Nehemiah 2:9

Authorized King James Version

Then I came to the governors beyond the river, and gave them the king's letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאָב֗וֹא
Then I came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#2
אֶֽל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
פַּֽחֲווֹת֙
to the governors
a prefect (of a city or small district)
#4
עֵ֣בֶר
beyond
properly, a region across; but used only adverbially (with or without a preposition) on the opposite side (especially of the jordan; ususally meaning
#5
הַנָּהָ֔ר
the river
a stream (including the sea; expectation the nile, euphrates, etc.); figuratively, prosperity
#6
וָֽאֶתְּנָ֣ה
and gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#7
לָהֶ֔ם
H0
#8
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
אִגְּר֣וֹת
letters
an epistle
#10
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
Now the king
a king
#11
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח
had sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#12
עִמִּי֙
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
#13
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
Now the king
a king
#14
שָׂ֥רֵי
captains
a head person (of any rank or class)
#15
חַ֖יִל
of the army
probably a force, whether of men, means or other resources; an army, wealth, virtue, valor, strength
#16
וּפָֽרָשִֽׁים׃
and horsemen
a steed (as stretched out to a vehicle, not single nor for mounting ); also (by implication) a driver (in a chariot), i.e., (collectively) cavalry

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection