Nehemiah 2:8

Authorized King James Version

And a letter unto Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace which appertained to the house, and for the wall of the city, and for the house that I shall enter into. And the king granted me, according to the good hand of my God upon me.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְאִגֶּ֡רֶת

H107

And a letter

an epistle

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָסָף֩

H623

unto Asaph

asaph, the name of three israelites, and of the family of the first

שֹׁמֵ֨ר

H8104

the keeper

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הַפַּרְדֵּ֜ס

H6508

forest

a park

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ

H4428

And the king

a king

אֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

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

וַיִּתֶּן

H5414

granted

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

#10

לִ֣י

#11

עֵצִ֡ים

H6086

me timber

a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)

#12

לְ֠קָרוֹת

H7136

to make beams

to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)

#13

אֶת

H853

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

#14

שַֽׁעֲרֵ֨י

H8179

for the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

#15

הַבִּירָ֤ה

H1002

of the palace

a castle or palace

#16

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#17

וְלַבַּ֖יִת

H1004

and for the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#18

וּלְחוֹמַ֣ת

H2346

and for the wall

a wall of protection

#19

הָעִ֔יר

H5892

of the city

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

#20

וְלַבַּ֖יִת

H1004

and for the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#21

אֲשֶׁר

H834

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

#22

אָב֣וֹא

H935

that I shall enter into

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#23

אֵלָ֑יו

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#24

וַיִּתֶּן

H5414

granted

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

#25

לִ֣י

#26

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ

H4428

And the king

a king

#27

כְּיַד

H3027

hand

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

#28

אֱלֹהַ֖י

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

#29

הַטּוֹבָ֥ה

H2896

me according to the 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

#30

עָלָֽי׃

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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

How does this verse's literary context within Nehemiah chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of 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?