Nehemiah 13:1

Authorized King James Version

On that day they read in the book of Moses in the audience of the people; and therein was found written, that the Ammonite and the Moabite should not come into the congregation of God for ever;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בַּיּ֣וֹם
H3117
On 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
#2
הַה֗וּא
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
#3
נִקְרָ֛א
H7121
they read
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#4
בְּסֵ֥פֶר
H5612
in the book
properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book
#5
מֹשֶׁ֖ה
H4872
of Moses
mosheh, the israelite lawgiver
#6
בְּאָזְנֵ֣י
H241
in the audience
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
#7
הָעָ֑ם
H5971
of the people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#8
וְנִמְצָא֙
H4672
and therein was found
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
#9
כָּת֣וּב
H3789
written
to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)
#10
בּ֔וֹ
H0
#11
אֲ֠שֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
לֹֽא
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
יָב֨וֹא
H935
should not come
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
עַמֹּנִ֧י
H5984
that the Ammonite
an ammonite or (the adjective) ammonitish
#15
וּמֹאָבִ֛י
H4125
and the Moabite
a moabite or moabitess, i.e., a descendant from moab
#16
בִּקְהַ֥ל
H6951
into the congregation
assemblage (usually concretely)
#17
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
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
#18
עַד
H5704
for
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#19
עוֹלָֽם׃
H5769
ever
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout Nehemiah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection