Nehemiah 2:18

Authorized King James Version

Then I told them of the hand of my God which was good upon me; as also the king's words that he had spoken unto me. And they said, Let us rise up and build. So they strengthened their hands for this good work.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאַגִּ֨יד
H5046
Then I told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
לָהֶ֜ם
H0
#3
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
יְדֵיהֶ֖ם
H3027
their hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#5
אֱלֹהַ֗י
H430
of 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
#6
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
הִיא֙
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#8
לַטּוֹבָֽה׃
H2896
for this good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
#9
עָלַ֔י
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
וְאַף
H637
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
#11
דִּבְרֵ֥י
H1697
words
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#12
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
H4428
upon me as also the king's
a king
#13
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
H559
that he had spoken
to say (used with great latitude)
#15
לִ֑י
H0
#16
וַיֹּֽאמְרוּ֙
H559
that he had spoken
to say (used with great latitude)
#17
נָק֣וּם
H6965
Let us rise up
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
#18
וּבָנִ֔ינוּ
H1129
and build
to build (literally and figuratively)
#19
וַיְחַזְּק֥וּ
H2388
So they strengthened
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#20
יְדֵיהֶ֖ם
H3027
their hands
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#21
לַטּוֹבָֽה׃
H2896
for this good
good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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

Questions for Reflection