32 Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

Other Translations of Nehemiah 10:32

New International Version

32 "We assume the responsibility for carrying out the commands to give a third of a shekelThat is, about 1/8 ounce or about 4 grams each year for the service of the house of our God:

English Standard Version

32 "We also take on ourselves the obligation to give yearly a third part of a shekelA shekel was about 2/5 ounce or 11 grams for the service of the house of our God:

The Message

32 We accept the responsibility for paying an annual tax of one-third of a shekel (about an eighth ounce) for providing The Temple of our God with

New King James Version

32 Also we made ordinances for ourselves, to exact from ourselves yearly one-third of a shekel for the service of the house of our God:

New Living Translation

32 "In addition, we promise to obey the command to pay the annual Temple tax of one-eighth of an ounce of silver for the care of the Temple of our God.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Nehemiah 10:32

Commentary on Nehemiah 10:32-39

(Read Nehemiah 10:32-39)

Having covenanted against the sins of which they had been guilty, they obliged themselves to observe the duties they had neglected. We must not only cease to do evil, but learn to do well. Let not any people expect the blessing of God, unless they keep up public worship. It is likely to go well with our houses, when care is taken that the work of God's house goes on well. When every one helps, and every one gives, though but little, toward a good work, the whole will come to be a large sum. We must do what we can in works of piety and charity; and whatever state we are placed in, cheerfully perform our duty to God, which will be the surest way to ease and liberty. As the ordinances of God are the appointed means of support to our souls, the believer will not grudge the expense; yet most people leave their souls to starve.