Nehemiah 11:3

Authorized King James Version

Now these are the chief of the province that dwelt in Jerusalem: but in the cities of Judah dwelt every one in his possession in their cities, to wit, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinims, and the children of Solomon's servants.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵ֙לֶּה֙
H428
these or those
#2
רָאשֵׁ֣י
H7218
Now these are the chief
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
#3
הַמְּדִינָ֔ה
H4082
of the province
properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region
#4
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#5
יָֽשְׁב֞וּ
H3427
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#6
בִּירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם
H3389
in Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#7
בְּעָ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם
H5892
but in the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#8
יְהוּדָ֗ה
H3063
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#9
יָֽשְׁב֞וּ
H3427
dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#10
אִ֤ישׁ
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)
#11
בַּֽאֲחֻזָּתוֹ֙
H272
in his possession
something seized, i.e., a possession (especially of land)
#12
בְּעָ֣רֵיהֶ֔ם
H5892
but in the cities
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#13
יִשְׂרָאֵ֤ל
H3478
to wit Israel
he will rule as god; jisral, a symbolical name of jacob; also (typically) of his posterity
#14
הַכֹּֽהֲנִים֙
H3548
the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#15
וְהַלְוִיִּ֣ם
H3881
and the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#16
וְהַנְּתִינִ֔ים
H5411
and the Nethinims
the nethinim, or temple-servants (as given to that duty)
#17
וּבְנֵ֖י
H1121
and the children
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#18
עַבְדֵ֥י
H5650
servants
a servant
#19
שְׁלֹמֹֽה׃
H8010
of Solomon's
shelomah, david's successor

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection