Nehemiah 3:8

Authorized King James Version

Next unto him repaired Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths. Next unto him also repaired Hananiah the son of one of the apothecaries, and they fortified Jerusalem unto the broad wall.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#2
יָד֣וֹ
Next unto him
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
#3
הֶֽחֱזִ֔יק
also repaired
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#4
עֻזִּיאֵ֤ל
Uzziel
uzziel, the name of six 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
חַרְהֲיָה֙
of Harhaiah
charhajah, an israelite
#7
צֽוֹרְפִ֔ים
of the goldsmiths
to fuse (metal), i.e., refine (literally or figuratively)
#8
וְעַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#9
יָד֣וֹ
Next unto him
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
#10
הֶֽחֱזִ֔יק
also repaired
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#11
חֲנַנְיָ֖ה
Hananiah
chananjah, the name of thirteen israelites
#12
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
#13
הָֽרַקָּחִ֑ים
of one of the apothecaries
a male perfumer
#14
וַיַּֽעַזְבוּ֙
and they fortified
to loosen, i.e., relinquish, permit, etc
#15
יְר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם
Jerusalem
jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine
#16
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#17
הַֽחוֹמָ֥ה
wall
a wall of protection
#18
הָֽרְחָבָֽה׃
unto the broad
roomy, in any (or every) direction, literally or figuratively

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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection