Nehemiah 13 12

Nehemiah 13:12 kjv

Then brought all Judah the tithe of the corn and the new wine and the oil unto the treasuries.

Nehemiah 13:12 nkjv

Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain and the new wine and the oil to the storehouse.

Nehemiah 13:12 niv

All Judah brought the tithes of grain, new wine and olive oil into the storerooms.

Nehemiah 13:12 esv

Then all Judah brought the tithe of the grain, wine, and oil into the storehouses.

Nehemiah 13:12 nlt

And once more all the people of Judah began bringing their tithes of grain, new wine, and olive oil to the Temple storerooms.

Nehemiah 13 verses

Nehemiah 13 12 Meaning

Nehemiah 13:12 states that after Nehemiah’s reforms, "all Judah" collectively and enthusiastically brought their required tithes of agricultural produce—grain, new wine, and oil—into the designated storerooms of the temple. This act signified a restoration of their covenant obligation, particularly in supporting the Levites and temple ministry, which had previously been neglected. It reflects a reawakened commitment to God's commandments and the proper functioning of His house.

Nehemiah 13 12 Context

Nehemiah 13:12 falls within the final chapter of the book, detailing Nehemiah's second visit to Jerusalem (around 430 BC) after his return to Artaxerxes in Persia. Upon his arrival, he discovered that many reforms he had implemented during his first governorship had been neglected. Specifically, Eliashib the high priest had allowed Tobiah the Ammonite, an enemy of Judah, to occupy a storeroom in the Temple, which was originally designated for tithes and offerings (Neh 13:4-7). This profound disrespect for the sacred space had led to the Levites, who depended on these tithes for their livelihood, abandoning their Temple duties and returning to their fields (Neh 13:10). Nehemiah reacted decisively by expelling Tobiah, cleansing the storeroom, and then rebuking the officials for their failure to provide for the Temple ministry. Verse 12 is the immediate positive consequence of Nehemiah's decisive action and exhortation. It represents a spiritual turnaround, where the people, prompted by Nehemiah's zeal, recommitted themselves to the Lord's commands regarding Temple support.

Nehemiah 13 12 Word analysis

• Then (וַיָּבִיא֙וּ - wa-yā-ḇi-ʼū): This introductory conjunction ("and they brought" or "then they brought") indicates a direct consequence or sequence of events. It points to an immediate and positive reaction following Nehemiah's purification of the temple and restoration of proper order (Neh 13:8-11). It shows prompt obedience after rebuke.
• all (כׇּל־ - kol): The Hebrew kol signifies totality, encompassing every member or aspect. Here, it highlights the universal participation of the Judean population in this act of obedience. It suggests widespread compliance, not just a few individuals. This unanimity demonstrates a collective repentance and renewed covenant commitment.
• Judah (יְהוּדָ֖ה - yə-hū-ḏāh): Refers to the people of the southern kingdom, now the post-exilic community. The specific naming of "Judah" underscores that the entire community residing in the territory of Judah responded. It emphasizes a national rather than individual revival.
• brought (הִגִּ֛ישׁוּ - hi-gi-shū from נגשׁ nagash): While nagaš typically means "draw near" or "present," the context here implies actively delivering or presenting, particularly goods. In this context, it is "they presented" or "they delivered." This is a deliberate, active, and public action of delivering something due, specifically tribute or offering. It shows an intentional, volitional act.
• the tithe (הַמַּעֲשֵׂר֙ - ham-ma‘ă-śēr): This is the definitive "tenth part." The prefixed definite article 'the' indicates a known, established practice, referring to the divinely commanded portion of income or produce owed to the Lord. It signifies a fundamental and long-standing covenant obligation for the support of the Levites and priests.
• of the grain (הַדָּגָ֕ן - had-dā-ḡān): One of the primary agricultural staples. Grain represents the produce from the fields, essential for food. It signifies a direct portion of the harvest from their labor.
• new wine (הַתִּיר֖וֹשׁ - hat-tî-rō-sh): Unfermented grape juice, symbolizing the fresh yield of the vineyards. It represents abundance and joy from God's provision.
• and oil (וְהַיִּצְהָ֑ר - wə-hay-yiṣ-hār): Olive oil, a crucial commodity for food, fuel, and anointing. It completes the triad of essential agricultural products from the land. This trio (grain, new wine, oil) is frequently mentioned together in the Old Testament as representative of the land's bounty and the Israelites' agricultural livelihood (e.g., Deut 7:13; 14:23). They were also essential components for Temple offerings.
• into the storerooms (לָאוֹצָרֽוֹת - lā-ʼō-wṣā-rō-wṯ): Specifically designated treasuries or storehouses within the temple complex (cf. Neh 10:38). These were central repositories for communal contributions, ensuring order and accountability. The fact that the tithes reached these specific places means the logistical neglect had been corrected and the system was functioning properly again.

Word-groups Analysis:

• "Then all Judah brought": This phrase emphasizes the collective, immediate, and volitional response of the entire community. It underscores the profound impact of Nehemiah’s leadership in stirring a dormant spiritual responsibility. This stands in stark contrast to the prior neglect when Levites had to leave due to lack of support.
• "the tithe of the grain, new wine, and oil": This details the specific types of produce that formed the mandatory tenth. This triad represents the foundational agricultural bounty of the land of Israel, affirming that they were giving from their core livelihood and God’s direct provision to them. It indicates adherence to the Mosaic law's specific requirements.
• "into the storerooms": This highlights the proper channel and designated sacred space for these offerings. It indicates that not only was the act of giving fulfilled, but it was done according to the prescribed orderly manner for the temple's maintenance and the support of its ministers. This detail implies restoration of administrative integrity in the Temple.

Nehemiah 13 12 Bonus section

The communal action indicated by "all Judah" is particularly significant because it reflects a corporate spiritual revival, contrasting with individual acts of devotion. This demonstrates the power of firm, godly leadership to steer an entire community back to covenant faithfulness. The specific items mentioned (grain, new wine, oil) were not merely commodities but held symbolic weight as foundational provisions of God's blessing upon the land (Deut 7:13), making the act of tithing them an acknowledgement of God as the ultimate provider. The restoration of tithing to the storerooms corrected a dual failure: both the people's neglect in giving and the officials' failure in administering these sacred resources, indicating a comprehensive return to biblical order.

Nehemiah 13 12 Commentary

Nehemiah 13:12 records a significant moment of spiritual renewal and obedience following Nehemiah’s firm intervention against covenant violations. Previously, neglect of tithing had forced the Levites and temple singers to abandon their sacred duties and return to their fields, causing disarray in the temple services. Nehemiah, with zealous determination, confronted the officials, expelled Tobiah, and cleansed the Temple treasuries. This verse demonstrates the immediate fruit of that strong leadership: a widespread, collective re-commitment by the people of Judah to uphold their covenant obligations to God. The act of bringing the full tithe—encompassing the staples of grain, wine, and oil—into the Temple storerooms was not merely a physical transaction but a tangible expression of renewed faith, repentance for past neglect, and a practical acknowledgment that God's house and its ministers must be adequately supported. It underlines the principle that obedience brings blessings and proper order, echoing Malachi's call for Israel to "bring the whole tithe into the storehouse" for divine blessings. This was a foundational step in re-establishing proper worship and community life after a period of spiritual lapse.

• Example for practical usage: Today, this verse reminds believers of the importance of systematic giving to support the church and its ministry. Just as ancient Judah was to sustain its priests and Levites, modern believers are called to give financially to enable the gospel to be preached and ministered. When "all Judah" participated, it restored vitality; similarly, collective generous giving strengthens the church to fulfill its mission.