Nehemiah 9:29

Nehemiah 9:29 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They stubbornly shrugged their shoulders; they stiffened their necks and would not obey.

King James Version KJV

And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

American Standard Version ASV

and testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law. Yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thine ordinances (which if a man do, he shall live in them), and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And gave witness against them so that you might make them come back again to your law: but their hearts were lifted up, and they gave no attention to your orders and went against your decisions (which, if a man keeps them, will be life to him), and turning their backs on you, made their necks stiff and did not give ear.

Free Bible Version FBV

You warned them to come back to your Law, but they were arrogant. They ignored your commands, and sinned against your rules, which, as you previously said, ‘If people obey they will live by them.’ They obstinately turned their backs on you and refused to listen.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And protestedst among them that thou mightest bring them againe vnto thy Lawe: but they behaued them selues proudely, and hearkened not vnto thy commandements, but sinned against thy iudgements (which a man should doe and liue in them) and pulled away the shoulder, and were stiffenecked, and woulde not heare.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and dost testify against them, to bring them back unto Thy law; and they — they have acted proudly, and have not hearkened to Thy commands, and against Thy judgments have sinned, — which man doth and hath lived in them — and they give a refractory shoulder, and their neck have hardened, and have not hearkened.

World English Bible WEB

and testified against them, that you might bring them again to your law. Yet they were arrogant, and didn’t listen to your commandments, but sinned against your ordinances (which if a man does, he shall live in them), turned their backs, stiffened their neck, and would not hear.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again to thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not to thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man doeth, he shall live in them:) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And thou didst admonish them to return to thy law. But they dealt proudly, and hearkened not to thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, which if a man do, he shall live in them: and they withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.

Translation for Translators T4T

“You warned them that they should again obey your laws, but they became proud and stubborn, and they disobeyed your commands. They sinned by disobeying what you commanded them to do, the things that would enable them to live a good long life if they obeyed them. They stubbornly refused [IDM] to listen to you and continued sinning.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Nehemiah 9:29

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Nehemiah 9:29 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/תָּ֨עַד בָּ/הֶ֜ם לַ/הֲשִׁיבָ֣/ם אֶל תּוֹרָתֶ֗/ךָ וְ/הֵ֨מָּה הֵזִ֜ידוּ וְ/לֹא שָׁמְע֤וּ לְ/מִצְוֺתֶ֨י/ךָ֙ וּ/בְ/מִשְׁפָּטֶ֣י/ךָ חָֽטְאוּ בָ֔/ם אֲשֶׁר יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה אָדָ֖ם וְ/חָיָ֣ה בָ/הֶ֑ם וַ/יִּתְּנ֤וּ כָתֵף֙ סוֹרֶ֔רֶת וְ/עָרְפָּ֥/ם הִקְשׁ֖וּ וְ/לֹ֥א שָׁמֵֽעוּ

וַ/תָּ֨עַד ʻûwd H5749 to uphold Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2ms

בָּ/הֶ֜ם Prep | Suff

לַ/הֲשִׁיבָ֣/ם shûwb H7725 to return Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

תּוֹרָתֶ֗/ךָ tôwrâh H8451 instruction N-fs | Suff

וְ/הֵ֨מָּה hêm H1992 they(masc.) Conj | Pron

הֵזִ֜ידוּ zûwd H2102 to boil V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

שָׁמְע֤וּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-3cp

לְ/מִצְוֺתֶ֨י/ךָ֙ mitsvâh H4687 commandment Prep | N-fp | Suff

וּ/בְ/מִשְׁפָּטֶ֣י/ךָ mishpâṭ H4941 justice Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff

חָֽטְאוּ châṭâʼ H2398 to sin V-Qal-Perf-3cp

בָ֔/ם Prep | Suff

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

אָדָ֖ם ʼâdâm H120 the man (Adam) N-ms

וְ/חָיָ֣ה châyâh H2421 to live Conj | V-Qal-3ms

בָ/הֶ֑ם Prep | Suff

וַ/יִּתְּנ֤וּ nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

כָתֵף֙ kâthêph H3802 shoulder N-fs

סוֹרֶ֔רֶת çârar H5637 to rebel V-Qal

וְ/עָרְפָּ֥/ם ʻôreph H6203 neck Conj | N-ms | Suff

הִקְשׁ֖וּ qâshâh H7185 to harden V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 not Conj | Part

שָׁמֵֽעוּ shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Perf-3cp

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Nehemiah 9:29

וַ/תָּ֨עַד ʻûwd H5749 "to uphold" Conj | V-Hiphil-ConsecImperf-2ms

To testify means to repeat or affirm something, like a witness in court. In the Bible, it appears in Deuteronomy 4:26 and Isaiah 44:26. It involves speaking up or warning others.

Definition: 1) to return, repeat, go about, do again 1a) (Piel) to surround, go round and round 1b) (Pilel) to restore, relieve 1c) (Hithpalel) to be restored

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: admonish, charge, earnestly, lift up, protest, call (take) to record, relieve, rob, solemnly, stand upright, testify, give warning, (bear, call to, give, take to) witness. See also: Genesis 43:3; Nehemiah 13:15; Psalms 20:9.

בָּ/הֶ֜ם "" Prep | Suff

לַ/הֲשִׁיבָ֣/ם shûwb H7725 "to return" Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a | Suff

This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.

Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back

Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

תּוֹרָתֶ֗/ךָ tôwrâh H8451 "instruction" N-fs | Suff

The Hebrew word for instruction or law, referring to the Ten Commandments or the first five books of the Bible, guiding human behavior and moral code.

Definition: 1) law, direction, instruction 1a) instruction, direction (human or divine) 1a1) body of prophetic teaching 1a2) instruction in Messianic age 1a3) body of priestly direction or instruction 1a4) body of legal directives 1b) law 1b1) law of the burnt offering 1b2) of special law, codes of law 1c) custom, manner 1d) the Deuteronomic or Mosaic Law

Usage: Occurs in 213 OT verses. KJV: law. See also: Genesis 26:5; Nehemiah 8:7; Psalms 1:2.

וְ/הֵ֨מָּה hêm H1992 "they(masc.)" Conj | Pron

This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.

Definition: they, these, the same, who

Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.

הֵזִ֜ידוּ zûwd H2102 "to boil" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

This Hebrew word means to boil over with pride or arrogance, like in Exodus when the Israelites rebelled against God. It can also mean to act presumptuously or be insolent. In the Bible, it often describes people who defy God's authority.

Definition: 1) to boil, boil up, seethe, act proudly, act presumptuously, act rebelliously, be presumptuous, be arrogant, be rebelliously proud 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act presumptuously 1a2) to deal arrogantly (with 'al') 1a3) to defy proudly (with 'el') 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to boil, seethe, act proudly 1b2) to act presumptuously, act insolently Aramaic equivalent: zud (זוּד "be proud" H2103)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be proud, deal proudly, presume, (come) presumptuously, sod. See also: Genesis 25:29; Deuteronomy 18:20; Jeremiah 50:29.

וְ/לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)

Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.

שָׁמְע֤וּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound

Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.

לְ/מִצְוֺתֶ֨י/ךָ֙ mitsvâh H4687 "commandment" Prep | N-fp | Suff

This Hebrew word means a command or law given by God or humans, as seen in the Bible's rules and guidelines. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy. The commandments guide people's actions.

Definition: 1) commandment 1a) commandment (of man) 1b) the commandment (of God) 1c) commandment (of code of wisdom)

Usage: Occurs in 177 OT verses. KJV: (which was) commanded(-ment), law, ordinance, precept. See also: Genesis 26:5; 1 Chronicles 28:8; Psalms 19:9.

וּ/בְ/מִשְׁפָּטֶ֣י/ךָ mishpâṭ H4941 "justice" Conj | Prep | N-mp | Suff

Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.

Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan

Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.

חָֽטְאוּ châṭâʼ H2398 "to sin" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To sin means to miss the mark or go wrong, incurring guilt or penalty, and can also mean to repent or make amends. It is used in the Bible to describe wrongdoing and its consequences.

Definition: 1) to sin, miss, miss the way, go wrong, incur guilt, forfeit, purify from uncleanness 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to miss 1a2) to sin, miss the goal or path of right and duty 1a3) to incur guilt, incur penalty by sin, forfeit 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to bear loss 1b2) to make a sin-offering 1b3) to purify from sin 1b4) to purify from uncleanness 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to miss the mark 1c2) to induce to sin, cause to sin 1c3) to bring into guilt or condemnation or punishment 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to miss oneself, lose oneself, wander from the way 1d2) to purify oneself from uncleanness

Usage: Occurs in 220 OT verses. KJV: bear the blame, cleanse, commit (sin), by fault, harm he hath done, loss, miss, (make) offend(-er), offer for sin, purge, purify (self), make reconciliation, (cause, make) sin(-ful, -ness), trespass. See also: Genesis 20:6; 1 Kings 15:34; Psalms 4:5.

בָ֔/ם "" Prep | Suff

אֲשֶׁר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

יַעֲשֶׂ֥ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

אָדָ֖ם ʼâdâm H120 "the man (Adam)" N-ms

Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.

Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being

Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.

וְ/חָיָ֣ה châyâh H2421 "to live" Conj | V-Qal-3ms

To live or have life is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which can also mean to revive or be quickened. It is used in the Bible to describe God's power to sustain life and restore people to health, as seen in the stories of the prophets and Jesus' miracles.

Definition: 1) to live, have life, remain alive, sustain life, live prosperously, live for ever, be quickened, be alive, be restored to life or health 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to live 1a1a) to have life 1a1b) to continue in life, remain alive 1a1c) to sustain life, to live on or upon 1a1d) to live (prosperously) 1a2) to revive, be quickened 1a2a) from sickness 1a2b) from discouragement 1a2c) from faintness 1a2d) from death 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to preserve alive, let live 1b2) to give life 1b3) to quicken, revive, refresh 1b3a) to restore to life 1b3b) to cause to grow 1b3c) to restore 1b3d) to revive 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to preserve alive, let live 1c2) to quicken, revive 1c2a) to restore (to health) 1c2b) to revive 1c2c) to restore to life

Usage: Occurs in 239 OT verses. KJV: keep (leave, make) alive, [idiom] certainly, give (promise) life, (let, suffer to) live, nourish up, preserve (alive), quicken, recover, repair, restore (to life), revive, ([idiom] God) save (alive, life, lives), [idiom] surely, be whole. See also: Genesis 5:3; 2 Samuel 16:16; Psalms 22:27.

בָ/הֶ֑ם "" Prep | Suff

וַ/יִּתְּנ֤וּ nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

כָתֵף֙ kâthêph H3802 "shoulder" N-fs

The Hebrew word for shoulder describes the upper end of the arm, where garments hang, and is used in Exodus 28:7 to describe the shoulder pieces of the ephod.

Definition: 1) shoulder, shoulder-blade, side, slope 1a) shoulder, shoulder-blade (of man) 1b) shoulder, shoulder-pieces (of animals) 1c) side, slope (of mountain) 1d) supports (of laver)

Usage: Occurs in 58 OT verses. KJV: arm, corner, shoulder(-piece), side, undersetter. See also: Exodus 27:14; 2 Kings 11:11; Isaiah 11:14.

סוֹרֶ֔רֶת çârar H5637 "to rebel" V-Qal

This Hebrew word means to rebel or turn away, often used to describe someone being stubborn or disobedient, as seen in its use in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to rebel, be stubborn, be rebellious, be refractory 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be stubborn 1a2) stubborn, rebel (subst)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] away, backsliding, rebellious, revolter(-ing), slide back, stubborn, withdrew. See also: Deuteronomy 21:18; Isaiah 1:23; Psalms 66:7.

וְ/עָרְפָּ֥/ם ʻôreph H6203 "neck" Conj | N-ms | Suff

The neck or back of the neck represents a turning point, like the back of a fleeing enemy or a stubborn person with a stiff neck.

Definition: 1) neck, back of the neck, back 1a) back of the neck 1a1) of fleeing foe 1a2) of apostasy (fig.) 1b) stiff of neck, obstinate (fig.)

Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: back ((stiff-) neck((-ed). See also: Genesis 49:8; 2 Chronicles 30:8; Psalms 18:41.

הִקְשׁ֖וּ qâshâh H7185 "to harden" V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp

In the Bible, this word means to be hard or severe, like when Pharaoh's heart was hardened against the Israelites in Exodus.

Definition: 1) to be hard, be severe, be fierce, be harsh 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be hard, be difficult 1a2) to be hard, be severe 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be ill-treated 1b2) to be hard pressed 1c) (Piel) to have severe labour (of women) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make difficult, make difficulty 1d2) to make severe, make burdensome 1d3) to make hard, make stiff, make stubborn 1d3a) of obstinacy (fig) 1d4) to show stubbornness

Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: be cruel, be fiercer, make grievous, be ((ask a), be in, have, seem, would) hard(-en, (labour), -ly, thing), be sore, (be, make) stiff(-en, (-necked)). See also: Genesis 35:16; 2 Chronicles 10:4; Psalms 95:8.

וְ/לֹ֥א lôʼ H3808 "not" Conj | Part

The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.

שָׁמֵֽעוּ shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Perf-3cp

To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.

Study Notes — Nehemiah 9:29

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Nehemiah 9:29 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:29
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:29
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:29
Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:29
Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:29
Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:29
Sermons on Nehemiah 9:29

Context — The People Confess Their Sins

27So You delivered them into the hands of enemies who oppressed them, and in their time of distress they cried out to You. From heaven You heard them, and in Your great compassion You gave them deliverers who saved them from the hands of their enemies. 28But as soon as they had rest, they again did evil in Your sight. So You abandoned them to the hands of their enemies, who had dominion over them. When they cried out to You again, You heard from heaven, and You delivered them many times in Your compassion.

29You admonished them to turn back to Your law, but they were arrogant and disobeyed Your commandments. They sinned against Your ordinances, by which a man will live if he practices them. They turned a stubborn shoulder; they stiffened their necks and would not obey.

30You were patient with them for many years, and Your Spirit admonished them through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen, so You gave them into the hands of the neighboring peoples. 31But in Your great compassion, You did not put an end to them; nor did You forsake them, for You are a gracious and compassionate God.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Nehemiah 9:16	But they and our fathers became arrogant and stiff-necked and did not obey Your commandments.
2	Leviticus 18:5	Keep My statutes and My judgments, for the man who does these things will live by them. I am the LORD.
3	Nehemiah 9:26	But they were disobedient and rebelled against You; they flung Your law behind their backs. They killed Your prophets, who had admonished them to return to You. They committed terrible blasphemies.
4	Nehemiah 9:10	You performed signs and wonders against Pharaoh, all his officials, and all the people of his land, for You knew they had acted with arrogance against our fathers. You made a name for Yourself that endures to this day.
5	James 4:6–10	But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.
6	Jeremiah 43:2	Azariah son of Hoshaiah, Johanan son of Kareah, and all the arrogant men said to Jeremiah, “You are lying! The LORD our God has not sent you to say, ‘You must not go to Egypt to reside there.’
7	Zechariah 7:11–12	But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped up their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts.
8	Hosea 6:5	Therefore I have hewn them by the prophets; I have slain them by the words of My mouth, and My judgments go forth like lightning.
9	Luke 10:28	“You have answered correctly,” Jesus said. “Do this and you will live.”
10	Daniel 5:20	But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him.

Nehemiah 9:29 Summary

This verse, Nehemiah 9:29, describes how the Israelites refused to obey God's commands, even after He had warned them and shown them patience and compassion. They became arrogant and stubborn, and as a result, they suffered the consequences of their disobedience, but God still offered them a way to return to Him and live according to His laws, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19. We can learn from their example by humbly obeying God's commands and following His ordinances, which are meant to guide us in living a righteous and holy life (Leviticus 18:5). By doing so, we can experience the blessings and life that come from following God's ways, as described in Psalm 119:93.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'stiffen their necks' in Nehemiah 9:29?

This phrase is an idiom that means to stubbornly refuse to obey or listen, similar to what is described in Acts 7:51 where the people 'resisted the Holy Spirit' and in 2 Kings 17:14 where the people 'stiffened their necks' and refused to listen to God's commands.

Why did the Israelites keep disobeying God's commands despite His patience and warnings?

The Israelites' disobedience was a result of their arrogance and stubbornness, as seen in Nehemiah 9:29, which is a common theme throughout the Bible, such as in Romans 1:21 where it says that people 'became futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened' when they refused to acknowledge God.

What are the 'ordinances' mentioned in Nehemiah 9:29 that a man will live by if he practices them?

The 'ordinances' refer to God's laws and commandments, such as those found in Leviticus 18:5 and Deuteronomy 30:16, which are meant to guide people in living a righteous and holy life, and by following them, people can experience life and blessings from God, as seen in Psalm 119:93 where it says 'I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life'

How does God's character balance justice and compassion, as seen in Nehemiah 9:29-31?

God's character is marked by both justice and compassion, as seen in Nehemiah 9:29-31, where He warns and disciplines the Israelites for their disobedience, but also shows them patience and compassion, which is consistent with other passages such as Psalm 103:8-10 and Romans 11:22, which describe God's balance of justice and mercy

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in my life where I may be 'stiffening my neck' and refusing to obey God's commands?
How can I cultivate a humble and obedient heart, rather than an arrogant and stubborn one, as described in Nehemiah 9:29?
In what ways can I practice God's ordinances and commandments in my daily life, and what benefits can I expect to experience as a result?
How can I balance the need for discipline and correction in my own life with the need for patience and compassion, as seen in God's character in Nehemiah 9:29-31?

Gill's Exposition on Nehemiah 9:29

And testifiedst against them,.... By sending prophets to them, to admonish them of their sins, and remind them of their duty: that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law; to regard it, and walk

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Nehemiah 9:29

Their children also multipliedst thou as the stars of heaven, and broughtest them into the land, concerning which thou hadst promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:29

Which if a man do, he shall live in them; of which see on . Withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, i.e. would not submit to thy yoke, like stubborn oxen.

Trapp's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:29

Nehemiah 9:29 And testifiedst against them, that thou mightest bring them again unto thy law: yet they dealt proudly, and hearkened not unto thy commandments, but sinned against thy judgments, (which if a man do, he shall live in them;) and withdrew the shoulder, and hardened their neck, and would not hear.Ver. 29. And testifiedst against them] Toldest them of their sins, foretoldest them of their dangers, didst all that could be done to do them good; but nothing would do. Yet they dealt proudly] See Nehemiah 9:16. And hearkened not] intus existens prohibuit alienum, Hear, and give ear, be not proud, Jeremiah 13:15. But sinned against thy judgments] i.e. Thy statutes, though made with so much reason and respect to our good, that if God did not command them, yet were it every way our best way to practise them: Isaiah 48:17, "I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way which thou shouldest go." As who should say, It is for thy profit that I command thee this or that, and not for mine own. Which if a man do] But that, as now, he cannot do, and, therefore, not be saved by the law, Romans 10:5. Our Saviour indeed said to that young justiciary, "This do, and thou shalt live," Luke 10:28. But that was all one, saith Luther, as if Christ had said unto him, Vade et morere, Go upon thy death; for do this of thyself, and live thereby, thou art never able. And withdrew the shoulder] When called to take up Christ’ s yoke, or to bear his cross. See the note on Zechariah 7:11. And hardened their neck] To sinews of iron they added brows of brass.

Cambridge Bible on Nehemiah 9:29

29. The Stubbornness of Israel29. testifiedst] Cf. 2 Kings 17:13, ‘Yet the Lord testified unto Israel and unto Judah, by the hand of every prophet, and of every seer.’ dealt proudly] Cf. Nehemiah 9:16. which if a man do, he shall live in them] Quoted from Leviticus 18:5, as also in Ezekiel 20:11. Cf. Luke 10:28, ‘This do and thou shalt live.’ withdrew the shoulder] R.V. marg. ‘Heb. they gave a stubborn shoulder’. The metaphor of an ox refusing to submit to the yoke, as applied to Israel, who rejected the service of Jehovah, is familiar to us from Hosea 4:16; Zechariah 7:11. hardened their neck] Cf. Nehemiah 9:17.

Whedon's Commentary on Nehemiah 9:29

29. Withdrew the shoulder — Like the refractory ox or the “backsliding heifer” (Hosea 4:16) that rebels against the yoke. Compare Zechariah 7:11.

Sermons on Nehemiah 9:29

	Sermon	Description
	Who Is God? by Anton Bosch	Anton Bosch delves into the question of what God is truly like, emphasizing the importance of understanding God's nature beyond misconceptions and assumptions. He highlights how ma
	The Great Sin (Reading) by C.S. Lewis	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of pride and conceit in the Christian life. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing our need for repentance and seeking the Lord
	Heart to Heart Talk on Marriage by Jim Cymbala	In this sermon, the speaker starts by sharing a personal anecdote about watching a nature channel and being disturbed by the aggressive behavior of wild dogs in South Africa. He th
	If My People by Curtis Hutson	In this sermon, the preacher shares two stories to emphasize the importance of approaching the platform with confidence and faith. He encourages the congregation to start a fire in
	(Pdf Book) Beauty of Christ Through Brokenness by K.P. Yohannan	K.P. Yohannan emphasizes the significance of brokenness in the Christian life, illustrating that true humility and surrender to God are essential for reflecting Christ's image. He
	Humility vs Pride by Gerhard Du Toit	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the destructive nature of pride in a person's life. They emphasize the importance of recognizing and repenting of pride, as it hinders one's r
	Everything Is for the Glory of God by Jim Cymbala	This sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing that everything is for God's glory and everything comes from God. It delves into the need for complete reliance on God for tran