Nehemiah 3:6

Authorized King James Version

Moreover the old gate repaired Jehoiada the son of Paseah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah; they laid the beams thereof, and set up the doors thereof, and the locks thereof, and the bars thereof.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאֵת֩
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#2
שַׁ֨עַר
gate
an opening, i.e., door or gate
#3
הַיְשָׁנָ֜ה
Moreover the old
old
#4
הֶֽחֱזִ֗יקוּ
repaired
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#5
יֽוֹיָדָע֙
Jehoiada
jojada, the name of two israelites
#6
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
#7
פָּסֵ֔חַ
of Paseah
paseach, the name of two israelites
#8
וּמְשֻׁלָּ֖ם
and Meshullam
meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites
#9
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
#10
בְּסֽוֹדְיָ֑ה
of Besodeiah
besodejah, an israelite
#11
הֵ֣מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#12
קֵר֔וּהוּ
they laid the beams
to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)
#13
וַֽיַּעֲמִ֙ידוּ֙
thereof and set up
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#14
דַּלְתֹתָ֔יו
the doors
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#15
וּמַנְעֻלָ֖יו
thereof and the locks
a bolt
#16
וּבְרִיחָֽיו׃
thereof and the bars
a bolt

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

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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original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