Nehemiah 13:19

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the sabbath, I commanded that the gates should be shut, and charged that they should not be opened till after the sabbath: and some of my servants set I at the gates, that there should no burden be brought in on the sabbath day.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֡י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צָֽלֲלוּ֩

H6751

began to be dark

to shade, as twilight or an opaque object

הַשְּׁעָרִ֔ים

H8179

And it came to pass that when the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֜ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

לִפְנֵ֣י

H6440

before

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

הַשַּׁבָּֽת׃

H7676

on the sabbath

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

וָאֹ֣מְרָ֔ה

H559

I commanded

to say (used with great latitude)

וַיִּסָּֽגְר֣וּ

H5462

should be shut

to shut up; figuratively, to surrender

#10

הַדְּלָת֔וֹת

H1817

that the gates

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

#11

וָאֹ֣מְרָ֔ה

H559

I commanded

to say (used with great latitude)

#12

אֲשֶׁר֙

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#13

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#14

יִפְתָּח֔וּם

H6605

that they should not be opened

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

#15

עַ֖ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#16

אַחַ֣ר

H310

till after

properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)

#17

הַשַּׁבָּֽת׃

H7676

on the sabbath

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

#18

וּמִנְּעָרַ֗י

H5288

and some of my servants

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

#19

הֶֽעֱמַ֙דְתִּי֙

H5975

set

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#20

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#21

הַשְּׁעָרִ֔ים

H8179

And it came to pass that when the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#22

לֹֽא

H3808

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

#23

יָב֥וֹא

H935

be brought in

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

#24

מַשָּׂ֖א

H4853

that there should no burden

a burden; figuratively, an utterance, chiefly a doom, especially singing; mental, desire

#25

בְּי֥וֹם

H3117

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

#26

הַשַּׁבָּֽת׃

H7676

on the sabbath

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?