Nehemiah 6:8

Authorized King James Version

Then I sent unto him, saying, There are no such things done as thou sayest, but thou feignest them out of thine own heart.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וָֽאֶשְׁלְחָ֤ה
H7971
Then I sent
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
#2
אֵלָיו֙
H413
near, with or among; often in general, to
#3
אוֹמֵ֑ר
H559
as thou sayest
to say (used with great latitude)
#4
לֹ֤א
H3808
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#5
נִֽהְיָה֙
H1961
There are
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#6
כַּדְּבָרִ֣ים
H1697
no such things
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#7
הָאֵ֔לֶּה
H428
these or those
#8
אֲשֶׁ֖ר
H834
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#9
אַתָּ֣ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#10
אוֹמֵ֑ר
H559
as thou sayest
to say (used with great latitude)
#11
כִּ֥י
H3588
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#12
מִֽלִּבְּךָ֖
H3820
them out of thine own heart
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
#13
אַתָּ֥ה
H859
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#14
בוֹדָֽאם׃
H908
but thou feignest
(figuratively) to invent

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, 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

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection