Nehemiah 13:30

Authorized King James Version

Thus cleansed I them from all strangers, and appointed the wards of the priests and the Levites, every one in his business;

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְטִֽהַרְתִּ֖ים
H2891
Thus cleansed
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#2
מִכָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#3
נֵכָ֑ר
H5236
I them from all strangers
foreign, or (concretely) a foreigner, or (abstractly) heathendom
#4
וָאַֽעֲמִ֧ידָה
H5975
and appointed
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#5
מִשְׁמָר֛וֹת
H4931
the wards
watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (
#6
לַכֹּֽהֲנִ֥ים
H3548
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#7
וְלַלְוִיִּ֖ם
H3881
and the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#8
אִ֥ישׁ
H376
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#9
בִּמְלַאכְתּֽוֹ׃
H4399
in his business
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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