Nehemiah 12:27

Authorized King James Version

And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places, to bring them to Jerusalem, to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgivings, and with singing, with cymbals, psalteries, and with harps.

Word-by-Word Analysis

חֲנֻכָּ֤ה

H2598

And at the dedication

initiation, i.e., consecration

חוֹמַ֣ת

H2346

of the wall

a wall of protection

לִֽירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

בִּקְשׁ֤וּ

H1245

they sought

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

הַלְוִיִּם֙

H3881

the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

מִכָּל

H3605

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

מְק֣וֹמֹתָ֔ם

H4725

out of all their places

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

לַֽהֲבִיאָ֖ם

H935

to bring

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

לִֽירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#11

לַֽעֲשֹׂ֨ת

H6213

to keep

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#12

חֲנֻכָּ֤ה

H2598

And at the dedication

initiation, i.e., consecration

#13

וְשִׂמְחָה֙

H8057

with gladness

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

#14

וּבְתוֹד֣וֹת

H8426

both with thanksgivings

properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers

#15

וּבְשִׁ֔יר

H7892

and with singing

a song; abstractly, singing

#16

מְצִלְתַּ֖יִם

H4700

with cymbals

(only dual) double tinklers, i.e., cymbals

#17

נְבָלִ֥ים

H5035

psalteries

a skin-bag for liquids (from collapsing when empty); also a lyre (as having a body of like form)

#18

וּבְכִנֹּרֽוֹת׃

H3658

and with harps

a harp

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

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 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?
How does this verse's literary context within Nehemiah chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?