Nehemiah 13:28

Authorized King James Version

And one of the sons of Joiada, the son of Eliashib the high priest, was son in law to Sanballat the Horonite: therefore I chased him from me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בֶּן
And one of the sons
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
יֽוֹיָדָ֤ע
of Joiada
jojada, the name of two israelites
#3
בֶּן
And one of the sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
אֶלְיָשִׁיב֙
of Eliashib
eljashib, the name of six israelites
#5
הַכֹּהֵ֣ן
priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#6
הַגָּד֔וֹל
the high
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#7
חָתָ֖ן
was son in law
a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)
#8
לְסַנְבַלַּ֣ט
to Sanballat
sanballat, a persian satrap of samaria
#9
הַחֹֽרֹנִ֑י
the Horonite
a choronite or inhabitant of choronaim
#10
וָֽאַבְרִיחֵ֖הוּ
therefore I chased
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#11
מֵֽעָלָֽי׃
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection