Nehemiah 13:9

Authorized King James Version

Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers: and thither brought I again the vessels of the house of God, with the meat offering and the frankincense.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֹ֣מְרָ֔ה
H559
Then I commanded
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
וַֽיְטַהֲר֖וּ
H2891
and they cleansed
to be pure (physical sound, clear, unadulterated; levitically, uncontaminated; morally, innocent or holy)
#3
הַלְּשָׁכ֑וֹת
H3957
the chambers
a room in a building (whether for storage, eating, or lodging)
#4
וָֽאָשִׁ֣יבָה
H7725
and thither brought I again
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#5
שָּׁ֗ם
H8033
there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence
#6
כְּלֵי֙
H3627
the vessels
something prepared, i.e., any apparatus (as an implement, utensil, dress, vessel or weapon)
#7
בֵּ֣ית
H1004
of the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#8
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים
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
#9
אֶת
H854
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc
#10
הַמִּנְחָ֖ה
H4503
with the meat offering
a donation; euphemistically, tribute; specifically a sacrificial offering (usually bloodless and voluntary)
#11
וְהַלְּבוֹנָֽה׃
H3828
and the frankincense
frankincense (from its whiteness or perhaps that of its smoke)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. 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

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Nehemiah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection