Nehemiah 5:14

Authorized King James Version

Moreover from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twentieth year even unto the two and thirtieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that is, twelve years, I and my brethren have not eaten the bread of the governor.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּ֞ם
H1571
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
מִיּ֣וֹם׀
H3117
Moreover from the 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
#3
אֲשֶׁר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#4
צִוָּ֣ה
H6680
that I was appointed
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#5
אֹתִ֗י
H853
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
לִֽהְי֣וֹת
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#7
הַפֶּ֖חָה
H6346
of the governor
a prefect (of a city or small district)
#8
בְּאֶ֣רֶץ
H776
in the land
the earth (at large, or partitively a land)
#9
יְהוּדָה֒
H3063
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#10
שָׁנִ֖ים
H8141
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#11
עֶשְׂרִ֗ים
H6242
from the twentieth
twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth
#12
וְ֠עַד
H5704
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
#13
שָׁנִ֖ים
H8141
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#14
שְׁלֹשִׁ֤ים
H7970
and thirtieth
thirty; or (ordinal) thirtieth
#15
שְׁתֵּ֣ים
H8147
even unto the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#16
לְאַרְתַּחְשַׁ֣סְתְּא
H783
of Artaxerxes
artachshasta (or artaxerxes), a title (rather than name) of several persian kings
#17
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ
H4428
the king
a king
#18
שָׁנִ֖ים
H8141
year
a year (as a revolution of time)
#19
שְׁתֵּ֣ים
H8147
even unto the two
two; also (as ordinal) twofold
#20
עֶשְׂרֵ֑ה
H6240
ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth
#21
אֲנִ֣י
H589
i
#22
וְאַחַ֔י
H251
I and my brethren
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
#23
לֶ֥חֶם
H3899
the bread
food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)
#24
הַפֶּ֖חָה
H6346
of the governor
a prefect (of a city or small district)
#25
לֹ֥א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#26
אָכַֽלְתִּי׃
H398
have not eaten
to eat (literally or figuratively)

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