Nehemiah 1:9
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.
Original Language Analysis
וְשַׁבְתֶּ֣ם
But if ye turn
H7725
וְשַׁבְתֶּ֣ם
But if ye turn
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
1 of 22
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙
unto me and keep
H8104
וּשְׁמַרְתֶּם֙
unto me and keep
Strong's:
H8104
Word #:
3 of 22
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
מִצְוֹתַ֔י
my commandments
H4687
מִצְוֹתַ֔י
my commandments
Strong's:
H4687
Word #:
4 of 22
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם
and do
H6213
וַֽעֲשִׂיתֶ֖ם
and do
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 22
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
אֹתָ֑ם
H853
אֹתָ֑ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
7 of 22
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִֽהְיֶ֨ה
H1961
יִֽהְיֶ֨ה
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
8 of 22
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
נִֽדַּחֲכֶ֜ם
them though there were of you cast out
H5080
נִֽדַּחֲכֶ֜ם
them though there were of you cast out
Strong's:
H5080
Word #:
9 of 22
to push off; used in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively (to expel, mislead, strike, inflict, etc.)
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
of the heaven
H8064
הַשָּׁמַ֙יִם֙
of the heaven
Strong's:
H8064
Word #:
11 of 22
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
מִשָּׁ֣ם
H8033
מִשָּׁ֣ם
Strong's:
H8033
Word #:
12 of 22
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
וַהֲבִֽואֹתִים֙
them from thence and will bring
H935
וַהֲבִֽואֹתִים֙
them from thence and will bring
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
14 of 22
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
הַמָּק֔וֹם
them unto the place
H4725
הַמָּק֔וֹם
them unto the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
16 of 22
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)
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
17 of 22
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
בָּחַ֔רְתִּי
that I have chosen
H977
בָּחַ֔רְתִּי
that I have chosen
Strong's:
H977
Word #:
18 of 22
properly, to try, i.e., (by implication) select
לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן
to set
H7931
לְשַׁכֵּ֥ן
to set
Strong's:
H7931
Word #:
19 of 22
to reside or permanently stay (literally or figuratively)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
20 of 22
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
Cross References
Jeremiah 32:37Behold, I will gather them out of all countries, whither I have driven them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great wrath; and I will bring them again unto this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely:Isaiah 56:8The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him.Psalms 147:2The LORD doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel.Jeremiah 12:15And it shall come to pass, after that I have plucked them out I will return, and have compassion on them, and will bring them again, every man to his heritage, and every man to his land.Matthew 24:31And he shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.Deuteronomy 12:5But unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose out of all your tribes to put his name there, even unto his habitation shall ye seek, and thither thou shalt come:Ezra 6:12And the God that hath caused his name to dwell there destroy all kings and people, that shall put to their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God which is at Jerusalem. I Darius have made a decree; let it be done with speed.Isaiah 11:12And he shall set up an ensign for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth.Psalms 106:47Save us, O LORD our God, and gather us from among the heathen, to give thanks unto thy holy name, and to triumph in thy praise.Jeremiah 31:10Hear the word of the LORD, O ye nations, and declare it in the isles afar off, and say, He that scattered Israel will gather him, and keep him, as a shepherd doth his flock.
Historical Context
Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. The post-exilic community had returned to Judah but remained politically subject to Persia, living under imperial administration while attempting to rebuild covenant identity. Archaeological evidence confirms Persian-period occupation of Jerusalem and the wall's route. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Nehemiah 1:9 deepen your understanding of God's character and His work in human history?
- What specific action or attitude change does this verse call you to make in your walk with God?
- How can the principles demonstrated in this passage inform your response to current challenges in your life or church?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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.
This verse within Nehemiah 1 addresses themes of prayer, burden, intercession, confession. Nehemiah's prayer demonstrates model intercession rooted in covenant theology, confessing corporate sin while claiming covenant promises. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.