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites take tithes; and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes to the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

Compare translations
KJVKing James Version

And the priest the son of Aaron shall be with the Levites, when the Levites take tithes: and the Levites shall bring up the tithe of the tithes unto the house of our God, to the chambers, into the treasure house.

What Nehemiah 10:38 means

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, the role of the priest and the Levites in the collection of tithes is emphasized. The priest, who is a descendant of Aaron, is to be present when the Levites collect the tithes from the people. The Levites, who are responsible for the spiritual and physical care of the temple, are instructed to bring a portion of what they receive, referred to as the 'tithe of the tithes,' to the temple treasury. This process ensures that the resources are properly managed and dedicated to God’s service. The presence of the priest signifies the importance of this act as a sacred duty, reinforcing the connection between the community's offerings and their worship. This system of tithing reflects the community's commitment to support the temple and its ministers, ensuring that the spiritual needs of the people are met while honoring God with their resources.

How to apply Nehemiah 10:38 to your life

This verse reminds us of the importance of supporting our spiritual leaders and institutions. By giving generously, we contribute to the work of the church and ensure that it can continue to serve the community and fulfill its mission. Regular giving is a way to honor God with our resources.

Curated for this public verse page. Nehemiah Summary

Explore more of the Bible

Learn the Bible through its people and places

Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

A painting of Daniel and his three friends eating vegetables and drinking water in a Babylonian hall, while other young men eat the king's food and drink wine and the steward looks on

Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)

Meet the people of the Bible

Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.

Daniel

A ruined stone tower with a doorway at Burj Beitin, lit by low evening sun under a cloudy sky.

Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.

Explore the places of the Bible

See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.

Bethel

Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.

Get full access with one subscription

Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.

See Plans

Ask AI about Nehemiah 10:38

Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.

Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter

Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.

Keep studying Nehemiah 10:38

At a Glance — the Book of Nehemiah

Author
Nehemiah, with Ezra
Written
Around 430 BC
Genre
Historical narrative
Original Audience
The post-exilic Jewish community

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Nehemiah 10:38 mean?

Nehemiah 10:38 emphasizes the roles of the priest and Levites in the collection of tithes. The priest, a descendant of Aaron, is present when the Levites collect tithes, and the Levites are instructed to bring a portion of these tithes to the temple treasury, ensuring proper management of resources for God's service.

What is the meaning of 'tithe of the tithes' in Nehemiah 10:38?

The 'tithe of the tithes' refers to the portion that the Levites are required to bring from the tithes they collect from the people. This practice ensures that a part of the community's offerings is dedicated to the temple treasury, supporting the spiritual work of the temple.

Why is the priest mentioned in Nehemiah 10:38?

The priest is mentioned in Nehemiah 10:38 to signify the sacred nature of the tithing process. His presence underscores the importance of this act as a religious duty, linking the community's financial support to their worship.

How does Nehemiah 10:38 relate to community support?

Nehemiah 10:38 illustrates the importance of community support for spiritual leaders and institutions. By establishing a system for tithing, it encourages the community to contribute to the temple's needs, ensuring that it can continue to serve and fulfill its mission.

Daily Verse — straight to your inbox

A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.