Nehemiah 13:15

Authorized King James Version

In those days saw I in Judah some treading wine presses on the sabbath, and bringing in sheaves, and lading asses; as also wine, grapes, and figs, and all manner of burdens, which they brought into Jerusalem on the sabbath day: and I testified against them in the day wherein they sold victuals.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בְּי֖וֹם
In those days
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
הָהֵ֡מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#3
רָאִ֣יתִי
saw
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
#4
בִֽיהוּדָ֣ה׀
I in Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#5
דֹּֽרְכִֽים
some treading
to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)
#6
גִּתּ֣וֹת׀
wine presses
a wine-press (or vat for holding the grapes in pressing them)
#7
הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת
on the sabbath
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#8
וּמְבִיאִ֥ים
and bringing in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
הָֽעֲרֵמ֣וֹת
sheaves
a heap; specifically, a sheaf
#10
וְֽעֹמְסִ֪ים
and lading
to load, i.e., impose a burden (or figuratively, infliction)
#11
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#12
הַֽחֲמֹרִ֟ים
asses
a male ass (from its dun red)
#13
וְאַף
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#14
יַ֜יִן
as also wine
wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication
#15
עֲנָבִ֤ים
grapes
a grape
#16
וּתְאֵנִים֙
and figs
the fig (tree or fruit)
#17
וְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
מַשָּׂ֔א
and all manner of burdens
a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire
#19
וּמְבִיאִ֥ים
and bringing in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#20
יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֖ם
into Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#21
בְּי֖וֹם
In those days
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
#22
הַשַּׁבָּ֑ת
on the sabbath
intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath
#23
וָֽאָעִ֕יד
and I testified
to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)
#24
בְּי֖וֹם
In those days
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
#25
מִכְרָ֥ם
wherein they sold
to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)
#26
צָֽיִד׃
victuals
(generally) lunch (especially for a journey)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection