Nehemiah 11:14

Authorized King James Version

And their brethren, mighty men of valour, an hundred twenty and eight: and their overseer was Zabdiel, the son of one of the great men.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲחֵיהֶם֙
And their brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#2
גִּבּ֣וֹרֵי
mighty men
powerful; by implication, warrior, tyrant
#3
חַ֔יִל
of valour
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#4
מֵאָ֖ה
an hundred
a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction
#5
עֶשְׂרִ֣ים
twenty
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#6
וּשְׁמֹנָ֑ה
and eight
a cardinal number, eight (as if a surplus above the 'perfect' seven); also (as ordinal) eighth
#7
וּפָקִ֣יד
and their overseer
a superintendent (civil, military or religious)
#8
עֲלֵיהֶ֔ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
זַבְדִּיאֵ֖ל
was Zabdiel
gift of god; zabdiel, the name of two israelites
#10
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
הַגְּדוֹלִֽים׃
of one of the great men
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection