Nehemiah 6:13

Authorized King James Version

Therefore was he hired, that I should be afraid, and do so, and sin, and that they might have matter for an evil report, that they might reproach me.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
לְמַ֤עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#2
שָׂכוּר֙
H7936
Therefore was he hired
to hire
#3
ה֔וּא
H1931
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#4
לְמַֽעַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#5
אִירָ֥א
H3372
that I should be afraid
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#6
וְאֶֽעֱשֶׂה
H6213
and do so
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#7
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#8
וְחָטָ֑אתִי
H2398
and sin
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn
#9
וְהָיָ֤ה
H1961
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#10
לָהֶם֙
H1992
they (only used when emphatic)
#11
לְשֵׁ֣ם
H8034
report
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character
#12
רָ֔ע
H7451
and that they might have matter for an evil
bad or (as noun) evil (natural or moral)
#13
לְמַ֖עַן
H4616
properly, heed, i.e., purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that
#14
יְחָֽרְפֽוּנִי׃
H2778
that they might reproach
to pull off, i.e., (by implication) to expose (as by stripping); specifically, to betroth (as if a surrender); figuratively, to carp at, i.e., defame;

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