Nehemiah 3:14

Authorized King James Version

But the dung gate repaired Malchiah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Beth-haccerem; he built it, and set up the doors thereof, the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵ֣ת׀
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
שַׁ֣עַר
gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#3
הָֽאַשְׁפּ֗וֹת
But the dung
a heap of rubbish or filth
#4
הֶֽחֱזִיק֙
repaired
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#5
מַלְכִּיָּ֣ה
Malchiah
malkijah, the name of ten israelites
#6
בֶן
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
#7
רֵכָ֔ב
of Rechab
rekab, the name of two arabs and of two israelites
#8
שַׂ֖ר
the ruler
a head person (of any rank or class)
#9
פֶּ֣לֶךְ
of part
a circuit (i.e., district); also a spindle (as whirled); hence, a crutch
#10
בֵּית
H0
#11
הַכָּ֑רֶם
of Bethhaccerem
beth-hak-kerem, a place in palestine
#12
ה֣וּא
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
#13
יִבְנֶ֔נּוּ
he built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#14
וְיַֽעֲמִיד֙
it and set up
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#15
דַּלְתֹתָ֔יו
the doors
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#16
מַנְעֻלָ֖יו
thereof the locks
a bolt
#17
וּבְרִיחָֽיו׃
thereof and the bars
a bolt

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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