Nehemiah 5:12

Authorized King James Version

Then said they, We will restore them, and will require nothing of them; so will we do as thou sayest. Then I called the priests, and took an oath of them, that they should do according to this promise.

Word-by-Word Analysis

אוֹמֵ֑ר

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

נָשִׁ֗יב

H7725

they We will restore

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

וּמֵהֶם֙

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

נְבַקֵּ֔שׁ

H1245

them and will require

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

כֵּ֣ן

H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת

H6213

nothing of them so will we do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֖ר

H834

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

אַתָּ֣ה

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#10

אוֹמֵ֑ר

H559

Then said

to say (used with great latitude)

#11

וָֽאֶקְרָא֙

H7121

Then I called

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

#12

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#13

הַכֹּ֣הֲנִ֔ים

H3548

the priests

literally one officiating, a priest; also (by courtesy) an acting priest (although a layman)

#14

וָֽאַשְׁבִּיעֵ֔ם

H7650

and took an oath

to seven oneself, i.e., swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)

#15

לַֽעֲשׂ֖וֹת

H6213

nothing of them so will we do

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

#16

כַּדָּבָ֥ר

H1697

according to this promise

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#17

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

This verse develops the covenant theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of covenant 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 covenant 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

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of covenant, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of theology of covenant and God's relational commitment?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address questions about God's character and purposes in the modern world, and how should the church respond?