Nehemiah 1:7

Authorized King James Version

We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses.

Word-by-Word Analysis

חָבַ֣לְנוּ

H2254

We have dealt very

to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur

חָבַ֣לְנוּ

H2254

We have dealt very

to wind tightly (as a rope), i.e., to bind; specifically, by a pledge; figuratively, to pervert, destroy; also to writhe in pain (especially of partur

לָ֑ךְ

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

שָׁמַ֣רְנוּ

H8104

against thee and have not kept

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַמִּצְוֹ֗ת

H4687

the commandments

a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַֽחֻקִּים֙

H2706

nor the statutes

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

#10

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#11

הַמִּשְׁפָּטִ֔ים

H4941

nor the judgments

properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind

#12

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

צִוִּ֖יתָ

H6680

which thou commandedst

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

מֹשֶׁ֥ה

H4872

Moses

mosheh, the israelite lawgiver

#16

עַבְדֶּֽךָ׃

H5650

thy servant

a servant

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Nehemiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?