Nehemiah 13:10

Authorized King James Version

And I perceived that the portions of the Levites had not been given them: for the Levites and the singers, that did the work, were fled every one to his field.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָאֵ֣דְעָ֔ה

H3045

And I perceived

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי

H3588

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

מְנָי֥וֹת

H4521

that the portions

an allotment (by courtesy, law or providence)

הַלְוִיִּ֥ם

H3881

of the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נִתָּ֑נָה

H5414

had not been given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

וַיִּבְרְח֧וּ

H1272

were fled

to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly

אִישׁ

H376

every one

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)

לְשָׂדֵ֛הוּ

H7704

to his field

a field (as flat)

#10

הַלְוִיִּ֥ם

H3881

of the Levites

a levite or descendant of levi

#11

וְהַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֖ים

H7891

and the singers

to sing

#12

עֹשֵׂ֥י

H6213

that did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#13

הַמְּלָאכָֽה׃

H4399

the work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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 practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?