Nehemiah 2:12

Authorized King James Version

And I arose in the night, I and some few men with me; neither told I any man what my God had put in my heart to do at Jerusalem: neither was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode upon.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽאָק֣וּם׀

H6965

And I arose

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

לַ֗יְלָה

H3915

in the night

properly, a twist (away of the light), i.e., night; figuratively, adversity

אֲנִי֮

H589

וַֽאֲנָשִׁ֣ים׀

H376

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)

מְעַט֮

H4592

I and some

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

עִמִּי֒

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

וְלֹֽא

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

הִגַּ֣דְתִּי

H5046

with me neither told

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְאָדָ֔ם

H120

I any man

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

#10

מָ֗ה

H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

#11

אֱלֹהַי֙

H430

what my 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

#12

נֹתֵ֣ן

H5414

had put

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#13

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

לִבִּ֔י

H3820

in my heart

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

#15

לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת

H6213

to do

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

#16

לִירֽוּשָׁלִָ֑ם

H3389

at Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#17

הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה

H929

neither was there any beast

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#18

אֵ֣ין

H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

#19

עִמִּ֔י

H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#20

כִּ֚י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#21

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#22

הַבְּהֵמָ֔ה

H929

neither was there any beast

properly, a dumb beast; especially any large quadruped or animal (often collective)

#23

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#24

אֲנִ֖י

H589

#25

רֹכֵ֥ב

H7392

that I rode upon

to ride (on an animal or in a vehicle); causatively, to place upon (for riding or generally), to despatch

#26

בָּֽהּ׃

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

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

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?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this verse's literary context within Nehemiah chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?