Nehemiah 4:12

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, that when the Jews which dwelt by them came, they said unto us ten times, From all places whence ye shall return unto us they will be upon you.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽיְהִי֙
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כַּֽאֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
בָּ֣אוּ
H935
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
הַיְּהוּדִ֔ים
H3064
And it came to pass that when the Jews
a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)
#5
הַיֹּֽשְׁבִ֖ים
H3427
which dwelt
properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry
#6
אֶצְלָ֑ם
H681
by them
a side; (as a preposition) near
#7
וַיֹּ֤אמְרוּ
H559
they said
to say (used with great latitude)
#8
לָ֙נוּ֙
H0
#9
עֶ֣שֶׂר
H6235
unto us ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#10
פְּעָמִ֔ים
H6471
times
a stroke, literally or figuratively (in various applications, as follow)
#11
מִכָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#12
הַמְּקֹמ֖וֹת
H4725
From all places
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
#13
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#14
תָּשׁ֥וּבוּ
H7725
whence ye shall return
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#15
עָלֵֽינוּ׃
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

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 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