Nehemiah 13:14

Authorized King James Version

Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and wipe not out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God, and for the offices thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
זָכְרָה
Remember
properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male
#2
לִּ֥י
H0
#3
אֱלֹהַ֖י
me O my 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
#4
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#5
זֹ֑את
this (often used adverb)
#6
וְאַל
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#7
תֶּ֣מַח
concerning this and wipe not out
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
#8
חֲסָדַ֗י
my good
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
#9
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#10
עָשִׂ֛יתִי
deeds that I have done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#11
בְּבֵ֥ית
for the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#12
אֱלֹהַ֖י
me O my 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
#13
וּבְמִשְׁמָרָֽיו׃
and for the offices
a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

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