Nehemiah 4:21

Authorized King James Version

So we laboured in the work: and half of them held the spears from the rising of the morning till the stars appeared.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַֽאֲנַ֖חְנוּ
we
#2
עֹשִׂ֣ים
So we laboured
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#3
בַּמְּלָאכָ֑ה
in the work
properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)
#4
וְחֶצְיָ֗ם
and half
the half or middle
#5
מַֽחֲזִיקִים֙
of them held
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
#6
בָּֽרְמָחִ֔ים
the spears
a lance (as thrown); especially the iron point
#7
מֵֽעֲל֣וֹת
from the rising
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative
#8
הַשַּׁ֔חַר
of the morning
dawn (literal, figurative or adverbial)
#9
עַ֖ד
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#10
צֵ֥את
appeared
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
#11
הַכּֽוֹכָבִֽים׃
till the stars
a star (as round or as shining); figuratively, a prince

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