Nehemiah 1:9

Authorized King James Version

But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְשַׁבְתֶּ֣ם
H7725
But if ye turn
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#2
אֵלַ֔י
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙
H8104
unto me and keep
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#4
מִצְוֹתַ֔י
H4687
my commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#5
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם
H6213
and do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#6
אֹתָ֑ם
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#7
אִם
H518
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#8
יִֽהְיֶ֨ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#9
נִֽדַּחֲכֶ֜ם
H5080
them though there were of you cast out
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)
#10
בִּקְצֵ֤ה
H7097
unto the uttermost part
an extremity
#11
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
H8064
of the heaven
the sky (as aloft; the dual perhaps alluding to the visible arch in which the clouds move, as well as to the higher ether where the celestial bodies r
#12
מִשָּׁ֣ם
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#13
אֲקַבְּצֵ֔ם
H6908
yet will I gather
to grasp, i.e., collect
#14
וַהֲבִֽואֹתִים֙
H935
them from thence and will bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#15
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#16
הַמָּק֔וֹם
H4725
them unto the place
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#17
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#18
בָּחַ֔רְתִּי
H977
that I have chosen
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
#19
לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן
H7931
to set
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
#20
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#21
שְׁמִ֖י
H8034
my name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#22
שָֽׁם׃
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

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