Nehemiah 11:9

Authorized King James Version

And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer: and Judah the son of Senuah was second over the city.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְיוֹאֵ֥ל
And Joel
joel, the name of twelve israelites
#2
בֶן
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
#3
זִכְרִ֖י
of Zichri
zicri, the name of twelve israelites
#4
פָּקִ֣יד
was their overseer
a superintendent (civil, military or religious)
#5
עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
וִֽיהוּדָ֧ה
and Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#7
בֶן
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
#8
הַסְּנוּאָ֛ה
of Senuah
pointed; (used with the article as a proper name) senuah, the name of two israelites
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
הָעִ֖יר
over the city
a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)
#11
מִשְׁנֶֽה׃
was second
properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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