Nehemiah 4:15

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֞י
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
שָׁמְע֤וּ
H8085
heard
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
#4
אֽוֹיְבֵ֙ינוּ֙
H341
And it came to pass when our enemies
hating; an adversary
#5
כִּי
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#6
נ֣וֹדַֽע
H3045
that it was known
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
#7
לָ֔נוּ
H0
#8
וַיָּ֥פֶר
H6565
had brought
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
#9
הָֽאֱלֹהִ֖ים
H430
unto us and God
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
#10
אֶת
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#11
עֲצָתָ֑ם
H6098
their counsel
advice; by implication, plan; also prudence
#12
וַנָּ֤שָׁוב
H7725
that we returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#13
כֻּלָּ֙נוּ֙
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#14
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#15
הַ֣חוֹמָ֔ה
H2346
all of us to the wall
a wall of protection
#16
אִ֖ישׁ
H376
every one
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#17
אֶל
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#18
מְלַאכְתּֽוֹ׃
H4399
unto his 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 sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 sovereignty in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection