Nehemiah 12:36

Authorized King James Version

And his brethren, Shemaiah, and Azarael, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethaneel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of David the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְֽאֶחָ֡יו

H251

And his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

שְֽׁמַעְיָ֡ה

H8098

Shemaiah

shemajah, the name of twenty-five israelites

וַֽעֲזַרְאֵ֡ל

H5832

and Azarael

azarel, the name of five israelites

מִֽלֲלַ֡י

H4450

Milalai

milalai, an israelite

גִּֽלֲלַ֡י

H1562

Gilalai

gilalai, an israelite

מָעַ֞י

H4597

Maai

maai, an israelite

נְתַנְאֵ֤ל

H5417

Nethaneel

nethanel, the name of ten israelites

וִֽיהוּדָה֙

H3063

and Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

חֲנָ֔נִי

H2607

Hanani

chanani, the name of six israelites

#10

בִּכְלֵי

H3627

instruments

something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)

#11

שִׁ֥יר

H7892

with the musical

a song; abstractly, singing

#12

דָּוִ֖יד

H1732

of David

david, the youngest son of jesse

#13

אִ֣ישׁ

H376

the man

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#14

הָֽאֱלֹהִ֑ים

H430

of God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

#15

וְעֶזְרָ֥א

H5830

and Ezra

ezra, an israelite

#16

הַסּוֹפֵ֖ר

H5608

the scribe

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

#17

לִפְנֵיהֶֽם׃

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Nehemiah chapter 12 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?