Nehemiah 5:16

Authorized King James Version

Yea, also I continued in the work of this wall, neither bought we any land: and all my servants were gathered thither unto the work.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְ֠גַם

H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

הַמְּלָאכָֽה׃

H4399

in the work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

הַֽחוֹמָ֤ה

H2346

of this wall

a wall of protection

הַזֹּאת֙

H2063

this (often used adverb)

הֶֽחֱזַ֔קְתִּי

H2388

Yea also I continued

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

וְשָׂדֶ֖ה

H7704

we any land

a field (as flat)

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

קָנִ֑ינוּ

H7069

neither bought

to erect, i.e., create; by extension, to procure, especially by purchase (causatively, sell); by implication to own

וְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#10

נְעָרַ֔י

H5288

and all my servants

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

#11

קְבוּצִ֥ים

H6908

were gathered

to grasp, i.e., collect

#12

שָׁ֖ם

H8033

there (transferring to time) then; often thither, or thence

#13

עַל

H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

#14

הַמְּלָאכָֽה׃

H4399

in the work

properly, deputyship, i.e., ministry; generally, employment (never servile) or work (abstractly or concretely); also property (as the result of labor)

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?