Nehemiah 6:14

Authorized King James Version

My God, think thou upon Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and on the prophetess Noadiah, and the rest of the prophets, that would have put me in fear.

Word-by-Word Analysis

זָכְרָ֧ה

H2142

think

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

אֱלֹהַ֛י

H430

My God

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of

לְטֽוֹבִיָּ֥ה

H2900

thou upon Tobiah

tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan

וּלְסַנְבַלַּ֖ט

H5571

and Sanballat

sanballat, a persian satrap of samaria

כְּמַֽעֲשָׂ֣יו

H4639

according to these their works

an action (good or bad); generally, a transaction; abstractly, activity; by implication, a product (specifically, a poem) or (generally) property

אֵ֑לֶּה

H428

these or those

וְגַ֨ם

H1571

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

לְנֽוֹעַדְיָ֤ה

H5129

Noadiah

noadjah, the name of an israelite, and a false prophetess

הַנְּבִיאָה֙

H5031

and on the prophetess

a prophetess or (generally) inspired woman; by implication, a poetess; by association a prophet's wife

#10

וּלְיֶ֣תֶר

H3499

and the rest

properly, an overhanging, i.e., (by implication) a small rope (as hanging free)

#11

הַנְּבִיאִ֔ים

H5030

of the prophets

a prophet or (generally) inspired man

#12

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

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

#13

הָי֖וּ

H1961

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

#14

מְיָֽרְאִ֥ים

H3372

that would have put me in fear

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

#15

אוֹתִֽי׃

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine sovereignty connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine sovereignty, 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 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 sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within Nehemiah chapter 6 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?