Nehemiah 13:21

Authorized King James Version

Then I testified against them, and said unto them, Why lodge ye about the wall? if ye do so again, I will lay hands on you. From that time forth came they no more on the sabbath.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽאָעִ֣ידָה

H5749

Then I testified

to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore (as a sort of reduplication)

בָהֶ֗ם

וָאֹֽמְרָ֤ה

H559

against them and said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵיהֶם֙

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

מַדּ֜וּעַ

H4069

what (is) known?; i.e., (by implication) (adverbially) why?

אַתֶּ֤ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

לֵנִים֙

H3885

unto them Why lodge

to stop (usually over night); by implication, to stay permanently; hence (in a bad sense) to be obstinate (especially in words, to complain)

נֶ֣גֶד

H5048

ye about

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

הַֽחוֹמָ֔ה

H2346

the wall

a wall of protection

#10

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#11

תִּשְׁנ֕וּ

H8138

if ye do so again

to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)

#12

יָ֖ד

H3027

hands

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

#13

אֶשְׁלַ֣ח

H7971

I will lay

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

#14

בָּכֶ֑ם

#15

מִן

H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

#16

הָעֵ֣ת

H6256

on you From that time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

#17

הַהִ֔יא

H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

#18

לֹא

H3808

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

#19

בָ֖אוּ

H935

forth came

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

#20

בַּשַּׁבָּֽת׃

H7676

they no more on the sabbath

intermission, i.e (specifically) the sabbath

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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 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

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 verse's literary context within Nehemiah chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?