Nehemiah 4:16

Authorized King James Version

And it came to pass from that time forth, that the half of my servants wrought in the work, and the other half of them held both the spears, the shields, and the bows, and the habergeons; and the rulers were behind all the house of Judah.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֣י׀
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
מִן
H4480
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#3
הַיּ֣וֹם
H3117
And it came to pass from that time
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
#4
הַה֗וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#5
וְחֶצְיָ֗ם
H2677
and the other half
the half or middle
#6
נְעָרַי֮
H5288
of my servants
(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit
#7
עֹשִׂ֣ים
H6213
wrought
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#8
בַּמְּלָאכָה֒
H4399
in the work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#9
וְחֶצְיָ֗ם
H2677
and the other half
the half or middle
#10
מַֽחֲזִיקִים֙
H2388
of them held
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#11
וְהָֽרְמָחִ֣ים
H7420
both the spears
a lance (as thrown); especially the iron point
#12
הַמָּֽגִנִּ֔ים
H4043
the shields
a shield (i.e., the small one or buckler); figuratively, a protector; also the scaly hide of the crocodile
#13
וְהַקְּשָׁת֖וֹת
H7198
and the bows
a bow, for shooting (hence, figuratively, strength) or the iris
#14
וְהַשִּׁרְיֹנִ֑ים
H8302
and the habergeons
a corslet (as if twisted)
#15
וְהַ֨שָּׂרִ֔ים
H8269
and the rulers
a head person (of any rank or class)
#16
אַֽחֲרֵ֖י
H310
were behind
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
#17
כָּל
H3605
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#18
בֵּ֥ית
H1004
all the house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#19
יְהוּדָֽה׃
H3063
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

Analysis

This verse develops the kingdom of God theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of kingdom of God 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 literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of kingdom of God 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