Nehemiah 12:23

Authorized King James Version

The sons of Levi, the chief of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib.

Word-by-Word Analysis

בֶּן

H1121

The sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

לֵוִי֙

H3878

of Levi

levi, a son of jacob

רָאשֵׁ֣י

H7218

the chief

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

הָֽאָב֔וֹת

of the fathers

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

כְּתוּבִ֕ים

H3789

were written

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

עַל

H5921

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

סֵ֖פֶר

H5612

in the book

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

דִּבְרֵ֣י

H1697

of the chronicles

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

יְמֵ֖י

H3117

even until 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

#10

וְעַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#11

יְמֵ֖י

H3117

even until 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

#12

יֽוֹחָנָ֥ן

H3110

of Johanan

jochanan, the name of nine israelites

#13

בֶּן

H1121

The sons

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#14

אֶלְיָשִֽׁיב׃

H475

of Eliashib

eljashib, the name of six israelites

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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?