Nehemiah 12:22

Authorized King James Version

The Levites in the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, were recorded chief of the fathers: also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian.

Word-by-Word Analysis

הַלְוִיִּם֩

H3881

The Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

בִּימֵ֨י

H3117

in the days

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

אֶלְיָשִׁ֜יב

H475

of Eliashib

eljashib, the name of six israelites

יֽוֹיָדָ֤ע

H3111

Joiada

jojada, the name of two israelites

וְיֽוֹחָנָן֙

H3110

and Johanan

jochanan, the name of nine israelites

וְיַדּ֔וּעַ

H3037

and Jaddua

jaddua, the name of two israelites

כְּתוּבִ֖ים

H3789

were recorded

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

רָאשֵׁ֣י

H7218

chief

the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)

אָב֑וֹת

of the fathers

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#10

וְהַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים

H3548

also the priests

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

#11

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#12

מַלְכ֖וּת

H4438

to the reign

a rule; concretely, a dominion

#13

דָּֽרְיָ֥וֶשׁ

H1867

of Darius

darejavesh, a title (rather than name) of several persian kings

#14

הַפָּֽרְסִֽי׃

H6542

the Persian

a parsite (i.e., persian), or inhabitant of peres

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 kingdom of God 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

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?