Nehemiah 11:1

Authorized King James Version

And the rulers of the people dwelt at Jerusalem: the rest of the people also cast lots, to bring one of ten to dwell in Jerusalem the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לָשֶׁ֙בֶת֙
H3427
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#2
שָׂרֵֽי
H8269
And the rulers
a head person (of any rank or class)
#3
הָ֠עָם
H5971
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#4
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
H3389
at Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#5
וּשְׁאָ֣ר
H7605
the rest
a remainder
#6
הָ֠עָם
H5971
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
הִפִּ֨ילוּ
H5307
also cast
to fall, in a great variety of applications (intransitive or causative, literal or figurative)
#8
גֽוֹרָל֜וֹת
H1486
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)
#9
לְהָבִ֣יא׀
H935
to bring
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#10
אֶחָ֣ד
H259
one
properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first
#11
מִן
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#12
הָֽעֲשָׂרָ֗ה
H6235
of ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#13
לָשֶׁ֙בֶת֙
H3427
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#14
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִַ֙ם֙
H3389
at Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#15
בֶּֽעָרִֽים׃
H5892
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#16
הַקֹּ֔דֶשׁ
H6944
the holy
a sacred place or thing; rarely abstract, sanctity
#17
וְתֵ֥שַׁע
H8672
and nine
nine or (ordinal) ninth
#18
הַיָּד֖וֹת
H3027
parts
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
#19
בֶּֽעָרִֽים׃
H5892
city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 kingdom of God 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