Nehemiah 2:17

Authorized King James Version

Then said I unto them, Ye see the distress that we are in, how Jerusalem lieth waste, and the gates thereof are burned with fire: come, and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem, that we be no more a reproach.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָֽאוֹמַ֣ר

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

אֲלֵהֶ֗ם

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אַתֶּ֤ם

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

רֹאִים֙

H7200

I unto them Ye see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

הָֽרָעָה֙

H7451

the distress

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

אֲנַ֣חְנוּ

H587

בָ֔הּ

אֲשֶׁ֤ר

H834

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

#10

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#11

חֲרֵבָ֔ה

H2720

lieth waste

parched or ruined

#12

וּשְׁעָרֶ֖יהָ

H8179

and the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#13

נִצְּת֣וּ

H3341

thereof are burned

to burn or set on fire; figuratively, to desolate

#14

בָאֵ֑שׁ

H784

with fire

fire (literally or figuratively)

#15

לְכ֗וּ

H1980

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

#16

וְנִבְנֶה֙

H1129

and let us build up

to build (literally and figuratively)

#17

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#18

חוֹמַ֣ת

H2346

the wall

a wall of protection

#19

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#20

וְלֹֽא

H3808

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

#21

נִהְיֶ֥ה

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#22

ע֖וֹד

H5750

properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more

#23

חֶרְפָּֽה׃

H2781

that we be no more a reproach

contumely, disgrace, the pudenda

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

How does the salvation theme in this verse connect to the overarching narrative of Scripture, and what does this reveal about God's character and purposes?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
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?