Nehemiah 13:7

Authorized King James Version

And I came to Jerusalem, and understood of the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in preparing him a chamber in the courts of the house of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽאָב֖וֹא

H935

And I came

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

לִֽירוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

to Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

וָֽאָבִ֣ינָה

H995

and understood

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

בָֽרָעָ֗ה

H7451

of the evil

bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)

אֲשֶׁ֨ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת

H6213

did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶלְיָשִׁיב֙

H475

that Eliashib

eljashib, the name of six israelites

לְט֣וֹבִיָּ֔ה

H2900

for Tobiah

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

לַֽעֲשׂ֥וֹת

H6213

did

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#10

לוֹ֙

#11

נִשְׁכָּ֔ה

H5393

him a chamber

a cell

#12

בְּחַצְרֵ֖י

H2691

in the courts

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

#13

בֵּ֥ית

H1004

of the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#14

הָֽאֱלֹהִֽים׃

H430

of 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

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine sovereignty differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this verse's literary context within Nehemiah chapter 13 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?