Nehemiah 9:33
New International Version
In all that has happened to us, you have remained righteous; you have acted faithfully, while we acted wickedly.

New Living Translation
Every time you punished us you were being just. We have sinned greatly, and you gave us only what we deserved.

English Standard Version
Yet you have been righteous in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly.

Berean Standard Bible
You are just in all that has befallen us, because You have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly.

King James Bible
Howbeit thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:

New King James Version
However You are just in all that has befallen us; For You have dealt faithfully, But we have done wickedly.

New American Standard Bible
“However, You are righteous in everything that has happened to us; For You have dealt faithfully, but we have acted wickedly.

NASB 1995
“However, You are just in all that has come upon us; For You have dealt faithfully, but we have acted wickedly.

NASB 1977
“However, Thou art just in all that has come upon us; For Thou hast dealt faithfully, but we have acted wickedly.

Legacy Standard Bible
However, You are righteous in all that has come upon us; For You have dealt in truth, but we have acted wickedly.

Amplified Bible
“However, You are just and righteous in everything that has come upon us; For You have dealt faithfully, but we have acted wickedly.

Christian Standard Bible
You are righteous concerning all that has happened to us, because you have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
You are righteous concerning all that has come on us, because You have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly.

American Standard Version
Howbeit thou art just in all that is come upon us; for thou hast dealt truly, but we have done wickedly;

Contemporary English Version
You have always been fair when you punished us for our sins.

English Revised Version
Howbeit thou art just in all that is come upon us; for thou hast dealt truly, but we have done wickedly:

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But you were fair about everything that has happened to us. You have been faithful, but we have been wicked.

Good News Translation
You have done right to punish us; you have been faithful, even though we have sinned.

International Standard Version
You are righteous in all that is happening to us, because you have acted faithfully while we have practiced evil.

NET Bible
You are righteous with regard to all that has happened to us, for you have acted faithfully. It is we who have been in the wrong!

New Heart English Bible
However you are just in all that has come on us; for you have dealt truly, but we have done wickedly;

Webster's Bible Translation
But thou art just in all that is brought upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly:
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
You are just in all that has befallen us, because You have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly.

World English Bible
However you are just in all that has come on us; for you have dealt truly, but we have done wickedly.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And You [are] righteous concerning all that has come on us, "" For You have done truth, "" And we have done wickedly;

Young's Literal Translation
and Thou art righteous concerning all that hath come upon us, for truth Thou hast done, and we have done wickedly;

Smith's Literal Translation
And thou art just for all brought upon us; for thou didst the truth and we were evil:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And thou art just in all things that have come upon us: because thou hast done truth, but we have done wickedly.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For you are just, concerning all things that have overwhelmed us. For you have done truth, but we have acted impiously.

New American Bible
In all that has come upon us you have been just, for you kept faith while we have done evil.

New Revised Standard Version
You have been just in all that has come upon us, for you have dealt faithfully and we have acted wickedly;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Nevertheless thou art righteous in all that has come upon us; for thou hast done right, but we have done wickedly;

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And you are righteous for everything that has come upon us, because you are in the right, for we have done evil.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Howbeit Thou art just in all that is come upon us; for Thou hast dealt truly, but we have done wickedly;

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But thou art righteous in all the things that come upon us; for thou hast wrought faithfully, but we have greatly sinned.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The People Confess Their Sins
32So now, our God, the great and mighty and awesome God who keeps His gracious covenant, do not view lightly all the hardship that has come upon us, and upon our kings and leaders, our priests and prophets, our ancestors and all Your people, from the days of the kings of Assyria until today. 33You are just in all that has befallen us, because You have acted faithfully, while we have acted wickedly. 34Our kings and leaders and priests and fathers did not obey Your law or listen to Your commandments and warnings that You gave them.…

Cross References
Daniel 9:14
Therefore the LORD has kept the calamity in store and brought it upon us. For the LORD our God is righteous in all He does; yet we have not obeyed His voice.

Psalm 51:4
Against You, You only, have I sinned and done what is evil in Your sight, so that You may be proved right when You speak and blameless when You judge.

Lamentations 3:39-42
Why should any mortal man complain, in view of his sins? / Let us examine and test our ways, and turn back to the LORD. / Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven: ...

Ezra 9:15
O LORD, God of Israel, You are righteous! For we remain this day as a remnant. Here we are before You in our guilt, though because of it no one can stand before You.”

Jeremiah 12:1
Righteous are You, O LORD, when I plead before You. Yet about Your judgments I wish to contend with You: Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why do all the faithless live at ease?

Deuteronomy 32:4
He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He.

2 Chronicles 12:6
So the leaders of Israel and the king humbled themselves and said, “The LORD is righteous.”

Job 34:10-12
Therefore listen to me, O men of understanding. Far be it from God to do wrong, and from the Almighty to act unjustly. / For according to a man’s deeds He repays him; according to a man’s ways He brings consequences. / Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice.

Isaiah 5:16
But the LORD of Hosts will be exalted by His justice, and the holy God will show Himself holy in righteousness.

Psalm 119:137
Righteous are You, O LORD, and upright are Your judgments.

Romans 3:4
Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.”

Romans 3:26
He did this to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and to justify the one who has faith in Jesus.

Hebrews 12:6-11
For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives.” / Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? / If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. ...

1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Revelation 15:3
and they sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb: “Great and wonderful are Your works, O Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the nations!


Treasury of Scripture

However, you are just in all that is brought on us; for you have done right, but we have done wickedly:

Howbeit.

Genesis 18:25
That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?

Job 34:23
For he will not lay upon man more than right; that he should enter into judgment with God.

Psalm 119:137
TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments.

but we.

Leviticus 26:40,41
If they shall confess their iniquity, and the iniquity of their fathers, with their trespass which they trespassed against me, and that also they have walked contrary unto me; …

Job 33:27
He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not;

Psalm 106:6
We have sinned with our fathers, we have committed iniquity, we have done wickedly.

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Nehemiah 9
1. A solemn fast, and repentance of the people
4. The Levites make a confession of God's goodness, and their wickedness














You are just in all that has befallen us
This phrase acknowledges God's righteousness and justice in the events that have occurred. The Israelites, during the time of Nehemiah, were reflecting on their history and recognizing that their suffering and exile were consequences of their disobedience. This aligns with Deuteronomy 28, where blessings and curses are outlined based on Israel's obedience or disobedience. The acknowledgment of God's justice is a recurring theme in the Bible, seen in passages like Psalm 119:137 and Daniel 9:14, where God's judgments are declared righteous.

because You have acted faithfully
Here, the faithfulness of God is emphasized. Despite Israel's repeated failures, God remained true to His covenant promises. This faithfulness is a central attribute of God, as seen in Lamentations 3:22-23, where His mercies are described as new every morning. The faithfulness of God is also a foreshadowing of Christ, who is the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises, as seen in 2 Corinthians 1:20, where all God's promises are affirmed in Him.

while we have acted wickedly
This confession of sin is crucial in the narrative of Nehemiah. The Israelites admit their wrongdoing, which is a necessary step for repentance and restoration. This mirrors the cycle of sin, judgment, repentance, and deliverance found throughout the book of Judges. The acknowledgment of their wickedness is also a precursor to the New Testament call for repentance, as seen in Acts 3:19, where turning from sin is essential for spiritual renewal. The contrast between God's faithfulness and human unfaithfulness highlights the need for a Savior, fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who provides redemption and reconciliation.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Nehemiah
A Jewish leader who played a crucial role in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls and leading the people in spiritual renewal.

2. Israelites
The people of God who are confessing their sins and acknowledging God's righteousness in this chapter.

3. Jerusalem
The city where these events take place, significant as the center of Jewish worship and identity.

4. Ezra
A scribe and priest who, along with Nehemiah, leads the people in repentance and covenant renewal.

5. The Levites
Members of the tribe of Levi who assist in leading the people in worship and confession.
Teaching Points
God's Righteousness and Faithfulness
God's character is unchanging; He remains righteous and faithful even when we fail. This should lead us to trust in His justice and mercy.

Human Sinfulness and Confession
Acknowledging our sin is crucial for spiritual growth. Like the Israelites, we must confess our wrongdoings and seek God's forgiveness.

The Importance of Corporate Repentance
The communal aspect of confession in Nehemiah 9 highlights the importance of collective repentance and accountability within the body of Christ.

God's Faithfulness in Discipline
God's discipline is an expression of His faithfulness. Understanding this can help us accept correction and grow in righteousness.

Renewal and Covenant Commitment
After confession, the Israelites renewed their covenant with God. We too should commit to living according to God's Word after seeking His forgiveness.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Nehemiah 9:33?

2. How does Nehemiah 9:33 highlight God's justice in dealing with Israel's sins?

3. What lessons on accountability can we learn from Nehemiah 9:33?

4. How does Nehemiah 9:33 connect with Romans 3:23 about human sinfulness?

5. In what ways can we acknowledge God's righteousness in our daily lives?

6. How can Nehemiah 9:33 inspire repentance and humility in our spiritual walk?

7. How does Nehemiah 9:33 reflect God's justice and righteousness in human suffering?

8. Why does Nehemiah 9:33 emphasize God's faithfulness despite Israel's disobedience?

9. What historical context led to the confession in Nehemiah 9:33?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Nehemiah 9?

11. What does the Bible say about being passive?

12. How do the severe punishments in Deuteronomy 28 compare with the portrayal of a merciful God in other parts of the Bible (e.g., Psalm 145:9)?

13. How can the harsh judgment on the servant in Matthew 25:24-30 be reconciled with a supposedly just and merciful God?

14. In Nehemiah 9:6, how can the claim that God made and preserves all creation be reconciled with scientific evidence of cosmic evolution and species extinctions?
What Does Nehemiah 9:33 Mean
You are just

- Nehemiah’s prayer begins with a declaration of God’s righteous character. Scripture consistently affirms that the Lord is perfectly just: “He is the Rock; His work is perfect, for all His ways are justice” (Deuteronomy 32:4).

- When we focus on God’s justice we remember:

• He never errs in judgment (Psalm 119:137).

• His verdicts are always true (Romans 3:4).

• His justice is inseparable from His love; the cross itself is proof that righteousness and mercy meet (Romans 3:26).


in all that has befallen us

- The people acknowledge that every circumstance—exile, hardship, restoration—has unfolded under God’s sovereign hand. “I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, and that in faithfulness You have afflicted me” (Psalm 119:75).

- Key reminders when trials strike:

• Nothing slips past the Lord’s control (Lamentations 3:37-38).

• Discipline is part of sonship; “He disciplines us for our good, so that we may share in His holiness” (Hebrews 12:10-11).

• Even painful events can display divine faithfulness, not divine neglect.


because You have acted faithfully

- God’s actions align perfectly with His covenant promises. He warned of exile for disobedience (Leviticus 26; Deuteronomy 28) and carried it out, yet He also promised restoration—and delivered (Ezra 1:1-3).

- Scripture celebrates His unwavering reliability:

• “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:13).

• “The LORD is faithful in all His words and loving in all His deeds” (Psalm 145:13).

• “God…is faithful” (1 Corinthians 1:9).

- Therefore the exile is not evidence of divine unfaithfulness; it is evidence that God keeps His word—both in warning and in mercy.


while we have acted wickedly

- The nation owns its sin without excuse, echoing Daniel 9:5: “We have sinned and done wrong; we have acted wickedly.”

- Biblical confession involves:

• Agreement with God’s verdict—“all have sinned” (Romans 3:23).

• Transparent acknowledgment—“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8).

• Turning from sin toward mercy—“Whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy” (Proverbs 28:13).

- Only when the people grasp their own wickedness do they fully appreciate God’s just dealings and His gracious readiness to forgive (1 John 1:9).


summary

Nehemiah 9:33 is a model confession: God is wholly righteous; every event He ordains is just; His actions are ever faithful to His word; and human rebellion is the sole cause of calamity. Recognizing these truths moves us from blaming God to trusting Him, from excusing ourselves to repenting, and from despair to hope in His unwavering faithfulness.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
You
וְאַתָּ֣ה (wə·’at·tāh)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are just
צַדִּ֔יק (ṣad·dîq)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6662: Just, righteous

in
עַ֖ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

that has befallen
הַבָּ֣א (hab·bā)
Article | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

us,
עָלֵ֑ינוּ (‘ā·lê·nū)
Preposition | first person common plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

You have acted
עָשִׂ֖יתָ (‘ā·śî·ṯā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

faithfully,
אֱמֶ֥ת (’ĕ·meṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

while we
וַאֲנַ֥חְנוּ (wa·’ă·naḥ·nū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common plural
Strong's 587: We

have acted wickedly.
הִרְשָֽׁעְנוּ׃ (hir·šā·‘ə·nū)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - first person common plural
Strong's 7561: To be, wrong, to disturb, violate


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OT History: Nehemiah 9:33 However you are just in all that (Neh Ne)
Nehemiah 9:32
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