Nehemiah 10:29

Authorized King James Version

They clave to their brethren, their nobles, and entered into a curse, and into an oath, to walk in God's law, which was given by Moses the servant of God, and to observe and do all the commandments of the LORD our Lord, and his judgments and his statutes;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מַֽחֲזִיקִ֣ים
H2388
They clave
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#2
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
אֲחֵיהֶם֮
H251
to their brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#4
אַדִּֽירֵיהֶם֒
H117
their nobles
wide or (generally) large; figuratively, powerful
#5
וּבָאִ֞ים
H935
and entered
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#6
בְּאָלָ֣ה
H423
into a curse
an imprecation
#7
וּבִשְׁבוּעָ֗ה
H7621
and into an oath
properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath
#8
לָלֶ֙כֶת֙
H1980
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
בְּתוֹרַ֣ת
H8451
law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch
#10
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
H430
in God's
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#11
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
נִתְּנָ֔ה
H5414
which was given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#13
בְּיַ֖ד
H3027
by
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#14
מֹשֶׁ֣ה
H4872
Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#15
עֶֽבֶד
H5650
the servant
a servant
#16
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים
H430
in God's
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#17
וְלִשְׁמ֣וֹר
H8104
and to observe
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#18
וְלַֽעֲשׂ֗וֹת
H6213
and do
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#19
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#20
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#21
מִצְוֹת֙
H4687
all the commandments
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#22
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#23
אֲדֹנֵ֔ינוּ
H113
our Lord
sovereign, i.e., controller (human or divine)
#24
וּמִשְׁפָּטָ֖יו
H4941
and his judgments
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
#25
וְחֻקָּֽיו׃
H2706
and his statutes
an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights covenant through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Nehemiah.

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 covenant 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection