Nehemiah 3:11

Authorized King James Version

Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hashub the son of Pahath-moab, repaired the other piece, and the tower of the furnaces.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
מִדָּ֣ה
piece
properly, extension, i.e., height or breadth; specifically, tribute (as measured)
#2
שֵׁנִ֗ית
the other
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#3
הֶֽחֱזִיק֙
repaired
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#4
מַלְכִּיָּ֣ה
Malchijah
malkijah, the name of ten israelites
#5
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#6
חָרִ֔ם
of Harim
charim, an israelite
#7
וְחַשּׁ֖וּב
and Hashub
chashshub, the name of two or three israelites
#8
בֶּן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#9
פַּחַ֣ת
H0
#10
מוֹאָ֑ב
of Pahathmoab
pachath-moab, an israelite
#11
וְאֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
מִגְדַּ֥ל
and the tower
a tower (from its size or height); by analogy, a rostrum; figuratively, a (pyramidal) bed of flowers
#13
הַתַּנּוּרִֽים׃
of the furnaces
a fire-pot

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 revelation 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.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