Nehemiah 13:16

Authorized King James Version

There dwelt men of Tyre also therein, which brought fish, and all manner of ware, and sold on the sabbath unto the children of Judah, and in Jerusalem.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְהַצֹּרִים֙

H6876

men of Tyre

a tsorite or inhabitant of tsor (i.e., syrian)

יָ֣שְׁבוּ

H3427

There dwelt

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בָ֔הּ

מְבִיאִ֥ים

H935

also therein which brought

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

דָּ֖אג

H1709

fish

a fish (often used collectively)

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

מֶ֑כֶר

H4377

and all manner of ware

merchandise; also value

וּמֹכְרִ֧ים

H4376

and sold

to sell, literally (as merchandise, a daughter in marriage, into slavery), or figuratively (to surrender)

בַּשַּׁבָּ֛ת

H7676

on the sabbath

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

#10

לִבְנֵ֥י

H1121

unto the children

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#11

יְהוּדָ֖ה

H3063

of Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

#12

וּבִירֽוּשָׁלִָֽם׃

H3389

and in Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Nehemiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
How does this verse's literary context within Nehemiah chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?