Nehemiah 10:34

Authorized King James Version

And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people, for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, after the houses of our fathers, at times appointed year by year, to burn upon the altar of the LORD our God, as it is written in the law:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַגּֽוֹרָל֨וֹת
H1486
the lots
properly, a pebble, i.e., a lot (small stones being used for that purpose); figuratively, a portion or destiny (as if determined by lot)
#2
הִפַּ֜לְנוּ
H5307
And we cast
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#3
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
קֻרְבַּ֣ן
H7133
offering
something brought near the altar, i.e., a sacrificial present
#5
הָֽעֵצִ֗ים
H6086
for the wood
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
#6
הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֣ים
H3548
among the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#7
הַלְוִיִּם֮
H3881
the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#8
וְהָעָם֒
H5971
and the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#9
לְ֠הָבִיא
H935
to bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
לְבֵית
H1004
after the houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#11
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
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
#12
לְבֵית
H1004
after the houses
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#13
אֲבֹתֵ֛ינוּ
H1
of our fathers
father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application
#14
לְעִתִּ֥ים
H6256
at times
time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc
#15
מְזֻמָּנִ֖ים
H2163
appointed
to fix (a time)
#16
בְשָׁנָ֑ה
H8141
by year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#17
בְשָׁנָ֑ה
H8141
by year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#18
לְבַעֵ֗ר
H1197
to burn
to be(-come) brutish
#19
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#20
מִזְבַּח֙
H4196
upon the altar
an altar
#21
יְהוָ֣ה
H3068
of the LORD
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
#22
אֱלֹהֵ֔ינוּ
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
#23
כַּכָּת֖וּב
H3789
as it is written
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#24
בַּתּוֹרָֽה׃
H8451
in the law
a precept or statute, especially the decalogue or pentateuch

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection