Nehemiah 12:39

Authorized King James Version

And from above the gate of Ephraim, and above the old gate, and above the fish gate, and the tower of Hananeel, and the tower of Meah, even unto the sheep gate: and they stood still in the prison gate.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּמֵעַ֣ל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
בְּשַׁ֖עַר
And from above the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#3
אֶ֠פְרַיִם
of Ephraim
ephrajim, a son of joseph; also the tribe descended from him, and its territory
#4
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
בְּשַׁ֖עַר
And from above the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#6
הַיְשָׁנָ֜ה
and above the old
old
#7
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#8
בְּשַׁ֖עַר
And from above the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#9
הַדָּגִ֗ים
and above the fish
a fish (often used collectively)
#10
וּמִגְדַּ֣ל
and the tower
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#11
חֲנַנְאֵל֙
of Hananeel
chananel, probably an israelite, from whom a tower of jerusalem was named
#12
וּמִגְדַּ֣ל
and the tower
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#13
הַמֵּאָ֔ה
of Meah
meah, a tower in jerusalem
#14
וְעַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#15
בְּשַׁ֖עַר
And from above the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#16
הַצֹּ֑אן
even unto the sheep
a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)
#17
וְעָ֣מְד֔וּ
and they stood still
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#18
בְּשַׁ֖עַר
And from above the gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#19
הַמַּטָּרָֽה׃
in the prison
a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)

Analysis

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