Nehemiah 4:11

Authorized King James Version

And our adversaries said, They shall not know, neither see, till we come in the midst among them, and slay them, and cause the work to cease.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיֹּֽאמְר֣וּ

H559

said

to say (used with great latitude)

צָרֵ֗ינוּ

H6862

And our adversaries

a pebble (as in h6864)

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵֽדְעוּ֙

H3045

They shall not know

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְלֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִרְא֔וּ

H7200

neither see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

עַ֛ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

אֲשֶׁר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

נָב֥וֹא

H935

till we come

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#10

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#11

תּוֹכָ֖ם

H8432

among

a bisection, i.e., (by implication) the center

#12

וַֽהֲרַגְנ֑וּם

H2026

them and slay

to smite with deadly intent

#13

וְהִשְׁבַּ֖תְנוּ

H7673

to cease

to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)

#14

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#15

הַמְּלָאכָֽה׃

H4399

them and cause the work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Nehemiah.

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

In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?