Nehemiah 11:20

Authorized King James Version

And the residue of Israel, of the priests, and the Levites, were in all the cities of Judah, every one in his inheritance.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּשְׁאָ֨ר

H7605

And the residue

a remainder

יִשְׂרָאֵ֜ל

H3478

of Israel

he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity

הַכֹּֽהֲנִ֤ים

H3548

of the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

הַלְוִיִּם֙

H3881

and the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

בְּכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

עָרֵ֣י

H5892

were in all the cities

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

יְהוּדָ֔ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

אִ֖ישׁ

H376

every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

בְּנַֽחֲלָתֽוֹ׃

H5159

in his inheritance

properly, something inherited, i.e., (abstractly) occupancy, or (concretely) an heirloom; generally an estate, patrimony or portion

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

How does this verse's literary context within Nehemiah chapter 11 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?