Nehemiah 12:31

Authorized King James Version

Then I brought up the princes of Judah upon the wall, and appointed two great companies of them that gave thanks, whereof one went on the right hand upon the wall toward the dung gate:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאַֽעֲלֶה֙
Then I brought up
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#2
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#3
שָׂרֵ֣י
the princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#4
יְהוּדָ֔ה
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#5
מֵעַ֖ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#6
לַֽחוֹמָ֔ה
upon the wall
a wall of protection
#7
וָאַֽעֲמִ֡ידָה
and appointed
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#8
שְׁתֵּ֣י
two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#9
תוֹדֹת֩
companies of them that gave thanks
properly, an extension of the hand, i.e., (by implication) avowal, or (usually) adoration; specifically, a choir of worshippers
#10
גְּדוֹלֹ֨ת
great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#11
וְתַֽהֲלֻכֹ֤ת
whereof one went
a procession
#12
לַיָּמִין֙
on the right hand
the right hand or side (leg, eye) of a person or other object (as the stronger and more dexterous); locally, the south
#13
מֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#14
לַֽחוֹמָ֔ה
upon the wall
a wall of protection
#15
לְשַׁ֖עַר
gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#16
הָֽאַשְׁפֹּֽת׃
toward the dung
a heap of rubbish or filth

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection