Nehemiah 4:7

Authorized King James Version

But it came to pass, that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabians, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites, heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up, and that the breaches began to be stopped, then they were very wroth,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיְהִ֣י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כַֽאֲשֶׁ֣ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

שָׁמַ֣ע

H8085

heard

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

סַנְבַלַּ֡ט

H5571

But it came to pass that when Sanballat

sanballat, a persian satrap of samaria

וְ֠טֽוֹבִיָּה

H2900

and Tobiah

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

וְהָֽעַרְבִ֨ים

H6163

and the Arabians

an arabian or inhabitant of arab (i.e., arabia)

וְהָֽעַמֹּנִ֜ים

H5984

and the Ammonites

an ammonite or (the adjective) ammonitish

וְהָֽאַשְׁדּוֹדִ֗ים

H796

and the Ashdodites

an ashdodite (often collectively) or inhabitant of asdod

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#10

עָלְתָ֤ה

H5927

to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

#11

אֲרוּכָה֙

H724

were made up

wholeness (literally or figuratively)

#12

לְחֹמ֣וֹת

H2346

that the walls

a wall of protection

#13

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#14

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#15

הֵחֵ֥לּוּ

H2490

began

properly, to bore, i.e., (by implication) to wound, to dissolve; figuratively, to profane (a person, place or thing), to break (one's word), to begin

#16

הַפְּרֻצִ֖ים

H6555

and that the breaches

to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)

#17

לְהִסָּתֵ֑ם

H5640

to be stopped

to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret

#18

וַיִּ֥חַר

H2734

wroth

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

#19

לָהֶ֖ם

#20

מְאֹֽד׃

H3966

then they were very

properly, vehemence, i.e., (with or without preposition) vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc. (often with other words as an intensive or

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 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

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?