Nehemiah 12:43

Authorized King James Version

Also that day they offered great sacrifices, and rejoiced: for God had made them rejoice with great joy: the wives also and the children rejoiced: so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even afar off.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּזְבְּח֣וּ

H2076

they offered

to slaughter an animal (usually in sacrifice)

בַיּוֹם

H3117

Also that day

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

הַ֠הוּא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

זְבָחִ֨ים

H2077

sacrifices

properly, a slaughter, i.e., the flesh of an animal; by implication, a sacrifice (the victim or the act)

גְדוֹלָ֔ה

H1419

great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

שָׂמֵ֑חוּ

H8055

and rejoiced

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

כִּ֤י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

הָֽאֱלֹהִים֙

H430

for 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

שָׂמֵ֑חוּ

H8055

and rejoiced

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

#10

שִׂמְחַ֥ת

H8057

joy

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

#11

גְדוֹלָ֔ה

H1419

great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

#12

וְגַ֧ם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

#13

הַנָּשִׁ֛ים

H802

the wives

a woman

#14

וְהַיְלָדִ֖ים

H3206

also and the children

something born, i.e., a lad or offspring

#15

שָׂמֵ֑חוּ

H8055

and rejoiced

probably to brighten up, i.e., (figuratively) be (causatively, make) blithe or gleesome

#16

וַתִּשָּׁמַ֛ע

H8085

was heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

#17

שִׂמְחַ֥ת

H8057

joy

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

#18

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#19

מֵֽרָחֽוֹק׃

H7350

even afar off

remote, literally or figuratively, of place or time; specifically, precious; often used adverbially (with preposition)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Nehemiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
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 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?