Nehemiah 10:32

Authorized King James Version

Also we made ordinances for us, to charge ourselves yearly with the third part of a shekel for the service of the house of our God;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהֶֽעֱמַ֤דְנוּ
H5975
Also we made
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#2
עָלֵ֙ינוּ֙
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#3
מִצְוֹ֔ת
H4687
ordinances
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#4
לָתֵ֥ת
H5414
for us to charge
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#5
עָלֵ֛ינוּ
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
שְׁלִשִׁ֥ית
H7992
with the third part
third; feminine a third (part); by extension, a third (day, year or time); specifically, a third-story cell)
#7
הַשֶּׁ֖קֶל
H8255
of a shekel
probably a weight; used as a commercial standard
#8
בַּשָּׁנָ֑ה
H8141
ourselves yearly
a year (as a revolution of time)
#9
לַֽעֲבֹדַ֖ת
H5656
for the service
work of any kind
#10
בֵּ֥ית
H1004
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
אֱלֹהֵֽינוּ׃
H430
of our God
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

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection