Nehemiah 7:1

Authorized King James Version

Now it came to pass, when the wall was built, and I had set up the doors, and the porters and the singers and the Levites were appointed,

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיְהִ֗י
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#2
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
נִבְנְתָה֙
was built
to build (literally and figuratively)
#4
הַֽחוֹמָ֔ה
Now it came to pass when the wall
a wall of protection
#5
וָאַֽעֲמִ֖יד
and I had set up
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
#6
הַדְּלָת֑וֹת
the doors
something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door
#7
וַיִּפָּ֥קְד֛וּ
were appointed
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
#8
הַשּֽׁוֹעֲרִ֥ים
and the porters
a janitor
#9
וְהַמְשֹֽׁרְרִ֖ים
and the singers
to sing
#10
וְהַלְוִיִּֽם׃
and the Levites
a levite or descendant of levi

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 introducing key themes that will be developed throughout 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 revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection