Nehemiah 13:24

Authorized King James Version

And their children spake half in the speech of Ashdod, and could not speak in the Jews' language, but according to the language of each people.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וּבְנֵיהֶ֗ם
H1121
And their 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
#2
חֲצִי֙
H2677
half
the half or middle
#3
לְדַבֵּ֣ר
H1696
not speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#4
אַשְׁדּוֹדִ֔ית
H797
in the speech of Ashdod
(only adverb) in the language of ashdod
#5
וְאֵינָ֥ם
H369
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#6
מַכִּירִ֖ים
H5234
and could
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
#7
לְדַבֵּ֣ר
H1696
not speak
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
#8
יְהוּדִ֑ית
H3066
in the Jews' language
the jewish (used adverbially) language
#9
וְכִלְשׁ֖וֹן
H3956
but according to the language
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
#10
וָעָֽם׃
H5971
of each people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#11
וָעָֽם׃
H5971
of each people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of covenant community reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection