Nehemiah 13:4

Authorized King James Version

And before this, Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the chamber of the house of our God, was allied unto Tobiah:

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְלִפְנֵ֣י
And 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
#2
מִזֶּ֔ה
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
#3
אֶלְיָשִׁיב֙
this Eliashib
eljashib, the name of six israelites
#4
הַכֹּהֵ֔ן
the priest
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)
#5
נָת֖וּן
having the oversight
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
בְּלִשְׁכַּ֣ת
of the chamber
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
#7
בֵּית
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
אֱלֹהֵ֑ינוּ
of our God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#9
קָר֖וֹב
was allied
near (in place, kindred or time)
#10
לְטֽוֹבִיָּֽה׃
unto Tobiah
tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection