Nehemiah 6:11

Authorized King James Version

And I said, Should such a man as I flee? and who is there, that, being as I am, would go into the temple to save his life? I will not go in.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָאֹֽמְרָ֗ה
And I said
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַאִ֤ישׁ
a man
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
#3
כָמ֛וֹנִי
Should such
as, thus, so
#4
יִבְרָ֔ח
as I flee
to bolt, i.e., figuratively, to flee suddenly
#5
וּמִ֥י
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
#6
כָמ֛וֹנִי
Should such
as, thus, so
#7
אֲשֶׁר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
אָבֽוֹא׃
I will not go in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#9
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#10
הַֽהֵיכָ֖ל
into the temple
a large public building, such as a palace or temple
#11
וָחָ֑י
to save his life
to live; causatively to revive
#12
לֹ֖א
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#13
אָבֽוֹא׃
I will not go in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Nehemiah. The concept of life 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 life. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection