Nehemiah 12:46

Authorized King James Version

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For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
בִימֵ֥י For in the days H3117
בִימֵ֥י For in the days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 2 of 11
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
דָוִ֛יד of David H1732
דָוִ֛יד of David
Strong's: H1732
Word #: 3 of 11
david, the youngest son of jesse
וְאָסָ֖ף and Asaph H623
וְאָסָ֖ף and Asaph
Strong's: H623
Word #: 4 of 11
asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first
מִקֶּ֑דֶם of old H6924
מִקֶּ֑דֶם of old
Strong's: H6924
Word #: 5 of 11
the front, of place (absolutely, the fore part, relatively the east) or time (antiquity); often used adverbially (before, anciently, eastward)
רָאשֵׁ֙ there were chief H7218
רָאשֵׁ֙ there were chief
Strong's: H7218
Word #: 6 of 11
the head (as most easily shaken), whether literal or figurative (in many applications, of place, time, rank, itc.)
הַמְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים of the singers H7891
הַמְשֹׁ֣רְרִ֔ים of the singers
Strong's: H7891
Word #: 7 of 11
to sing
וְשִׁיר and songs H7892
וְשִׁיר and songs
Strong's: H7892
Word #: 8 of 11
a song; abstractly, singing
תְּהִלָּ֥ה of praise H8416
תְּהִלָּ֥ה of praise
Strong's: H8416
Word #: 9 of 11
laudation; specifically (concretely) a hymn
וְהֹד֖וֹת and thanksgiving H3034
וְהֹד֖וֹת and thanksgiving
Strong's: H3034
Word #: 10 of 11
physically, to throw (a stone, an arrow) at or away; especially to revere or worship (with extended hands); intensively, to bemoan (by wringing the ha
לֵֽאלֹהִֽים׃ unto God H430
לֵֽאלֹהִֽים׃ unto God
Strong's: H430
Word #: 11 of 11
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

Analysis & Commentary

For in the days of David and Asaph of old there were chief of the singers, and songs of praise and thanksgiving unto God.

This verse within Nehemiah 12 addresses themes of worship, dedication, celebration, generational continuity. The wall dedication features joyful worship and thanksgiving, celebrating God's faithfulness in enabling the work's completion. This passage demonstrates biblical principles applicable across both testaments—God's sovereignty combined with human responsibility, faith expressed through obedient action, and the necessity of both individual and corporate commitment to covenant faithfulness. Nehemiah models leadership that combines vision, prayer, courage, integrity, and perseverance amid sustained opposition.

Historical Context

Nehemiah's account occurs during Persian imperial dominance (539-331 BC), specifically 445-433 BC under Artaxerxes I. Nehemiah's final reforms address recurring covenant violations, demonstrating the ongoing challenge of maintaining spiritual commitment across generations. The Persian period was crucial transitional time when Jewish identity shifted from monarchical nationalism to Torah-centered covenantal community. Without political independence, the people's cohesion depended on shared scripture, temple worship, and covenant obedience. This established patterns persisting through the Second Temple period into New Testament times. Understanding this context illuminates Jesus's ministry among a people shaped by these reforms and challenges.

Questions for Reflection