Nehemiah 7:3

Authorized King James Version

And I said unto them, Let not the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun be hot; and while they stand by, let them shut the doors, and bar them: and appoint watches of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, every one in his watch, and every one to be over against his house.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וָיאֹמַ֣ר

H559

And I said

to say (used with great latitude)

לָהֶ֗ם

לֹ֣א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יִפָּֽתְח֞וּ

H6605

be opened

to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve

שַֽׁעֲרֵ֤י

H8179

unto them Let not the gates

an opening, i.e., door or gate

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

עַד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

חֹ֣ם

H2527

be hot

heat

הַשֶּׁ֔מֶשׁ

H8121

until the sun

the sun; by implication, the east; figuratively, a ray, i.e., (architectural) a notched battlement

#10

וְעַ֨ד

H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

#11

הֵ֥ם

H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

#12

וְהַֽעֲמֵ֗יד

H5975

and while they stand by

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#13

יָגִ֥יפוּ

H1479

let them shut

properly, to hollow or arch, i.e., (figuratively) close; to shut

#14

הַדְּלָת֖וֹת

H1817

the doors

something swinging, i.e., the valve of a door

#15

וֶֽאֱחֹ֑זוּ

H270

and bar

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

#16

וְהַֽעֲמֵ֗יד

H5975

and while they stand by

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#17

מִשְׁמְרוֹת֙

H4931

watches

watch, i.e., the act (custody), or (concretely) the sentry, the post; objectively preservation, or (concretely) safe; figuratively observance, i.e., (

#18

יֹֽשְׁבֵ֣י

H3427

of the inhabitants

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

#19

יְרֽוּשָׁלִַ֔ם

H3389

of Jerusalem

jerushalaim or jerushalem, the capital city of palestine

#20

וְאִ֖ישׁ

H376

and every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#21

בְּמִשְׁמָר֔וֹ

H4929

in his watch

a guard (the man, the post or the prison); a deposit (figuratively); also (as observed) a usage (abstractly), or an example (concretely)

#22

וְאִ֖ישׁ

H376

and every one

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

#23

נֶ֥גֶד

H5048

a front, i.e., part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually (adverbial, especially with preposition) over against or before

#24

בֵּיתֽוֹ׃

H1004

to be over against his house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Nehemiah, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. 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

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

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
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?