Nehemiah 2:16

Authorized King James Version

And the rulers knew not whither I went, or what I did; neither had I as yet told it to the Jews, nor to the priests, nor to the nobles, nor to the rulers, nor to the rest that did the work.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְלַסְּגָנִ֗ים

H5461

And the rulers

a prfect of a province

לֹ֤א

H3808

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

יָֽדְעוּ֙

H3045

knew

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אָ֣נָה

H575

where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither

הָלַ֔כְתִּי

H1980

not whither I went

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

וּמָ֖ה

H4100

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

אֲנִ֣י

H589

עֹשֵׂ֣ה

H6213

or what I did

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

וְלַיְּהוּדִ֨ים

H3064

it to the Jews

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

#10

וְלַכֹּֽהֲנִ֜ים

H3548

nor to the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#11

וְלַֽחֹרִ֣ים

H2715

nor to the nobles

properly, white or pure (from the cleansing or shining power of fire; hence (figuratively) noble (in rank)

#12

וְלַסְּגָנִ֗ים

H5461

And the rulers

a prfect of a province

#13

וּלְיֶ֙תֶר֙

H3499

nor to the rest

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

#14

עֹשֵׂ֣ה

H6213

or what I did

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

#15

הַמְּלָאכָ֔ה

H4399

the work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

#16

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#17

כֵּ֖ן

H3651

neither had I as yet

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

#18

לֹ֥א

H3808

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

#19

הִגַּֽדְתִּי׃

H5046

told

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

Analysis

The kingdom of God theme here intersects with the progressive revelation of God's rule from creation to consummation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of development from creation mandate through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's reign from creation through the millennial kingdom.

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

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?