Nehemiah 13:5

Authorized King James Version

And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where aforetime they laid the meat offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the corn, the new wine, and the oil, which was commanded to be given to the Levites, and the singers, and the porters; and the offerings of the priests.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֨עַשׂ
And he had prepared
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
ל֜וֹ
H0
#3
לִשְׁכָּ֣ה
chamber
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
#4
גְדוֹלָ֗ה
for him a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#5
וְשָׁ֣ם
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#6
הָי֪וּ
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
לְפָנִ֟ים
where aforetime
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#8
נֹֽ֠תְנִים
they laid
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#9
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#10
הַמִּנְחָ֨ה
the meat offerings
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#11
הַלְּבוֹנָ֜ה
the frankincense
frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)
#12
וְהַכֵּלִ֗ים
and the vessels
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#13
וּמַעְשַׂ֤ר
and the tithes
a tenth; especially a tithe
#14
הַדָּגָן֙
of the corn
properly, increase, i.e., grain
#15
הַתִּיר֣וֹשׁ
the new wine
must or fresh grape-juice (as just squeezed out); by implication (rarely) fermented wine
#16
וְהַיִּצְהָ֔ר
and the oil
oil (as producing light); figuratively, anointing
#17
מִצְוַת֙
which was commanded
a command, whether human or divine (collectively, the law)
#18
הַלְוִיִּ֔ם
to be given to the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi
#19
וְהַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֖ים
and the singers
to sing
#20
וְהַשֹּׁעֲרִ֑ים
and the porters
a janitor
#21
וּתְרוּמַ֖ת
and the offerings
a present (as offered up), especially in sacrifice or as tribute
#22
הַכֹּֽהֲנִֽים׃
of the priests
literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

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