Nehemiah 5:18

Authorized King James Version

Now that which was prepared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep; also fowls were prepared for me, and once in ten days store of all sorts of wine: yet for all this required not I the bread of the governor, because the bondage was heavy upon this people.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַֽאֲשֶׁר֩

H834

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

הָיָ֨ה

H1961

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

נַֽעֲשׂוּ

H6213

Now that which was prepared

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

יָמִ֛ים

H3117

days

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

אֶחָ֞ד

H259

was one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

שׁ֣וֹר

H7794

a bullock (as a traveller)

אֶחָ֞ד

H259

was one

properly, united, i.e., one; or (as an ordinal) first

צֹ֠אן

H6629

sheep

a collective name for a flock (of sheep or goats); also figuratively (of men)

שֵׁשׁ

H8337

and six

six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth

#10

בְּרֻר֤וֹת

H1305

choice

to clarify (i.e., brighten), examine, select

#11

וְצִפֳּרִים֙

H6833

also fowls

a little bird (as hopping)

#12

נַֽעֲשׂוּ

H6213

Now that which was prepared

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

#13

לִ֔י

#14

וּבֵ֨ין

H996

between (repeated before each noun, often with other particles); also as a conjunction, either...or

#15

עֲשֶׂ֧רֶת

H6235

for me and once in ten

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

#16

יָמִ֛ים

H3117

days

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

#17

בְּכָל

H3605

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

#18

יַ֖יִן

H3196

of all sorts of wine

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

#19

לְהַרְבֵּ֑ה

H7235

store

to increase (in whatever respect)

#20

וְעִם

H5973

yet for all

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

#21

זֶ֗ה

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

#22

לֶ֤חֶם

H3899

not I the bread

food (for man or beast), especially bread, or grain (for making it)

#23

הַפֶּחָה֙

H6346

of the governor

a prefect (of a city or small district)

#24

לֹ֣א

H3808

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

#25

בִקַּ֔שְׁתִּי

H1245

this required

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

#26

כִּֽי

H3588

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

#27

כָֽבְדָ֥ה

H3513

was heavy

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

#28

הָֽעֲבֹדָ֖ה

H5656

because the bondage

work of any kind

#29

עַל

H5921

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

#30

הָעָ֥ם

H5971

upon this people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#31

הַזֶּֽה׃

H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of covenant community connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about covenant community, 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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of covenant community 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 salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
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?