Nehemiah 6:18

Authorized King James Version

For there were many in Judah sworn unto him, because he was the son in law of Shechaniah the son of Arah; and his son Johanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּֽי

H3588

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

רַבִּ֣ים

H7227

For there were many

abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)

בִּֽיהוּדָ֗ה

H3063

in Judah

jehudah (or judah), the name of five israelites; also of the tribe descended from the first, and of its territory

בַּֽעֲלֵ֤י

H1167

sworn

a master; hence, a husband, or (figuratively) owner (often used with another noun in modifications of this latter sense)

שְׁבוּעָה֙

H7621

properly, something sworn, i.e., an oath

ל֔וֹ

כִּֽי

H3588

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

חָתָ֥ן

H2860

unto him because he was the son in law

a relative by marriage (especially through the bride); figuratively, a circumcised child (as a species of religious espousal)

ה֖וּא

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

#10

לִשְׁכַנְיָ֣ה

H7935

of Shechaniah

shekanjah, the name of nine israelites

#11

בֶּ֥ן

H1121

and his son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#12

אָרַ֑ח

H733

of Arah

arach, the name of three israelites

#13

וִֽיהוֹחָנָ֣ן

H3076

Johanan

jehochanan, the name of eight israelites

#14

בֶּ֥ן

H1121

and his son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#15

לָקַ֕ח

H3947

had taken

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#16

אֶת

H853

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

#17

בַּת

H1323

the daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#18

מְשֻׁלָּ֖ם

H4918

of Meshullam

meshullam, the name of seventeen israelites

#19

בֶּ֥ן

H1121

and his son

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

#20

בֶּֽרֶכְיָֽה׃

H1296

of Berechiah

berekjah, the name of six israelites

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 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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?