Nehemiah 4:5

Authorized King James Version

And cover not their iniquity, and let not their sin be blotted out from before thee: for they have provoked thee to anger before the builders.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְאַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#2
תְּכַס֙
H3680
And cover
properly, to plump, i.e., fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy)
#3
עַל
H5921
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#4
עֲוֹנָ֔ם
H5771
not their iniquity
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
#5
וְחַטָּאתָ֖ם
H2403
and let not their sin
an offence (sometimes habitual sinfulness), and its penalty, occasion, sacrifice, or expiation; also (concretely) an offender
#6
מִלְּפָנֶ֣יךָ
H6440
from before
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
#7
אַל
H408
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
#8
תִּמָּחֶ֑ה
H4229
be blotted out
properly, to stroke or rub; by implication, to erase; also to smooth (as if with oil), i.e., grease or make fat
#9
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#10
הִכְעִ֖יסוּ
H3707
thee for they have provoked thee to anger
to trouble; by implication, to grieve, rage, be indignant
#11
לְנֶ֥גֶד
H5048
a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before
#12
הַבּוֹנִֽים׃
H1129
before the builders
to build (literally and figuratively)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

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