Nehemiah 6:17

Authorized King James Version

Moreover in those days the nobles of Judah sent many letters unto Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came unto them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
גַּ֣ם׀
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
#2
בַּיָּמִ֣ים
Moreover in those 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
#3
הָהֵ֗ם
they (only used when emphatic)
#4
מַרְבִּ֞ים
many
to increase (in whatever respect)
#5
חֹרֵ֤י
the nobles
properly, white or pure (from the cleansing or shining power of fire; hence (figuratively) noble (in rank)
#6
יְהוּדָה֙
of Judah
jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory
#7
אִגְּרֹ֣תֵיהֶ֔ם
letters
an epistle
#8
הֽוֹלְכ֖וֹת
sent
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
#9
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
לְטֽוֹבִיָּ֖ה
and the letters of Tobiah
tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan
#11
וַֽאֲשֶׁ֥ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
לְטֽוֹבִיָּ֖ה
and the letters of Tobiah
tobijah, the name of three israelites and of one samaritan
#13
בָּא֥וֹת
came
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#14
אֲלֵיהֶֽם׃
near, with or among; often in general, to

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